Michigan Football: Predicting the defensive depth chart for 2020

Defensive line

Starters: DE Kwity Payge, DE Aidan Hutchinson, DT Carlo Kemp, DT Chris Hinton; Backups: DE Luiji Vilain, DE David Ojabo, DT Mazi Smith, DT Chris Hinton 

The defensive line has been a hot topic of conversation this offseason as Alabama and Ohio State dominated the Wolverines in the trenches. Michigan football will have Carlo Kemp back and he was solid against the run, however, a big run-stuffer in the middle is needed, which is where Hinton and Mazi Smith come in. Both were former four-star recruits and they need to deliver.

The pass rush also needs to improve. Aidan Hutchinson is a guy that seems poised to take the next step and become an All-Big Ten player, however, he also isn’t the quick edge rusher that Chase Winovich or even Josh Uche was.

Uche will be difficult to replace and even with Hutchinson and Paye returning, the Wolverines are going to need to get some help with pressuring the quarterback, whether that’s a guy like David Ojabo or an incoming freshman such as Braiden McGregor.

The transfer portal could come into play here too. Michigan has been pretty open about its desire to add a defensive tackle and you wonder if an experienced rusher like Mike Danna might come around again.