Alabama Football Recruiting: Breaking Down Tide's Replacements for NFL Prospects

Even if the Alabama Crimson Tide lose five potential first-rounders to the NFL draft, they still have Nick Saban, which means they landed some big-time recruits this offseason.

As running back Trent Richardson, cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw, inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower and safety Mark Barron get set for the 2012 NFL draft, Alabama has already landed recruits who figure to be a big part of its plans down the line.

Here is a breakdown of Alabama's potential replacements for its departing stars (in order of rank).

Safety: Landon Collins, Dutchtown High School, LA

A Louisiana product, Landon Collins made headlines when he chose Alabama over LSU at the Under Armour All-America Game.

Collins is the top safety and No. 7 overall recruit, according to ESPNU. He's a tough, physical player who explodes to his destination and always seems to find the ball. Alabama appears to be the perfect place for him to play ball, a program always known for its intimidating play defensively.

Measurements: 6'0", 210 pounds

40 time: 4.39

CB: Geno Smith, Saint Pius X Catholic High, GA

The No. 2 cornerback in the class and the No. 32 prospect overall, Geno Smith has a nose for the ball and he basically dares quarterbacks to challenge him.

He's tall with a long wingspan—which allows him to cover the bigger receivers—and his instincts and angles to the ball are outstanding, allowing him to make up for adequate speed. Smith is a very smart, aggressive player who attacks the run and has the leaping ability to win jump balls. However, there are concerns about his ability to play press coverage at the next level.

Measurements: 5'11", 175 pounds

40 time: 4.60

OLB: Dillon Lee, Buford High School, GA

With good length and a good frame, Dillon Lee has potential as an outside linebacker or tight end. As an outside linebacker, Dillon appears comfortable in pass coverage, pursues the ball with determination and is a good tackler, using his length to wrap up the ball-carrier. He's also a very tough player who won't back down the intimidating SEC. The biggest thing for him is to work on his technique and angles to the ball. Saban and Co. will coach him up, though—don't have to worry about that.

Measurements: 6'4", 220 pounds

40 time: 4.66

RB: T.J. Yeldon, Daphne High School, AL

An Alabama product, T.J. Yeldon will compete with Eddie Lacy and Brent Calloway down the line.

Yeldon, the seventh-ranked running back and No. 91 overall prospect, is one of the more athletic running backs in the class. He's tall, with a lean frame, and his speed and acceleration will make him an asset, particularly on outside runs and swing passes. He's an instinctive player who makes decisive cuts, which projects him to potentially play above expectations. He also has great hands and will be dangerous as a receiver out of the backfield. He needs to bulk up to be a complete running back, but he has the ability to make an impact regardless.

Measurements: 6'1", 210 pounds

40 time: 4.67

ILB: Reggie Ragland, Bob Jones High School, AL

First of all, Reggie Ragland has a great name that screams "blue collar." But beyond that, he's a pretty darn good recruit as well.

Ragland is best as a downhill player, using his strength and fluidity to fly to the ball and explode into the ball-carrier. He's strong and physical enough to work through blocks and quick enough to weave through holes in the offense. He'll be a great blitzer for the Crimson Tide.

However, one of his strengths can also get him into trouble: His intensity and motor. Sometimes he can overpursue and he's going to have to be more disciplined to hold up against the pass.

Measurements: 6'3", 245 pounds

40 time: 4.66