2018 NFL Draft: Three Alabama players declare after title game

Three key members of the Crimson Tide national championship are leaving for the 2018 NFL Draft

Alabama stars Calvin Ridley, Da’Ron Payne, and Bo Scarbrough have declared for the 2018 NFL Draft two days after clinching the College Football Playoff National Championship.

Conversely, running back Damien Harris announced he will return to Alabama next season. With Scarbrough gone Harris stands to get a bulk of the carries for the Crimson Tide.

Ridley and Payne were among the top prospects at their position entering the National Championship game. At defensive tackle Payne dominated throughout the game with six tackle and an interception while constantly forcing his way into the Georgia backfield. He projects to be a first round pick and his latest performance could push him higher up draft boards.

Buffalo, Washington, and the Los Angeles Chargers could look to draft Payne in the first round.

In a weak wide receiver class, Ridley could see a bump in his draft stock despite a quiet performance against Georgia. The 6’1 junior caught one touchdown against the Bulldogs but had just four catches for 39 yards.

Chicago, Arizona, and Dallas could look at a wide receiver in the first round depending on how the board falls.

Scarbrough was one of the top players in the country but has suffered through injuries in his three-year career. After scoring eight touchdowns on over 800 rushing yards last year Scarbrough managed just five rushing scores this year with less than 600 yards on the ground.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Offense dominates early

Alabama awaits official decisions from defensive backs Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ronnie Harrison, though Fitzpatrick being a projected top-10 pick is likely to declare. The National Champions already lost seniors Da’Shawn Hand, Tony Brown, Anthony Averett, and Rashaan Evans among others.