4. How do the draft’s top pass catchers rate?

It’s remarkable how many of the draft’s top pass catchers ran into Saban on their college schedules. The wide receivers among them: LSU’s Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas, Texas’ Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell, Georgia’s Ladd McConkey and Michigan’s Roman Wilson. For good measure, throw in top tight end prospects Brock Bowers of Georgia, Ja’Tavion Sanders of Texas and Ben Sinnott of Kansas State. And don’t forget, he coached a likely mid-round pick in Alabama WR Jermaine Burton. Saban should have plenty to say about the pass catchers.

5. How does Dallas Turner compare to Will Anderson?

Moments after Turner crosses the draft stage and hugs NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Saban is bound to be asked this question. Both edge pass rushers and former Alabama teammates, Turner and Anderson spent six years between them under Saban’s program. Saban didn’t care much for comparing one player to another as a coach, but as a draft analyst, he could be a little more open to discussing similarities and differences between Turner, a likely firstround pick, and Anderson, the No. 3 overall pick last year who went on to be named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year.

6. What impact does NIL and the NCAA transfer portal have on the draft?

The number of college players who enter the draft as underclassmen has dropped precipitously since the advent of NIL, as the money players now make in college can sway them to stay in school for another year.

Meanwhile, the transfer portal can be both good and bad for draft prospects; transfers often result in the task of evaluating a prospect getting passed from one NFL scout to another, but they also expose players to different schemes and concepts.

As the draft moves into Day 2 and Day 3, panel discussion often drifts from player-driven to topic-driven, and Saban could have plenty to say on this.

7. Kool-Aid McKinstry: NFL punt returner or nah?

The Alabama cornerback will be a prized pick for his pass coverage, but what about punt returns? His track record at Alabama was a mix of explosive returns that will intrigue NFL clubs but issues with ball security and catch judgment won’t. McKinstry averaged 15 yards per return in 2022, but in 2023, he lost the role mid-season to freshman Caleb Downs. Saban could be asked about McKinstry’s pro potential in the return game.