Michigan Football: Breaking down Wolverines offensive depth chart

Offensive Line

Michigan Football is losing four starters off of last year’s offensive line. Thankfully they return starting RT Jalen Mayfield who decided to opt back in last week.

Ed Warinner has done a fantastic job coaching the OL since coming to Michigan. We see major strides being made every season and he’s putting guys in the NFL. Warinner is becoming one of the best OL coaches in the country and people are starting to notice.

So just because Michigan lost four starters, don’t panic quite yet. They have a group of guys ready to prove themselves and prove that this will not turn into a weak spot for Michigan this season.

Left Tackle- Ryan Hayes

Michigan lost their stud LT who started the last two season for Michigan in Jon Runyan. He provided stability to the OL and was one of the guys who helped turn Michigan’s offensive line around and make it a strength over the past two season. He was drafted in the 6th round by the Packers in last year’s draft.

Ryan Hayes is expected to take over at LT for Michigan football this season. He did start the season opener for Michigan last year when Runyan was hurt and he did a nice job. Hayes is a big physical LT who has the body and skillset to play on Sundays in a couple years.

It may take Hayes a few games to break in, but by season’s end, I expect Michigan to be strong at LT.

Left Guard- Chuck Filiaga

Losing Runyan at LT is obviously a huge deal. But the Wolverines also lost their three year starting LG in Ben Bredeson. Ben was drafted in the 4th round by the Baltimore Ravens in last year’s NFL Draft.

This will be an interesting position battle for Michigan heading into the season. With Mayfield returning, it will allow Karsen Barnhart to compete for the LG spot along with Chuck Filiaga and Trevor Keegan.

I’ll give the edge as we sit right now to the senior, Chuck Filiaga.

Center: Andrew Vastardis

Cesar Ruiz held the fort down at center for the last two seasons at Michigan. He has also moved onto the NFL after becoming a 1st round pick drafted by the New Orleans Saints.

The center position will be a two man battle between Zach Carpenter and 5th year senior Andrew Vastardis. I think It’s up in the air right now but it seems like Vastardis has the edge. It’s also unclear if Carpenter is fully healthy at the moment and that certainly will play a role.

Replacing a 1st round draft pick is some pretty big shoes to fill, but a senior leader like Vasterdis could be the perfect guy to do it.

Right Guard: Andrew Stueber

Michigan is replacing yet another starter at RG.  Michael Onwenu is now in the NFL for the New England Patriots after starting the last three seasons for Michigan.

Andrew Stueber should be the guy this season at RG after missing all of last season with an injury. He had a good season two years ago appearing in all 13 games including two starts at RT. Steuber is now healthy and ready to be a senior leader on this new OL.

Right Tackle: Jalen Mayfield

Finally, a spot on the offensive line that Michigan doesn’t have to replace a starter. Mayfield started all 13 games last season at RT and was terrific. He had previously opted out of this season to prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft.

That decision made a ton of sense because he has first-round potential. But last week, he reversed course and opted back into the season. This was huge for Michigan football. Even bringing back one veteran starter can make a big difference when you are trying to fit in a bunch of new guys.

Depth Chart

LT: Ryan Hayes, Trent Jones

LG: Chuck Filiaga, Karsen Barnhart

C: Andrew Vastardis, Zach Carpenter

RG: Andrew Stueber, Zak Zinter

RT: Jalen Mayfield, Karsen Barnhart

Note: Karsen Barnhart has really impressed and can play multiple positions on the OL. Don’t be surprised to see him fill in where he’s needed most