Five Alabama Players Land Spots on 2026 NFL Draft Big Board.
Alabama football’s pipeline to the NFL remains one of the most prolific in college football, and that tradition shows no signs of slowing down as five Crimson Tide players have already cemented spots on early 2026 NFL Draft big boards. Despite entering a new era without legendary coach Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide continues to produce top-tier talent capable of making an immediate impact at the next level. The 2026 class is shaping up to be yet another testament to Alabama’s ability to develop elite athletes. These five players have not only caught the attention of scouts and analysts but also emerged as leaders for a team aiming to reclaim its spot atop the college football world.
Among those projected to be early picks in 2026 is edge rusher Keon Keeley, a former five-star recruit who has rapidly evolved into one of the most feared defenders in the SEC. Keeley, who arrived in Tuscaloosa as one of the crown jewels of the 2023 recruiting class, used his freshman and sophomore years to gain valuable experience while flashing signs of dominance. Now, heading into his junior season, the 6-foot-6, 265-pound defensive end is expected to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. His blend of size, speed, and technique has draft evaluators already likening him to past Alabama greats like Will Anderson Jr. and Rashaan Evans. Keeley’s ability to both rush the passer and set the edge against the run makes him a complete prospect, one that NFL general managers are already circling on their boards.
Another standout player who has found his way onto the 2026 draft radar is offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor. After transferring back to Alabama following a brief stint at Iowa, Proctor recommitted himself to excellence under the guidance of new head coach Kalen DeBoer and offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic. A mammoth presence at 6-foot-7 and over 330 pounds, Proctor has the kind of rare movement skills that NFL teams covet in left tackles. His footwork, hand placement, and ability to anchor against power rushers have all improved dramatically since his freshman year. Scouts view him as a potential top-10 pick, with comparisons being drawn to former Alabama linemen like Cam Robinson and Jedrick Wills Jr. With another year of starting experience, Proctor could solidify himself as one of the first offensive linemen off the board in 2026.
Wide receiver Jalen Hale is also turning heads as he continues his rise in Alabama’s ever-competitive receiving room. Hale, a dynamic playmaker with the ability to stretch the field and make contested catches, came into his own during the 2024 season and is now poised for a breakout year. At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, he combines smooth route-running with strong hands and explosive speed. Hale has shown a knack for finding soft spots in zone coverage and has the body control to win in tight man situations. NFL teams are taking notice of his versatility and reliability, and he’s projected as a Day 1 or early Day 2 pick depending on how his junior campaign unfolds. Hale’s development is reminiscent of other Alabama receivers who transitioned to the NFL seamlessly, such as Jerry Jeudy and Calvin Ridley.
Linebacker Jihaad Campbell is another name that’s generating significant buzz among NFL scouts. A former top-50 recruit, Campbell has grown into one of the leaders of Alabama’s defense. His instincts, lateral quickness, and ability to cover tight ends and running backs out of the backfield make him an ideal modern linebacker. What makes Campbell stand out even more is his football IQ and his relentless motor. Coaches praise his leadership on and off the field, and teammates feed off his energy. At 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, he has the ideal frame for the next level and has drawn favorable comparisons to players like Roquan Smith and Devin White. With a strong 2025 season, Campbell could find himself climbing even higher on draft boards, potentially cracking the top 15.
Rounding out the group of Alabama players on the 2026 big board is safety Caleb Downs, who many believe could be the best safety prospect in several years. Downs made an immediate impact as a true freshman, showing poise, awareness, and athleticism well beyond his years. Since then, he has only gotten better, anchoring the secondary and becoming a vocal leader for the defense. Downs possesses elite range, strong tackling ability, and the versatility to play deep coverage or roll down into the box. He’s the kind of chess piece that defensive coordinators love to build around, and his playstyle draws comparisons to players like Minkah Fitzpatrick and Derwin James. With two seasons of high-level SEC production under his belt, Downs enters the 2025 season as a near-lock to be a first-round selection.
These five players represent just a snapshot of the immense talent Alabama continues to send to the NFL. Each one brings a unique skill set to the table, and together they form the core of a Crimson Tide team determined to restore its dominance under a new regime. What’s perhaps most impressive is how they’ve developed amid significant transition in Tuscaloosa. The departure of Saban brought uncertainty, but the emergence of these draft prospects shows that the program’s foundation remains rock solid.
What makes Alabama different from many other programs is not just the talent it brings in, but how it develops that talent. Strength and conditioning, attention to detail, and the fierce level of competition at every position mean that players are always being pushed to improve. For guys like Keeley, Proctor, Hale, Campbell, and Downs, that environment has prepared them not just to thrive in college but to transition seamlessly into the NFL. Scouts frequently mention Alabama players as some of the most “pro-ready” athletes available each year, and it’s easy to see why when watching these five operate on the field.
The 2026 NFL Draft may still be months away, but early projections and evaluations are already taking shape. Front offices are doing their homework, and it’s no surprise that Alabama names are populating the top of their lists. These five players are likely to be featured prominently during the 2025 college football season, not just because of their NFL potential, but because they are the cornerstones of a team aiming for another College Football Playoff run.
There’s also something to be said about how Alabama’s culture breeds accountability and professionalism—traits that NFL teams value just as much as speed and strength. Coaches around the league know that when they draft a player from Alabama, they’re getting someone who understands what it takes to win, how to handle adversity, and how to prepare like a pro. That reputation continues to help players like those mentioned stand out in crowded draft classes.
As the season approaches, it will be fascinating to watch how each of these five players performs under the spotlight. With NFL scouts attending practices and games, every rep matters. For Keeley, it’s about showing he can be a dominant every-down force. For Proctor, proving he can neutralize elite pass rushers week after week. For Hale, consistency and explosiveness will be key. Campbell will need to continue making impact plays and leading the defense, while Downs will be tasked with once again serving as the last line of defense against some of the nation’s best offenses.
There’s no guarantee in the world of the NFL Draft, and plenty can change between now and April 2026. Injuries, unexpected performances, and off-the-field evaluations all play a role. But as it stands now, Alabama’s top prospects are in an excellent position to hear their names called early, continuing the Crimson Tide’s long-standing tradition of excellence and NFL dominance.
Even with a new coaching staff and some fresh philosophies, the essence of Alabama football hasn’t changed. The Crimson Tide remain committed to excellence, and the development of these players shows that the program is still firing on all cylinders when it comes to preparing talent for the next level. NFL teams are watching closely, and come draft night in 2026, don’t be surprised if Alabama once again leads all schools in total selections—or even first-round picks. The legacy lives on through this next generation of stars who are ready to make their mark both in college and beyond.
