Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Nick Saban stars on first night of ESPN’s NFL Draft coverage
Reading time: 5 minutes
Nick Saban is not a rookie when it comes to being in front of the camera. He’s even been involved with past NFL Draft and college football coverage while he was still coaching at Alabama but now, he’s taken on an even bigger role in the broadcast.
Thursday night marked Saban’s first major appearance as an ESPN analyst, breaking down the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Football fans across the country tuned in and most people left with high praise for the former Crimson Tide coach.
Let’s take a quick look on some of the highlights from night one in Detroit + how people reacted to Saban’s night as a member of the media.
Alabama ties will last forever
We are just a few months from Saban’s retirement but I think its safe to say the coach will pretty much always be tied to his career and players at Alabama. That was clear Thursday night from Saban’s comments on his former players to the greeting he got from Michigan fans.
But once the draft actually began, Saban got to talk plenty about the Crimson Tide. Three Alabama players were selected in the first round Thursday night, putting the final touches on Saban’s career numbers that have included:
- 52 total first round selections (47 at Alabama)
- 17 Top 10 picks
- 6 Top 5 picks
Offensive lineman JC Latham was the first Alabama player to be drafted in this year’s draft, selected at #7 by the Tennessee Titans. Saban had high praise for the former tackle:
“He was a leader on our team. But you talk about being physical and dominate the line of scrimmage, this guy is as powerful as anybody we’ve ever had. When he gets his hands on you, you’ve had it… And a fine young man. Really, everybody on the team loves the guy. I’m so happy for him and his family. When it’s your guys and you know it’s their dream, it makes you feel so great.”
~ Nick Saban on the broadcast after Latham was drafted
Saban also praised Dallas Turner, comparing him to former Alabama star and NFL veteran Donta Hightower. Alabama’s final selection Thursday night was defensive back Terrion Arnold, who has a close relationship to Saban and his family.
Arnold was selected by the hometown Detroit Lions and got a warm reception from the crowd. Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe also made an appearance which ended with a quick interaction between him and Saban.
Did Saban admit to tampering?
Some people think Saban let his coach guard down a bit during the broadcast as he spoke on non-Alabama players. A lot of it was about how he and his staff game planned for opposing players or even about how a recruiting process went for a player.
But one thing caught the attention of college football fans, especially those rooting against Alabama. When Saban was speaking on Toledo defensive back Quinyon Mitchell who was drafted by the Eagles, the coach said Mitchell was the team’s top target in the transfer portal and they tried to get him to enter the portal but Mitchell never would.
That sparked some rapid reaction on social media.
Saban knows ball
While Saban’s impact at Alabama and draft numbers speak for themselves, his knowledge of the game and how players need to develop at the next level was clear.
Saban spoke highly specifically about two former opposing players. When former Auburn and Pinson Valley quarterback Bo Nix was drafted 10th overall, Saban said Nix has the most accurate arm of any quarterback prospect in the draft. He also said Georgia tight end Brock Bowers will have the most immediate impact of any rookie in this year’s draft.
But it wasn’t all praise, Saban was not afraid to question even the top level talent. Here’s what he said about Georgia lineman Amarius Mims after he was drafted in the first round by the Cincinnati Bengals:
“This guy’s got all the tools — he’s got great size, he’s got great power. … But it makes you wonder, how did the guy only start 8 games? Like, in the SEC championship game, he played only the first 15 plays of the game and then he’s out. Takes himself out. I don’t know what he injured, what he hurt. But you’ve got to be a little bit more consistent in your performance if you’re going to be a great player and a starter in the NFL.”
~ Nick Saban
The 2024 NFL Draft continues Friday and Saturday with Saban expected to be on the ESPN desk for much of the coverage. You can tune in at 6PM Friday and 11AM Saturday to watch more of the former Alabama coach.
What have you thought about Nick Saban’s analysis during the NFL Draft? Let us know by tagging The Bama Buzz on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. And sign up for our newsletter too!
