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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Interior defensive line: Rayshaun Benny, Tre Williams, Damon Payne

Michigan football will have to replace two of the best defensive tackles in program history in Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant.

Graham should be a top-10 pick. He was an absolute force and it's truly astounding the impact those guys made in just three seasons. They were "gifts from the football gods" as Jim Harbaugh once said.

Michigan wouldn't have won the national championship without them. Rayshaun Benny confirmed he'll be back next season after 29 tackles, four tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.

Benny, like Moore, will need to dominate for this defense to be elite next season. He's underrated and it wouldn't shock me at all if he was a first-round pick or close by the time the 2026 NFL draft rolls around.

Tre Williams and Damon Payne were each quality pickups. They haven't quite met their potential but were each top-100 recruits and have been productive for elite programs. Williams had 14 tackles last season and had two sacks in the Clemson Tigers playoff loss to Texas.

Payne has 30 career tackles but was solid against the run last season, which will be his primary role for the Wolverines. Enow Etta could factor in as a five-technique/three-technique. He feels like a great fit for the old Mike Morris role.

Trey Pierce is another dude who played well in the Reliaquest Bowl and should get plenty of snaps as the first defensive tackle off the bench, although him starting is still a possibility.

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