Michigan Football: Will the Wolverines Defense be Better in 2024?
Coming off of a national championship season with a historically great defense, most have assumed that the Michgan football defense will regress in 2024. But will it really? While it's definitely possible, I'm here to say that I believe this defense could be even better in 2024, and for one reason: star power.
The past two seasons, Michigan's defense has been known for its depth. It believed that if everyone did their job, the unit would be successful. And it was. But they lacked the superstar power that other great defenses have had. The 2023 defense is not going to yield any first round picks in the 2024 NFL draft, barring something unforeseen.
Compare that to the 2021 Georgia defense, which Michigan's defense has drawn comparisons to. That squad had five first round picks on defense in the 2022 NFL draft. Georgia followed that up with two first round defensive draft picks in 2023.
Michigan's 2024 defense could approach five first round picks. The Wolverines have stars everywhere. Will Johnson looks like a top ten pick, Mason Graham will be first defensive tackle drafted, and Kenneth Grant will be in that conversation too. The Wolverines have one of the top safeties in the nation in Rod Moore, and a very talented EDGE rusher in Derrick Moore. These guys are going to be playing on Sundays.
While the Wolverines won't have the same depth in 2024, their stars should be even more better. I mean, think about it. In the Rose Bowl, sophomore Mason Graham was the defensive MVP. In the championship, it was sophomore Will Johnson. They're only going to get better and take on more responsibility in 2024, and they're going to need to.
It's reasonable to expect that the Michigan offense is going to take a step back in 2024. They may struggle to score points at times, meaning there's going to be additional pressure on the defense. The stars are going to keep Michigan football in every game.
The transfer portal will be important for the Wolverines once it opens in May. They'll likely look to add a cornerback and other depth pieces.
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Regardless, this Michigan football defense will be star studded. It's going to have playmakers everywhere, and that's what's going to be special. Guys aren't just going to be doing what's expected of them. They're going to do more and the 2024 defense will be one of Michigan's best ever.