The NFL Draft Starts with the Second Pick talent specifically in the second round of the. A total of 47 players from the program selected in this round have gone on to play in the league, showing how frequently Crimson Tide athletes transition successfully to the professional level.
Even more impressive is the recent trend: 26 of those selections have occurred in just the past 16 drafts. This includes a particularly strong showing in 2016, when five players from Alabama’s 2015 national championship team were selected in the second round.
This history highlights not only depth of talent but also sustained success across multiple recruiting cycles.
Individual and Team Success at the Next Level
Alabama’s second-round NFL picks have not just made rosters—they have reached elite status. Thirteen players from this group have earned Pro Bowl selections, indicating they were among the best at their positions during at least one season.
Even fewer have reached the highest individual recognition: seven have been named first-team All-Pro, meaning they were considered the best in the league at their position in a given year. This group includes active stars like Derrick Henry, Trevon Diggs, and Xavier McKinney, who continue to represent Alabama’s legacy at the professional level.
Recent Draft Trends and Notable Absence
In the most recent draft cycle, Alabama did not have a player selected in the second round. However, there was still indirect involvement: cornerback Trey Amos, who was originally part of Alabama’s program before transferring, was selected in the second round by the Washington Commanders after playing at Ole Miss.
This shows how even players with Alabama ties continue to appear in this key draft range, even if not directly drafted from the school itself.
Overview: Alabama’s Strong History in Round Two of the NFL Draft
Looking Ahead: Potential Future Second-Round Picks
As The NFL Draft Starts with the Second Pick approaches, attention is turning to players who could restore Alabama’s presence in the second round. Two names stand out:
- Quarterback Ty Simpson
- Wide receiver Germie Bernard
Both are viewed as strong candidates depending on their final college season performance and pre-draft evaluations. The second round, which includes 32 selections, remains a crucial stage where many impactful NFL careers begin.
The Five Best Alabama Second-Round NFL Draft Picks
Bob Baumhower (1977, Pick No. 40 – Miami Dolphins)
Bob Baumhower built a long and highly respected career with the Miami Dolphins. He became a key defensive force over 10 seasons, earning five Pro Bowl selections and a first-team All-Pro honor in 1983.
That 1983 season was especially notable because he helped anchor a defense that allowed the fewest points in the NFL. His durability also stood out, as he started nearly every game in his career and contributed in both regular-season and playoff appearances, including multiple Super Bowls…Read more
Derrick Henry (2016, Pick No. 45 – Tennessee Titans)
Derrick Henry developed into one of the most dominant running backs in modern NFL history. His peak came in 2020 when he rushed for over 2,000 yards, becoming only the eighth player ever to reach that milestone.
That same season, he earned Offensive Player of the Year honors and a Pro Bowl selection. He also led the league in carries, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns in consecutive seasons, showing rare consistency and workload dominance The NFL Draft Starts with the Second Pick .
By 2025, Henry continued producing at a high level with the Baltimore Ravens, finishing among the league leaders in rushing yards for multiple straight years and ranking near the top of several all-time rushing categories.
DeMeco Ryans (2006, Pick No. 33 – Houston Texans)
DeMeco Ryans made an immediate impact as a rookie, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year after leading the league in solo tackles. His early career established him as one of the most productive linebackers of his era.
He earned Pro Bowl selections in 2007 and 2009, despite later dealing with significant knee injuries that limited parts of his career. After retiring, Ryans transitioned into coaching and eventually became head coach of the Houston Texans, earning NFL Coach of the Year honors for the 2023 season.
Ken Stabler (1968, Pick No. 52 – Oakland Raiders)
Ken Stabler, known as “The Snake,” became one of the most iconic quarterbacks of his generation. His career included a league MVP award in 1974, along with Offensive Player of the Year honors and an All-Pro selection.
He later led the Oakland Raiders to a Super Bowl victory in the 1976 season and earned four Pro Bowl appearances overall. Stabler finished his career with a strong winning record as a starter and multiple deep playoff runs, including repeated AFC Championship Game appearances.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016, cementing his legacy as one of the The NFL Draft Starts with the Second Pick game’s great quarterbacks The NFL Draft Starts with the Second Pick .
Dwight Stephenson (1980, Pick No. 48 – Miami Dolphins)
Dwight Stephenson is widely regarded as one of the greatest centers in NFL history. He dominated the position during his short but highly impactful career with the Miami Dolphins The NFL Draft Starts with the Second Pick.
Stephenson earned five consecutive Pro Bowl selections and was named first-team All-Pro four straight times, highlighting his consistency and elite performance. Although his career was cut short by a serious leg injury, his reputation was already firmly established.
HThe NFL Draft Starts with the Second Pick e was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998 and later included in the NFL 100 All-Time Team in 2019.
Conclusion: Why Round Two Matters for Alabama
The NFL Draft Starts with the Second Pick has consistently been a launching point for some of Alabama’s most successful NFL careers. From Hall of Famers to modern superstars, this draft range has produced players who excel at the highest level.
With new prospects emerging each year, Alabama’s influence in this round is likely to continue shaping the The NFL Draft Starts with the Second Pick for years to come…Read more
