Alabama football 2017: Projected Crimson Tide depth chart

Defense

Notable Losses: While losing as many players to the NFL Draft would crush most teams, this is why Alabama is Alabama. Saban is a defensive-minded coach and the Crimson Tide have appropriately reloaded. In the front-seven, Alabama lost players like defensive end Jonathan Allen, linebacker Ryan Anderson, linebacker Reuben Foster, defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson, and linebacker Tim Williams. Alabama lost players in the secondary like cornerback Marlon Humphrey and safety Eddie Jackson to the NFL.

Defensive End: Da’Shawn Hand, Senior
Nose Tackle: Da’Ron Payne, Junior
Defensive End: Josh Frazier, Senior

While losing Allen and Tomlinson to the pros would wreck most teams, Alabama has the distinct pleasure of reloading up front in 2017. Look for senior defensive end Da’Shawn Hand to be an absolute monster this fall. Josh Frazier and Da’Ron Payne aren’t nationally known names up front but are upperclassmen at a powerhouse program like Alabama. The Crimson Tide should be alright in the trenches.

WILL: Christian Miller, Redshirt Junior
MIKE: Rashaan Evans, Senior
SAM: Shaun Dion Hamilton, Senior
JACK: Anfernee Jennings, Redshirt Sophomore

Alabama uses a unique 3-4 base defense. It frankly plays more like a 4-3, but that’s because the JACK linebacker is a defensive end/pass rushing hybrid. Look for seniors Rashaan Evans and Shaun Dion Hamilton to be the leaders of this linebacking corps in the middle of the defense. Redshirt Sophomore Anfernee Jennings replaces Williams in the crucial JACK role. Christian Miller should fit in seamlessly at the WILL opposite of Jennings.

Cornerback: Trevon Diggs, Sophomore
Free Safety: Ronnie Harrison, Junior
Strong Safety: Minkah Fitzpatrick, Junior
Cornerback: Anthony Averett, Redshirt Senior
STAR: Tony Brown, Senior

Alabama lost its best secondary player two years early in Humphrey and its emotional leader in Jackson to the 2017 NFL Draft. Fortunately for Saban, this is his area of expertise. Alabama’s best defensive back this year is strong safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick. He’s an incredible ball hawk and might have first-round talent. Senior Tony Brown has had a tumultuous college career but could thrive in the defensive back/linebacker hybrid of STAR.

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Special Teams

Punter Returner: Trevon Diggs, Sophomore
Kick Returner: B.J. Emmons, Sophomore
Punter: J.K. Scott, Senior
Kicker: Anthony Pappanastos, Redshirt Senior

Don’t expect Alabama to be outstanding on special teams. While they have punter extraordinaire J.K. Scott back for his senior year, Jackson went pro and long-time kicker Adam Griffith finally graduated. Redshirt senior Anthony Pappanastos replaces Griffith in field goal kicking. Sophomores Trevon Diggs and B.J. Emmons will handle fielding kicks this fall.