Alabama Football: Grading Tide’s depth by position before season starts

Grading Alabama football’s depth at WR, TE and OL

Wide Receiver: B-

Alabama has the two best receivers in the SEC, but this is a grade on depth. Due to having Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs last season, many of the future stars did not get a lot of targets. If something happens to DeVonta Smith and/or Jaylen Waddle, this receiving corps gets pretty thin in terms of proven talent.

When you look at potential, there are plenty of names to keep an eye on. Slade Bolden and John Metchie are competing to be a starter. There is also Javon Baker, Xavier Williams and Thaiu Jones-Bell in the mix. Any one of these players could be the next stud for the Crimson Tide, but they have minimal playing experience as things currently stand.

Tight End: B

I’m not sure what to expect with tight ends for Alabama this year. You only hear of a star when they are a great pass-catcher, but most of the tight ends on the roster will thrive as blockers. There are six players who can compete for reps, but not much separates them as talents. Although I like the number of bodies, I’m not sure what to expect up the seam.

Offensive line: B+

Alabama football has the best offensive line in college football with the senior leadership of Alex Leatherwood and Deonte Brown. Landon Dickerson and Evan Neal are also entrenched as starters. Outside of that, there are a few players competing for the starting center job. That’s where the depth comes in. Alabama can rotate most of their interior offensive linemen if necessary. Dickerson can move back to center. Brown can play left or right guard. If Alex Leatherwood is out, Neal has the talent to cover Mac Jones’s blind side.