The time to celebrate another national championship under Nick Saban has come and gone. Now, it’s time to start shifting the focus to the fall of 2021, especially if Alabama is going to make another push.

We started with a projected depth chart for the offensive side of the football on Saturday, but now let’s turn to the defensive side. Alabama will suffer a few losses such as Dylan Moses, Patrick Surtain II, Christina Barmore and potentially LaBryan Ray and Ben Davis.

With that being said, there is still a ton of talent coming back on defense, which could be crucial with so much roster turnover on the offensive side of the ball. Check it out below.

*Note: True freshman are listed at the bottom of their respective position groups. Once we start to get an idea of where they could land on the depth chart in Year 1, we will make adjustments.

Defensive End

AP Photo/Vasha Hunt

1. Justin Eboigbe

2. Byron Young

3. Braylen Ingraham

4. Damon Payne*

It’s not a forgone conclusion that LaBryan Ray will enter the 2021 NFL Draft, but that should be the assumption until notified otherwise. Still, there’s going to be plenty of talent up front for the Crimson Tide.

Eboigbe and Young both have plenty of experience, so that will be beneficial. But there’s also the possibility that five-star true freshman Damon Payne could find his way onto the field at some point — even with all that talent ahead of him.

Nose Guard

AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth

1. DJ Dale

2. Tim Smith

3. Stephon Wynn Jr.

4. Tim Keenan*

Seniority won out here, but it almost didn’t work out that way. Part of me believes Tim Smith will be one of the most impactful players on Alabama’s defense next season. The talent is undeniable, but Dale has been steady.

There are plenty of other defensive linemen who could see reps here, including second-year player Jamil Burroughs. Several of the Tide’s players up front have the versatility to play multiple spots.

Defensive End

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1. Phidarian Mathis

2. Jamil Burroughs

3. Jah-Marien Latham

4. Monkell Goodwine*

5. Anquin Barnes*

Phidarian Mathis has earned his opportunity to be a starter. Are there guys with more talent on the roster? Sure, but Mathis might be the most underrated defensive lineman in Tuscaloosa. Solid presence against the run and pass.

Burroughs is a rock-solid run defender who could be used situationally on early downs and against run-heavy offenses. Goodwine is more than likely going to take a redshirt, despite a lot of ability.

SAM Linebacker

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1. Christopher Allen

2. King Mwikuta

3. Chris Braswell

4. Quandarrius Robinson

5. Keanu Koht*

Outside linebacker might be the most loaded position on the roster. Alabama getting Christopher Allen back was huge, as he continues to make improvements and become a complete edge defender.

It’s time for former five-star talents Braswell and Robinson to join Will Anderson Jr. and Drew Sanders in the rotation, but reps will be hard to come by with both starters back.

MIKE Linebacker

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1. Jaylen Moody

2. Shane Lee

3. Jackson Bratton

4. Kendrick Blackshire*

Shane Lee went from first-year starter to third string on the depth chart in 2020. He’ll get an opportunity to compete with Jaylen Moody for the starting job vacated by Moses, but Moody should be considered the front-runner.

In limited opportunities, the former three-star recruit was impressive. He’s got a knack for locating and bringing down the ballcarrier, and should only continue to improve.

WILL Linebacker

AP Photo/Vasha Hunt

1. Christian Harris

2. Ale Kaho

3. Demouy Kennedy

4. Deontae Lawson*

5. Ian Jackson*

Christian Harris is one of the top players returning on the Crimson Tide’s defense. He was second on the team in tackles (79) behind Dylan Moses (80) while also adding the versatility to get after the quarterback (4.5 sacks, 6 QB hurries) and be effective against the pass.

Ale Kaho will be looking to earn more playing time on defense, but Demouy Kennedy and Deontae Lawson are both capable of pushing him for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart.

JACK Linebacker

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1. Will Anderson Jr.

2. Drew Sanders

3. Jarez Parks

4. Dallas Turner*

Will Anderson Jr. was an absolute terror for opposing offenses this season. It started off with pressures and hurries, but the former five-star prospect finally started getting home — and it paid off big time. He will now be Alabama’s returning leader in sacks (7.0).

Drew Sanders played sparingly, but it looks like he’ll be the first guy off the bench amongst the edge players/outside linebackers. Dallas Turner might now see a significant role in Year 1, but he could find himself in the mix if Braswell and/or Robinson don’t take the next step.

Cornerback

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1. Jalyn Armour-Davis

2. Ronald Williams Jr.

3. Jahquez Robinson

4. Khyree Jackson*

5. Ga’Quincy McKinstry*

The most important question the defense will face next season comes down to who replaces Surtain opposite Josh Jobe. It’s time to see more out of Jalyn Armour-Davis, but Ronald Williams Jr. will also look to get more involved.

Before it’s all said and done, the starting job here could come down to JUCO cornerback Khyree Jackson and five-star freshman Ga’Quincy “Koolaid” McKinstry.

Cornerback

AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth

1. Josh Jobe

2. Marcus Banks

3. Brandon Turnage

4. Devonta Smith*

Jobe had an excellent first season as a consistent starter at corner. He brings length, physicality and a solid understanding of the defense, which will be big with Alabama searching for Surtain’s replacement.

Marcus Banks and Brandon Turnage both bring skill sets to the table, but it’s doubtful that either see meaningful action unless one of them gets involved in the battle for the other starting spot.

Free Safety

AP Photo/Ron Jenkins

1. DeMarcco Hellams

2. Daniel Wright

3. Kadarius Calloway*

DeMarcco Hellams should overtake Daniel Wright permanently as the first-team free safety. Both will continue to play meaningful snaps, but Hellams brings a more well-rounded skill set to the table.

Kadarius Calloway is probably going to end up in the secondary, but he’s capable of playing safety, cornerback or even Star. Let’s wait and see where he ends up.

Strong Safety

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1. Jordan Battle

2. Kristian Story

3. Kaine Williams*

Jordan Battle didn’t take the leap many had expected in Year 2, but he’s still a developing prospect on the back half of the defense. Once things click for him, he’s still got a blended NFL skill set.

Don’t be surprised if Brian Branch also sees some more reps at one of the safety spots as well. We’ll continue to leave him as the second-team Star for now, though.

STAR Defensive Back

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1. Malachi Moore

2. Brian Branch

The trio of Malachi Moore, Tim Smith and Will Anderson Jr. makes me think this 2020 class of defenders could end up being one of Alabama’s best classes on that side of the ball. Moore makes an impact in a variety of ways, making him one of the most important players moving forward.

Branch will also be heavily involved in his second season. He wasn’t a world-beater as a true freshman, but he was pretty darn good. He’ll only continue to get better, too.

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