ESPN lists 5 SEC squads among winners and losers regarding early 2019 NFL Draft declarations
The deadline has passed for underclassmen to declare for the 2019 NFL Draft, and unsurprisingly, there were a number of SEC players who decided to leave school early.
Some schools fared better than others when it came to players leaving early, and ESPN mentioned five SEC programs in its winners and losers article from early entrants to the draft.
As you can see below, two SEC West teams were named winners, with three losers coming from the conference, too:
Winners:
- LSU
- Auburn
Losers:
- Alabama
- Texas A&M
- Georgia
Though Alabama, Georgia and Texas A&M may have been labeled “losers” by this piece, it will only help them in the long term. Most recruits want to get paid as soon as possible, so schools that consistently churn out high draft picks after only three years will get top recruits.
Yes, they’ll be tough to replace, but look for Alabama, Georgia and A&M (No. 1, 2 and 3 in the 2019 recruiting class rankings, respectively) to bring in some talented new athletes to fill those holes.
Throw in losing coaches as well and then UGA and Bama would be double losers
No offense but UGLY giving it’s OC to Tennessee was a step up in the right direction. Having nobody at the position is better than what they had. I think Saban at some point has to run out of numbers to call for people to offer jobs to. Every year it’s the same story, 3-5 of his coaches leave.
Disagree about the OC but you can’t disagree that losing Tucker hurts
Not too concerned about losing Chaney, but I’d agree losing Tucker hurts. However I have faith in the other position coaches on the defense and Kirby’s defensive background not to worry too much about it.
Losing players early to the draft is a GOOD thing. Sure you lose guys who were good or great for your team, but if you do this year after year, the recruits see that. They see which teams are pathways to the NFL career they all lust after. Having a lot of names, especially at the same consistent positions will always get the kids looking your way come signing day. If you are putting enough talent on the field you are getting significant early departures, then you are clearly recruiting at a level where you can just restock without too much hassle.