Alabama Makes The Record Books Again, Ties Miami For Most First-Round Picks In Single Draft

The Miami Hurricanes made history back in 2004. After winning a national title, they went on to see six former players selected in the first-round of that year’s NFL draft. Two of them came on offense, while the other four came on defense.

• No. 5 – Sean Taylor, Safety
• No. 6 – Kellen Winslow, Tight End
• No. 12 – Jonathan Vilma, Linebacker
• No. 17 – D.J. Williams, Linebacker
• No. 19 – Vernon Carey, Offensive Guard
• No. 21 – Vince Wilford, Defensive Tackle

It’s a record many have come close to tying or breaking, but no one has been able to.

That is until Thursday night during the 2021 NFL draft. It took 17 years, but another team will finally be listed in the record books next to Miami, as Alabama saw six of its former players selected in the first round.

• No. 6 – Jaylen Waddle, Wide Receiver (Dolphins)
• No. 9 – Patrick Surtain II, Cornerback (Broncos)
• No. 10 – DeVonta Smith, Wide Receiver (Eagles)
• No. 15 – Mac Jones, Quarterback (Patriots)
• No. 17 – Alex Leatherwood, Offensive Tackle (Raiders)
• No. 24 – Najee Harris, Running Back (Steelers)

Now if you look, there are a couple things worth noting. First off, Miami had all six of their players taken in the first 21 picks, while it took 24 picks for the Crimson Tide. On the other hand, Alabama saw three — or half — of its guys go in the top-10 while the Hurricanes only had two.

As far as the rest of the draft, Miami had three more players selected: Darrell McClover, Alfonso Marshall and Carlos Joseph. All of them were taken in the seventh round. Meanwhile, Alabama is expected to see a couple more players taken on Day 2.

Both were incredible groups, and both have a place in history.

Follow Clint Lamb on Twitter @ClintRLamb.