Giants receivers and offensive line are evaluated by Brian Daboll, and Dexter Lawrence talks about the team’s readiness beforeGiants receivers and offensive line are evaluated by Brian Daboll, and Dexter Lawrence talks about the team’s readiness before
Who will play defense on the field? Based on preseason interviews and intelligence, we have a reasonable idea. However, not every place has been determined yet.
Coach Kalen DeBoer of Alabama stated on Thursday, “I would say some of those things are kind of up in the air and are going to be a work in progress.” Not firmly established. In case you have a depth chart, there could be multiple “ors” in different locations. Hopefully, that makes sense.
Comprehendable, and something AL.com also chose to incorporate for a couple of spots in our defense’s final depth chart projection, which was released one week before to kickoff.
We forecasted Thursday’s offensive configuration. Here is our prediction for Alabama’s defensive depth chart.
Line of defense
Starters: Que Robinson (Wolf), Tim Keenan III (nose guard), Jehiem Oatis (defensive tackle), and LT Overton or Jah-Marien Latham (Bandit).
Reserves: Isaia Faga, Jeremiah Beaman, Edric Hill, Noah Carter, Jayshawn Ross, Qua Russaw, Keon Keeley, Hunter Osborne, Jordan Renaud, Yhonzae Pierre, Tim Smith, Keanu Koht, Damon Payne Jr., James Smith, and Jayshawn Ross
Analysis: Keenan and Oatis may be the first two down linemen on the field, but Tim Smith is undoubtedly in the mix as well. Both Latham and Overton have accrued time at the Bandit spot. Specifically, Overton had a strong first scrimmage. Wolf, who is mainly an edge defender, will be faced by Robinson first, but don’t be shocked to see Koht as well. He appears to be a candidate for some playing time as well. Another guy who most likely earned himself some respectable snaps up front is Payne. Given that the defensive line will rotate, expect to see a lot of these players.
Analysis: Lawson and Campbell are selected as the starting lineup, despite Jefferson receiving high marks at various points during camp. They are both skilled players with starting experience. However, Jefferson is a strong third choice.
Starters: DeVonta Smith (Husky), Domani Jackson (cornerback), DaShawn Jones or Zabien Brown (cornerback), Malachi Moore (safety), and Keon Sabb (safety).
Red Morgan, Jaylen Mbakwe, King Mack, Zavier Mincey, Bray Hubbard, Jahlil Hurley, Kameron Howard, and Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. are the reserve players.
Analysis: Moore and Sabb’s positions at safety have always been clear. They ought to be a reliable presence in the defense’s back end. Jackson, the transfer from Southern California, is a capable athlete who will fill a cornerback position. More concerns have been raised about Husky (nickel) and the other cornerback position. Although Smith appears to be the favorite to start at Husky, Morgan may also be employed. Throughout camp, he spent some time with the first group, but Smith will probably receive the first shot. It’s unclear if there has been a winner at cornerback number two. Which option—the Wake Forest transfer Jones, or the true freshman Brown, who has greater upside—will Alabama choose? Given that Jones has already taken a collegiate snap, it’s possible that we see him initially before Brown quickly takes over. Alternatively, perhaps Brown has demonstrated enough to the coaching staff to earn their immediate faith. All indications point to a challenging task keeping Brown off the field.
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