What Alabama's latest graduate transfer WR means for Crimson Tide offense

This time last year, the quiet concern for Alabama's offense was the receivers. Everyone knew about the quarterback questions, but who'd be catching the passes also posed a problem.

The summer addition of Richard Mullaney proved wise. Nick Saban saw a gap in the experience of his receivers so he grabbed the Oregon State transfer. It looks like they went the same route to replace Mullaney's 38 catches in the national championship season.

In what's becoming an increasingly popular second recruiting avenue, Alabama got a commitment Saturday from Bowling Green receiver Gehrig Dieter. At 6-foot-3, Dieter appeared to split out wide at the MAC school, but the best opportunity would be in the slot. Mullaney had almost identical size and he became an integral part of Alabama's passing game.

And with the transfer backup slot receiver Chris Black to Missouri, this could be an ideal landing spot for Dieter.

Alabama has more than enough talent returning at the other receiving positions.

Of course, breakout star Calvin Ridley (89 catches, 1,045 yards) is back for his sophomore season. Second-leading target ArDarius Stewart (63 catches, 700 yards) also returns along with tight end O.J. Howard (38 catches, 602 yards).

You also can't forget about Robert Foster, the former 5-star who was the top receiver until a shoulder injury in Week 3 ended his year. Using Foster and Ridley in the same formation creates obvious coverage issues for any secondary.

In all, Alabama lost just 27.9 percent of the 301 receptions from 2015 and 24.8 percent of the receiving yards. A year ago, Alabama was replacing 73 percent of the passing yardage, so this puts the baseline in a better position entering the 2016 season.

There's still the matter of replacing another starting quarterback. That can't be forgotten in this equation even if the last two white-knuckle competitions worked out in the end.

And for the first time in the Nick Saban era, the Tide won't have either of the top two rushers back for the following season.

With Dieter, Alabama would add a playmaker who put up big numbers while snagging a few Odell Beckham-style catches. The MAC import also had success against one of Alabama's biggest rivals in 2015. With the Tide heading to Knoxville for one of the more anticipated meetings in this series' recent history, it'll have a receiver who caught seven passes for 133 yards and a touchdown last season.

There's still a degree to complete up in Ohio, so Dieter wouldn't be joining the team until the summer. That didn't hurt Mullaney too much and Dieter would have more time to learn the program since Mullaney didn't opt for Alabama until June.

One thing is clear: Graduate transfers have become a factor you can't ignore. Don't forget Alabama won the 2015 national title with a quarterback who followed that path.

There's still time to add more as players from outside the Power 5 conferences look for opportunities on a larger stage.

Alabama's top receivers in 2015

*Returning for 2016 in bold