The 2024 NFL Draft starts on April 25 in Detroit with the 32 first-round picks. In the 88 NFL drafts, teams have chosen 128 prospects who played at Alabama high schools and colleges in the first round, and another 29 who were not first-rounders but were selected in the first 32 picks. AL.com is counting down to the draft by highlighting the players with Alabama football roots who have been chosen in the first 32 picks.

Three prospects from Alabama high schools and colleges have been the No. 8 pick in a draft, and none of the players had the NFL career expected of him.

The New York Giants chose former Troy High School standout Bobby Marlow of Alabama in 1953. The running back stiff-armed the NFL to sign a Canadian contract offer from the Saskatchewan Roughriders, where he was a two-way standout for eight seasons. Marlow was a West All-Star as a defensive back three times and a linebacker two times.

The St. Louis Cardinals chose tackle Ken Rice of Auburn in 1961. Rice signed with the AFL’s Buffalo Bills instead of the Cardinals. As the Bills’ left tackle, Rice was an AFL all-star as a rookie, and he also had to play defensive end in the final four games of 1961 because of injuries. A knee injury kept him off the field in 1962. He returned to play in five more seasons – three as a starter — but did not regain his all-star status.

The Oakland Raiders chose former Decatur High School standout Rolando McClain of Alabama in 2010. McClain retired after his third season. He came back with Dallas after one year out of the game, but his three seasons with the Cowboys were marred by three NFL suspensions.

The Atlanta Falcons hold the eighth selection in this year’s draft.

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.