Projecting Alabama’s defensive depth chart after two weeks of fall camp

Alabama is a little over two weeks into fall camp, and with those two weeks of practice and interviews finished, we’re starting to get a better idea of what the Crimson Tide’s depth chart could look like for the season opener against Florida State.

This is a really good defensive line. Is it elite? Well, it has a chance to be elite, but we still have to see it all come together. Overton and Smith both have first-round talent, and Keenan is currently projected to go sometime on late Day 2 or early Day 3. That’s a great place to start. Who knows what the future holds for players such as Beaman and Hill, but both of them have generated buzz this offseason, especially Beaman.

Collins is a complete unknown. We do know that the Florida transfer brings inside-out versatility. He reported in the spring at 285 pounds, but he managed to get down to 275 before the start of fall camp. I thought that meant he was going to play Bandit, but we’ve only seen him working with the interior guys during the open portions of practice. I currently have him listed as a rotational piece at both Bandit and defensive tackle, but just know that his role remains fluid until we get a look at him in the season opener.

I remain a big fan of Renaud. He’s always been a guy who played with his hair on fire, but he’s also played a little out of control at times, not fully understanding how he fit into into the defense. Well, we’re hearing that he’s made significant strides on that front, which is excellent news with Alabama needing a second Bandit after Jah-Marien Latham’s move to Wolf late last season. Overton will continue to be the primary option, but I suspect that you’ll see Renaud and Keeley in the rotation too.