Projections for Latest Alabama Stars to Declare for 2013 NFL Draft

USA TODAY Sports

Alabama Crimson Tide underclassmen Dee Milliner, Eddie Lacy and D.J. Fluker have declared for the 2013 NFL draft. 

Christopher Walsh, Alabama beat writer for Alabama.247sports.com, broke the news of the cornerback, running back and tackle from the noon press conference on Friday. 

As usual, the Crimson Tide prospects will be targeted by a number of professional teams in late April, but in what round will they ultimately be drafted?

Dee Milliner, CB

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Dee Milliner has an extremely bright NFL future, and he should be the first cornerback off the board in the 2013 draft. 

At 6'1'' and 200 pounds, the Alabama cornerback has prototypical size to match up physically with larger, more imposing outside receivers at the next level. 

However, he's not simply a big cornerback with limited athletic ability or range. 

He has quick, fundamentally sound footwork and, as an athlete, can stay with most receivers.

Milliner has desired ball skills as well—he intercepted six passes in his three-year Alabama career.

For his position, he is one of the safest prospects in the draft.

Projection: Top 15 

D.J. Fluker, OT

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D.J. Fluker is a menacing 6'6'' and 335 pounds. Although he's not a blue-chip offensive tackle and, most likely, will not be slotted as an NFL's blindside protector in 2013, there is plenty to like about his game.

Despite his massive size, Fluker runs well and has demonstrated scary athleticism throughout his career with the Crimson Tide. 

Occasionally, he relies on pure power instead of sound technique, but that undoubtedly can be tweaked at the next level. 

Right now, he's above-average as a pass-blocker and run-blocker. 

If things don't work out on the edge, he could slide inside and become a mauling left or right guard. 

Projection: Late First-Early Second 

Eddie Lacy, RB

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At around 5'10'' and weighing 220 pounds, Eddie Lacy is in the typical Alabama running back mold. 

He's powerful, can run between the tackles and is deceptively fast and agile on the perimeter. 

Much like Trent Richardson, he won't run away from linebackers and defensive backs at the third level. 

Then again, he is much more than a bruiser who struggles to make anyone miss. In the national title game against Notre Dame, notwithstanding the great blocking provided to him, Lacy exhibited that he has feature back potential. 

That spin-move touchdown won't soon be forgotten.

Projection: Late First-Early Second