When NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. talks, the football world listens. And when he singles out a college football roster as one brimm ing with first-round talent, that program instantly finds itself under a national microscope. That’s exactly what happened when Kiper recently broke down Alabama’s 2025 roster and made it clear: the Crimson Tide have multiple future first-round NFL Draft picks waiting to explode this season. According to Kiper, the combination of elite-level talent, position versatility, and a program rooted in NFL-level development under both Nick Saban and now Kalen DeBoer is what makes Alabama the most draft-loaded team in college football heading into 2025.
Kiper’s analysis wasn’t just a surface-level endorsement—it was a deep dive into why Alabama continues to dominate the NFL Draft year after year, and why 2025 might be one of its most fruitful classes yet. “What separates Alabama,” Kiper noted, “isn’t just the five-star talent they recruit, it’s the way they mold them into pro-ready athletes. That hasn’t changed with DeBoer. The infrastructure, the culture, the expectation—that’s what keeps churning out first-rounders.”
The legendary draft guru pointed out several players who are poised to make their case as first-round selections next April. Among them is standout edge rusher Dallas Turner, a physical specimen with explosive burst, elite hand usage, and the kind of speed that NFL scouts drool over. Turner, who has already been compared to former Alabama and current NFL stars like Will Anderson Jr., has all the tools to be a top-10 pick.
Kiper also highlighted cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, another projected first-rounder who brings both lockdown coverage skills and a high football IQ to the field. McKinstry has been a starter since his freshman year and has consistently improved every season. “You don’t find many corners who can play man, zone, and contribute on special teams at that level. That versatility is gold in today’s NFL,” Kiper emphasized.
But it doesn’t stop there. Alabama’s 2025 draft crop is deep, loaded with future pros across both sides of the ball. Offensive tackle JC Latham was another name Kiper couldn’t ignore. A massive presence on the line with elite footwork and functional strength, Latham has been a rock for the Tide’s offensive front. “He’s got everything you want in a blindside protector—size, length, balance, and experience against top-tier competition,” said Kiper.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond is another breakout candidate. Though he hasn’t fully emerged on the national radar yet, Kiper sees Bond as a high-upside receiver with top-end speed, strong route-running ability, and soft hands. Bond is expected to be a featured weapon in DeBoer’s offensive scheme, which could catapult his stock even higher in the eyes of NFL general managers.
Kiper’s praise extends beyond individuals—it’s about how the program molds its players. Even under a new head coach, Alabama’s machine-like development process hasn’t slowed. “DeBoer inherited a culture of winning and NFL readiness,” Kiper said. “And from everything I’ve seen, he’s not only maintaining that standard—he’s innovating within it.”
Part of what makes Alabama such a breeding ground for first-round talent is the structure of its football operations. The Crimson Tide boasts one of the most robust support systems in college football, with NFL-style film study, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and position-specific coaching. It’s a professional environment disguised as a college program. That reality prepares players for the leap to the league better than any other school.
Defensively, Alabama is stacked with NFL-level talent. Linebackers like Deontae Lawson and Jihaad Campbell offer sideline-to-sideline speed, football intelligence, and aggressive tackling—a linebacker profile that NFL teams crave. Kiper pointed out that both could easily rise into first-round territory with standout seasons.
On the defensive line, the emergence of young players like James Smith and Damon Payne has created even more intrigue for scouts. While not every name is currently projected to be selected on day one, Alabama’s player development often vaults second-day prospects into first-round status by season’s end.
In the secondary, in addition to McKinstry, Malachi Moore stands out as a versatile hybrid defensive back with the ability to cover slots, blitz off the edge, and serve as the quarterback of the secondary. Kiper called Moore “one of the most intelligent DBs in the country.”
The offensive side of the ball is just as stacked. Quarterback Jalen Milroe has made major strides in accuracy, decision-making, and pocket presence. While he’s not universally projected as a first-round pick yet, his tools—especially his arm strength and athleticism—have Kiper watching closely. “If Milroe puts it all together this year, he could easily shoot into that top 32. He’s that talented,” Kiper remarked.
At running back, Jam Miller has turned heads with his power-speed combo. While the NFL has shifted away from first-round backs in recent years, an elite year could change that narrative. “If you’re explosive, can catch the football, and protect the quarterback—there’s still room in round one,” said Kiper. “Miller checks a lot of those boxes.”
Tight end Amari Niblack is another name that scouts are watching. With his size, athleticism, and pass-catching prowess, he’s a matchup nightmare—too fast for linebackers, too big for safeties. “He’s a new-age tight end,” Kiper said, “the kind you build your passing game around.”
It’s not just the draft-eligible juniors and seniors who have NFL eyes on them. True sophomores like Caleb Downs—already considered one of the best safeties in the country—are beginning to look like future top-10 picks. While they won’t be eligible until 2026, Kiper noted that the talent pipeline in Tuscaloosa continues to overflow.
Kiper also acknowledged the importance of Alabama’s track record in the NFL Draft. Since 2010, no program has produced more first-round picks than the Crimson Tide. That legacy influences current players and attracts top recruits every cycle. “Recruits don’t just come to Alabama to win titles. They come here because they know it’s the best path to the league,” Kiper explained.
Under DeBoer, that path remains intact. The former Washington coach has not only embraced the pro pipeline mentality—he’s enhancing it. With an offensive mind that’s known for creativity and quarterback development, DeBoer’s system is designed to showcase talent. “That’s what NFL evaluators want to see,” said Kiper. “Can you run a pro-style offense? Can you adjust on the fly? Alabama under DeBoer is going to answer a lot of those questions.”
Perhaps the most impressive part of Kiper’s analysis was the sheer number of Alabama players he believes have first-round potential. “We’re not just talking about two or three guys,” he said. “There are at least six to eight players on this roster who could hear their name called on day one. That’s rare. That’s special. That’s Alabama.”
Indeed, Alabama’s 2025 roster might go down as one of the most NFL-ready units in recent memory. It’s a reflection of years of elite recruiting, high-level coaching, and a relentless commitment to excellence. And while Nick Saban’s departure marked the end of an era, the program he built is clearly still operating at a championship—and first-round—standard.
Kiper summed it up best: “When I look at Alabama, I don’t just see a college football team. I see an NFL factory. And 2025 might be one of its most productive batches yet.”
