We took a look at the offensive side of the ball for Michigan football this spring. Now we turn our attention to the more experienced, explosive side of the ball: the defense.
By most accounts, and per usual in spring ball, the defense is ahead of the offense, so it’s not entirely unexpected. The Wolverines have a wealth of returning talent, even if many weren’t nominal starters a year ago. There are three likely first-round draft picks on the defensive side of the ball, and even more who could find their names called on Day 1 of the NFL draft next year if everything goes right.
With that in mind, we’re taking a look at each position, predicting who the primary starters are as well as their immediate backup in our two-deep projection of the maize and blue defense as spring ball rages on.
Defensive tackle
Photo: Isaiah Hole
Starters: Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant
Backups: Rayshaun Benny, Enow Etta
Graham and Grant are the best DT duo in the country and would be likely first-round NFL draft picks next year if they leave early. Graham is probably the best defensive tackle in the country, and Grant isn’t too far behind him. Benny is recovering from a broken leg suffered in the College Football Playoff, but he should be good to go once the season arrives. The question is who else will be in the backup role? Etta has been repping inside as well as outside. He’s been one of the few players who has consistently drawn rave reviews all spring. Trey Pierce, who we’ve heard little about, could also be a contender and will likely be in the rotation, regardless.
Edge rusher
Photo: Isaiah Hole
Starters: Derrick Moore, Josaiah Stewart
Backups: TJ Guy, Cameron Brandt
Though not starters a year ago, Moore and Stewart were so heavily relied upon that they were on the field for the final play of the Rose Bowl — and they were the two who made the play. Stewart blew up Alabama tackle JC Latham,…
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