It’s no secret that Nick Saban has had unprecedented success at Alabama. In the last nine seasons, Saban and Alabama have more National Championships than they have seasons without National Championships. That’s absolutely insane. He’s a great motivator and leader of men, knows how to assemble a staff of coaches who enhance his strengths, can adapt and adjust as well as anyone in football, and cares deeply about setting young men up for success in the future.
But, although we almost always immediately think about the titles when we talk about Saban, he has quietly put together quite the accomplishment. With the selection of Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins, Saban has now sent a player to the NFL in the first round for an entire decade. Take a look at this list of picks:
2009: Andre Smith (9)
2010: Rolando McClain (10)
2011: Marcell Dareus (3)
2012: Trent Richardson (3)
2013: Dee Milliner (9)
2014: C.J. Mosley (17)
2015: Amari Cooper (4)
2016: Ryan Kelly (18)
2017: Marlon Humphrey (16)
2018: Minkah Fitzpatrick (11)
Wow.
Pretty astonishing when you stop and think about the bona fide football factory Saban has turned the Tide into. Hell, calling it a “football factory” doesn’t do it justice. Alabama has become THE football factory.
It’s a huge boost in recruiting when you can look a kid in the eyes, say “you have a hell of a shot at going in the first round,” absolutely mean it, and have the pedigree to back it up. Now, I’ll admit – not all of these guys pan out. But, there’s a hell of a lot of talent on that list. It’s really no wonder they keep winning National Championships.
Fitzpatrick was the best defensive back in this draft class on a lot of boards and is an incredible fit with the Dolphins. The dude can play any position back there.
Congrats to all the guys drafted tonight – it’s a once in a lifetime experience, and it gives us writers MONTHS of content produce. Happy Draftmas, and ROLL TIDE!
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
Buy our shirt. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @SoBrosNetwork. Listen on SoundCloud. Watch on YouTube. Shop our store on Redbubble.
