Step aside, “The U.” Alabama is new premier NFL prospect factory. The national champion Crimson Tide is expected to have five players drafted in the first round Thursday night, which would be only the fifth time that has happened since the common draft began in 1967.

According to the experts on NFL Network’s “Path to the Draft,” pass rush is the key area of need for the Green Bay Packers. But, will a quality player to fill that need still be available when the Packers pick at No. 28?

NFL Network draft guru Mike Mayock held a 97-minute pre-draft conference call with reporters from across the nation where he answered questions on the top two expected picks Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III and shared his unique perspective.

Around the League’s Marc Sessler broke down some of the finer points of Mayock’s conference.

Trent Richardson, Mark Barron and Courtney Upshaw stood out at Alabama’s pro day on Thursday.

Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick solidified his high first-round grade at Wednesday’s pro day.

NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock was the man of the hour during a conference call with media from throughout the United States on Wednesday.