Projecting which Alabama players will turn pro and which players will return to school
Every year, the Alabama football program has roster turnover. Some players elect to enter the NFL draft. Others either elect to return to school or enter the transfer portal.
For upperclassmen, the usual option is to go pro or return to school. In the past, multiple players have increased their stock by returning to Alabama instead of declaring early. Several that come to mind are Reuben Foster, Rashaan Evans, and Najee Harris. Several who entered the draft early and likely would have benefitted from coming back were Adrian Hubbard, Saivion Smith, and Deionte Thompson.
With Alabama’s season ending in less than a month, a handful of players will be tasked with making critical decisions for their future.
Roll Tide Wire projects which Alabama players will turn pro and which players will choose to return to school.
CJ Dippre (TE) - Returning
After transferring from Maryland, Alabama tight end CJ Dippre has been everything that Alabama had hoped for. Dippre has proven to be a reliable pass-catcher and can be used as an in-line blocker. While he could turn pro, I am leaning toward Dippre returning to Tuscaloosa for his senior season.
James Burnip (P) - Returning
One of Alabama’s most consistent players this season has been punter James Burnip. The Australian native has been as reliable of a punter as Alabama has had since JK Scott. While Burnip would likely be one of the first punters taken in the 2024 NFL draft, he will likely return. Punters are typically late-round picks. Burnip can graduate and enter the 2025 NFL draft. That is what I would expect to happen.
Jase McClellan (RB) - Pro
One of the more dependable options at running back the past two seasons has been Jase McClellan. The Texas native served as a backup in 2022 and has been the Tide’s starting running back in 2023. McClellan suffered an injury against Auburn. He will likely be able to bounce back and contribute to the College Football Playoff. The expectation is that McClellan will enter the 2024 NFL draft after the season is over.
Roydell Williams (RB) - Pro
In short-yardage situations, the Crimson Tide have not been shy to use running back Roydell Williams. Throughout the season, he has been Alabama’s go-to option on third and short situations. Williams has never been the feature back. He could elect to return to Tuscaloosa and do just that next season. It is unlikely, however. Alabama has three underclassmen in the backfield and is likely adding two more to the incoming recruiting class. In my opinion, Williams will test his luck in the 2024 NFL draft.
Malachi Moore (DB) - Pro
One of the players who has shown the most improvement from his junior to senior season has been defensive back, Malachi Moore. The fourth-year senior has the option to return for a fifth season. With the way that Moore has played and the leadership role that he took on this season, I fully anticipate that Moore will turn pro. He is a very similar player to former Alabama defensive back Brian Branch. Both were versatile and could make plays from anywhere on the football field. That will create value for Moore and likely slot him in as a Day 2 pick.
Seth McLaughlin (OL) - Returning
There are not many offensive linemen who have decisions to make on whether or not to enter the 2024 NFL draft. One of those players is fourth-year senior and starting center Seth McLaughlin. The native of Buford, Georgia has the option to return for one more season. Early on in 2023, McLaughlin was a work-in-progress at the center position. Although he has improved, I would expect McLaughlin to return for one more season.
Kool-Aid McKinstry (DB) - Pro
Heading into the season, NFL scouts had McKinstry regarded as a top-10 pick. Several months later, McKinstry is still being viewed as a top-10 pick. The junior is undoubtedly going to be the top cornerback chosen in the 2024 NFL draft. He is all but gone. His career at Alabama will conclude after Alabama’s final game this season.
JC Latham (OL) - Pro
Much like McKinstry, Latham was projected as a top-10 pick heading into the 2023-2024 season. Several months later, he has solidified himself as one of the premier offensive tackles in the entire country. Latham is sure to be a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
Terrion Arnold (DB) - Pro
Coming into the season, NFL scouts had their eyes set on junior cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry. As the season went along, their eyes drew nearer to redshirt sophomore cornerback Terrion Arnold. The Florida native has been a lockdown corner for the Crimson Tide this season. Some would argue that he has performed better than McKinstry. Whatever the case may be, Arnold will likely be turning pro after the season is over.
Tim Smith Jr. (DL) - Returning
One of Alabama’s more dependable and seasoned defensive linemen is fourth-year senior Tim Smith Jr. He has been able to contribute as a pass rusher and run stopper. Alabama is losing fifth-year senior Justin Eboigbe to the 2024 NFL draft. Eboigbe suffered an injury before the start of his senior season and elected to return for a fifth season. His draft stock has increased dramatically. I believe that Smith Jr. will follow the same path and return to school.
Deontae Lawson (LB) - Returning
In the past, Alabama has had multiple elite linebackers forgo the NFL draft and return to school. As noted above, Reuben Foster and Rashaan Evans both returned for their senior seasons. I expect the same to be said for redshirt sophomore, Deontae Lawson. Even though Lawson has been one of Alabama’s leaders on defense, he could benefit from returning for one more season. If he enters the 2024 NFL draft, he would likely be a Day 2 or Day 3 pick. If he returns, he could raise his projection enough to be a Day 1 pick.
Tim Keenan III (DL) - Returning
Surprisingly enough, one of Alabama’s key pieces along the defensive line in 2023 has been redshirt sophomore, Tim Keenan III. The Alabama native caught everyone’s attention early on and continued to as the season progressed. Keenan III would benefit greatly from returning for one more season. That is what I anticipate that he will do. Keenan III could improve as a pass rusher before entering the 2025 NFL draft.
