Report: Alabama expected to lose key offensive weapon to NFL

After the Monday night loss to Georgia in the national championship, the roster turnover began instantly for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Between the transfer portal and players declaring for the NFL draft, Nick Saban will once again be looking at a new roster next season.

On Friday, wide receiver John Metchie made an announcement regarding his future.

According to Chris Low of ESPN, Metchie will declare for the 2022 NFL draft. He will be forgoing his senior season despite tearing his ACL in the SEC championship against Georgia.

After the departure of DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle, Metchie entered the season hoping to be the No. 1 receiver for the Crimson Tide. He was the most reliable target for quarterback Bryce Young and tore up the SEC alongside fellow future NFL draft pick Jameson Williams.

Metchie finished first on the team in receptions with 96 and most likely would have had over 100 if it was not for the injury. He was second in yards (1,142) and was tied for second with eight touchdowns.

Friday has been a busy day for the Alabama wide receiver room. Alongside Metchie declaring for the NFL draft, Williams and Slade Bolden have as well. The transfer portal gained a name as well, with former On3 Consensus Javon Baker entering.

Alabama WR Jameson Williams enters 2022 NFL draft

Williams did what everyone was suspecting on Friday by declaring for the 2022 NFL draft. The presumed first-round pick also tore his ACL late in the season against Georgia in the national championship.

Making the announcement via Instagram, Williams left a message for Alabama fans.

“First, thank God for making all this possible,” stated Williams. “Mom, Dad, my brothers and my sister — thank you for everything. Y’all always have my back since day one, and I wouldn’t be here without y’all.

“Coach Saban and Coach Wiggins, thank you for believing in me and the opportunity to show what I can do.

“My brothers, we been through it all. Wish it could have ended differently but it’s nothing but up from here.

“Bama fans, thank y’all for welcoming me and making Tuscaloosa home for me and my family.

“With all that being said, I am starting the next chapter and taking my talents to the 2022 NFL Draft. Roll Tide.”

In his lone season with Alabama, Williams put up fantastic numbers. The star wide receiver accumulated 79 receptions for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Crimson Tide.