Assessing Alabama’s prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Alabama Crimson Tide football once again stands at the forefront of college football’s elite programs, producing a wave of talent that is set to dominate the professional ranks. Over the course of Nick Saban’s tenure as head coach, Alabama has consistently churned out NFL prospects, and 2025 will be no different. With a combination of seasoned veterans, up-and-coming stars, and highly touted recruits, Alabama’s 2025 NFL Draft prospects are expected to showcase a variety of talents across multiple positions. This article takes an in-depth look at some of the key Alabama players who are poised to hear their names called during the 2025 NFL Draft, breaking down their strengths, projected draft positions, and what teams can expect from them at the next level.
1. Jalen Milroe – Quarterback
The most intriguing NFL Draft prospect from Alabama heading into 2025 is undoubtedly Jalen Milroe, the dual-threat quarterback who is expected to be one of the first quarterbacks selected. While his 2024 season was one of growth and development, Milroe’s athleticism, arm strength, and ability to make plays with his legs have already garnered significant attention from scouts and analysts. He has the physical tools that NFL teams crave, with a big arm, speed, and the ability to extend plays with his legs. His upside is tremendous, but his ability to refine his decision-making and consistency in the passing game will be key in determining his draft stock.
Milroe has flashed at times during his career, but his development as a passer will be scrutinized during the lead-up to the draft. He possesses a strong arm, capable of making every throw in the playbook, but his accuracy and ability to read defenses remain areas of improvement. Milroe’s mobility and elusiveness as a runner make him a dangerous weapon in the open field, a trait that will likely appeal to NFL teams looking for a dynamic quarterback capable of operating in both traditional pocket-passing situations and on the move.
While Milroe may not be in the top tier of quarterbacks in the 2025 class, he has the tools to be a first-round pick if he demonstrates the ability to lead a high-powered offense and refine his mechanics. Expect Milroe to be a player who will intrigue NFL teams looking for a high-ceiling quarterback, potentially in the middle of the first round.
2. Dallas Turner – Edge Rusher
Dallas Turner, a dynamic edge rusher, has quickly become one of the premier defensive players in the 2025 NFL Draft class. Turner has been a terror off the edge for Alabama’s defense since his freshman year, showcasing a relentless motor, excellent speed, and an impressive ability to rush the passer. His frame, standing at 6’4” and weighing 250 pounds, allows him to be a versatile pass rusher capable of winning both with speed and power.
Turner’s pass-rush technique and ability to disrupt the quarterback have earned him comparisons to some of the top defensive players in the NFL. With an innate ability to find the football and wreak havoc on opposing offenses, Turner’s combination of explosiveness and bend around the edge will make him a highly coveted prospect. Scouts will be keeping an eye on his ability to refine his pass-rush moves and develop more counterattacks to become a more complete player at the NFL level.
Projected to be a first-round pick, Turner has a high ceiling in the league as a potential NFL starting edge rusher who can contribute immediately. With NFL teams looking for playmakers on defense, Turner is expected to be one of the top defensive prospects in the draft and could even crack the top 10 if he continues to perform at a high level in 2024.
3. Kool-Aid McKinstry – Cornerback
Kool-Aid McKinstry has been one of Alabama’s standout defenders, earning praise as one of the top cornerbacks in college football. McKinstry has excellent ball skills, instincts, and physicality, allowing him to thrive both in man-to-man coverage and in zone schemes. His size, 6’1” and 195 pounds, combined with his ability to read quarterbacks and disrupt passing lanes, make him a prototypical NFL cornerback with the versatility to handle a variety of matchups.
One of McKinstry’s key strengths is his fluidity and ability to stay in phase with receivers, even when they try to change directions. His aggressive style of play makes him a factor in both the passing game and the run game, showing an eagerness to support his teammates on short-yardage situations. McKinstry has excellent hands and is capable of picking off passes or deflecting them at the line of scrimmage. His work ethic and ability to compete in the SEC have solidified him as one of the top cornerbacks in the nation.
McKinstry’s projected draft range is likely to be in the top 20 picks, with the possibility of him becoming a cornerback one for an NFL team. His physicality, skill set, and leadership traits make him a player who could make an immediate impact in the NFL as a starting cornerback. Teams looking for a playmaking cornerback to lock down top receivers will likely see McKinstry as a top target in the 2025 draft.
4. Jase McClellan – Running Back
The running back position has seen a decline in its early-round draft value in recent years, but that has not stopped Jase McClellan from being one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. McClellan, who has served as the primary running back for Alabama since 2023, has shown that he possesses the ability to make plays both as a runner and as a pass-catcher. His combination of vision, balance, and explosiveness has made him one of the most complete running backs in the country.
McClellan stands at 6’0” and weighs 215 pounds, making him a physical runner who can take the punishment at the next level. His ability to break tackles and gain extra yardage after contact is an asset that NFL teams will value. Moreover, McClellan is a reliable option in the passing game, capable of catching passes out of the backfield and making defenders miss in the open field.
While McClellan may not have the elite explosiveness of some other backs in the 2025 class, his versatility, pass-catching ability, and all-around skill set make him an intriguing option in the early-to-mid rounds of the draft. He projects as a potential RB2 for an NFL team, capable of contributing both as a runner and as a receiving option.
5. Jermaine Burton – Wide Receiver
Jermaine Burton, a transfer from Georgia, has emerged as one of Alabama’s top receiving threats, showcasing impressive skills in his time with the Tide. Burton possesses ideal size and speed for the wide receiver position, standing at 6’0” and weighing 200 pounds, with excellent acceleration and deep-threat ability. He’s become a reliable option for Jalen Milroe in the passing game, utilizing his speed to stretch the field and make big plays down the field.
Burton’s ability to gain separation with his quickness off the line of scrimmage and his savvy route-running make him a dangerous asset at the NFL level. He’s displayed a knack for making highlight-reel catches and can contribute both as an outside receiver and in the slot. As a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands, Burton’s value lies in his ability to turn short throws into explosive gains.
Scouts will be paying close attention to Burton’s ability to continue developing his route tree and refine his consistency in contested catches. He is expected to be a mid-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but his upside as a playmaking wide receiver makes him a potential steal for a team in need of a versatile, explosive option on offense.
6. Byron Young – Defensive Tackle
Byron Young is another name to watch in the 2025 NFL Draft, as the defensive tackle has emerged as one of the most disruptive forces on Alabama’s defensive line. Standing at 6’3” and weighing 310 pounds, Young combines size, strength, and athleticism to clog up running lanes and collapse the pocket. His ability to win at the line of scrimmage and get after the quarterback makes him a valuable asset to NFL teams in need of a stout defensive interior player.
Young’s ability to contribute against both the run and the pass gives him versatility and value across different defensive schemes. His quickness and motor allow him to outwork blockers and create havoc in the trenches. Projected to be a late-first-round or early-second-round pick, Young could develop into a force in the NFL defensive interior.
