Tuscaloosa, AL — June 9, 2025 — It may be early, but the NFL Draft buzz is already heating up — and once again, Alabama football is at the heart of it.
In the latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft released by CBS Sports’ respected draft analyst Ryan Wilson, two Crimson Tide players are projected as first-round picks, continuing the program’s long-standing tradition of producing elite NFL talent.
But that’s not all — Wilson also delivered a bold statement that could ignite excitement across Tide Nation.
“Alabama is reloading faster than expected under Kalen DeBoer,” Wilson wrote. “They could easily have four to five guys rise into Round 1 consideration by season’s end.”
Let’s break it down.
🏈 The Projected First-Rounders
According to CBS Sports, the two Bama players mocked in the early first round are:
🔹 1. LT Kadyn Proctor
- Projected Pick: No. 6 overall
- Team: New England Patriots
- The Take: Proctor’s return to Tuscaloosa after briefly transferring to Iowa paid off. His size, footwork, and NFL-ready frame make him one of the safest bets at offensive tackle in the draft class.
“He’s a plug-and-play blindside protector,” Wilson said. “One of the few O-linemen who looks like a franchise cornerstone.”
🔹 2. WR Ryan Williams
- Projected Pick: No. 12 overall
- Team: Green Bay Packers
- The Take: The explosive sophomore wideout is already turning heads nationally. His crisp route running, breakaway speed, and high IQ make him one of the most polished receivers in the 2026 pool.
“He’s got future WR1 written all over him,” the CBS Sports expert added. “Think Garrett Wilson or Devonta Smith.”
🧠 Analyst’s Bold Prediction: “More Are Coming”
Wilson didn’t stop at those two. He teased that Alabama could double that number by the time April rolls around.
Potential risers include:
- LB Jihaad Campbell – High motor and sideline-to-sideline range.
- DL James Smith – Breakout candidate after a strong spring.
- CB Jahlil Hurley – If he locks in this season, his draft stock could skyrocket.
- QB Austin Mack – Not yet first-round talk, but rising fast if he wins the job and performs.
“Bama’s depth is ridiculous again,” Wilson said. “If they reach the CFP, several juniors could declare and jump boards fast.”
🧨 NFL Scouts Are Watching Closely
An NFC scout quoted anonymously by The Draft Room Report confirmed the sentiment:
“Every year it’s the same — you circle Alabama’s roster. You know you’re drafting from there. Williams and Proctor are just the tip of the iceberg.”
This mock draft comes as Alabama prepares for its first full season under head coach Kalen DeBoer, who’s already proving he can recruit and develop NFL talent at a high level.
📣 Crimson Tide Fans React
As expected, the early mock generated a tidal wave of fan response:
- @TideTillIFlatline: “Ryan Williams at 12? He’s WR1 all day. CBS sleeping!”
- @NextGenTide: “Proctor going Top 10 makes sense. He’s a wall. No one’s getting by him.”
- @DraftJunkie404: “Bama’s about to own the first round again. Reload and repeat.”
🔍 What It Means for Alabama’s 2025 Season
With two projected first-rounders — and more in the mix — Alabama enters the 2025 season with NFL-caliber leadership across the board. This kind of draft attention also helps:
- 🔥 Recruiting momentum: High school stars want to see that path to the league.
- 💼 Program credibility: DeBoer’s first full cycle is already turning heads.
- 🏆 Championship mindset: NFL-bound talent fuels locker room standards.
📌 Final Take: Bama’s NFL Machine Rolls On
Alabama has produced 44 first-round NFL Draft picks since 2009 — and it doesn’t look like that pace is slowing anytime soon. If Ryan Wilson’s mock holds true, the 2026 Draft could be another banner year for the Crimson Tide.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on players like Ryan Williams and Kadyn Proctor — not just for Saturdays in the SEC, but for prime-time spots on NFL Draft night.
Leave a Reply