The front seven is elite
Michigan's defense lost two first-round picks on the defensive line, plus another third-round pick. Yet, nobody close to the team expects much dropoff in production.
Rayshaun Benny was a force last season. He should have gotten more recognition but dominated against Alabama. Tre Williams and Damon Payne aren't Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham, obviously, but that doesn't mean they won't be effective.
Michigan seems really excited about Williams, who did have two sacks against Texas in the College Football Playoff last season. He's flashed potential. Payne was a former five-star recruit who was at least a solid space-eater at Alabama.
Derrick Moore and TJ Guy each could have been drafted last April. The same goes for linebackers Jaishawn Barham and Ernest Hausmann. Put it all together, and you might have the best front seven in the Big Ten, maybe even all of college football.