These nine former Alabama football players were invited to the NFL Combine.
**These Nine Former Alabama Football Players Were Invited to the NFL Combine: A Look at the Crimson Tide’s 2025 Draft Class**
The NFL Scouting Combine is one of the most anticipated events on the football calendar for both aspiring professional athletes and NFL teams. It’s a week where the future of the NFL is shaped, as top college prospects showcase their skills, athleticism, and readiness for the next level. This year, the University of Alabama, known for producing elite football talent year in and year out, will once again be well-represented at the Combine. Nine former Alabama football players have received invites to participate in the 2025 NFL Combine, a testament to the powerhouse program’s continued dominance in developing NFL-ready athletes.
Alabama’s football program has been one of the most successful in recent history, producing numerous NFL draft picks, including several first-round selections. With legendary head coach Nick Saban at the helm, the Crimson Tide has built a reputation for excellence, not only on the field but in preparing athletes for the professional level. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, these nine Alabama players have an opportunity to elevate their stock and solidify their futures as NFL athletes. Each one of them has the potential to make an immediate impact at the next level.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the nine former Alabama players invited to the NFL Combine, their college careers, their playing styles, and what they bring to the table as they prepare for the next step in their professional journeys.
### 1. **Bryce Young – Quarterback**
Bryce Young’s rise to prominence at Alabama has been nothing short of spectacular. After taking over as the starting quarterback in 2021, Young quickly established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in college football, winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy in his sophomore season. His poise, accuracy, and leadership on the field have set him apart from his peers, and he has proven to be a versatile and dynamic playmaker for the Crimson Tide.
Young’s NFL Combine invite comes as no surprise, as he is widely regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2025 draft class. Throughout his college career, Young showcased his ability to make all the necessary throws, whether it be deep passes, short-range darts, or improvisational plays under pressure. His football IQ is off the charts, and his understanding of Alabama’s complex offensive system helped him excel at the highest level of college football.
While Young’s size (listed at 6’0”, 194 pounds) has been a point of discussion among scouts, his ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and maintain composure in high-stakes situations has left little doubt about his NFL potential. Young’s leadership qualities and confidence will serve him well as he transitions to the professional game, and he is expected to be one of the first quarterbacks selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
### 2. **Will Anderson Jr. – Edge Rusher**
Will Anderson Jr. is another Alabama player whose invitation to the NFL Combine is widely anticipated. A standout edge rusher for the Crimson Tide, Anderson was one of the most disruptive forces in college football during his time at Alabama. He has been a consistent force on the defensive line, showcasing exceptional pass-rushing skills, explosive speed, and the ability to change the course of a game with a single play.
Anderson’s college career was nothing short of dominant. He recorded over 30 sacks and was consistently among the top players in college football in tackles for loss. He was named an All-American multiple times and earned numerous individual accolades, including SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors. His combination of strength, speed, and football IQ make him one of the top edge rusher prospects in the 2025 draft.
As an edge rusher, Anderson is capable of creating havoc in the backfield, whether through bull rushes, speed off the edge, or power moves that overwhelm blockers. His versatility to rush from both the outside and inside positions makes him a valuable asset for any NFL team in need of a disruptive pass rusher. Anderson’s raw talent and potential make him a near-lock for a top-five draft pick, and his performance at the Combine will only solidify his status as one of the draft’s top defensive prospects.
### 3. **Jahmyr Gibbs – Running Back**
Jahmyr Gibbs is one of the most electrifying running backs to come out of Alabama in recent years. A transfer from Georgia Tech, Gibbs quickly made his mark in his first season with the Crimson Tide, showcasing his rare blend of speed, vision, and receiving ability. As a dual-threat back, Gibbs has the ability to impact the game as both a runner and a receiver out of the backfield, making him an ideal candidate for today’s NFL, where versatility is key.
Gibbs possesses outstanding acceleration and burst, making him a threat to break off big plays at any moment. His ability to change direction quickly and maintain top speed allows him to elude defenders in the open field. He also possesses great hands as a receiver, with the ability to run complex routes and contribute to the passing game in addition to his rushing duties.
