Will Alabama football have a first round 2025 NFL draft pick? Latest mocks before NFL combine

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, one of the most important storylines in college football revolves around which Alabama football players will be selected in the first round. The Crimson Tide have long been one of the most dominant programs in the nation, consistently churning out top-tier talent that transitions seamlessly to the NFL. In the past decade alone, Alabama has produced numerous first-round picks, with Nick Saban’s program firmly entrenched in the minds of NFL scouts and general managers.

But with the 2025 NFL Draft just around the corner, the question remains: will Alabama have a first-round pick this year? While there is no definitive answer yet, several players from the Crimson Tide roster have made a compelling case for inclusion in the first round of this year’s draft. As the NFL Combine nears, the final evaluations of these players will begin, and the competition for coveted spots in the first round will intensify.

Here’s a breakdown of Alabama’s top prospects and their chances of being selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Tide’s Top Candidates for the First Round

1. Jermaine Burton (WR)

Alabama’s receiving corps has consistently been one of the most productive in the SEC, and Jermaine Burton has emerged as one of the top wide receivers for the Crimson Tide heading into the 2025 draft. Burton, who transferred to Alabama from Georgia prior to the 2023 season, made an immediate impact with his explosive playmaking ability.

Burton is a dynamic wide receiver who has the ability to stretch the field and make big plays. His speed, quickness, and ability to create separation from defenders make him a top prospect in the eyes of NFL scouts. Throughout the 2024 season, Burton has shown impressive route-running skills, fantastic ball tracking, and great hands to secure contested catches. His performances have drawn attention from NFL scouts, particularly those looking for a wideout who can thrive in a vertical offense.

As of early 2025, Burton has a legitimate shot at being selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. The main question surrounding his draft stock is whether he will be able to showcase his skills at the NFL Combine and solidify his position as one of the top wide receivers available. If Burton impresses in drills, interviews, and his performance at Alabama’s Pro Day, there is a very real possibility that he could hear his name called on the first night of the 2025 draft.

2. Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB)

Kool-Aid McKinstry has been one of the top cornerbacks in college football over the past few seasons, and the 2025 NFL Draft represents a potential opportunity for him to shine. A standout in the Alabama secondary, McKinstry has displayed excellent ball skills, closing speed, and the ability to make key plays when his team needs them most. Known for his fluidity in coverage and his ability to shadow top receivers, McKinstry is regarded as one of the top cornerbacks in the 2025 draft class.

McKinstry’s combination of size (standing at 6 feet tall) and athleticism gives him the tools to thrive in both man-to-man and zone coverage schemes, making him a versatile prospect for NFL teams. He has been a lockdown corner for Alabama, and scouts believe he possesses the traits that could make him an immediate impact player at the next level. With the increasing importance of defensive backs in the modern NFL, McKinstry’s ability to cover both outside receivers and slot players makes him a prime candidate for a first-round selection.

Currently, McKinstry is projected to be one of the top cornerbacks in the 2025 class. The NFL Combine will be crucial for McKinstry, as it will give him the chance to showcase his athleticism, agility, and reaction time, which will likely boost his draft stock. Given the value of elite cornerbacks in today’s NFL, McKinstry is in a good position to be a first-round pick if he performs well during the combine and Pro Day.

3. J.C. Latham (OT)

J.C. Latham is widely regarded as one of the top offensive tackle prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. A former five-star recruit, Latham has developed into one of the most consistent and dominant offensive linemen in college football. His combination of size (standing at 6’6″ and weighing around 325 pounds), strength, and agility make him a prototypical NFL offensive tackle.

Latham has been a mainstay on the Alabama offensive line, protecting quarterbacks and paving the way for the team’s rushing attack. His quick feet and strong hands allow him to dominate defenders both in the run game and pass protection. Throughout the 2024 season, Latham showed his elite ability to block against some of the best edge rushers in college football, and his NFL prospects are incredibly high.

At the NFL Combine, Latham will likely be one of the most anticipated players to watch. His performance in the 40-yard dash, bench press, and other drills will be closely scrutinized by NFL teams. If Latham performs well, it is very likely that he will be one of the first offensive tackles taken in the 2025 draft, with a strong chance of being selected in the first round.

4. Dallas Turner (OLB)

Dallas Turner is another top prospect from Alabama’s defense who could hear his name called in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. As a standout linebacker and edge rusher, Turner has the potential to be one of the most impactful defensive players in the draft class. He has been a consistent playmaker for Alabama, using his athleticism, quickness, and pass-rushing ability to disrupt opposing offenses.

Turner’s versatility as both an outside linebacker and edge rusher makes him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams that value pass-rushing specialists. His ability to change the game with his speed and explosiveness off the edge has made him one of the top defensive players to watch in the 2025 draft class.

NFL scouts are eager to see how Turner performs at the NFL Combine, especially in the 40-yard dash and other agility drills. If he demonstrates his ability to bend around the edge and create consistent pressure on the quarterback, Turner could solidify his place as one of the top pass rushers in the draft, potentially pushing him into the first round.

5. Jahmyr Gibbs (RB)

Jahmyr Gibbs, a dynamic running back who transferred to Alabama from Georgia Tech, has proven himself to be one of the most explosive playmakers in college football. With his combination of speed, vision, and receiving ability, Gibbs has the tools to be a versatile weapon at the next level. His performance at Alabama has only increased his draft stock, and he is now considered one of the top running back prospects in the 2025 class.

Gibbs is an elusive back with elite speed, and he can make defenders miss in the open field. He also has the ability to catch passes out of the backfield, making him a threat both as a rusher and as a receiver. NFL teams that prioritize dual-threat running backs are likely to target Gibbs in the first round, especially with the rise of passing offenses that use running backs as additional weapons in the passing game.

If Gibbs performs well in the NFL Combine, particularly in the shuttle drills and receiving tests, he could position himself as one of the top running backs in the draft. His skill set makes him an attractive option for NFL teams in need of a versatile, fast, and dynamic back.

The Verdict: Will Alabama Have a First-Round Pick?

As of the latest NFL mock drafts before the combine, several Alabama players are projected to be first-round picks. The most likely candidates are Jermaine Burton, Kool-Aid McKinstry, J.C. Latham, Dallas Turner, and Jahmyr Gibbs. However, the outcome will depend heavily on their performances at the NFL Combine, individual workouts, and Pro Day. The NFL is a league that highly values athleticism, and the combine is a critical platform for players to showcase their abilities.

In summary, Alabama football is primed to continue its streak of producing first-round NFL talent in 2025. Whether the Crimson Tide will have a first-round pick depends on how these top prospects perform leading up to the draft, but it is clear that Alabama’s recruiting prowess and development under Nick Saban will ensure that the team is well-represented in the 2025 NFL Draft. If Alabama’s draft prospects continue to perform at the highest level, it’s all but guaranteed that the Tide will add to their long list of first-round selections.