More than 20 players from Alabama high schools and colleges are expected to be selected when the NFL holds its 83rd annual draft Thursday through Saturday.
After the draft, NFL teams will scramble to sign some of the players who didn't get picked and issue invitations to others to attend rookie minicamp on a tryout basis. By the middle of May, more than 40 players with Alabama football roots could be pros for the first time.
The state players listed by nfl.com as pro prospects this year include (with the nfl.com evaluation of each player's outlook):
- Anthony Averett, cornerback, Alabama: Chance to become NFL starter.