Projected defensive starters for Michigan football after Rod Moore return

Rod Moore announced his return earlier this week to Michigan football and here's what the starting defense could look like with him back in the fold.
Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Kendrick Law (19) cannot make a catch against Michigan Wolverines defensive back Rod Moore (9) in the second quarter in the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Kendrick Law (19) cannot make a catch against Michigan Wolverines defensive back Rod Moore (9) in the second quarter in the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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Michigan football got some good news this week when Rod Moore announced his return for another season with the Wolverines.

Moore had six career interceptions, but his impact is much bigger than that. We'll see where Moore ends up playing. It felt like he was going to the nickel last season and that might be an ideal role for him next season, although his ability as a centerfielder is special too.

Moore returned this season after being projected by some as a first-round pick before the 2024 season. That's before he tore his ACL last spring. If Moore can get back on track, he could boost his NFL stock back to where it was before.

Moore isn't the only NFL-caliber player back on this roster. Derrick Moore, Rayshaun Benny, T.J. Guy, Jaishawn Barham and Ernest Hausmann are others who have NFL futures.

Wink Martindale did garner some NFL interest, but the Bengals, Colts, and Falcons all hired other coaches. The hiring cylce isn't over yet but it feels much more lilely that Wink will be back next season and here is a projected starting lineup with Rod Moore back in the mix.

DE/EDGE: Derrick Moore and T.J. Guy

The Wolverines should have the same guys who started against Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Moore had a breakout performance in that game. Guy did too.

Guy had 5.5 sacks last season. Moore had four and Cameron Brandt will also be back after notching three sacks last season. Others such as Dominic Nichols could emerge next season but the pass rush should be just fine.

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