LSU vs. Alabama Predictions: Who's Going Pro and Who's Staying in School?

The LSU vs. Alabama rematch provides several players the opportunity to impress 2012 NFL draft scouts one more time before the offseason begins.

The Tide lose several seniors to graduation, and also have a few underclassmen with NFL potential after this season.

LSU is a very young team. The majority of their players are sophomores, or younger, and do not qualify for April's NFL draft. Most of the players lost by the Tigers will be through graduation.

Tons of talent will be on display in New Orleans on Monday night.

Here's who will stay in school and who will take their talents to the next level after the BCS National Championship Game:

Robert Lester

Robert Lester didn't have a stellar year on the stat sheet in 2011, but he was a leader for Alabama in their stout secondary.

Lester finished the season with 35 tackles and two interceptions. In 2010, Lester led the SEC with eight interceptions.

He has the body to play free safety in the NFL next season, but he needs to work on his speed and explosiveness before he makes the jump.

Lester has talent, but expect him to return to Alabama for his senior season.

Rueben Randle

Rueben Randle had 50 catches, 904 yards and eight touchdowns for LSU this season.

Randle has an NFL body, hands and the speed needed to compete at the next level. However, NFL teams will have to wait one more season.

I expect Randle to return to Baton Rouge for his senior season. LSU has a chance at another national title again next season, and Randle has to be excited with Zach Mettenberger taking the reins behind center.

Mettenberger is a better passer than either Jordan Jefferson or Jarrett Lee. This should boost Randle's numbers and, in turn, raise his NFL draft stock.

Randle's 6'4'' body and playmaking ability should translate to the next level, just not yet.

Dre Kirkpatrick

Dre Kirkpatrick had 25 tackles and no interceptions in his junior campaign for the Crimson Tide.

Despite his lack of production, I expect Kirkpatrick to make the NFL jump.

Kirkpatrick has an NFL body. He stands at 6'3'' and just under 200 pounds. Because of his size, he fits an NFL zone coverage scheme perfectly. Eventually, he could move to safety in the right situation.

In terms of measurables and raw ability, Kirkpatrick has it all. He hasn't put up gaudy numbers in Tuscaloosa but NFL scouts will drool over his athleticism and physical attributes.

The Tide will miss this lanky playmaker on the backside of their defense next season.

Dont'a Hightower

Dont'a Hightower is the heart and soul of the Crimson Tide defense. What he lacks in speed he makes up for with his incredible instincts and tackling ability.

Hightower racked up 79 tackles, 3.5 sacks and an interception this season. He isn't fleet of foot, but he is explosive at the point of attack.

The Tide have boasted one of the best defenses in college football during Hightower's career. He has played a major role in that, but will not next season.

Look for Hightower to take his talents to the next level after Monday night's game.

Trent Richardson

Trent Richardson was the best back in college football this season, and will make an immediate impact in the NFL next season.

Crimson Tide faithful like to think Richardson will stay for his senior season, but he will not and he should not. Richardson is NFL-ready, and should not risk an injury before he gets a chance to show it.

Richardson had over 1,500 yards on the ground this season, and 327 more yards receiving. He had 23 total touchdowns with 20 of them coming on the ground.

He didn't win a Heisman Trophy, but he is widely recognized as a top NFL prospect. He is a sure-fire top-10 pick, and will cash in after this season.

Expect Richardson to use his unique blend of power and quickness to make an NFL team very happy from day one next season.

Morris Claiborne

Morris Claiborne racked up 46 tackles and six interceptions as the top cover corner on the No. 1 team in the nation this season.

Claiborne is a junior, but he will be in the NFL next season rather than Baton Rouge.

He isn't physically imposing, but he is big enough at 6'1''. What he lacks in size, he makes up for with his incredible ball skills.

Claiborne knows how to play in press coverage, and understands how to take a receiver out of the mix on offense.

Don't expect Claiborne to be a major presence in run support at the next level, but he has the potential to shut down one side of the field for many years to come.