Big shoes to fill: Replacing 2019 NFL Draft first round picks

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 01: Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Chase Young (2) reacts after getting the sack against the Northwestern Wildcats during the Big Ten championship game on December 1, 2018 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ORLANDO, FL – SEPTEMBER 01: Alabama defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis (48) during the second half of the Camping World Kickoff game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Louisville Cardinals on September 01, 2018, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL. Alabama defeated Louisville 51-14. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

D.J Dale – Alabama

Replacing: Quinnen Williams, New York Jets

On an Alabama Crimson Tide defense that was, per usual, littered with top-tier talent, Quinnen Williams emerged last season as a redshirt sophomore as the unquestioned superstar of the group. After notching just 20 total tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss in spot work the previous season, Williams showed that was just a taste of what he could come up with when allowed to star up front.

In the 2018 season, Williams became one of the most disruptive forces that we’ve seen in quite some time from the interior defensive line spot. The Crimson Tide star managed eight sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss and 71 total tackles on the year. Even at a talent factory like Alabama, replacing a player that was that productive and perhaps even more dominant when you just watch the film is going to be a tough ask for any player left in Tuscaloosa.

Having said that, it could well be D.J. Dale, a true freshman and early enrollee for the Crimson Tide, that steps into the hole left by Williams. He impressed greatly this spring and, by all accounts, seems to be atop the depth chart right now. As of right now, he’s not a pass-rusher up front in the way that Williams was, but he can cause disruption right away.

Dale won’t be able to replace Williams alone and, frankly, he won’t have to. There will likely be a heavy dose of Phidarian Mathis mixed in with Dale throughout the year, but it’ll be the freshman that should get the early chance to shine and step up.

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