It’s hardly a surprise that Alabama players fared extremely well in the 2018 NFL Draft. That’s become an annual occurrence. Still, the Crimson Tide’s presence in the draft was astounding even by its own standards.

Alabama had 12 players selected over the weekend. That’s a school and SEC record. And for those keeping track, Bama beat its record of 10 selections, which it set last year. To aptly put that in perspective, LSU, N.C. State and Ohio State were tied for second to the Tide in number of draft picks. Each of those schools had seven players selected. That’s a long way from 12. For even more perspective, of the 11 defensive starters on opening day in 2016, each player has been selected in the past two NFL Drafts.

The run of first-round draft picks certainly wasn’t just a one-year wonder either. Alabama has had 26 first-rounders since Nick Saban arrived and at least one player selected in the first round every year starting with the 2009 draft. That’s 10 consecutive years, and it’s had multiple first-rounders seven times under Saban.

Alabama has had at least one first-round pick for 10 consecutive years. The SEC's next-longest streak is Florida (6).

Bama’s dozen draftees in 2018 included four first-rounders. Defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick was selected No. 11 by the Miami Dolphins. Defensive lineman Da’Ron Payne was selected No. 13 by Washington. Linebacker Rashaan Evans went No. 22 to the Tennessee Titans and receiver Calvin Ridley was taken 26th by the Atlanta Falcons.

The question now is, who continues that streak in 2019?

Who will be Alabama’s next first-round pick in the NFL Draft? That’s where things become a bit debatable.

Junior offensive tackle Jonah Williams seems like a surefire first-round pick if he decides to skip his senior season and enter the NFL Draft. Williams has shown incredible versatility that NFL teams will covet. He locked down the right tackle position as a freshman in 2016. He then moved to left tackle last season as the starter. Considering how much NFL teams covet left tackles, Williams could be in the mix for a top-10 pick.

Junior defensive lineman Raekwon Davis might also have a tough decision to make after this season. He led Bama in sacks last season with 8.5 and was second on the team with 10 tackles for a loss. At 6-7, 308 pounds, Davis will be the type of big disruptive interior defensive lineman that teams are always looking for.

There also are two linebackers well worth watching this season with next year’s draft in mind: senior Christian Miller and redshirt junior Anfernee Jennings. Miller missed 10 games last season but showed toughness by returning to the field. Jennings could draw strong NFL interest if he’s able to show he’s completely recovered from the knee injury he suffered late last season.

Some way-too-early mock drafts list running back Damien Harris as a potential first-round pick. Even if he slides a bit, he could certainly be a solid, dependable NFL player. He has been Bama’s leading rusher for the past two seasons. He rushed for 1,000 yards last season with a gaudy 7.4-yards per carry average.

Bama has a pair of tight ends worth watching this season. Senior Hale Hentges and junior Irv Smith Jr. are both thought of more as blockers than receivers but that could be due to Alabama’s scheme. Bama coach Nick Saban admitted that former Tide tight end O.J. Howard (a first-round pick in 2017) was underutilized before his explosive performance in the National Championship Game against Clemson following the 2016 season. Tampa Bay selected Howard with the No 19 overall pick.

Whether it’s a tight end or another position, it’s almost a certainty that a mostly unknown Alabama player will have a breakout season in 2018. Waiting behind future NFL players is just the Alabama way. There are several productive players who could fit that mold on defense, such as defensive linemen Isaiah Buggs and Quinnen Williams, linebackers Mack Wilson and Terrell Davis and defensive backs Deionte Thompson and Trevon Diggs.

So don’t fret Alabama fans. The annual exodus of talented players to the NFL is just — as Saban likes to say — part of the process. There will be more talented players to fill the gap. And some will assuredly be selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.