5 Looming NFL Draft Decisions That Could Affect Alabama’s 2025 Roster…

As the Alabama Crimson Tide continues to dominate college football, the NFL Draft has become an inevitable part of the conversation surrounding the program. With Nick Saban at the helm, the team’s ability to develop top-tier NFL talent is unmatched. But every year, decisions from players about whether to declare for the draft or return for another season can have a ripple effect on the roster, shaping the team’s identity and depth for the following year. Heading into the 2025 season, five key NFL draft decisions could dramatically impact Alabama’s roster, its future in the SEC, and its prospects for another College Football Playoff run.

1. QB Jalen Milroe’s Decision: Return or Enter the Draft?

Jalen Milroe, Alabama’s dynamic quarterback, has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career. His dual-threat ability, combining powerful runs and arm strength, makes him one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in college football. However, Milroe’s consistency and decision-making have been a point of debate, especially with the increasing competition at the quarterback position.

What’s at stake?
If Milroe decides to enter the 2024 NFL Draft, Alabama could face a significant transition at quarterback in 2025. With a quarterback competition likely to arise between players like Ty Simpson and incoming recruits, Milroe’s departure would place immediate pressure on Alabama’s offense to adapt to a new leader. However, if Milroe opts to return for a fifth year, it would provide stability to the offense and allow the team to build around his skills as a senior leader, giving the Crimson Tide a potent weapon under center.

NFL Implications:
NFL scouts have been paying close attention to Milroe’s development. A strong 2024 season, coupled with improved passing efficiency, could push him into the draft conversation. But if he chooses to return, he could further develop his game and increase his draft stock for 2025. Regardless of his decision, the quarterback position will remain pivotal for Alabama’s 2025 campaign.

2. Edge Rusher Dallas Turner: Go Pro or Return to Tuscaloosa?

Dallas Turner has been one of the premier pass rushers for Alabama over the past two seasons. With his blend of size, athleticism, and a relentless motor, Turner is poised to be a first-round pick in the NFL Draft. Scouts have raved about his ability to disrupt offenses and pressure quarterbacks, making him one of the top edge rusher prospects in college football.

What’s at stake?
Turner’s decision to enter the 2024 NFL Draft or return for another season could significantly affect Alabama’s defense. If Turner leaves, it would open up a glaring hole in the Crimson Tide’s pass-rush unit for 2025. Alabama has recruited heavily on the defensive line, but Turner’s experience and ability to generate consistent pressure are difficult to replace. His return, however, would allow Alabama to maintain its dominance in the trenches and continue its aggressive defensive approach.

NFL Implications:
Turner’s draft stock is already high, and a strong 2024 season could cement his first-round status. The NFL will be closely watching his ability to refine his technique and produce consistently against top-tier offensive lines. If Turner returns for another season, Alabama’s defense would receive a significant boost, and his personal development could set him up for an even higher draft position in 2025.

3. WR Jermaine Burton: Enter the Draft or Stay for Senior Year?

Jermaine Burton has been one of Alabama’s top wide receivers, known for his quickness, ability to stretch the field, and hands. After transferring from Georgia, Burton has become a key piece of the Tide’s offense, but with the influx of talent at wide receiver—including top recruits like Jalen Hale and Perry Thompson—Burton’s future with the team is uncertain.

What’s at stake?
If Burton decides to leave for the NFL Draft, it could leave a noticeable void in Alabama’s receiving corps for 2025. While young players like Isaiah Bond and Kobe Prentice could step into larger roles, Burton’s leadership and experience could be difficult to replace. On the flip side, if Burton returns, he could be a go-to target for Milroe (or whichever quarterback takes the reins), giving Alabama’s offense another seasoned playmaker to complement its explosive attack.

NFL Implications:
Burton is likely on the NFL’s radar, with scouts looking at his deep-threat potential and ability to create separation. However, his inconsistency in 2023 has led some to question whether his stock will rise significantly. If Burton returns for a senior season, it would provide him an opportunity to showcase his skills in a more prominent role and possibly increase his value for the 2025 draft.

4. OL J.C. Latham: Declare or Stay for Another Season?

J.C. Latham is one of the top offensive linemen in the nation, with a blend of size, power, and mobility that makes him a potential first-round pick in the NFL Draft. Latham has been a staple of Alabama’s offensive line, and his decision to declare for the draft will have significant ramifications not just for the 2024 season but for 2025 as well.

What’s at stake?
If Latham decides to leave, Alabama will need to find a replacement at the tackle position, which could create instability on the offensive line. The Tide have talent on the roster, but losing a player like Latham—who has anchored the line for multiple seasons—would be a substantial loss. If Latham returns, however, he would provide an immediate boost to Alabama’s offensive line in 2025, giving the team a dominant force in both the run game and pass protection.

NFL Implications:
Latham’s stock is already soaring, and he is expected to be one of the top linemen available in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, if he feels that returning for another season would help him refine his skills, he could increase his value even further and ensure that he is fully prepared for the rigors of the NFL.

5. DB Kool-Aid McKinstry: Go Pro or Return for Senior Year?

Kool-Aid McKinstry, one of the most highly regarded cornerbacks in college football, has been a key contributor to Alabama’s secondary. Known for his shutdown ability, McKinstry is widely considered one of the top cornerbacks in the nation and could be a top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

What’s at stake?
McKinstry’s decision could have a significant impact on Alabama’s defense in 2025. If he leaves, Alabama will need to replace one of the top cover corners in the country, potentially creating a hole in the secondary that will need to be filled by a combination of younger players or incoming recruits. However, if McKinstry decides to return, he will be a centerpiece of the secondary, providing leadership and elite playmaking ability in the backfield. His return would allow Alabama to continue its tradition of having a dominant defense and an elite secondary.

NFL Implications:
McKinstry is projected to be one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. A stellar 2024 season could cement his place as a first-round pick. However, if he returns for a senior season, he could continue to develop his skills and solidify his place as one of the top defensive backs available for the 2025 draft.

Conclusion

As Alabama continues its quest for another national championship, the looming NFL Draft decisions of key players like Jalen Milroe, Dallas Turner, Jermaine Burton, J.C. Latham, and Kool-Aid McKinstry will have a significant impact on the team’s roster and its prospects for the 2025 season. Whether these players decide to leave early or return for another year, their decisions will shape the future of the program and determine how quickly the Crimson Tide can reload for another title run.