Alabama football: Summer depth chart projections for the defense

SEC Media Days is less than three weeks away, which means we’re barely over a month away from seeing Alabama take the field for the beginning of fall camp. And since we’re now at about the halfway point of the offseason, I’m updating my depth chart projections for the Crimson Tide’s offense and defense.

We’d started with Alabama’s offense on Monday. Now, we’re shifting focus to the defense where I’ve combined some of my old and new thoughts on each position, starting with the defensive line.

Defensive End

StarterJustin EboigbeRotational DEJah-Marien LathamDepth DE/STMonkell Goodwine OR Khurtiss PerryDepth DE/STJordan Renaud OR Hunter Osborne

Our thoughts: It was great seeing Eboigbe back on the field during the spring. After thinking the neck injury that sidelined him for a majority of 2022 could be career-ending, the fifth-year senior should be a full participant this fall. The coaching staff was cautious with him in the spring, but we don’t think that will continue once camp gets underway in August.

Eboigbe’s projected primary backup (Latham) was also restricted to a black, non-contact jersey. It was an unfortunate development, as I wanted to see how he’s built on his 116 snaps from 2022. Obviously, his role expanded once Eboigbe went down, but Latham’s five-pressure performance on only 14 pass rush snaps in the Sugar Bowl was eye-opening.

The guy’s got potential.

With Latham out and Eboigbe limited, Goodwine also got added opportunities this spring. We tend to forget about him, but this is a former top-70 recruit who the On3 Industry Rankings had as the No. 9 defensive lineman from 2021. He’s always had a lean build (especially in his lower body) but now that he’s 6-4, 290, he’s got potential as another inside-out player.

Perry is such an explosive front defender, but his tweener size (6-2, 265) remains a concern. I like Osborne a lot, but I absolutely love Renaud. His ability to play with premier leverage and strength will eventually help him emerge as a force against the run. I also think there’s tremendous upside as a power rusher. He may not play much in 2023, but Renaud has a bright future in Tuscaloosa.

I can’t wait to see how he develops.

Nose Guard

StarterJaheim OatisRotational DLTim Smith OR Damon Payne Jr.Depth DL/STTim Keenan III

My thoughts: Oatis will have one of the most important roles on Alabama’s defense. It might not adequately reflect in the numbers, but the 6-5, 330-pound monster will be a headache for opposing offensive coordinators. Not only will he create issues of his own, but his presence alone should drum up plenty of opportunities for others, especially the inside linebackers.

I’m trying to remember the last time Alabama had this caliber of player at nose guard. Daron Payne is certainly up there, but he’s got a slightly different style. Oatis brings some of the space-eating ability that two-time All-American Terrence Cody had during his time in Tuscaloosa, but he’s also more of a backfield disruptor than Cody. He’s going to be a problem.

Smith is listed as one of the starters at defensive end, but he’ll also play some inside.

Alabama uses a lot more four-man fronts nowadays, so the need for a true two-gapping, space-eating nose guard lining up as a zero-technique isn’t as important. You did see some of that from Damon Payne (no relation to Daron) though, especially during the Mississippi State game last season where he saw a career-high 36 snaps due to injuries.

This is why I’m listing him as a co-backup to Oatis. Payne’s run defense is much further along than his pass rush, to the point where I’m beginning to wonder if the latter ever catches up. Even if it doesn’t, the once top-50 recruit is still a good piece to have in the rotation. Who knows, he could turn out to be another Tim Smith, which isn’t a bad thing.

Keenan is a lot more of that traditional nose. I’m not sure how much he’ll be in the rotation in 2023 though.

Defensive End

StarterTim SmithRotational DLJamil Burroughs OR James SmithDepth DL/STAnquin Barnes OR Isaiah HastingsDepth DL/STEdric Hill

My thoughts: Tim Smith is an interesting player.

This is a former top-50 recruit from 2020 who many — myself included — thought had tremendous upside. The traits to be an effective run defender were there, but we also saw a guy who could eventually emerge as a productive pass rusher. Unfortunately, he hasn’t made that much of an impact when it comes to getting after quarterbacks.

Don’t get me wrong, he’s been a steady presence who saw career-highs in snaps (360) and starts (7) in 2022. I mean, the guy has been a part of the rotation ever since his freshman season, so I’m definitely not knocking him. He has the versatility to play all along Alabama’s defensive front, whether they’re in an even or odd-man front.

