Alabama has long been a factory for NFL talent under Nick Saban, and on the draft’s opening night in Las Vegas, the program tied an all-time draft record for consecutive years with a first-round pick.
Tackle Evan Neal was selected seventh overall by the New York Giants, extending the Crimson Tide’s current draft streak with a first-round selection to 14 years. That run began in 2009 when another tackle, Andre Smith, was taken sixth overall by the Bengals.
Alabama is now tied with Miami, but is expected to extend the streak to 15 years in 2023.
Entering the 2022 draft, Alabama’s produced multiple first-rounders in 10 of the last 12 drafts, highlighted by the historic Class of 2021, when Alabama had six first-rounders.
With Evan Neal going to NYG, Alabama has now produced at least one first round pick for 14 consecutive years. Ties Miami (1995-2008) for record. Bama will break it next year (Young/Anderson). Overall first rounders during streak: Alabama 39*, Miami 33. (*so far)
— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) April 29, 2022
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