JD PicKell evaluates what Alabama needs from QB position in 2023

With Bryce Young moving on to the NFL, the search is on for the next Alabama starting quarterback. Not only that, but the Crimson Tide may also be looking at a new offensive coordinator as Bill O’Brien appears on his way out.

With so much change on offense, On3’s JD PicKell broke down on a recent episode of “The Hard Count” what he believes Alabama will look for from the next quarterback in 2023. First and foremost, he believes the Crimson Tide will look for a gunslinger who can get the ball in the hands of their talented receivers.

“I think it’s fair to say that a lot of what Bryce Young did last year made up for some of the things they didn’t do effectively,” PicKell said. “He was sort of an eraser for some of the mistakes they had. But what do they need at quarterback this coming year? I’ll just say this: For all the talk about Alabama not being to stretch the field well last year and what they didn’t do in the passing game, they still have receivers that are focused and I think are slept on and need to see more of the football. They need to touch the rock.”

PicKell went on to highlight several members of the Alabama receiving corps whom he believes will play a big role in 2022. That included Jermaine Burton and Ja’Corey Brooks, who both finished with over 600 yards receiving this past season. However, he also mentioned Isaiah Bond, a true freshman who finished his first season in Tuscaloosa with 220 yards and a touchdown.

“Isaiah Bond I truly believe is a future star at the college football level,” PicKell said. “He’s a guy they are very excited about and can stretch the field vertically in a very big way. Ja’Corey Brooks was a five-star out of high school. We’ve seen him flash multiple times for the Tide. Jermaine Burton made a lot of plays last year. You hear what I’m saying. You cap your potential as an offense, as a team, if these guys are not involved Saturday in and Saturday out.

“I don’t believe whoever takes over at the quarterback position will just be a game manager. They’re gonna need somebody that can pop the top and be consistent throwing the ball downfield to these playmakers. To be the standard Alabama, which is winning national championships and winning the SEC, you need to have an explosive element to your offense. I wholeheartedly believe that.”

Right now the two candidates for Alabama’s starting quarterback are Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson. Milroe started one game this past season against Texas A&M with Young injured, finishing 12-of-19 passing for 111 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Simpson was the No. 2 quarterback in the 2022 class according to On3 Consensus, and could be right behind him.

“To go back to this whole quarterback battle, you can’t be a one-dimensional offense,” PicKell said. “I don’t wanna knock it too hard, but with the little sample size we have on Jalen Milroe, the offense looked fairly one-dimensional in his one start against Texas A&M. He ran the football well. Only threw for about 111 yards. Made some questionable decisions with the football. So that gives me a little bit of concern as to what he’s going to do going forward. He could take a huge leap forward in the spring, but just keep an eye on that.

“If he’s not able to consistently distribute the football to these playmakers and Ty Simpson is able to, that’s as simple as it is. Who’s able to get the ball to playmakers? Jalen Milroe can do a lot with his legs. Ty Simpson can do a lot with his legs. But they’re not gonna take a guy who’s one dimensional. So whoever’s able to separate will be the starting quarterback.