Where Will Alabama Football’s Top Prospects Go in the 2025 NFL Draft? Best-Case Scenarios

The University of Alabama has long been considered the gold standard in college football when it comes to producing NFL talent. From Heisman winners to first-round juggernauts, the Crimson Tide have flooded the league with blue-chip players under the Nick Saban era—and now the Kalen DeBoer era hopes to keep that momentum rolling.

With the 2025 NFL Draft looming, scouts and analysts are already drooling over a handful of Alabama stars projected to hear their names early and often. Though it’s always impossible to perfectly predict how the draft will unfold, we can look at team needs, player skill sets, and combine performances to project where these Crimson Tide standouts might land in a best-case scenario.

Here’s a breakdown of Alabama’s top draft-eligible talent for 2025 and the best-case scenarios for where they might be selected.

1. LT Overton, EDGE – Top 10 Pick (Best Fit: Washington Commanders, No. 6 overall)

LT Overton has blossomed into one of the most dominant edge rushers in the country. After transferring from Texas A&M and settling into a leadership role in Tuscaloosa, Overton’s production and intangibles are off the charts. He’s everything NFL teams want in a modern pass rusher—long, explosive, and relentless.

Best-case scenario: Overton lands with the Washington Commanders at No. 6 overall. Dan Quinn’s defensive-minded approach would allow Overton to be a center-piece in rebuilding a defense that lost Montez Sweat and Chase Young. Pairing Overton with a rising young core could anchor Washington’s pass rush for years.

2. Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB – Mid 1st Round (Best Fit: Indianapolis Colts, No. 15 overall)

Kool-Aid McKinstry came into Alabama as a 5-star phenom and leaves as one of the most polished cornerbacks in college football. He’s smart, sticky in coverage, and has the footwork to mirror elite route runners.

Best-case scenario: A team like the Colts grabs McKinstry at No. 15. With a young quarterback in Anthony Richardson already in place, Indianapolis can afford to bolster its defense. Kool-Aid would be a perfect complement to their secondary, which has lacked consistency against elite passing teams in the AFC.

3. Jalen Milroe, QB – Late 1st / Early 2nd Round (Best Fit: Atlanta Falcons, No. 26 overall via trade)

No Alabama player has raised his draft stock more than Jalen Milroe. After early inconsistency in 2023, Milroe refined his game and became one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. Under DeBoer’s offense, his decision-making and pocket presence have taken a leap.

Best-case scenario: The Falcons trade into the back end of the first round to snag Milroe. With Kirk Cousins on a short-term deal and a loaded offense, Atlanta can afford to let Milroe develop. The Atlanta native staying in his home state would also energize the fan base.

4. Malachi Moore, S – 2nd Round (Best Fit: Pittsburgh Steelers, No. 45 overall)

Moore has quietly put together a very consistent career at Alabama. He’s versatile enough to play nickel, strong safety, or even hybrid linebacker in sub-packages. While not the flashiest prospect, he’s the type of player who makes defenses better the moment he steps on the field.

Best-case scenario: Pittsburgh takes him early in the second round. Moore is a Mike Tomlin-type player—tough, smart, and unselfish. With the Steelers’ need for more consistent safety play, Moore would be a plug-and-play contributor.

5. Dallas Turner, EDGE – Late 1st Round (Best Fit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, No. 24 overall)

Yes, this might surprise some, but Dallas Turner’s draft stock has fluctuated due to inconsistent production and questions about his ability to hold the edge in run defense. But when he’s on, few pass rushers can bend and close like him.

Best-case scenario: Tampa Bay scoops him up in the back half of the first round. With Shaq Barrett aging and Todd Bowles always hungry for pass rushers, Turner can come in as a rotational player and work his way into a starting role.

6. Terrion Arnold, CB – Top 20 (Best Fit: Seattle Seahawks, No. 18 overall)

Terrion Arnold has physical tools and attitude that scream “shutdown corner.” He’s long, aggressive, and thrives in man coverage. While he can still improve his awareness in zone concepts, his ceiling is through the roof.

Best-case scenario: Pete Carroll may be gone, but the Seahawks still value physical corners. Arnold would be a Day 1 starter opposite Devon Witherspoon in Seattle’s evolving defense and could bring back Legion of Boom vibes.

7. Ja’Corey Brooks, WR – Early 3rd Round (Best Fit: Buffalo Bills, No. 70 overall)

Brooks hasn’t put up gaudy stats, but his size (6’2″) and contested-catch ability will catch the eye of teams looking for a reliable outside target. In a deep wide receiver class, Brooks could be a value pick on Day 2.

Best-case scenario: The Bills, who lost Gabe Davis in free agency, pick Brooks to help fill that void. With Josh Allen slinging the ball, Brooks could thrive as a red-zone threat and move-the-chains option.

8. Tim Smith, DT – 3rd Round (Best Fit: Detroit Lions, No. 76 overall)

Smith has anchored Alabama’s defensive line for years and is known for his run-stuffing prowess. He won’t wow with pass-rush numbers, but his ability to occupy blocks and collapse pockets makes him a valuable piece.

Best-case scenario: Detroit continues building its defensive identity by picking Smith in the third round. He’d rotate in with Alim McNeill and help solidify the trenches.

9. Roydell Williams, RB – 4th Round (Best Fit: Kansas City Chiefs, No. 122 overall)

Williams may not be the fastest or flashiest back, but he’s a grinder with good vision, soft hands, and underrated burst. He’d be a classic Day 3 steal.

Best-case scenario: The Chiefs grab him as a change-of-pace back. With Isiah Pacheco taking the brunt of the carries, Williams can provide reliable depth and fill the Jerick McKinnon role in KC’s high-powered offense.

10. Jermaine Burton, WR – 2nd Round (Best Fit: New Orleans Saints, No. 58 overall)

Burton’s character concerns and inconsistency in college might scare off some teams, but talent-wise, he’s a top-40 player. He’s a polished route-runner with good separation skills and vertical juice.

Best-case scenario: The Saints take a swing at Burton in the late second round. With Michael Thomas gone and Chris Olave drawing top coverage, Burton could thrive as a complementary playmaker in a dome setting.

Sleeper Watch:

Elijah Pritchett, OL – 5th Round (Best Fit: Miami Dolphins)

Pritchett is a raw but toolsy offensive lineman who could slide into the later rounds due to a lack of starting experience. Miami could use him as a developmental tackle behind Terron Armstead.

Deontae Lawson, LB – 3rd Round (Best Fit: New York Giants)

Lawson, when healthy, has the speed and instincts to be a three-down linebacker. If he tests well, his stock could rise. Wink Martindale’s blitz-heavy defense in New York could use Lawson’s range.

Could Alabama Lead the Draft Again?

Alabama’s NFL factory doesn’t appear to be slowing down under Kalen DeBoer. While 2025 might not feature a top-three overall pick like Bryce Young or Will Anderson Jr., the class is deep and versatile. From edge rushers to defensive backs to potential Day 2 offensive skill players, the Tide should once again be well-represented.

A realistic projection could see 8-10 Alabama players drafted, with 4-6 going in the top 100. If a few players have breakout seasons in 2024 and crush the Combine process, don’t be surprised if Alabama flirts with 12 total picks.

As always, the NFL is about fit just as much as talent. These best-case scenarios pair Alabama’s stars with teams that can help unlock their potential—just as the Crimson Tide did in Tuscaloosa.