Michigan Football: Final depth chart predictions before fall camp

D-line Starters: Chris Hinton, Mazi Smith, Donovan Jeter; Backups: Jordan Whittley,  Julius Welschof, Kris Jenkins

Michigan football will be using more of an odd front this year and even though there will be hybrid players on the edge who will sometimes have their hands in the dirt, as far as the defensive lineman are concerned, there are essentially three interior positions.

The most important of those is going to be the nose tackle spot which is likely to be manned by Mazi Smith who is being talked up by both players and coaches.

Smith needs to step up but so does former top-100 recruit Chris Hinton. He’s had his moments, as has Mazi. They just need to be more consistent this season. Donovan Jeter will be another essential defender and it’s key that Michigan is better against the run.

A big part of the D-line’s job is freeing up the linebackers to make plays. Julius Welschof is a big strong guy and he’s an ideal five-technique in my opinion. Jordan Whittley, the Oregon State transfer, should also contribute if he can get healthy.

It’s hard to get a read on which younger D-lineman could make a move. Maybe we’ll start to see some Rayshaun Benny this year but I’ve always liked Kris Jenkins and while he was a bit of a tweener between tackle and defensive end before, he’s got an ideal body for a five-technique and he’s another name to watch this fall.