Alabama Crimson Tide DL Phidarian Mathis enters NFL draft

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Is Alabama the team to beat next season?

The "sky is bright" for the Tide next year because of the return of the best offensive player and defensive player in college football, according to the SEC Now crew. 1:14

9:32 AM

Alabama's most productive defensive lineman, Phidarian Mathis, announced Wednesday that he will enter the NFL draft.

The senior from Louisiana could have played one more year in college if he used the free year of eligibility afforded to athletes because of the disruptions in 2020 but he chose to declare for the draft.

The fifth-best defensive tackle in the draft is Mel Kiper Jr.

During his senior season, he had 12 tackles for loss and nine sacks. He had six quarterback hurries, two pass breakups and one forced fumbled.

Christopher Allen signed with an agent on Wednesday, signalling his intent to turn pro as well.

Allen, a fifth-year senior and former All-SEC selection, was injured during Alabama's season opener against Miami and did not play the rest of the season.

Alabama has several draft-eligible players, including two of the top 10 prospects in the draft, offensive tackle Evan Neal and wide receiver Jameson Williams.

Sources told Adam that Williams suffered a torn anterior cruciateerin during the College Football Playoff National Championship.