Two juniors from the national champion Alabama Crimson Tide are serious candidates to leave Tuscaloosa early -- linebacker Rolando McClain and cornerback Kareem Jackson.
While not specifically mentioning names, head coach Nick Saban has some very definitive feelings as to what each should do.
McClain is widely regarded as one of the top players at his position -- regardless of class standing -- and would almost certainly be a first-round pick in the 2010 NFL draft if he makes himself available.
“I won’t speak to Rolando McClain specifically,” Saban said according to Gentry Estes of the Mobile Press-Register, “but when we recruit players, whenever we counsel players about the NFL, I very clearly state to them that when they’re eligible for the draft, if they’re first round draft picks, and we will do everything we can to find out what their draft status is, that they certainly have to make a strong consideration from a business standpoint to consider coming out for the draft.”
Jackson, on the other hand, is far from being viewed as a first-round pick. In fact, Jackson could slip as far down as the third or fourth round, if not lower.
Again, while not specifically addressing Jackson’s decision, Saban... ummm... specifically addresses Jackson’s decision.
“I strongly suggest to those who are not first-round draft picks that they should stay in school, graduate, and try to become first-round draft picks,” Saban said. “And the reason for this is if you ever look at the money chart from the first guy picked in the draft to the last, I mean, the money falls off the table from No. 1 through 30.
“If you’re the 50th guy picked in the draft and you can make $4 million and maybe a million and a half of that is guaranteed, if you can be the 15th guy, you might make $25 million or $20 and eight or 10 of it guaranteed, it would be worth it to stay in school and graduate and make the extra $20 million.”
Did you hear that Kareem? I do believe Coach Saban was talking to you. And it might be wise to heed his non-specific advice.