Michigan Football: Predicting Wolverines defensive depth chart in 2021
D-Line
DT: 1’s: Chris Hinton, Mazi Smith; Donovan Jeter, Rayshaun Benny
Macdonald is going to bring a 3-4 defense to Ann Arbor or some sort of hybrid defense and that requires more of a nose tackle. However, one thing about this defense is that it appears to be one-gap system, which means defensive lineman aren’t responsible for two gaps, at least if Macdonald uses the 4-3 under defense which is what the Ravens have been employing. Here’s a great explanation of what we are likely to see at U-M.
If Macdonald doesn’t have his guys two-gap, it’s actually much, much easier. It requires more out of linebackers and it also means you need your defensive lineman to take on double teams and do it well. Hinton should be able to take on that role. He’s shown flashes during his first two season and getting the most out of him and fellow junior-to-be Mazi Smith, two former high-ranking four-star recruits is essential.
This is also where I could see Benny getting into the mix. Michigan doesn’t have a ton of big defensive lineman and I do think we’ll see two defensive tackles on the field at plenty of times. That could give Benny a shot for some early playing time.
Basically, this alignment means one of your defensive tackles is also playing as a 3-technique and that’s something that every interior guy on the roster can do.
DE: (5-tech) Aidan Hutchinson; Kris Jenkins, Julius Welschof, Braiden McGregor
Whether Michigan has three or four defensive lineman won’t really matter. One would play on the strong side with the tight end and one will be on the weak side as sort of a rush end.
The rush end could be a down lineman or an outside linebacker, with say Aidan Hutchinson on the other side. He’s big, lengthy and stout against the run. He’s a solid pass rusher and he will get chances on the edge, but he’s ideal as a 3-4 defensive end.
I also think Julius Welschof is tailor-made to play in this scheme. You can just see that guy in a Ravens uniform — long, tough, athletic, but not really with a specific position. He could honestly played end or tackle in this under alignment. Michigan football has a bunch of those guys and that’s why using multiple looks/fronts is the best way to go.
Taylor Upshaw also impressed some last season and notched a couple of sacks. He’s another like Hutchinson and also Braiden McGregor, who could play different roles at defensive end.
The five-technique is also where George Rooks could see time as a freshman, but that depends on how others adapt to the new scheme.
Rush end: 1: Taylor Upshaw; 2’s: Braiden McGregor, Jaylen Harrell, David Ojabo and Junior Colson
This depth chart might be somewhat confusing but I think that there are a few guys who could really excel standing up or even as an edge rusher such as Upshaw, Colson, Ojabo and Harrell. It also seems like the perfect position for Braiden McGregor.
When it comes down to it, I think Michigan will essentially have three linebackers on the field, three defensive lineman and one hybrid player.
That edge role could give Colson a chance to get on the field right away. He’s a former wide receiver who can do it all. He doesn’t really need a position and that’s why he will fit well in this defense. But he’s also good enough just to play as a linebacker which could allow Michigan to play more of a pure pass rusher at rush end and someone with more size.