Do I consider him a game-wrecker upfront? No, not really, but he’s a steady run defender who still has untapped potential as an interior pass rusher. Will he unlock more of that ability in 2023? We don’t know yet, but we do know that he’s at least going to continue as a part-time starter while also playing a major role in that defensive line rotation.

The combination of Burroughs and James Smith excites me though.

With his size (6-3, 309) and build, one would think that Burroughs would be more of a run-stopper. So far, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Once Eboigbe went down with an injury five games into 2022, Burroughs mostly split time as a situational pass rusher with Latham. He was really efficient in that role too.

In only 101 pass rush snaps (which ranked eighth on the team) he posted 14 quarterback hurries. That number tied for fifth-best with former defensive lineman DJ Dale (182 pass rush snaps). The biggest issue for Burroughs was stopping the run, but he seems to have improved in that area this offseason. After generating quite the buzz for the second straight year, I believe the senior is ready to take on a larger role — as long as off-field issues don’t get in the way.

James Smith is different though.

This is one of the most highly-coveted defensive linemen the program has signed in quite some time. At 6-3, 296, he brings the size and versatility to play all along the front. Personally, I think he’d be best served aligning as a three-technique penetrator in a four-man front, but Alabama typically prefers its defensive lineman to be play more gap-control. That might change with a talent like Smith in the room.

Granted, he didn’t have his best performance on A-Day.

I saw him get pushed around a few times. He needs to do a better job of staying off the ground, but with that said, this was a guy already getting rotational reps with the first-team during the spring. There’s obviously a reason for that. Give him a little bit of time, and I think you’re going to see a high-impact defensive lineman, maybe even as soon as 2023.

SAM Linebacker

StarterDallas TurnerSecond TeamKeanu KohtDepth EDGE/STJeremiah Alexander OR Qua Russaw

My thoughts: Some people view Turner as Will Anderson’s replacement. I agree to a certain extent, but I’ve also pointed out why Turner’s role may not see a significant change from a season ago. A short summary: if there’s an edge dropping into coverage, you probably want it to be him. He’s pretty effective at it.

The ideal scenario is to have both of your edges getting after the QB on a more consistent basis though. Sometimes, dropping those guys can’t be helped with what Alabama likes to do at Star, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Kevin Steele makes more of a commitment to ensuring that happens. Either way, Turner is going to see added pass-rushing opportunities (things will be schemed up for him) with Anderson gone.

The question is now about the rotation.

Do we see players like Koht getting more snaps or will it exclusively be Turner and Braswell? Some might argue that the two starters need breathers from time-to-time, but keep in mind that you’ll also see heavier four-man fronts with three defensive linemen and only one outside linebacker. Turner and Braswell will rotate in those instances, which provides some needed rest for each.

This position remains loaded with talent. Here’s where the four players rated coming out of high school:

Turner: 5-star / No. 9 overallKoht: 4-star / No. 39Alexander: 5-star / No. 15Russaw: 5-star / No. 27

Koht has taken a couple of years to develop, but he did some good things this spring.

With Turner and Braswell both out or limited, Koht took advantage of his opportunity to work with the first-team defense. Will that translate to significant playing time this fall? We’ll have to wait and see. Alexander dropping eight pounds (258 to 249) should help his explosiveness off the edge. I already view him as a plus run defender, but he needs a little more twitch as a pass rusher.

Russaw brings similar traits as Turner — or at least in how you can use him. Personally, I wanted the five-star out of Montgomery (Ala.) Montgomery Carver to play inside linebacker, but I understand the decision to keep him on the edge. He brings some much-needed attitude to the position.

JACK Linebacker

StarterChris BraswellRotational EDGEQuandarrius RobinsonDepth EDGE/STKeon Keeley OR Yhonzae Pierre

My thoughts: Braswell finally got a chance to play significant snaps (330) in 2022, and the results were encouraging. In fact, his pressure rate per pass rush opportunity wasn’t too far off from Anderson. Check it out for yourself…

*Note: Snap are pass rush snaps, not total snaps played.

Anderson: 147 pressures, 764 snaps (19.2%)Braswell: 41 pressures, 251 snaps (16.3%)Turner: 62 pressures, 515 snaps (12%)

Improvements still need to be made as far as run defense and pass coverage, but jumping from 240 pounds to 255 this offseason should help significantly in at least one of those areas. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see him play at his new weight during A-Day. He was limited or out for the entire spring, so we’ll have to wait to see how he looks as Alabama’s new JACK linebacker.

