Introduction: Alabama’s Legacy in the NFL Draft

Alabama football has been a powerhouse in college football for decades. The program has consistently produced elite talent that goes on to have successful careers in the NFL. Under head coach Nick Saban, Alabama has become synonymous with preparing players for the next level. As we approach the 2025 NFL Draft, several Alabama players are expected to be highly sought after.

The Crimson Tide has had multiple players selected in the first round over the past few years, including stars like Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Najee Harris. For the 2025 Draft, Alabama is likely to continue that tradition, with several players projected to hear their names called early. Let’s dive into some of the top Alabama football prospects, their projected draft positions, and what they could bring to NFL teams.

Tyler Booker – Offensive Guard

Overview

Tyler Booker has established himself as one of the top offensive linemen in college football. A key player for Alabama’s offensive line in 2023, he was instrumental in keeping the pocket clean for the quarterback and creating lanes for the running backs. Booker’s combination of strength, agility, and technique has made him one of the top interior linemen in the country.

Strengths

• Powerful Stance and Hands: Booker’s strength is evident in his ability to drive defenders off the ball. His hand placement is often flawless, allowing him to control defenders with ease.
• Pass Protection: While his run blocking is excellent, he is also adept at pass protection, a highly valued skill for NFL teams looking for reliable blockers to protect their quarterbacks.
• Leadership: As one of the more experienced players on the Alabama offensive line, Booker provides stability and leadership on the field.

Projected Draft Position

Booker has been frequently projected as a first-round pick in 2025 mock drafts. Given the increasing value of offensive linemen, especially those with the versatility to play guard or tackle, Booker is expected to go high in the first round. Many mock drafts suggest he could be selected in the 10-20 range.

NFL Comparison

Booker’s style has often been compared to that of current NFL guards like Quenton Nelson (Indianapolis Colts) and Zack Martin (Dallas Cowboys). These comparisons highlight Booker’s potential to immediately contribute at the next level.

Jihaad Campbell – Linebacker

Overview

Jihaad Campbell, an inside linebacker for Alabama, is another player whose name has come up frequently in first-round discussions. Known for his athleticism, speed, and ability to cover ground, Campbell is a versatile linebacker who can play in both the run and pass game. His size and quickness make him a potential three-down linebacker in the NFL.

Strengths

• Athleticism: Campbell’s agility allows him to cover a lot of ground and track down running backs and wide receivers alike. His quick lateral movement and ability to change direction make him a potential game-changer in pass coverage.
• Football IQ: He has a natural understanding of the game, often being in the right place at the right time. This helps him diagnose plays quickly and react appropriately.
• Pass Coverage: One of Campbell’s standout traits is his ability to cover running backs and tight ends in the passing game. In an era where pass coverage from linebackers is increasingly valuable, this skill boosts his stock considerably.

Projected Draft Position

Campbell is a player who could rise through the ranks as the draft approaches. Although he may not have the same visibility as other players on the team, his potential as a first-round pick is undeniable. His performance at the NFL Combine will likely determine if he can crack the top 15 or settle somewhere between picks 20 and 30.

NFL Comparison

Campbell’s style is comparable to players like Devin White (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Roquan Smith (Baltimore Ravens), both of whom were first-round selections known for their versatility and ability to impact all phases of the game.

Jalen Milroe – Quarterback

Overview

Quarterback Jalen Milroe has become one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. After taking over as the starting quarterback for Alabama in 2023, Milroe’s dual-threat abilities have impressed scouts and fans alike. While his passing game has room for improvement, his athleticism and leadership are undeniable.

Strengths

• Arm Strength: Milroe possesses one of the strongest arms in the draft class. He can make all the throws, from deep bombs to precise sideline passes.
• Mobility: Milroe is an excellent runner with the ball, using his speed and vision to escape pressure and create big plays on the ground. His dual-threat capability makes him a dangerous quarterback in the modern NFL.
• Leadership: Milroe has shown the ability to lead Alabama through tough games, something NFL teams value in a quarterback. His poise under pressure and ability to make clutch throws will be heavily evaluated in the draft process.

Concerns

• Accuracy: While Milroe has the arm strength, his accuracy is still a work in progress. He needs to become more consistent with his throws, especially on short and intermediate passes.
• Decision-Making: Milroe can sometimes hold onto the ball too long or make risky throws into coverage. This is an area of concern for NFL teams, who will need to see significant improvement in his decision-making at the next level.

Projected Draft Position

Milroe is a polarizing prospect. Some scouts believe he has the potential to be a top-10 pick if he continues to develop, while others think he could go later in the first round or into the second. His combine performance will be crucial in determining his exact position, but it’s possible that his athleticism alone could push him into the first round.

NFL Comparison

Milroe’s style is often compared to quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles) or Cam Newton (retired), who both combined elite athleticism with the ability to develop as passers at the next level.

Isaiah Bond – Wide Receiver

Overview

Isaiah Bond is one of Alabama’s most explosive players on offense. His speed and ability to stretch the field make him a potential first-round pick in 2025. Bond is a playmaker who can take the top off the defense and provide immediate impact in the NFL.

Strengths

• Speed and Quickness: Bond is known for his blazing speed, which allows him to blow past defenders on deep routes and create separation in the open field.
• Big Play Ability: He has the ability to turn a simple catch into a game-changing play, whether through yards after catch or his ability to win downfield.
• Route Running: While still developing as a route runner, Bond has shown the ability to run clean routes that create separation.

Projected Draft Position

Bond’s combination of speed and big-play potential could make him a first-round selection. Some mock drafts have him going in the late teens to early 20s. His performance at the NFL Combine will be critical in solidifying his status as a first-round pick.

NFL Comparison

Bond’s skill set has drawn comparisons to players like Tyreek Hill (Miami Dolphins) and DeVonta Smith (Philadelphia Eagles), who excel at using their speed to dominate at the NFL level.

Other Prospects to Watch

In addition to the aforementioned players, Alabama has several other prospects who could be selected in the early rounds, depending on their performances leading up to the NFL Combine:

• Kool-Aid McKinstry – Cornerback: McKinstry has been a lockdown corner for Alabama, and his ability to shut down wide receivers in man coverage has him on the radar for a first-round selection.
• Jase McClellan – Running Back: While Alabama has not been known for producing top-tier running back prospects in recent years, McClellan’s ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver makes him a sleeper for the 2025 draft.

Alabama’s 2025 NFL Draft Class

As we head into the 2025 NFL Draft, Alabama is once again poised to send multiple players to the NFL, with several being projected to go in the first round. With prospects like Tyler Booker, Jihaad Campbell, Jalen Milroe, and Isaiah Bond leading the way, the Crimson Tide’s legacy of producing NFL talent is expected to continue.

While each of these players has strengths that could make them stand out at the next level, their performances at the NFL Scouting Combine will be critical in determining how high they’ll be drafted. NFL teams will be closely watching these players’ athleticism, skills, and how well they perform in drills and interviews.

As we get closer to the draft, more analysis will emerge, and final mock drafts will take shape. But for now, Alabama’s 2025 draft class is one to watch, as it could help shape the future of the NFL for years to come.