Alabama Football Defensive Depth Chart Projection

The position group that was rarely a question under the previous regime might now be the most anxiety-inducing in Tuscaloosa - the defense. Alabama lost several key defenders to the NFL draft and the transfer portal. Under new defensive leader Kane Wommack, what could a potential two-deep roster look like heading into game week?

Defense

Wolf

1. Que Robinson
2. Keanu Koht/Qua Russaw

Analysis: Robinson was the third linebacker in pass rush packages last season for Alabama, with Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell leading the way. With Braswell a Buccaneer and Turner a Viking, it's the "next man up" mentality for Alabama, and Robinson now has his time to shine. A consistent pass rusher in spurts last season now has a chance to make some noise in the SEC. Behind him, Alabama has no shortage of freakish-sized athletes. Koht and Russaw both look like future stars in practice and could see time in the rotation.

DL

1. Tim Keenan III
2. Tim Smith

Analysis: Alabama features one of its deepest defensive lines since the 2016 team. The Tide's coaching staff could realistically ride the hot hand throughout games and rotate players all season long to keep healthy bodies all season long. Keenan III was a force to be reckoned with towards the end of last season, and Tim Smith is a fifth-year player poised to make a big jump for Alabama. Both players could be starters.

DT

1. Jaheim Oatis
2. James Smith

Analysis: Oatis had an injury that kept him out for all of spring practice, but returned healthy as ever for Fall camp. He could be a force to be reckoned with during Alanama's season if he can stay healthy. Oatis even called himself and Keenan "unblockable," so we'll see if they can live up to the hype. Behind him, sources say that Smith can be a monster if he can stay disciplined on the field. He's drawn a handful of comparisons to former Alabama defensive lineman Christian Barmore during his strong run in the 2020-2021 postseason. Both will likely be key contributors to the Tide's defense.

Bandit

1. LT Overton
2. Jah-Marien Latham

Analysis: Every report from the defensive line in Fall Camp was about how dominant LT Overton has been, including three sacks in a single scrimmage for Alabama. The former No. 1 overall recruit is making waves in Tuscaloosa and could be set up for a big season in the Tide's new 4-2-5 defensive scheme. Jah-Marien Latham is not a pushover either, with both being starting-caliber players. With the noise from Overton in Fall camp, I think he gets the first nod over Latham.

Mike

1. Deontae Lawson
2. Justin Jefferson

Analysis: Outside of starting quarterback, the easiest position to predict might be the Mike linebacker. Lawson was the leader in this room in 2023 and finished as a semifinalist for the Butkus Award despite missing three games due to injury. He'll also wear the green dot for the Tide's defense as the signal caller. Behind him, Alabama seems to feel just as confident in Justin Jefferson, with some packages reportedly being created to get Lawson, Jefferson, and Jihaad Campbell on the field all at the same time. Lawson has raved about how this defense is built for linebackers, and he could be the first beneficiary of a new defensive scheme in Tuscaloosa.

Sting

1. Jihaad Campbell
2 . Jeremiah Alexander

Analysis: Campbell came into Alabama as a pass rusher before transitioning to inside linebacker. Ironically, he could transition back to edge rusher during obvious passing situations in order for Alabama to get the best 11 players on the field. Campbell could be the best linebacker in that room based on pure talent alone. Behind him, Alexander followed a similar line - starting his Alabama career as an edge rusher before transitioning to inside linebacker. He could be a strong candidate to start next season and provide good depth for Alabama this season. We'd also be remiss if we did not mention Justin Okoronkwo, who looks really strong despite only playing football for just a couple of years.

Field CB

1. Domani Jackson
2. Jaylen Mbakwe

Analysis: When cornerbacks don't hear their names called very often, it typically means the cornerback is doing a good job. With almost no news coming out of Fall Camp it's the hope that Jackson can lock down one side of the secondary and be a strong member while the rest of the young defenders in the secondary get up to speed. Behind him, Mbakwe could play week one on the same field he won a state championship just eight months ago.

Boundary CB

1. Zabien Brown OR DaShawn Jones
2. Zabien Brown OR DaShawn Jones

Analysis: Brown took Alabama's defense by storm, starting opposite Jackson during Alabama's annual A-Day scrimmage. A busted hand may have hurt his chances in the competition with Wake Forrest transfer DaShawn Jones, but I still probably give Brown the edge in this competition with a healthy hand, which can be seen in a couple of the images posted by the University of Alabama. If Brown is unable to go, or if the freshman has some freshman moments, Alabama could lean on the veteran presence of Jones to help settle into a game. Alabama has a little bit of depth in the secondary with the addition of Jones, but still needs to be careful to not exhaust the depth early in the season.

Husky

1. DeVonta Smith
2. King Mack

Analysis: Smith was slated to start at strong safety for Alabama last season before a broken foot de-railed his season. As one of two players in the secondary who saw some playing time last season, Smith is viewed as a 'veteran' in Alabma's secondary. He and King Mack could play a vital role in Alabama's defense, and Smith has just a couple of games to prove he can stand with the rest of the starting secondary.

Rover

1. Keon Sabb
2. Kameron Howard

Analysis: Sabb is one of five players on this roster with a national championship ring, and he defeated his new team and his new head coach to earn it. Sabb has been highly praised by the defensive staff for his versatility and leadership, and the TIde will need it. Behind him, Howard started a handful of games for Charlotte last season and is familiar with a 4-2-5 defense. The level of competition is different from Charlotte to Alabama, but experience is experience, and Alabama has been lacking in it.

Safety

1. Malachi Moore
2. Bray Hubbard

Analysis: Moore is the lone veteran in the Alabama secondary from last season, and he's also learning a new position. The long-time "star" position is now the Husky in Alabama's defense and Moore won't be manning it. Even still, he's expected to be one of the top safeties in college football, with multiple watch lists for defensive players including Moore. Alabama's depth thins quickly behind Moore, but when he's healthy, he's one of the top players on Alabama's defense.

Can this be a top-15 unit in college football? That is, statistically, what is needed to be a true championship contender. Wommack's unit will have tests early and often this season.

Wyatt Fulton is the TIde 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.