How Alabama Football replaces every first round draft pick

Alabama Football placed three former players in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. How will the Crimson Tide attempt to compensate for that production? It certainly won’t be easy.

Former Alabama Football quarterback Bryce Young was chosen no. 1 overall by the Carolina Panthers.

It goes without saying that Bryce Young won’t be replaced. The Crimson Tide quarterback room is currently in flux after less-than-stellar A-Day performances by Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson, and the bombshell news of incoming transfer of Tyler Buchner only served to further complicate things.

In the wake of Bryce Young’s departure, the Alabama quarterback situation remains the biggest question mark on the roster.

The only consolation is that Bama appears to be in the midst of a shift in offensive philosophy anyway. Under new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, there will likely be much less burden and responsibility placed on the shoulders of the quarterback.

Former Alabama Football linebacker Will Anderson Jr. was chosen no. 3 overall by the Houston Texans.

Like Bryce Young, Will Anderson Jr. is one of the best players in Alabama history at his position, and he won’t be easily replaced. Fortunately, Bama is far more equipped to withstand the loss of Anderson Jr.

No team in college football, and perhaps no team in college football history, has recruited the edge rusher position as well as Alabama has over the last four years.

Even with the departure of Will Anderson Jr., the Crimson Tide retains six former 5-stars in this position room. Senior Chris Braswell and junior Dallas Turner are the headliners that expect to lead the group in 2023. Redshirt freshman Jeremiah Alexander was the top edge rusher in his class. A trio of incoming 5-star freshmen in Keon Keeley, Yhonzae Pierre, and Qua Russaw are all studs.

Bama’s edge rusher room is so laughably deep that its only two members that weren’t 5-star recruits were the standouts on A-Day. Senior Quandarrius Robinson and redshirt sophomore Keanu Koht, both former 4-stars, recorded two sacks apiece in the spring game.

Alabama will be just fine on the edge.

Former Alabama Football running back Jahmyr Gibbs was chosen no. 12 overall by the Detroit Lions.

Gibbs was a unique running back for the Crimson Tide, relying on his nimble feet and soft hands as opposed to pounding the ball between the tackles like the typical Bama power back. He gave the Alabama offense a much-needed home run threat in the running game, and provided a lot of value as a receiver in the passing game.

While the 2023 Crimson Tide doesn’t have a player that can do exactly what Gibbs could do, the running back room is expected to be improved this fall. Well-rounded veteran Jase McClellan and short-yardage specialist Roydell Williams both return for their senior seasons, and promising sophomore Jam Miller is back as well.

The gem of the group may be true freshman and former 5-star recruit Justice Haynes, who stole the show with three touchdowns on A-Day. Another incoming 5-star, Richard Young, will be on campus for the summer session.

Though it has some kinks to work out, Alabama Football appears to be in solid shape heading into the 2023 season.