There have been plenty of way-too-early mock drafts published in the week since the 2025 NFL Draft wrapped up. None of them have been as bullish on Alabama as the one Todd McShay published to X on Monday.
McShay is one of the most well-known NFL Draft gurus. He spent years arguing with Mel Kiper on ESPN before moving over to The Ringer. His opinion on the draft holds merit. And if his opinion is any foreshadowing, the 2026 NFL Draft is going to be Alabama heavy. And that means the 2025 season is going to feature an extremely talented team in Tuscaloosa.
🏈My 2026 Way-Too-Early Mock Draft! Get the full story available on The McShay Report. 👉🏼 https://t.co/i0tFbov69w pic.twitter.com/jsBWBa06dG
— Todd McShay (@McShay13) May 5, 2025
McShay has four Alabama players in the 1st Round, including a couple of surprises:
No. 12: WR Germie Bernard (Seattle Seahawks)
No. 15: LB Deontae Lawson (Arizona Cardinals)
No. 16: CB Domani Jackson (Pittsburgh Steelers)
No. 23: OT Kadyn Proctor (San Francisco 49ers)
McShay's mock is unequivocally his. It's different than any other mock I've seen so far. The consensus has been that Alabama has two 1st Round prospects at the moment: Proctor and DE LT Overton. McShay doesn't have Overton in the first 32 picks and has Proctor as the Crimson Tide's 4th overall pick.
Germie Bernard at No. 12 is interesting. McShay is clearly high on him. This would be a reunion in Seattle with Jalen Milroe.
Deonte Lawson is undeniably one of the most talented linebackers in the country, but with two major injuries to his name, going in the Top 15 at a non-premium position is probably a stretch. But if he plays that well this season to warrant it, it probably means the Crimson Tide has one of the best defenses in the nation.
It's nice to see Domani Jackson getting some love from someone. He had an outstanding year for Alabama in 2024 and is poised to be one of the top corners in the country next season. He has all the tools to be a high NFL Draft pick.
The last time Alabama had four or more 1st Round draft picks was 2021
The last time Alabama had four or more 1st Round draft picks was 2021, coming off of a national championship.
The 2021 draft produced a record six 1st Round picks for the Crimson Tide.
McShay seems to be believe this Alabama team has the potential to produce that many picks. He has four, and that's not including players such as Overton, Parker Brailsford, Qua Russaw, James Smith, or Keon Sabb.
Alabama will be extremely talented in 2025. They should get back to the College Football Playoff and be a legitimate contender to win the National Championship.