Former Bama Stars to Watch for in NFL Week 1

One of the most recognizable aspects of Nick Saban's tenure as Alabama's head football coach is the large number of players drafted by NFL teams since 2008.  16 players from Alabama have gone in the 1st round of the NFL draft since 2008.  That number should grow next year as several Tide players are being looked at as high picks again.  The end result of all this is that Alabama fans will see a lot of familiar faces on Sundays.  As Week 1 of the 2014 NFL season gets started tonight, here's a look at the former Bama players you can expect to see in action.

Let's start with tonight's match up between the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks.  The most prominent former Tider in this game will be Packers running back Eddie Lacy.  In his first season as pro last year, Lacy ran for 1,178 yards and 11 TDs as he was named Offensive Rookie of the Year.  In year 2, Green Bay expects Lacy to figure even more heavily in the Pack's offensive schemes.  The Packers will also feature rookie safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who is Bama's most recent first round pick.  The Seahawks also have a Bama rookie to watch in wide receiver Kevin Norwood.  Norwood missed most of the preseason with a minor foot injury, but he is listed as probable for tonight's game.  The 'Hawks coaches have been complimentary of the young receiver and he figures to be a part of the game plan as the season progresses.  Former Tide lineman James Carpenter will also suit up for Seattle tonight.

There are several Bama stars with Pro-Bowl potential all over the league.  Receiver Julio Jones, when healthy, is one of the most dynamic play makers in the league.  He is returning from foot surgery, and if he can find his form again the Atlanta Falcons should have one of the best passing games in the NFC.  As a rookie, linebacker CJ Mosley is already receiving a ton of hype for his play in the Baltimore Ravens' preseason games.  He is filling the role once manned by the legendary Ray Lewis, so a lot is expected of the young man.  For the Buffalo Bills, defensive lineman Marcell Dareus plans to be part of one of the NFL's best defensive line units.  Other potential Pro-Bowlers include LB Courtney Upshaw (Ravens), LB Dont'a Hightower (Patriots), S Mark Barron (Buccaneers), OT DJ Fluker (Chargers) and OT Andre Smith (Bengals).

Not all former Tide players in the NFL played for Nick Saban.  The Philadelphia Eagles feature two players who were at Alabama during Mike Shula's tenure as head coach.  Both LB DeMeco Ryans and OG Evan Mathis have found success in the pros despite playing during a relatively unsuccessful period of Alabama football.  Panthers safety Roman Harper also played under Mike Shula at Alabama.

Some other Alabama players came to the league with high expectations that have not been met as of yet.  This is a make-or-break season for RB Mark Ingram with the New Orleans Saints.  Alabama's only Heisman Trophy winner, Ingram has yet become the featured back the Saints had hoped he'd become.  The same can be said for Trent Richardson, who was traded after only one season with the Cleveland Browns and has been as disappointment with the Indianapolis Colts.  More was expected of CB Dee Milliner when the New York Jets drafted him 9th overall in 2013.  Milliner turned the corner at the end of his rookie season, though injuries have set him back in the preseason.  Injuries have also been an issue for CB Dre Kirkpatrick, though he seems to be finding his way with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The most interesting story involving a former Bama player this week is with the Dallas Cowboys.  Former Tide LB Rolando McClain is set to start for the Cowboys this Sunday.  McClain's story can be found here.  A lot of eyes will be watching to see if he can overcome one of the more bizarre string of events for a former top 10 pick.

Other players to watch for include former Bama safety Vinnie Sunseri, who earned his way onto the Saints' roster with a terrific preseason, and DL Damion Square, who was questionably let go by the Eagles but has found a landing spot as part of a ferocious Kansas City Chiefs D-Line.  Look for OT Cyrus Kouandjio to compete for starting time with the Buffalo Bills as well.