Projecting every Alabama draft pick's 2026 NFL rookie season

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Ty Simpson of Alabama celebrates after being selected thirteenth overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

The Rams’ selection of Simpson in the first round came as a surprise to many. The promising rookie will serve as the backup to veteran Matthew Stafford in Los Angeles this season, but Simpson could see legitimate playing time should an injury arise with the 38-year old quarterback.

Simpson will look to continue developing with the Rams and will learn from one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time in Stafford, and the former Alabama star could emerge as a starter in the NFL very soon.

Germie Bernard, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers (Round 2, Pick 47)

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 01: Germie Bernard #5 of the Alabama Crimson Tide in action against the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Bernard was considered to be one of the best receivers remaining on the board prior to Pittsburgh selecting him in the second round. The former Alabama playmaker could emerge as the Steelers’ wide receiver No. 3 behind DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. in 2026, but Bernard could prove to be a major weapon despite having some elite talent above him on the depth chart.

Bernard is expected to be an instant contributor in Pittsburgh during his rookie campaign, and the former Crimson Tide receiver will look to pick up right where he left off in Tuscaloosa throughout his time on the Steelers’ offense in 2026.

LT Overton, Defensive End, Dallas Cowboys (Round 4, Pick 137)

Sep 13, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama defensive lineman LT Overton (22) celebrates after sacking Wisconsin quarterback Danny O'Neil (18) at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Overton was projected to be a second round selection prior to the draft in April. Dallas was able to land the former Alabama star in the fourth round following a surprising draft slide, and Overton is an excellent candidate to emerge with a role on the Cowboys’ defensive line this upcoming season.

Overton played a critical role throughout his two seasons at Alabama, and the talented big man will look to keep things rolling in Dallas this year.

Parker Brailsford, Center, Cleveland Browns (Round 5, Pick 146)

Nov 29, 2025; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Alabama offensive lineman Parker Brailsford (72) warms up before the 2025 Iron Bowl with Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News

Brailsford was rumored to be playing at an elite level during Browns’ rookie minicamp, and the center could emerge as a starter on Cleveland’s offensive line as soon as Week 1. Brailsford was widely considered as a steal in the fifth round, and the center appears to be showcasing his full potential prior to training camp this summer.

Brailsford may very well become a starter on the Browns’ offensive line should he continue to shine this offseason, and the former Alabama center has gotten off to an excellent start in Cleveland.

Justin Jefferson, Linebacker, Cleveland Browns (Round 5, Pick 149)

Nov 16, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Mercer Bears running back Dwayne Mcgee (3) stiff arms Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Justin Jefferson (15) during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images

The Browns were able to land Jefferson just three picks after selecting Brailsford. The linebacker was also considered to be a steal in the fifth round, as Jefferson will join an elite Browns’ defense in 2026 and could begin to make an impact each week.

Jefferson is unlikely to start on Cleveland’s defense to begin his rookie season, but the former Alabama star will look to work his way up the depth chart during his time with the Browns.

Josh Cuevas, Tight End, Baltimore Ravens (Round 5, Pick 173)

Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end Josh Cuevas (80) avoids Vanderbilt Commodores safety Randon Fontenette (2) during the first quarter at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

Cuevas played a key role on the Tide’s offense during the 2025 campaign. The talented rookie will more than likely serve as the Ravens’ backup tight end behind veteran Mark Andrews, but Cuevas could begin to make an impact following the departure of former Ravens’ tight end Isaiah Likely.

The former Crimson Tide star should benefit from playing alongside superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson this season as well, as Cuevas has all the characteristics of a reliable tight end in the NFL.

Domani Jackson, Cornerback, Green Bay Packers (Round 6, Pick 201)

![Green Bay Packers Domani Jackson (20) stretches during rookie minicamp Friday, May 1 2026, at the Don Hutson Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zz_ixPr3Ydk3Tl7NeIGOSQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTc1MjtjZj13ZWJw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/roll_tide_wire_usa_today_articles_214/06e83246f2b20a62334d99499a11b03e)

Green Bay Packers Domani Jackson (20) stretches during rookie minicamp Friday, May 1 2026, at the Don Hutson Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Jackson could solidify himself as an excellent depth piece in the Packers’ secondary with a strong performance during training camp. The former Alabama cornerback will not be a starter to begin his rookie campaign in the NFL, but Jackson could still make an impact with the little playing time he is given.

Jackson will face an uphill battle to begin his career in Green Bay, but his talent and potential will be on full display in 2026 nonetheless.

Tim Keenan lll, Defensive Tackle, Los Angeles Rams (Round 7, Pick 232)

Alabama defensive lineman Tim Keenan III (96) chases after Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) during a football game between Tennessee and Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.

Keenan was nothing short of a superstar throughout his four seasons at Alabama. The massive lineman could play his way towards a role on the Rams’ defensive line during training camp this summer, but Keenan could face an uphill battle to begin his NFL career in similar fashion to Jackson.

Keenan will enter the 2026 season as an excellent depth option for Los Angeles, but the big man could be rewarded with a much larger role if he consistently performs well this offseason.

Jam Miller, Running Back, New England Patriots (Round 7, Pick 245)

Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama running back Jam Miller (26) reacts after scoring a late touchdown to seal the victory at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama downed Vanderbilt 30-14. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

Miller was selected in the seventh round by the Patriots despite an extremely underwhelming season at Alabama in 2025. Miller will struggle to see playing time in New England this season, but the running back could be rewarded with a special teams role should he have a promising training camp this summer.

Miller will enter his rookie campaign in the NFL buried on the Patriots’ depth chart, and the former Alabama running back will need to perform at an extremely high level in order to see any playing time in New England’s backfield.

Each former Alabama star was a key contributor to the Tide’s success in 2025, and Alabama has once again produced one of the top NFL rookie draft classes in all of college football.

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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Projecting Ty Simpson, Kadyn Proctor rookie season following NFL draft