In an event that had five quarterbacks taken in the first round, University of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban saw four young men that he had an opportunity to nurture and develop all be selected Thursday night at the NFL Draft inside AT&T Stadium via ESPN.
Despite Minkah Fitzpatrick not going in the top-10, the three-year starter at defensive back joined defensive lineman Da’Ron Payne, linebacker Rashaan Evans and wide receiver Calvin Ridley as a first-round pick – giving Saban 26 first-rounders (most in SEC) at Alabama since 2008.
Based on how things turned out, all four guys landed in good spots and it will be interested to see how each one is used at the next level.