By Loveth 
NFL Draft expert Todd McShay is already looking ahead to 2026, and he’s got some high hopes for Alabama. In his first way-too-early mock draft, McShay has four Alabama players going in the first round—more than any other early projection out there right now.
Here’s who he’s got:
#12 WR Germie Bernard – Seattle Seahawks
#15 LB Deontae Lawson – Arizona Cardinals
#16 CB Domani Jackson – Pittsburgh Steelers
#23 OT Kadyn Proctor – San Francisco 49ers
That list includes some surprises. Most mock drafts so far only have Proctor and maybe LT Overton as first-rounders. McShay doesn’t even include Overton, and instead puts Proctor as Alabama’s fourth guy off the board.
Bernard at #12 is eye-catching, especially since it could reunite him in Seattle with Jalen Milroe. Lawson is a great player, but with his injury history and the fact that linebacker isn’t considered a premium draft position, going top 15 would be a big leap. If he plays well enough to make that happen, though, it probably means Alabama’s defense is going to be scary good.
Domani Jackson also gets some love here, and rightfully so—he had a big season in 2024 and looks like one of the top corners going into next year.
Last time Bama had four or more guys go in the first round? That was back in 2021, right after their national title. They had six first-rounders that year. If McShay’s right, this 2025 team could be just as stacked.
And keep in mind, his list doesn’t even include other big names like Overton, Parker Brailsford, Qua Russaw, James Smith, or Keon Sabb. Bottom line? Alabama’s going to be absolutely loaded in 2025, and a serious threat for another national championship run.
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