Michigan Football: Final depth chart predictions before fall camp

ILB: Josh Ross, Michael Barrett; Backups: Junior Colson, Nikai Hill-Green

OLB Starters: Aidan Hutchinson (EDGE), David Ojabo; Backups: Taylor Upshaw, Braiden McGregor, Mike Morris, Jaylen Harrell

Michigan football is moving to a new defensive scheme this year but their linebacking group is going to be experienced, even if they aren’t all that familiar with their new positions.

Michael Barrett is going from the Viper position to more of a traditional inside linebacker spot. He’s bulked up and even though he will start inside, he’s going to be moved around.

Josh Ross has had a great offseason and is expected to be a key part of the defense in the middle. And honestly, if Ross and Barrett — two veterans — could exceed expectations that would really help this group.

Junior Colson is going to be a star and I expect him to get significant time this season along with Nikai Hill-Green. Those two appear to be future starters.

On the edge, Aidan Hutchinson is going to be unleashed. It sounds like he will stand up mostly, as will other outside linebackers such as David Ojabo, Taylor Upshaw, Jaylen Harrell, and Braiden McGregor.

We’ll see how these guys adjust to their new roles but Hutchinson is being projected as a first-round pick and it’s imperative that he play like it. I’d also love to see McGregor, a top recruit from a couple of years ago, start to flash.

But the top three guys to me are Hutch, Objabo, and Upshaw, at least to start with McGregor right there. Of course, Michigan could also choose to start three traditional linebackers and one edge, possibly putting Hill-Green or Colson in the starting lineup on certain occasions.

The biggest takeaway is that guys will be moving around at linebacker so don’t get too caught up with who is starting and who’s the backup.