The Alabama Crimson Tide aren't used to being in a disadvantageous position entering a season. Nick Saban brought historic levels of certainty and consistency to the Tide for years, and now, it's up to head coach Kalen DeBoer to bring his own version to Alabama. 

Based on The Athletic's All-American team, DeBoer will have quite the uphill battle in 2024. Only two Crimson Tide players who aren't kicker Graham Nicholson made their list, and both were offensive linemen. Let's take a look at the two honorees and potential snubs.

Alabama Crimson Tide All-Americans

Both of the Tide's All-Americans are interior blockers, which is surprising. They each made The Athletic's First Team, which is encouraging.

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Tyler Booker, OG: Booker, known for his physical dominance in the run game, was honored as a first-team All-SEC selection by the media and a second-team selection by coaches last year. Standing at 6-5 and weighing 325 pounds, the junior has a significant chance to elevate his status into the first round of the NFL Draft, especially as he returns as one of the key figures in an offense expected to excel with Jalen Milroe at the helm, under the guidance of new coach Kalen DeBoer.

Parker Brailsford, OC: After redshirting in 2022, Brailsford was recognized as a Freshman All-American and made the second-team All-Pac-12 in 2023, prior to moving with DeBoer from Washington to Alabama. With a frame of 6-2 and weighing 290 pounds, Brailsford is celebrated for his impressive athleticism and agility.

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Alabama Crimson Tide All-American Snubs?

The most obvious player we can talk about is Jalen Milroe. Milroe failed to oust Dillon Gabriel and Carson Beck, which is probably fair. Gabriel isn't someone I'd even say is that good, but he's tremendously productive, and his career accomplishments are impressive as a collegiate passer.

Milroe will have to outduel a pretty deep set of quarterbacks to reach the season's final All-American team. He's certainly capable of getting there because he's an immensely gifted runner. But there are some legitimate concerns about how he'll fit into DeBoer's more intricate passing game with an unproven surrounding cast.

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The other person who makes sense as a possible All-American is linebacker Deontae Lawson. Lawson racked up 67 tackles and three sacks last year, earning attention from NFL scouts. He returned to Alabama for his fourth year despite Mel Kiper Jr. and others projecting him as a legitimate draft pick, but you wonder if that would've been the cast if he knew Saban was retiring.

That's about it as far as obvious snubs. We'll see how this team develops over the course of the season. With only two non-specialists even making the team and maybe one possible clear snub, DeBoer will have to coach his ass off this fall for Alabama to be a real College Football Playoff threat.