The Downside to Having So Much Talent

Like the ever-lurking, slasher-flick terror that it is, the NFL draft is looking for new stars to write out of the college script. Alabama is near the top of its A-list with five key juniors who have the potential to make a huge impact in the NFL. Marcell Dareus, Julio Jones, Mark Ingram, Dont'a Hightower, and Mark Barron have all expressed their interest in the NFL. Who will be written out, and who will return to star in another year?

*This is a strictly subjective look at what I think each player will choose.

The Out

1. Marcell Dareus (DL)

With the size,speed, and athleticism of Dareus, many believed after the Crimson Tide's championship run that he would be the top defensive player in 2011 draft. His stock has decreased slightly due to injury and questionable play at times during this season. Also, the exceptional play by other defensive players across the board such as Clemson's DaQuan Bowers and LSU's Patrick Peterson have helped them climb to higher projected spots than Dareus.

Dareus is projected as a top five to mid first round pick. Most see him going to either the Arizona Cardinals or the Dallas Cowboys.

I see no reason for him to stay or why he should stay. Honestly, I do not blame him either.

Confidence: 95%

2. Mark Ingram (RB)

2009 Heisman Trophy recipient Mark Ingram was projected as an early first round pick entering the 2010 season. Injury, split time with Trent Richardson, and decreased line productivity have hindered Ingram from having the breakout season of a year ago. Still, he is the premier running back in this draft and is an explosive force on the field.

All projections have him as the top running back, and all dispute his place on the 'big board.' Some have him as early as fifteen while others believe that he will linger into the second round. The Miami Dolphins are the most frequent team put beside his selection.

With a national championship, a Heisman trophy, rushing records, and a stable backfield behind him, Mark Ingram will only be risking injury should he return to finish his senior season.

Confidence: 98%

The In

1. Dont'a Hightower (ILB)

A season ending injury cut Hightower's sophomore year short, but most believed that he would return for his junior year in prime form to take over for first round pick Rolando McClain. However, Hightower has not lived up to the hype, and, in some eyes, had a less than stellar season.

He is valuable at the next level for his size and athleticism, but he lacks the 'football-smarts' that made his predecessor McClain that much better. He is projected as a second round pick and a top five player at his position.

I believe that Hightower would benefit if he returned for his senior season. One more year under Nick Saban and, hopefully, Kirby Smart will polish his game and possibly boost him to an early first round position.

Confidence: 75%

2. Mark Barron (S)

As Hightower had a season ending injury his sophomore year, Barron experienced the same through a torn pectoral muscle during the Iron Bowl this season. Barron, the expected leader along with Hightower and Dareus for the Tide's young defense, did not live up to his standards for most fans.

Again, just like every other player in this article, Barron has a tremendous amount of talent. I believe that he has a great amount of potential that surpasses his second round projection.

The kicker for him staying is the torn pectoral. Being limited to advancing his stock through the combine due to injury is enough motivation for him to return for his senior season.

Confidence: 85%

The Potential Shocker

1. Julio Jones (WR)

Quite possibly the best skill player in this year's draft, Jones exhibits many characteristics of the NFL's elite receivers. He is built like a graceful tank. He has a superb ability for lateral playmaking such as screens, outs, slants, and even sweeps, and he also can extend his playmaking downfield due to his speed and size. He has the spectacular catch ability, but does drop his fair share. Like the NFL's superb tight ends, he's a potential match-up problem, but one can move him around.

After mediocre productivity and a broken hand in the South Carolina game (which he did record over 100-yards of receiving even after the first quarter injury), Jones went on a tear during the rest of the season. Due to a more versatile Alabama offense and better chemistry between him and Greg McElroy, Jones finished the season with over 1100 yards receiving and 7 touchdowns.

He is projected as early as the seventh pick in the draft to late first round and the second best receiver behind Georgia's AJ Green. Some projections have him going to either the Washington Redskins or the Cleveland Browns.

Julio Jones has stated that if he was not a top five draft pick that he would not enter the draft. It is clear that he most likely will not be, but this season has propelled him to premier draft status. There are so many intangibles to consider in Jones' choice, but I think he will leave due to the sole fact of not risking injury. His sophomore year was plagued by a resilient knee injury followed by a broken hand his junior year. I believe those two injuries are big enough for him to leave for the NFL.

Confidence (that he will leave): 60%

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Again, there is a ton of gray area inside all of these player's choices. I would not be surprised if they all decided to enter the draft, and I would say there is a .05% chance that they all remain for their senior season.

Of course, the NFL lockout would be the best solution for any Tide fan, but the great thing about this Alabama program is that the talent is in place to fill whatever necessary holes.