Day two of this year’s venue provided a major revelation.
In the week of Alabama football’s annual spring game, head coach Nick Saban was asked a question on his thoughts concerning players that leave early for the NFL Draft.
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The experience he’s had in the league, combined with the connections he has and seeing former players not being taken as high as what they thought they would go, were both reasons behind him not supportive of the idea. While he wants to see all his players make to the next level, the biggest thing for Saban is having the guys understand the value of getting guaranteed money.
He provided factual information on how fifty percent of players that declared early for the draft in the last five years – prior to this event – either did not get selected or failed to make it to a third season in the league.
Upon giving a description of a student-athlete that went through this at Alabama, safety Ronnie Harrison took offense to the statement and responded on Twitter.
Coaches get so Butt Hurt Now Days About a Kid Making a Decision to live out his dreams and Go Pro. Makes me think do you really care about the success of the kid or how well your program performs? ??♂️? #KeepMyNameOutYaMouth #Bama #Saban #GodGotIt
— Ronnie Harrison II (@Rharr_15) April 7, 2019
Saban never said Harrison’s name, but the news was out and the five-time national champion for the Crimson Tide took much criticism. People viewed Saban as selfish, not having his players’ best interest at heart, and only wanting these guys around for the benefit of his program.
“Who do you think made more money: a 3rd round pick, @Rharr_15, or a college player last year? Coach Saban, this looks real bad. You got $9M guaranteed. … Marcus Lattimore came back to improve his stock. How did that work out for him? I’m taking the money.” — @ShannonSharpe pic.twitter.com/CEGhPLZgYo
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) April 8, 2019
However, national media and fans should sing a different tune after Friday night.
Mack Wilson and Deionte Thompson were players Saban wanted to see return for senior seasons.
Despite the talents and capabilities of the two defensive standouts, they did not check off every box for the NFL Draft and endured struggles in their final year with the Tide.
Much of the issue was due to having a first-year defensive coordinator in Tosh Lupoi.
Regardless of him not having any prior experience calling a system, he was awarded the position because of his excellence in recruiting.
Alabama’s defense, which is usually its strong suit, appeared be lost at times in 2018. Whether it was busted coverages, guys not knowing where to line up or a lack of physicality at times, Lupoi did not know what to do and it cost the team.
His departure to the Cleveland Browns and the additions of Sal Sunseri, Brian Baker and Charles Kelly to the staff would have helped Wilson and Thompson. Also, promoting Pete Golding to defensive coordinator was huge – especially with him having nine years of experience.
Another year to clean up mistakes with veteran coaches would have firmly positioned both players as first-rounders. To pair alongside that, this year’s draft just so happened to be pretty deep at both linebacker and defensive back. The selections probably may not be as high next year, which is another reason why Wilson and Thompson would have benefited by staying.
This is the primary reason why Saban sits with draft-eligible players and their families at the conclusion of each season.
He discusses the respective grade with the players and his advice is always to come back if one is not a concrete Top-20 pick or at least a concrete first-rounder.
With guys such as Damien Harris, Christian Miller and Isaiah Buggs, all three were seniors and where ever they fell provides strong value.
Wilson, Thompson and even Saivion Smith could have controlled their own destiny by returning, instead they were pressured into going due to seeing others leave early and probably thinking of potential injuries if they chose to come back.
Wilson and Thompson at one point were projected as first-rounders; however, Day three of the draft starts in a few hours and both remain on the board. Friday night serves as a strong indication for years to come on why Saban’s words must be considered before making a decision.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
