Few would question Alabama has two of the best pass-rushers in the SEC, but just how well do Jonathan Allen and Tim Williams stack up against the rest of the conference?

Let’s have a look:

First off, there’s Myles Garrett and there is the rest of the conference. Garrett is the most dominant player the conference has seen since Jadeveon Clowney terrorized opposing players, including Michigan’s Vincent Smith, who will always be known as the guy whose helmet flew off because Clowney hit him so hard.

Garrett hasn’t had an electric play quite like that, but he could easily make it happen this season. Garrett’s measurables aren’t far off from Clowney: 6-foot-5, 262 pounds compared to Clowney at 6-foot-6, 274 pounds (admittedly, his weight fluctuated during college and since that time). Last season, Garrett’s 12.5 sacks led the conference and were good enough for fifth in the nation.

With all that said, Allen was second in the conference and seventh in the nation with 12 sacks. Williams was third in the conference with 10.5 sacks. It is easy to envision Allen putting up similar numbers and Williams putting up even better numbers. Williams was limited to an almost exclusive situational role. He and Allen returned to school in order to demonstrate more complete skill sets.

If any school can match Alabama’s pass-rushing duo, it would likely be Texas A&M with Garrett as well as Daeshon Hall. Hall plays opposite of Garrett and finished last season tied for eighth in the conference with seven sacks.

If any school can match Alabama for overall pass-rushing prowess, it would be LSU. The Tigers have three major pass-rushing weapons, plus tackling machine Kendell Beckwith at inside linebacker. Davon Godchaux is a force at nose guard, having recorded six sacks last season.

There is also Arden Key, who will slot in at an outside linebacker/defensive end hybrid role at 6-foot-6, 245 pounds. Key had five sacks and nine quarterback hits last season. Having put those numbers up as a true freshman, Key is definitely a player who might have a breakout season. Finally, there is also senior Lewis Neal, who recorded eight sacks and eight quarterback hits last season.

Other pass-rushers who stand out include: Carl Lawson, Derek Barnett, Marquis Haynes, Deatrich Wise and Jalen Reeves-Maybin.

Lawson was just returning from an ACL injury last season. While starting just north of half of the games last season, Lawson still managed to record 11 quarterback hits. Many eyes were on him during Auburn’s spring game and he looked solid. He seems primed for a bounce back season this year.

Barnett and Reeves-Maybin are the toughest duo Alabama will face out of the SEC East. Barnett was fourth in the league and the leader for the Volunteers with 10 sacks last season. Reeves-Maybin mustered six sacks and 14 tackles for a loss while playing the Will linebacker position.

Marquis Haynes is one of the better pass-rushers in the SEC, having finished last season with 10 sacks (good for fourth in the conference) and eight quarterback hits.

Wise had a strong season at Arkansas last season, finishing the season with eight sacks.

In looking at preseason awards (awards before a game is even played?) and watch lists, it seems fair to say Alabama’s Allen and Williams stack up with the very best pass-rushers in the SEC.

A&M’s Garrett is considered the best of the bunch and the numbers back such a notion, but Allen and Williams are definitely among the top 10, if not top 5. Auburn’s Lawson, when healthy, is in the top 5. LSU’s Lewis Neal, Davon Godchaux and Arden Key are also in the conversation.

In the end, based on statistics and talent, Allen and Williams belong with Garrett, Lawson and Barnett for the SEC’s best pass-rushers.