In his absence, Robinson got plenty of run with the first-team defense this spring. He performed well, too. On A-Day, the now 6-5, 231-pound senior totaled three tackles, but two of those tackles were sacks. He gave left tackle Elijah Pritchett a fit that entire scrimmage. If Alabama rotates at outside linebacker, Robinson remains the most likely candidate unless one of the new arrivals prove ready.

All of these guys possess elite talent though.

We already mentioned Russaw, but you’ve also got Keeley and Pierre.

Standing 6-5 1/2 with 245+ pounds already on his frame, Alabama will want Keeley’s hand in the dirt as much as possible, and playing him opposite strength whenver possible will put him in the best position to be successful. Pierre is more comfortable dropping into coverage, but that’s still a requirement for JACK. Plus, you’ll want to utilize his rare burst and twitch at this position.

Alabama’s OLB room has the perfect blend of experience, depth and young, exciting talent.

Turner and Braswell have the potential to be Day 1 draft picks if things go right for them. But you’ve also got highly-rated players who have years in the system (Robinson, Koht and Alexander) to go with three blue-chip additions (Keeley, Pierre and Russaw). Alabama couldn’t ask for much more from this position. Fans should be really excited about this group.

MIKE Linebacker

StarterDeontae LawsonBackup LB/STTrezmen Marshall OR Shawn Murphy Depth LB/STKendrick Blackshire

My thoughts: It’s unfortunate that we didn’t get to see Lawson at all this spring. Seeing where he lined up and what his responsibilities looked like would’ve gone a long way in determining if this Alabama staff views him as a MIKE or WILL. As I’ve mentioned before, there isn’t much of a difference between the two other than relaying the play-calls, but that’s a crucial part of the equation.

With Lawson out, Marshall assumed those MIKE responsibilities. It’s possible he stays in that role with Lawson remaining at WILL, which is where he played in 2022 after taking over for veteran Jaylen Moody. I don’t think that will be the case though. Lawson’s the guy you want to stay on the field, so he needs to be comfortable relaying the defensive calls.

The 6-2, 230-pound redshirt sophomore brings a lot of high-value traits. He’s often been comped to former Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley, who was a two-time All-American, SEC Defensive Player of the Year and a Day 1 draft pick in 2014. Can Lawson achieve something similar? That’s probably too much to ask, but the growth we saw in 2022 is more than encouraging.

I’m a big fan of Murphy, too.

Granted, I don’t think he’s going to play much this season. As far as the pecking order at inside linebacker, I’d probably slot him at either No. 4 or 5, depending on the offseason progress of JUCO arrival Justin Jefferson. That puts Murphy a further down this list, but it’s not a reflection of how I feel about him. He’s coming along nicely.

Blackshire continues to be a valued member on special teams who’s also experienced depth.

WILL Linebacker

StarterTrezmen Marshall OR Jihaad CampbellBackup LB/STJustin JeffersonDepth LB/STIan Jackson

My thoughts: If Lawson stays at WILL, I’d go ahead and assume that Marshall is your MIKE. These are the two guys who make the most sense as far as field general options for the defense. After projecting Lawson at MIKE in this exercise, we don’t have to include Marshall on the first team. I’ll leave him in the top spot for now though.

Don’t get me wrong, I like the Georgia transfer. I just happen to like Campbell and Jefferson more, mostly because of their versatility and what they can provide the defense. In previous articles, I’ve mentioned the importance of a getting quality pass rush from at least one of the off-ball linebackers. That isn’t a strength for Lawson or Marshall, but it is for Campbell.

He even got a sack in the A-Day Game after being sent on a blitz.

Campbell’s past experience as an edge is beneficial. He’s put an emphasis on getting after the quarterback for years now, which gives him an advantage when compared to more traditional linebackers such as Lawson and Marshall. Plus, Campbell brings more length (6-3, 230) and athleticism to the position than Marshall.

There are deficiencies in coverage (mostly due to inexperience), but that should improve with time. Overall, I believe his skill set aligns perfectly with Lawson. Marshall can make it work as well, but it’s not nearly as complementary. I think Jefferson has tremendous upside, too. I wouldn’t rule him out of this competition yet either.

