The 2023-2024 Alabama defense will look quite different than the year prior, with tons of experience departing for the NFL. Alabama also loses its four-year defensive coordinator in Pete Golding, to be replaced by Kevin Steele who has vast experience in Nick Saban's defense.

CLICK HERE: 2023 Offensive Depth Chart Predictions

WARNING: This is not an official depth chart, rather it is a light-hearted prediction of how Alabama's defense will line up this fall.

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Defensive Line

Defensive End, Defensive Tackle, Defensive End

  1. (Sr.) Justin Eboigbe, (So.) Jaheim Oatis, (Sr.) Tim Smith
  2. (R-So.) Damon Payne, (R-Jr.) Jamil Burroughs, (R-Jr.) Ja-Marien Latham
  3. (Fr.) James Smith, (Fr.) Tim Keenan, (R-Fr.) Isaiah Hastings

Depth: (R-So.) Monkell Goodwine, Anquin Barnes; (R-Fr.) Khurtiss Perry; (Fr.) Hunter Osborne, Edric Hill, Jordan Renaud

The defensive line is the strongest defensive unit regarding experience, as the likes of Eboigbe, Oatis, and Smith all have started games for Alabama. The second unit of Payne, Burroughs, and Latham provided depth last year. While projected with the third unit, James Smith could likely make a significant impact in year one.

Outside Linebackers

  1. (Jr.) Dallas Turner and (Sr.) Chris Braswell
  2. (Fr.) Keon Keeley and (Sr.) Quandarrius Robinson
  3. (R-Fr.) Jeremiah Alexander and (Fr.) Yhonzae Pierre/(R-So.) Keanu Koht

Will Anderson has an argument to be the best defensive player of the Saban era, so this group of outside linebackers has big shoes to fill. Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell were 2/3 of the notable "Cheetah" package alongside Anderson, headlining this room. Keon Keeley was Alabama's top recruit of the 2023 class and will be difficult to keep off the field.

Inside Linebackers

  1. (R-So.) Deontae Lawson and (Sr.) Trezmen Marshall/(Jr.) Justin Jefferson
  2. (R-Fr.) Shawn Murphy/(Jr.) Kendrick Blackshire and (So.) Jihaad Campbell
  3. (R-So.) Ian Jackson and (Fr.) Qua Russaw

Alabama's middle linebacker group is loaded with talent. Denotae Lawson will likely be the signal caller for the Tide, playing besides either Georgia transfer Trezmen Marshall or JUCO transfer Justin Jefferson. Keep an eye out for Shawn Murphy and Jihaad Campbell, who practiced with the first team offense in bowl practice for Kansas State.

Cornerbacks

  1. (Jr.) Kool-Aid McKinstry and (R-So.) Terrion Arnold
  2. (R-Jr.) Jahquez Robinson and (Fr.) Desmond Ricks
  3. (Fr.) Jahlil Hurley and (R-Fr.) Antonio Kite

Kool-Aid McKinstry may be the best returning cornerback in all of college football. While he had his blunders, Terrion Arnold now understands the expectations after a season starting for Alabama. Freshmen Desmond Ricks and Jahlil Hurley are ones to watch for the future.

Safeties

Free Safety, Strong Safety, STAR

  1. (Fr.) Caleb Downs, (Sr.) Malachi Moore, and (R-Fr.) Earl Little Jr.
  2. (Jr.) DeVonta Smith, (Sr.) Kristian Story, and (Fr.) Tony Mitchell
  3. (Fr.) Brayson Hubbard, (R-Fr.) Jake Pope, and (R-Fr.) Tre'Quon Fegans

Alabama loses all three safety starters to the NFL Draft. Malachi Moore is the only safety with starting experience, so there will be several fresh faces across the Tide secondary. Caleb Downs is regarded as one of the most-college ready recruits in the 2023 cycle and could make an immediate impact.

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