Alabama: Rank the positions that need the most work in the offseason

[Bamabuzzard]

1. Offensive Line
2. QB
3. Coaching Staff
4. Defensive line
5. LB
6. Secondary


Offensive Line- This group just has to get better. We have too many of them getting their pads over their feet, getting off balance, and falling forward while the DL'man bolts by them. They don't get the push needed to have a consistently effective running game. Pritchett was awful this year and Proctor had his jockstrap handed to him too often as well. We HAVE TO get better on the offensive line if we want a better offense next season.

QB- Whether it's Ty Simpson, Dylan Lonergan, Austin Mack, or whoever, they have to know the offense backward and forwards. We cannot go another season running a piece-milled playbook. Making all the throws will be a must next season, we saw just how effective throwing to the TE's and RB's on wheel routes can be and lord knows what this offense could have done if we could actually throw a slant.

Coaching staff- I think this season was a huge adjustment for the coaches who've never coached in the SEC before and several times they got exposed and embarrassed. This falls at the feet of CKD to learn from his mistakes, get better, and ensure we're prepared for EVERY GAME. Not just get the team up for obvious "big games". To me, their biggest flaw this season was not getting the team fully prepared and having the same intensity for every game. That has got to change or we'll be 9-3/8-4 every year. I also think our defensive philosophy needs to be adjusted, especially in short-yardage situations. I have no idea why in the hell we're running three down linemen and everyone else is off the LOS on 3rd and 1 and 3rd and 2. Why don't we just tell the ref to give them the first down and just skip the down? It's one of the dumbest things I see we do almost every game.

DL- We have to get more disruptors and penetrators on the DL. I get it, they are very hard to find and they don't grow on trees. But we've got to develop more guys who can pressure the backfield. Our best defenses under Saban were when we had guys like this.

LB- Overall, I think this group did very well considering where they started off. At the beginning of the season, they were constantly out of position and a liability on the field. But as the season went on they became one of the strengths of the team. I'm assuming we're losing both Lawson and Campbell to the NFL so the next guys up will have to step up and fill those shoes.

Secondary- I put this group last because I gave them a lot of benefit of the doubt all year for being so young and inexperienced and I expect them to naturally take a huge leap of development next season just from all the snaps they got this season. Overall, taking into consideration where they started with all the youth and inexperience, I fully expect this group to be one of the strengths of the defense next season from the get go.

 

[colbysullivan]

I think you hit all the main points. I would have it this way:

1) QB
2a) OL
2b) OC
3) LB
4) DL

At the end of the day, our secondary performed above expectations. For all the crap I gave Wommack, we had our best defense since 2017. Man, Gol*ing sucked…

 

[BamaMoon]

Good list. Pretty much agree with order too.

The QB improvements (#2) will impact the coaching (#3) but I think the most specific area is the OC. We let JM affect the way the game was called way too much and it negatively impacted our RBs and WRs ability to shine.

Speaking of RBs, I think they are very good, but we seem to be missing the guy who can make a house call. I could be wrong on that, but I wish he had a guy who was a little more of slasher!

 

[BamaMoon]

I think you hit all the main points. I would have it this way:

1) QB
2a) OL
2b) OC
3) LB
4) DL

At the end of the day, our secondary performed above expectations. For all the crap I gave Wommack, we had our best defense since 2017. Man, Gol*ing sucked…

Pretty much! I think OL/QB/OC almost combine as "one" area to see major improvement because of how they impact each other!

 

[Bamabuzzard]

Good list. Pretty much agree with order too.

The QB improvements (#2) will impact the coaching (#3) but I think the most specific area is the OC. We let JM affect the way the game was called way too much and it negatively impacted our RBs and WRs ability to shine.

Speaking of RBs, I think they are very good, but we seem to be missing the guy who can make a house call. I could be wrong on that, but I wish he had a guy who was a little more of slasher!

Not to knock the kid because I like him, but Justice Haynes looked like he was running with ankle weights on whereas Jam had more explosive movements and got through the hole much faster.

 

[Power Eye]

1. WR (Blocking was terrible across the board, only Bernard and Williams made any impact, Williams started getting the dropsies. Maybe Hale can be a difference maker, but we need at least 4 very reliable receivers and we barely have two)
2. QB (I'm not looking for dynamic here, just consistency)
3. OL (I can't understand how this group can't run block effectively)
4. DL (solid this year, but not overly disruptive)
5. LB (inside group was solid, but not enough impact off the edges and allowed too many big plays to the outside)
6. RB (Miller is a good receiver and blocker but dances too much at the line, Haynes is a better runner but isn't as good at blocking. It's hard to grade them though because I think the OL didn't help, nor the lack of going to them when needed)
7. DB (They have been solid this year, and should be great next year)
8. TE (I don't know who we lose, but they were solid when used)

 

[BamaMoon]

Not to knock the kid because I like him, but Justice Haynes looked like he was running with ankle weights on whereas Jam had more explosive movements and got through the hole much faster.

Maybe it's the OL's inability to create visible holes, but they both "plod" too much. Seems neither hit the hole, if it's there, with much speed.