In a passing era of college football, it’d be nice to see two run-and-hit linebackers who also bring elite cover ability roaming the middle of Alabama’s defense. Jefferson is a heat-seeking missile who brings good instincts and a lot more pop than you’d think for a guy who’s only listed at 6-1, 225 pounds. I loved what I saw from him during the A-Day Game.

If I had it my way, Lawson would be at MIKE with Marshall acting as his primary backup. Then, I’d put Campbell in a fall camp competition with Jefferson for the WILL spot with either one presenting a high-quality option. Jefferson likely needs more time to get comfortable in Alabama’s defense, but I love his long-term outlook. That said, Marshall will still provide plenty of pop and physicality if he earns the nod.

I really like Alabama’s inside linebacker room.

Left Cornerback

StarterTerrion ArnoldBackup CB/STTrey AmosDepth CB/STDezz Ricks OR Jahlil Hurley

My thoughts: Arnold was up and down in 2022. I think that’s something we can all agree on, but I’m expecting major improvement in Year 2 as the starter. People forget that this guy was making the transition from high school safety to college corner in 2021. So in many ways, I view this past season as the equivalent to Kool-Aid McKinstry‘s freshman year.

They actually saw similar action in their first year as a starter, too.

McKinstry played 479 snaps with six starts in 2021 while Arnold saw 549 snaps and seven starts this past season. And if you remember, McKinstry also struggled some as a first-year, part-time starter. Now, he’s one of the top cornerbacks in college football. I wouldn’t put it past Arnold to make a similar jump in 2023.

I like how Louisiana transfer Trey Amos provides some insurance though. Actually, he’s more than that.

Now, I do think the primary reason for bringing him in — and Jaylen Key, for that matter — came down to a numbers game. Alabama probably didn’t want to replace key losses (Eli Ricks and Khyree Jackson) with exclusively freshmen, but it seemed willing to until Jahquez Robinson and Tre’Quon Fegans also hit the portal. Then, things became a lot more dire.

Nick Saban isn’t going to add just anyone though. It not about adding bodies. It wasn’t about adding players who are capable of filling certain roles and providing valuable snaps if you need them to. Unfortunately, it’s difficult trying to sell transfers without at least some opportunity to play. Amos will get that in Tuscaloosa, but he won’t be handed a starting job.

If Arnold continues to struggle, then Alabama now has quality, experienced depth ready to step in. There’s always a chance that Amos proves to be too good to keep off the field. There’s a reason the 6-1, 197-pound defensive back was such a coveted player in the portal, after all.

I also liked what I saw from five-star freshman Dezz Ricks in the A-Day Game. There are still things he needs to clean up technically, but the upside is obvious. The hope now is for him to sit and learn during Year 1 with an eye on 2024 after McKinstry leaves (assuming he does). With that said, it’d be nice to know that he’s ready to contribute now if called upon.

Right Cornerback

StarterKool-Aid McKinstryBackup CB/STAntonio Kite OR Earl Little IIDepth CB/STDezz Ricks OR Jahlil Hurley

My thoughts: McKinstry is one of the top corners in college football.

Yes, I’d like to see him be more consistent carrying receivers vertically, but overall, he’s an elite player — especially while playing in press coverage. Right now, he feels like a sure-fire Day 1 selection come next April with an outside shot of landing in the top-10. I won’t go that far just yet, but Alabama has to feel great about this spot.

What happens if McKinstry gets injured though?

Well, you’ll probably see Amos and Arnold manning the two perimeter spots. I don’t want to completely rule out Little sliding outside though. Obviously, the addition of Amos makes that scenario a lot less likely, but I guess we’ve already seen one transfer corner out of the state of Louisiana take a little time to learn what it takes to play at Alabama.

If Little was asked to make the move, Malachi Moore would likely replace him at STAR with some combination of Caleb Downs, Key and Kristian Story acting as your two safeties.

Kite seems to be coming along nicely, too.

I doubt the redshirt freshman is ready to assume a significant role in Alabama’s secondary, but he seems to be a strong CB4-5 to have on the roster. So far, I’ve been vocal about viewing Hurley as a safety long term, but he’ll first get an opportunity to prove himself as a corner. Either way, he’s got the talent to contribute eventually.

STAR

StarterEarl Little IIBackup STAR/STMalachi Moore

My thoughts: I love the combination of Little and Moore at STAR.

