Alabama football: Defensive line depth is not all about the numbers

Nick Saban is concerned about the lack of depth on the Alabama football defense. Let’s consider how much depth is required on the defensive line.

When Alabama football missed on Malik Langham, Bobby Brown and Vernon Jackson in the 2018 class, defensive depth suffered. ILB signee Jalen Moody and JUCO transfer Tevita Musika lessened the impact of not signing three top players. The 2018 class took another hit when Jordan Davis did not qualify academically.

Not too many years ago, Nick Saban always wanted eight to ten defensive line contributors. Over the years, Saban learned when defensive linemen became too tired, a quick rest was of little value. His remedy was to have enough productive defensive tackles and ends to rotate nine of them in and out of games. The 2018 roster now includes nine scholarship defensive linemen.

It will be weeks, maybe even a couple of months before it is known if all nine can produce this season. Then there is potential injury attrition, further depleting numbers during the season. All of which explains why Saban is concerned about defensive line depth.

Dig a little deeper and the depth may be adequate

Not to question Nick Saban but understanding the depth situation requires more information. First, Alabama football won a national championship last season, playing mostly six defensive linemen, plus some limited help from three others. The six were Da’Ron Payne, Raekwon Davis, Isaiah Buggs, Da’Shawn Hand, Josh Frazier and Quinnen Williams. Labryan Ray saw some action and played well in a limited role. Due to a foot problem, Ray did not play after the Mississippi State game. Johnny Dwight played in six games but in an even more limited role. Jamar King also played sparingly. There was certainly no regular rotation beyond the main six guys.

How was six enough? In that small group of players, the Tide was lucky with no serious injuries. Another reason was and will continue to be, the variety of defenses used by Saban. The base 3-4 is no longer the base Tide defense. The primary defense is the nickel. The nickel includes 10 or more formation variations. One of those variations, a speed rush set, only uses two defensive linemen.

The Alabama 3-4 actually mostly looks like a 4-3 anyway, the fourth guy with a hand on the ground being a linebacker. Anfernee Jennings excels at that spot.

Will the ’18 roster have six or seven solid d-line contributors?

Of course, having all nine on the current roster be productive is best. There is little room for injury depletion if any of the nine cannot produce if and when needed. Alabama football fans are confident Kwon, Buggs, Quinnen and Ray will be superb. Expectations, fueled by Alabama football insiders, are high for JUCO Tevita Musika.

Hopefully, Johnny Dwight has continued a slow but steady progression. Last winter Phidarian Mathis was a scout team star in some practice sessions. Christian Barmore arrived in Tuscaloosa in June, already looking physically prepared to play this fall. Stephon Wynn, who enrolled early, is probably the biggest question mark going into fall camp.

More depth would be great but without a late graduate transfer, nine is the number. Even if one becomes lost to extended injury and another one needs another year of development, seven who can play is about what the team had last season. Maybe that number will be enough again.

The wait has felt forever. In seven days Alabama football fans can look in earnest for new information. We will provide all we know and some of what we just believe. It is going to be another great ride.