 

[rolltide_21]

I’ll be more specific than whole position groups-
1) RT- this position has been a liability all year. Didn’t matter if it was 57 or 72.
2) QB- If we have a serviceable QB I think we’re probably 11-1. I love Jalen and he seems to be a fine young man, but I’m tired of wondering before the game if we’re getting good/bad Milroe.
3) WR- Ryan Williams has a lot of flash and is an incredible athlete. But he has a TON to work on if he wants to be on Amari’s or Devonta’s level. Outside he and #5 our WRs were largely quite (QB issues withstanding, of course).
4) Safety- we’re losing Moore which hurts. It seems they bite too much on fakes & get out of position. Need some development there.
5) OC- Sheridan seemed to be over his head this year. Often left me wondering what was he thinking in given circumstances.

 

[tusks_n_raider]

I think the Unit rankings you have are in the right order but I'd move the Staff to 1 then OL then QB etc

The lack of preparation and willingness to make in game adjustments when the game plan isn't working are very concerning from the HC, OC, and DC.

The way our players conducted themselves was also very disappointing.

Taunting, throwing tantrums and kicking the football, and this past week ripping a helmet off and jawing on the field.

All that mess has got to GO.

 

[64 Grad]

No problem with the list. Having a quarterback that takes what the defense gives you and get into a rhythm on offense will help the entire offense play better. This was non existent this year. Hard to watch this offense play.

 

[TideEngineer08]

I think your list and explanations are great. I'd add WR to it though. Someone mentioned Bernard and Williams being the only impact players and that is true. And Williams really took a nose dive the second half the year (obvious freshman wall was hit).

But I am sick of seeing such weak OL play. I completely agree that's the biggest need. QB is going to take care of itself.

 

[Ledsteplin]

1. WR (Blocking was terrible across the board, only Bernard and Williams made any impact, Williams started getting the dropsies. Maybe Hale can be a difference maker, but we need at least 4 very reliable receivers and we barely have two)
2. QB (I'm not looking for dynamic here, just consistency)
3. OL (I can't understand how this group can't run block effectively)
4. DL (solid this year, but not overly disruptive)
5. LB (inside group was solid, but not enough impact off the edges and allowed too many big plays to the outside)
6. RB (Miller is a good receiver and blocker but dances too much at the line, Haynes is a better runner but isn't as good at blocking. It's hard to grade them though because I think the OL didn't help, nor the lack of going to them when needed)
7. DB (They have been solid this year, and should be great next year)
8. TE (I don't know who we lose, but they were solid when used)

This is who returns at TE. Dippre and Ouzts are seniors. Cuevas should return, and has played well this year.

Josh Cuevas is a redshirt Junior
Danny Lewis is a redshirt sophomore
Ty Lockwood is a redshirt sophomore
Jay Lindsey is a freshman

 

[Power Eye]

Taunting, throwing tantrums and kicking the football, and this past week ripping a helmet off and jawing on the field.

Honestly, most of that is attributable to Malachi Moore. I never would have thought he would be such a powder keg this year since I don't recall that from the previous seasons, but he must have gotten hit with at least 4 personal foul/late hit/unsportsmanlike calls this year. He has been as bad or worse than Dre Kirkpatrick or Tony Brown ever were.

 

[Cruloc]

The lists are good.....but for me....get rid of whatever LANK is doing to the locker room and the team and we will see improvement.

We need a QB that can distribute the ball.

We are going to lose some skill players....I'd guess Haynes and/or Young....Odom....probably more.

OL is going to need some work...Booker will be gone, I think Brailsford will be back.

Defense was the best since before Gol×ing....but we need some disruptors on the DL and more quality depth in the LBs and DBs.

 

[JustNeedMe81]

Copy and pasted from the other board and this is my thoughts:

Now that regular season is over, and we're waiting to see if we get in the playoff or not, I wanted to go ahead and evaluate the positions and rate them on grade scale.

QB: Milroe had somewhat inconsistent year, and some of that was injuries, and some of that was bad game planning, and some of that was on Milroe. I think it's best for Alabama and Milroe to move on and which he will. I think the future is bright at QB position. I expect Simpson/Mack to compete for starting job in the spring and hopefully, the offense will be much much better next year. I just wish Simpson got more opportunities in the game this year especially if Milroe was struggling or hurt. I would rate them C- mostly because the coaching staff did horrible job with QB development and game planning for Milroe.
Grade: C-

RBs: Haynes wasn't 100 percent healthy for the most part of the season. Miller should've got more touches the last few weeks. Their inability to find the holes concerns me and I don't know if it's the scheme, or it's just them. We went through that the last few years with CNS. Coaching didn't help them at all. B
Grade: D-

WRs- Solid performance. Blocking has improved slightly, but when Law went out, we struggled real bad. When Law came back, he wasn't the same. We haven't heard much of him lately. Ryan Williams hit freshman wall and is dropping the balls a lot. I think with Hale coming back and other young players coming in next year, the future is bright.

