Alabama star defensive player Minkah Fitzpatrick is entering the NFL Draft.

Fitzpatrick’s decision isn’t surprising, as he’ll be a top draft pick this spring, and he should be an instant impact player in the NFL. He joins Alabama standouts DB Ronnie Harrison, DL Da’Ron Payne, RB Bo Scarbrough and WR Calvin Ridley as players who are turning pro.

He leaves Alabama as arguably the best — definitely the most versatile — DB in the Nick Saban era. And that is a long, talented list.

“I think it’s best for me and my family to pursue my career in the NFL,” Fitzpatrick said Thursday during Alabama’s press conference. “It was an honor and a blessing to be a part of this university.”

Somewhat surprisingly, leading rusher Damien Harris decided to return to Alabama in 2018, as did DL Isaiah Buggs. Both players return to help anchor the offense and defense respectively. Those two senior leaders will be crucial to their units.