Yes, I do believe Moore’s lack of long speed limits him when forced to carry receivers vertically, but he possesses most of the other qualities you look for at the position (good in run support, great blitzer, tenacity). In an ideal world, his snaps in the slot are limited to when Alabama uses a Dime look and brings Key or Story in to replace him at safety.

Little is a perfect STAR candidate though.

No, I don’t think he’ll be quite as effective as Brian Branch in some key areas. Branch was an elite tackler and blitzer while also proving to be a reliable run defender. Little will be effective in those areas, but maybe not to the same degree. I do think Little has better long speed though. In fact, he’s got a lot of perimeter corner skills, which were on display during A-Day.

The interception above was made 20+ yards downfield and well outside the hash mark, which is where your outside guys are normally asked to defend and make plays. Against a Jalin Hyatt-type of receiver, having a guy who’s comfortable carrying vertically can be beneficial. You might sacrifice a little (no pun intended) in some areas, but Little certainly doesn’t lack physicality.

There are very few programs capable of finding an adequate replacement for a rare talent such as Branch. Alabama continues to prove that it’s one of those programs.

Strong Safety

StarterCaleb Downs OR Jaylen KeyBackup S/STJake PopeDepth S/STBray Hubbard

My thoughts: During the spring, Downs proved to be everything Alabama fans were hoping for — and more — as the team’s top-rated early enrollee.

I’ve tried to go back and identify weaknesses in his game, but they’re difficult to find. The five-star freshman can do it all. He can play in single high, split looks, down in the box or over a slot. He’s effective in zone or man coverage, and he’s a high-quality run defender. Plus, he’s got such a great understanding of the game.

It’s all there.

The addition of Key does make things interesting though. He provides some versatility as well, but not near to the same degree as Downs. You’ll mostly see him lined up at safety, but it’s also possible that he could slide down into the box as a linebacker-type in Dime situations. I wouldn’t say that Key is an elite athlete, but he’s capable of covering a tight end if you need him to.

With that said, I don’t see Key starting over Downs or Moore right now. Of course, that could change as we learn more in fall camp, but I more so see the UAB transfer competing with Story and maybe even Amos for that sixth defensive back role (also known as the Money). Here’s how I currently project it to look in Dime:

LCB: Terrion ArnoldRCB: Kool-Aid McKinstryStar: Earl Little IIS: Caleb DownsS: Jaylen Key OR Kristian StoryMoney: Malachi Moore

If Amos wins out, then I could see him coming in to play Money with Moore remaining at safety, but Moore is already familiar with the Money role. Either way, it’s starting to feel like Alabama has at least four reliable safeties and three reliable outside corners on its roster right now. That’s quite a bit of depth despite losing most of its secondary from a season ago.

I like Pope a lot too.

He plays like a traditional, well-balanced safety. The size (6-1, 192) and physicality are both there, but the Buford (Ga.) product is a much better athlete than some realize. I’ve seen him compared to former Alabama safety Vinnie Sunseri, but I think Pope is twitched-up a little more with better top-end speed. He still brings a tone-setting style though.

Free Safety

StarterMalachi Moore OR Kristian StorySecond TeamDeVonta SmithDepth S/STBray Hubbard

My thoughts: Moore is finally healthy. I don’t know if fans realize how important that can be for him and for Alabama’s defense. I love that he gained more weight (going from 190 in 2022 to 198 now) and is moving to safety, too. That move should help mask his questionable long speed while highlighting some strengths (zone coverage and ball skills, for example).

His versatility will still be a big part of what Alabama does defensively though. You’ll mostly see him playing a traditional free safety role, but he’ll also be asked to roll down closer to the line of scrimmage. That could be over the slot or as a box defender. Moore has a knack for being around the football, and that ability is best served in a variety of roles.

For now, I have Story in an “OR” status with Moore, but I think Moore will prove victorious in that competition. We know Downs, Key and these two will be Alabama’s top four safeties, but who’s next in line? Well, it’ll probably be Smith and Pope.

Smith was forced to miss the spring, but he did see limited action last season. Nine of his 26 defensive snaps came against Arkansas in a crucial Week 5 matchup. I know Alabama tried out different guys at STAR this spring, but Smith is another potential depth option there. He’s got experience playing corner and safety, and he’s been in the system for two years.

*** Depth chart projections for Alabama’s OFFENSE ***

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