Where Alabama’s stars are projected to land ahead of NFL combine

Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) and offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

One of Alabama’s longest-standing streaks could be in jeopardy this spring. 

The Crimson Tide has produced at least one first-round pick in each of the last 17 NFL drafts, a run unmatched by any other program. However, it’s no guarantee that draft dominance continues this year. 

Heading into this week’s NFL Scouting Combine, Alabama has a pair of first-round hopefuls in quarterback Ty Simpson and offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor. At different points last fall, both were projected as possible top-10 picks. Now, they find their names hovering around the end of the first round in most mock drafts. 

Simpson will participate in throwing drills this weekend as he looks to convince NFL teams that he’s a potential franchise quarterback. Meanwhile, Proctor hopes his freakish athleticism helps him stand out among a solid crop of offensive linemen in this year’s class. 

Those two will be among the 12 Alabama representatives in Indianapolis this weekend, looking to improve their draft stock in front of scouts. Before on-field workouts begin Thursday, Touchdown Alabama compiled a roundup of seven recent mock drafts to provide a look at where the Tide’s stars are projected to land in this year’s NFL draft. 

Who we used: CBS (Blake Brockermeyer, one round), ESPN (Mel Kiper Jr., one round), NFL (Gennaro Filice, one round),  Pro Football Focus (Dalton Wasserman, three rounds), Pro Football Network (Cameron Sheath, three rounds), The Athletic (Staff, one round), The Draft Network (Keith Sanchez, one round).

Kadyn Proctor, OT/G

CBS Sports: No. 21 overall (Round 1), Pittsburgh Steelers 

ESPN: No. 27 overall (Round 1), San Francisco 49ers 

NFL.com: No. 23 overall (Round 1), Philadelphia Eagles 

Pro Football Focus: No. 24 overall (Round 1), Cleveland Browns

Pro Football Network: No. 13 overall (Round 1), Los Angeles Rams 

The Athletic: No. 24 overall (Round 1), Cleveland Browns

The Draft Network: No. 17 (Round 1), Detroit Lions 

Combined average: 21.3 

Outlook: Before Proctor can prove himself among the elite offensive tackles in this year’s class, he might need to convince scouts that he can remain at the position in the NFL. The 6-foot-7, 366-pound lineman is hard to move and can stop pass rushers in their tracks. However, he’s struggled at times against speedy defenders in space. 

A better first step could still be developed over time, but Proctor’s blend of size and athleticism can’t be taught. It’s hard to imagine the former five-star recruit slipping out of the first round, especially with a strong showing this weekend.  

Ty Simpson, QB

CBS Sports: No. 13 overall (Round 1), Los Angeles Rams 

ESPN: No. 21 overall (Round 1), Pittsburgh Steelers 

Pro Football Focus: No. 34 overall (Round 2), Arizona Cardinals 

Pro Football Network: No. 30 overall  (Round 1), New York Jets *Projected trade

The Draft Network: No. 16 overall (Round 1), New York Jets 

Combined average: 22.8 

Outlook: Simpson has the most to gain out of any of Alabama’s combine attendees. While Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is a near lock to be selected No. 1 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, Simpson seems to hold the edge when it comes to being QB2 in this year’s class. What that means in terms of his draft stock will likely depend on how he performs in front of scouts over the next few weeks. 

Simpson still needs some development before he’s ready to start on Sundays. However, if he can convince NFL teams that he has the tools to be a reliable option behind center, there’s no telling how high his stock might climb. 

According to a report from Cleveland.com earlier this week, Simpson is on the Browns’ radar along with free agent quarterback Malik Willis. Cleveland holds three top-40 draft picks (No. 6, No. 24 and 39) and could be a team to watch. The New York Jets and Los Angeles Rams also have multiple first-round picks and are in search of a long-term answer behind center. 

LT Overton, EDGE 

Pro Football Focus: No. 60 overall (Round 2), Buffalo Bills 

Pro Football Network: No. 77 overall (Round 3), Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Combined average: 68.5 

Outlook: While Overton lacks the fast-twitch traits NFL teams look for at the edge rusher position, he’s able to generate plenty of power off the line and has shown the ability to set the edge against the run. 

The 6-foot-5, 278-pound defender also offers positional versatility. His best bet might be adding weight to his frame and developing into more of an inside presence out of the 3-technique. His game might need some tweaking, but there’s enough to work with to make him an intriguing Day 2 pick.  

Deontae Lawson, LB

Pro Football Focus: No. 62 overall (Round 2), Denver Broncos

Pro Football Network: No. 82 overall (Round 3), Minnesota Vikings 

Combined average: 72 

Outlook: Lawson has the athleticism required of a modern linebacker, but his 28 missed tackles over the past two seasons highlight his inconsistency at the position. The 6-foot-2, 228-pound defender should put up decent numbers when it comes to athletic testing, but he’ll need to prove to teams that he has the necessary fundamentals to contribute at the next level. 

Germie Bernard, WR

Pro Football Focus: No. 64 overall (Round 2), Seattle Seahawks

Pro Football Network: No. 92 overall (Round 3), San Francisco 49ers

Combined average: 78 

Outlook: Unlike some of the top receivers in this class, Bernard won’t blow scouts away with his speed. Still, the 6-foot-1, 204-pound playmaker has shown nice acceleration and the ability to make contested catches. Bernard also does a lot of little things really well. He’s a polished route-runner and a capable blocker out on the perimeter. While his ceiling is likely that of a No. 2 receiver, that could be worth a late second-round pick for a team in need. 

Parker Brailsford, C

Pro Football Network: No. 83 overall (Round 3), Carolina Panthers

Outlook: Pro Football Network’s third-round projection of Brailsford feels a little optimistic. The 6-foot-2, 290-pound lineman is a bit undersized and will be limited exclusively to the center position at the next level. That being said, Brailsford packs a punch for his size. 

The Alabama center was included in Bruce Feldman’s annual Freaks List last year. According to Feldman, Brailsford has just 19 percent body fat and bench pressed 505 pounds, power cleaned 385 and squatted 675. Brailsford has also been clocked at 19.47 mph on the GPS. 

Tim Keenan III, DL

Pro Football Focus: No. 95 overall (Round 3), New England Patriots

Outlook: Keenan is a classic run-stuffer who has also shown flashes as an inside pass rusher at times. That being said, he doesn’t have some of the measurables that generally warrant a Day 2 selection. Still, the former team captain is a player NFL teams will want on their side and figures to come off the board in one of the middle rounds.