Could an All-Alabama team win the Super Bowl?

Indianapolis Colts receiver and Miami product Andre Johnson recently suggested that a team comprised only of Miami Hurricane alumni could win a Super Bowl, which seemed far-fetched considering that there isn’t a quarterback in the NFL from “The U.”

But Johnson gave us a nice idea, so here’s our first look at a potential alumni all-star NFL team that might be able to compete for a Super Bowl. We’ll explore other programs in the weeks to come, but let’s begin with the Alabama Crimson Tide:

QB: A.J. McCarron — The Bengals backup is the only active NFL quarterback from Alabama. This is problematic.

RB: Eddie Lacy — With Mark Ingram as a backup, they’d have one of the best 1-2 punches in football.

WR: Julio Jones/Kevin Norwood — But because those are the only two active Alabama receivers, they’d have major depth issues.

TE: Brad Smelley — The 2012 seventh-round pick is the only Alabama product with a catch at tight end. He has one career reception.

OT: Andre Smith / D.J. Fluker — Solid bookend tackles, actually. But who would have McCarron’s blind side?

G: Evan Mathis / Chance Warmack — One is coming out of his prime and the other isn’t quite there yet, but both are starting-caliber players with Pro Bowl talent.

C: Barrett Jones — You either use the Rams center or move James Carpenter inside.

DL: Marcell Dareus / Terrence Cody / Ed Stinston / Brandon Deaderick — Dareus is really the only above-average player here.

LB: DeMeco Ryans / Rolando McClain / Nico Johnson / Dont’a Hightower — Jarret Johnson’s retirement really hurt the front seven, which isn’t a good omen. This team would have virtually no ability to rush the passer.

CB: Kareem Jackson / Dee Milliner — Not a terrible duo with Dre Kirkpatrick working as the nickel.

S: Roman Harper / Ha Ha Clinton-Dix — The talented Mark Barron is also on board, as is Rashad Johnson of the Cardinals.

Conclusion: If McCarron could keep it together the offense would be above average, as would the secondary. But the pass defense would get zero help from the front seven and a lack of pass rush would do them in. This team would struggle to win four games.

About Brad Gagnon

Brad Gagnon has been passionate about both sports and mass media since he was in diapers -- a passion that won't die until he's in them again. Based in Toronto, he's worked as a national NFL blog editor at theScore.com (covering Super Bowls XLIV, XLV and XLVI), a producer and writer at theScore Television Network and a host, reporter and play-by-play voice at Rogers TV. His work has also appeared at Deadspin, FoxSports.com, The Guardian, The Hockey News and elsewhere at Bloguin, but his day gig has him covering all things NFC East for Bleacher Report.

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