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Rummaging the Vaults, vol. 6: Alabama & the NFL Draft 1980-1989

The 1980s saw several big time impact players from Alabama in the NFL. One 1980s Crimson Tide player, Dwight Stephenson, is already in the NFL Hall of Fame. One would think Cornelius Bennett and Derrick Thomas are sure to follow.

Current Bama coach Mike Shula was drafted in 1987. We also see a little bit of two Bama families in the 80s drafts: Jeremiah Castille is the father of current Bama players Simeon and Tim Castille. Also, the Goode brothers (Kerry and Chris) were drafted in the 80s as well.


Stephenson was a dominant center in the NFL


Bennett played in five Super Bowls, won the Lombardi Award, was AFC Defensive Player of the Year twice and finished 7th in Heisman balloting

Pro hall of famers listed in bold
College hall of famers listed in italics

Year Player Team Draft
Position
1980 Don McNeal Dolphins
21
Dwight Stephenson Dolphins
48
Wayne Hamilton Chargers
163
Buddy Aydelette Packers
169
Ken Harris Giants
200
Steve Whitman Chargers
247
1981 E.J. Junior Cardinals
5
Byron Braggs Packers
117
Billy Jackson Chiefs
180
James Mallard Cardinals
253
Major Ogilvie 49ers
313
1982 Benny Perrin Cardinals
65
Thomas Boyd Packers
210
Warren Lyles Chargers
246
Mike Pitts Falcons
16
Jeremiah Castille Buccaneers
72
Steve Mott Lions
121
Robbie Jones Giants
309
1984 Joe Carter Miami
109
Jesse Bendross San Diego
174
1985 Emanuel King Cincinnati
25
Ricky Moore San Diego
75
1986 Jon Hand Indianapolis
4
Larry Roberts San Francisco
39
Thornton Chandler Dallas
140
Brent Sowell Miami
163
1987 Cornelius Bennett Indianapolis
2
Freddie Robinson Indianapolis
142
Greg Richardson Minnesota
156
Curt Jarvis Tampa Bay
169
Wayne Davis St. Louis
229
Wes Neighbors Houston
231
Chris Goode Indianapolis
253
Mike Shula Tampa Bay
313
1988 Kerry Goode Tampa Bay
167
Bo Wright Buffalo
184
Phillip Brown Atlanta
194
1989 Derrick Thomas Kanasas City
4
Greg Gilbert Chicago
136
Chris Mohr Tampa Bay
146
Howard Cross NY Giants
158
George Bethune LA Rams
188


Derrick Thomas once recorded seven sacks in an NFL game. Smashing QBs was his specialty.