Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, linebacker Will Anderson Jr., running back Jahmyr Gibbs and safety Brian Branch all declared for the 2023 NFL Draft on Monday.

Young and Anderson are expected to be top-five picks, with Young likely to go No. 1 overall if the Houston Texans earn the first pick. Gibbs projects as a late first-round pick and Branch is ranked by many analysts as the top safety in the class.

Young, Anderson and Gibbs announced their decisions — which were expected — at a news conference Monday. The players were introduced by head coach Nick Saban.

Young completed his career with a five-touchdown performance in Alabama’s 45-20 win over Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner threw for 8,356 yards and 80 touchdowns with 12 interceptions in three seasons with the Crimson Tide.

Anderson won back-to-back Bronko Nagurski awards as the nation’s top defensive player. The two-time All-American finishes with 34.5 career sacks.

Young was asked what he’d say to Anderson about hitting him at full speed in the pros.

“Please take it easy,” Young said. “Remember all the good times we had. … Before we play I’ll probably send him a picture of us from freshman year together.”

Gibbs spent just one season in Alabama after transferring from Georgia Tech. He rushed for 926 yards and seven touchdowns this season.

Branch announced his decision to forgo his senior season on social media. “This has been a dream of mine since I could remember and I’m ready to embrace this next journey for my life,” he wrote.

Branch recorded 90 tackles (14 for losses) with three sacks and two interceptions in 13 games this season.

–Field Level Media