Alabama had three juniors announce Monday they were entering the NFL draft: quarterback Bryce Young, outside linebacker Will Anderson and running back Jahmyr Gibbs.

But that does necessarily not mean two of its other juniors with closely-watched decisions, Brian Branch and Eli Ricks, are returning in 2023.

“Just so we make it clear, there may be other guys who make choices and decisions in the near future about what they do,” Nick Saban said. “And as those things come out, we’ll certainly make you aware of them as soon as possible.”

The timing of Monday’s news conference was related more to the three declaring players’ plans to begin preparing for the draft at out-of-state facilities. The NFL’s deadline for underclassmen to enter the draft is Jan. 16.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper last month rated Branch as his No. 20 overall prospect in the 2023 draft and the top-rated safety. He was projected by ESPN’s Todd McShay last month as the No. 18 overall pick.

Ricks was a projected top-10 pick in the offseason by ESPN but saw his stock drop after he lost a competition to start at cornerback to begin the season. Ricks eventually became the starter in late October and started five games, including Saturday’s Sugar Bowl.

“We’ll know by the next coming days,” Ricks said after the game about his decision. “It’s really a decision of where I feel like I’m at. If I’m ready for the NFL, or if I’m not. It’s really as simple as that.”

Mike Rodak is an Alabama beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @mikerodak.