Three former Alabama wide receivers drafted in the first round in the NFL since 2011: Julio Jones, Amari Cooper, Calvin Ridley. ArDarius Stewart and Kevin Norwood have also been drafted in the third (2017) and fourth round (2014). It's safe to say this is currently the best era of wide receiver talent for the Crimson Tide.
Triandos Luke was the last player drafted at the position prior to Nick Saban's arrival in Tuscaloosa. Luke was a sixth round draft pick in 2004. A few other players have been drafted including Freddie Milons and Jason McAddley in the fifth round (2002). Toderick Malone was drafted in the sixth round in 1996.
Alabama had a pair of receivers taken in the second round of the 1994 draft- Kevin Lee and David Palmer. The only receiver drafted in the first round prior to Julio was Dennis Homan in 1968 by the Dallas Cowboys.
Alabama was not a top destination spot for elite receivers. The blue blood program known for producing great running backs, linemen and linebackers had a tough time attracting the best at the position. It changed when Nick Saban arrived. Also when Julio Jones decided to stay home instead of going to Oklahoma.
South Florida was also an extremely tough place to recruit, but Alabama capitalized with future first rounders like Amari Cooper and Calvin Ridley. Alabama can sell recruits at any position these days. There have been All-Americans and first rounders at just about every position (minus QB and special teams).
Alabama signed an incredible receiver group in 2017 which included Henry Ruggs, Devonta Smith, Jerry Jeudy and Tyrell Shavers. Ruggs and Smith hauled in touchdown receptions in the national championship against Georgia. Smith with the walk-off from Tua.
The Crimson Tide signed a smaller class in 2018. One of the players, however, was five-star Jaylen Waddle. Alabama also signed Xavier Williams and utility athlete Slade Bolden. Alabama expects to sign another small group in 2019. Alabama has evaluated a lot of players throughout the country. More will visit/camp in the next month.
Alabama currently has the No. 1 recruiting class in 2019. Alabama does not have any current wide receiver commitments. A new wide receivers coach is in charge in Tuscaloosa-Josh Gattis. Coach Gattis is young. He is known as an elite recruiter and also considered one of the best receiver coaches in the country.
So who are the key targets?
