Your perception is somewhat correct and I think we are saying the same thing. For example, last year we lost former 5* WR Malachi Dupre to the nfl. He went undrafted, but made it on a practice squad. Did our situation at QB give him excitement about staying? No, but he should have. We needed him this year, especially at Bama when our offense had a small pulse compared to the two previous years.
I wouldn’t necessarily call it an escape as much as it is “time to move on”.
This year, of the early exits, the only one that surprised me was our C Clapp, but he was a 4 year player having taken a RS. I understand going, and not sure his draft stock would improve. As far as a guy like Sci Martin transferring - he never played a down and had academic issues.
Game One of Alabama-Texas A&M Alabama Series Moved to Friday as Part of Doubleheader
Bama Game Thread: Bama Gymnastics - NCAA Championship Semi-finals (ESPN2 | 4/18 @ 8pm CT)