Michigan Football: Predicting the offensive line depth chart

The offensive line wasn’t a strength for Michigan football in 2017, but could it develop into a one this season. Here’s what the two-deep could look like.

With fall camp for Michigan football right around the corner (Aug. 3) the depth chart will soon be coming into focus and two of the biggest battles to watch will take place at offensive tackle.

Heading into camp, Michigan football should feel pretty solid about its roster. It returns a bunch of starters on both sides of the ball and the Wolverines also have some pretty solid depth. However, one position group where that might be challenged is the offensive line and more specifically, the tackles.

Inside, things are pretty cut and dry. Cesar Ruiz, who started some games at guard last season, is going to be the starting center. Ruiz was the top center in this class and is oozing NFL potential. He will also have two solid veterans next to him in Ben Bredeson and Michael Onwenu.

There has been some positive chatter about Stephen Spanellis making a push to start at guard but he is more likely to be the first interior guy off the bench. He’s good enough to potentially be Ruiz’s backup at center and if he is essentially backing up all three interior spots, the junior is bound to see snaps at some point. Joel Honigford is another guy that could crack the two-deep at guard.

The Wolverines seem to have an abundance of tackles, UM just isn’t sure the right two just yet to start the season. Juwann Bushell-Beatty looks to be the leading contender at left tackle and on the right side, Jon Runyan Jr. is in the same position.

However, even though those two veterans are the favorites going into camp, doesn’t mean they are going to come out of it as the starters. One issue that’s looming is the availability of former starting left tackle Grant Newsome.

Newsome suffered a gruesome leg injury a few years back and it has been unclear if he will ever play again. It sounds like either he will be cleared medically for fall camp or he won’t be able to play this season, maybe not ever again.

If Newsome does get clearance somehow, he could fight himself into the mix at tackle. Expecting him to win the starting job in fall camp is unrealistic, but he could provide some solid depth and possibly be able to start down the road if others falter.

The key name to watch is James Hudson, a 4-star recruit who came to Michigan as a defensive tackle, yet has quickly developed into a pretty solid left tackle. He’s an athletic freak and even Harbaugh has said at times, he has looked like the starter. He just needs to be more consistent and will get his chance to show he is in fall camp.

Another name to watch for offensive tackle depth is Chuck Filiaga. Freshmen Jalen Mayfield and Ryan Hayes could also work their way into the mix, especially since freshmen can now play four games and still redshirt. If needed, some of those guys could be moved inside.

New coach Ed Warriner will have to cross train a couple of guys to ensure depth at center, tackle and guard but in terms of the starting five against Notre Dame, if they are healthy, my bet is on Hudson, Bredeson, Ruiz, Onwenu, and Bushell-Beatty, with Runyan and Spanellis the first guys off the bench.

I’ve been wrong before and probably will be again, but at some point this season, those guys look the five best offensive lineman Michigan football has to offer.