As he heads to the NFL Combine, Gibbs is widely regarded as one of the top running back prospects. His athleticism, combined with his ability to impact the game in multiple ways, makes him an exciting option for teams looking for a dynamic playmaker in their backfield. With the Combine offering an opportunity for Gibbs to showcase his speed, agility, and overall athleticism, he could further solidify his place as one of the top running backs in the draft.
### 4. **Eli Ricks – Cornerback**
Eli Ricks came to Alabama as one of the top cornerback prospects in the country, and he lived up to the hype during his time with the Crimson Tide. Known for his length, ball skills, and ability to shut down top receivers, Ricks quickly became a key figure in Alabama’s secondary. A transfer from LSU, Ricks brought with him a wealth of experience and demonstrated why he’s regarded as one of the top cornerbacks in the 2025 draft class.
Ricks’ ability to read the quarterback and anticipate routes makes him a dangerous player on the field. His length allows him to contest passes effectively, and he has the ball skills to make plays on the ball in the air. At Alabama, Ricks was a shutdown corner, often tasked with taking away the opposition’s best wide receiver. His combination of size, speed, and coverage ability will make him a highly sought-after prospect in the draft.
At the NFL Combine, Ricks will look to display his speed and agility in coverage drills, showcasing his ability to keep up with fast and dynamic NFL receivers. He is expected to be one of the top cornerbacks selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, and his performance at the Combine could go a long way in determining his draft stock.
### 5. **Brian Branch – Safety**
Brian Branch is a versatile safety who played a key role in Alabama’s defense during his time with the program. Known for his ability to play both in the box and deep in coverage, Branch’s football IQ and ability to read the game allowed him to excel in a variety of roles. He was often asked to cover slot receivers, play near the line of scrimmage, and serve as a reliable tackler, all while maintaining strong coverage skills in the secondary.
Branch’s ability to impact the game in multiple facets has made him a valuable asset to NFL teams, as his versatility is highly coveted in today’s defensive schemes. Whether he’s playing deep in coverage or contributing to the run defense, Branch can do it all. His intelligence and leadership make him a strong candidate for a starting role in the NFL, and his Combine performance will be closely watched by scouts looking to assess his athleticism and fluidity in coverage.
### 6. **Tyler Steen – Offensive Tackle**
Tyler Steen is one of the top offensive linemen in the 2025 draft class, and his invitation to the NFL Combine reflects his potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL. A transfer from Vanderbilt, Steen quickly became one of Alabama’s most reliable offensive linemen, using his experience and physicality to dominate in the SEC. Known for his strength, technique, and ability to move defenders off the ball, Steen has the potential to be a cornerstone of an NFL offensive line.
His combination of size, footwork, and strength make him an ideal candidate for teams looking to bolster their offensive line. As an experienced tackle, Steen will look to showcase his athleticism, pass protection skills, and run-blocking ability during the Combine, and he has the potential to be one of the top offensive linemen selected in the draft.
### 7. **Henry To’o To’o – Linebacker**
Henry To’o To’o is a linebacker who combines great instincts, leadership, and athleticism to make plays all over the field. During his time at Alabama, he was known for his ability to read offenses, diagnose plays, and make key tackles in crucial situations. To’o To’o was a mainstay in the middle of Alabama’s defense, and his leadership and playmaking ability made him a key asset for the Crimson Tide.
His ability to cover in pass defense, stop the run, and contribute in all phases of the game makes him a versatile linebacker prospect. To’o To’o’s high football IQ and work ethic will be key assets as he transitions to the NFL, and his performance at the Combine will be crucial in showcasing his athleticism and overall skill set.
### 8. **Jordan Battle – Safety**
Jordan Battle is another standout safety from Alabama’s defense who received an invite to the NFL Combine. Known for his leadership and ability to make plays in the secondary, Battle’s physicality and football IQ have made him one of the top defensive backs in the country. He is a strong tackler and has excellent coverage skills, making him a versatile piece in Alabama’s defense. Battle’s leadership qualities, combined with his playmaking ability, make him an attractive option for NFL teams.
### 9. **Derrick Hall – Edge Rusher**
Derrick Hall rounds out the list of Alabama players invited to the NFL Combine. A physical and explosive pass rusher, Hall made an impact as an edge defender during his time at Alabama. His strength and ability to disrupt the quarterback make him an intriguing prospect, and he will look to showcase his skills and speed at the Combine.
