Alabama's first-round wide receiver "drought" may soon come to an end after two years without a first-round pick following a streak of five in three years. Promising junior pass-catchers and a talented incoming freshman class signal a potential return to producing top NFL Draft picks in the near future.

By the Numbers
  • Three first-round wide receivers under Coach Nick Saban: Julio Jones (6th in 2011), Amari Cooper (4th in 2015), and Calvin Ridley (26th in 2018).
  • No receivers drafted in 2023; Jermaine Burton went in the third round in 2024.
Yes, But

The young receivers mentioned will need to elevate their performance significantly to become first-round picks.

State of Play
  • Alabama's wide receiver room is filled with talent, potentially producing future first-rounders.
  • Coach Kalen DeBoer's successful track record in developing receivers could expedite the process of returning to producing top NFL Draft picks.
What's Next

Look for Alabama to revive its reputation as a prominent receiver factory under Coach DeBoer's guidance, with the current talent pool hinting at future first-round selections.

Bottom Line

Alabama football may soon break their first-round wide receiver drought with a promising group of young receivers and a coach known for developing top talent in the position.