Grade: B-

OL- Whew! The left side of OL has been real good. Pritchett is the one who has been inconsistent, and I don't understand why we keep giving him playing time. When he's good, he's GOOD. When he's bad, he's BAD. I hate to grade them based on one person's performance, I wish I could give them B plus but Pritchett didn't help. I'll have to drop the grade down to C+ with closer to B-.
Grade: C+

DL-One word to describle everyone on that DL: Inconsistent. We need better players at DL and we will get them through portal. They are the reason why we allowed huge run gains throughout the season. They can't maintain the gaps or close on gaps quickly. We seen that last night several times.
Grade: D-

LBs- Lawson/ Robinson injured didn't help us, but Justin Jefferson had a solid game once again and that's a good thing. Future is bright at LB position. We will get better, and I think we will be just fine.
Grade: B+

CB/Safety: Love, love watching their growth this season. Very impressed with them. Brown, Smith, Jackson, Hubbard, Moore, you name them all. They all are dogs!

Punter/Kicker: Incomplete grade. Might pass the class though.

HC: Deboer tried this season and it was up and down for him. He knew what was coming and he handled it well given the limitation he had this season with personnel and staff. I give him the grade of...
Grade: B-

Wommack: Defense struggled in the early part of the season and has come together in recent weeks and should be able to build on that going into offseason. Defense works for the major part and He needs to grab players in portal to make defense even better. I'm not afraid to say this: Our defense could be much much stingy and nastier than Texas Defense was this year. If Wommack stays with us... We'll be in great shape. If not, I expect Morrell to move on to the field. Either way, we'll be fine.
Grade: B-

Sheridan: He does not know how to adjust throughout the game and it has showed that over and over. The game plan for each opponents baffles me and i wonder who's really at fault: him, Coaching staff or the analyst team. Who knows? But I do know this: He can't come back to the team next year unless someone helps him with playcalling or we get someone even better.
Grade: F

Cheerleaders: not impressed.

 

[tusks_n_raider]

The lists are good.....but for me....get rid of whatever LANK is doing do the locker room and the team and we will see improvement.

We need a QB that can distribute the ball.

We are going to lose some skill players....I'd guess Haynes and/or Young....Odom....probably more.

OL is going to need some work...Booker will be gone, I think Brailsford will be back.

Defense was the best since before Gol×ing....but we need some disruptors on the DL and more quality depth in the LBs and DBs.

Out of those names I want Young and Brailsford back. I haven't heard anything about Odom as far as locker room dynamics.

Booker and Haynes are part of the Lank crew so you can deduct what my thoughts are there.

 

[bamaslammer]

1. Coaching Staff
2. Offensive Line
3. QB
4. WR
5. Defensive line
6. LB
7. Secondary
8. Tight End

Coaching Staff: The auburn game was the only game I felt they designed a proper game plan offensively with the balance of passing and runs from the RB's and runs by Milro. A similar balance might have won one of two of those we lost. How did it take the whole season to realize you got to run the ball with running backs to win in the SEC. Keeping in mind that statistically we didn't light Auburn up with running backs but the beating handed out utterly changed Auburns pass rush, which in turn led to the offense scoring. Had we not had 4 turnovers it would have been a blowout. Also, offensive line coach, WR coach, DL coach, see notes.

Offensive Line: we started and finished the year with 4 experienced starters and at times played like first year starters. They showed a few signs of getting better but then would follow it up with getting whipped like school children. This inconsistency isn't going to fly in the SEC.

QB: running QB's never win championships when the running is anything more than an extra benefit. Good defenses always shut down QB runs and it's going to boil down to passing talent. We need more passing talent. Milro's passing stats this season were actually worse than 2023. He ACTUALLY got worse if you look at the stats. I blame the coaches for this in many ways. He should have been trained to be a QB, not a running back who sometimes throws.

WR: Bernard was the only thing we could count on down the stretch. Williams is a big talent obviously but most freshman hit a wall and he certainly did. He's not even been through conditioning yet. he should be fine next year, but will he still be with the Tide? The entire rest of the room vaporized. and I think there's talent there. I question if the WR coach is getting it done, but it's hard to tell because we didn't get the ball delivered like we should have.

Defensive Line: Inconsistency. Can't be counted on game in and game out. Need more penetration. When they did show up in the backfield it seemed they would take two steps toward the QB then just fall over. I realize these guys aren't gazelle's but I see other teams DL tracking down Milro every game so why do our guys just fall over. This might be the one position where the given talent was not appropriate for the defense we were running.

Linebacker: Just need to restock. Overall had a good year considering it was a new defense

DB: Gonna be stars back there (unless Ohio State buys them all)

TE: Best year in memory.

 

[spidermayin]

1. QB
2. LB
3. Offensive Line
4. Coaching Staff
5. Defensive Line
6. Tight End
7. Secondary
8. WR

 

[B1GTide]

Who will be kicking and/or punting next season? And you need a ST coach.

 

[tusks_n_raider]

Who will be kicking and/or punting next season? And you need a ST coach.

That's a good question and a fair point.

I keep forgetting we have a PK and half expect to see his face on a milk carton when I go to the store.