The outside linebacker is one of the more variable positions for Nick Saban. In the earlier years, there was a fairly significant distinction between the Jack and the Sam linebackers in the 3-4 defense, with the former being mainly a pass rusher and the latter mostly used in outside contain in the run game.
As the Alabama defense has shifted more to a base nickel, the two positions have mostly become interchangeable left and right defensive ends who have to be able to drop back into flats coverage, depending on the play call.
Though the two spots have been manned well enough, the Alabama pass rush hasn’t quite matched what we saw in 2016 with Tim Williams and Ryan Anderson launching a blitzkrieg every single play.