Michigan Football: 5 predictions for the Wolverines defense in 2019

Pass rush won’t be an issue

One position that might look like a weakness on the outside looking in is at defensive end, where both Winovich and Gary are leaving for the NFL. Last season though, those players combined for just 8.5 sacks and that’s why when it comes to the pass rush, you shouldn’t be too concerned.

When it comes to Gary, he never lived up to his hype. Not even close. He played one good game against Ohio State, but he was rarely dominant and last season, he seemed more concerned about staying healthy than sacking the other team’s quarterback.

Winovich was an animal and he will be missed much more. Yet, Kwity Paye and Josh Uche both showed promise last season, combining for nine sacks. Uche led the team with seven. Those guys should step in as the top edge rushers and competing with them will be graduate transfer Mike Danna, as well as four-star recruit from 2018, Aidan Hutchinson.

Danna came over from Central Michigan, where he notched 15 career sacks and was First-Team All-Conference in the MAC last season. I’d expect him to make an impact and when it’s all said and done, the Wolverines could have as many or more sacks than in 2018.