The first round of the 2021 NFL Draft on Thursday was all about the SEC.
And, of course, the crop of Alabama Crimson Tide players were particularly popular selections.
Of the six SEC players chosen in the top 10, three were from Alabama: Alabama receiver Jaylen Waddle, cornerback Patrick Surtain II to Denver, and Heisman Trophy-winning receiver DeVonta Smith to Philadelphia, which traded up with division rival Dallas, of all teams.
By the 17th slot, Alabama had five players chosen, with tackle Alex Leatherwood headed to Las Vegas. Quarterback Mac Jones went to New England at 15. And when running back Najee Harris was selected by Pittsburgh, the Tide tied the Miami Hurricanes’ mark of six first-rounders set in 2004.
The night proves to reunite former teammates at the next level, especially those that once played in Tuscaloosa.
Waddle reunites with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in Miami a year after Tagovailoa was selected fifth overall by the Dolphins.
The Miami quarterback was excited – to say the least – about the draft pick Thursday night.
Meanwhile, that isn’t the only QB-WR tandem from Alabama being reunited.
Smith, the former Heisman Trophy winner, is headed to Philadelphia to meet up with former Tide and Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts.
It was a unique night where the draft proved to pair former college teammates at the next level. Former LSU receiver Ja’marr Chase will certainly be a favorite target of Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow, the No. 1 overall draft pick a year ago out of LSU.
Finally, Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence and former Clemson running back Travis Etienne are both packing their bags for Jacksonville as the Jags drafted both on Thursday night.
Round 2 is set for Friday.
The NFL Draft is being live streamed on fuboTV, SlingTV and Hulu:
ESPN, ABC and The NFL Network will all provide televised coverage of the NFL Draft.
Mark Heim is a sports reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim.
