Of the 3 below I would say we have an argument to be in the top 3. Who would you all say is #1?
FSU - Obvious interior depth will help to go along with tremendous athletes on the edges. Think the biggest concern right now on the DL will be who can set the edge of the defense and at the LOS/Point of Attack. In the past guys like Werner, Edwards and most recently Walker were tremendous with this. Their ability to both provide run support but also rush the passer and contain QB's really was an asset to our defenses. Jimbo likes these guys to be thicker in build so they can bump down to a 5-Tech/3-Tech if needed. Across the front with a combination of Burns, Sweat, Christmas, Nnadi, Wilkerson, J. Robinson, Aime, Pugh and Kaindoh all provide valuable experience. Newcomers like Wilson, Parks, Durden and Lawson will create some competition and much needed depth especially on the edges when they arrive this summer.
Clemson - This could be the most disruptive returning front 4 in the country. Despite losing Pagano to transfer, and Carlos Watkins to the draft Clemson returns a lot of talent. Led by Soph Dexter Lawrence and Junior Christian Wilkens inside who will require a ton of attention. With the loss of Dodd and Lawson from the 2015 team, Wilkens played a lot of SDE in 2016. With the emergence of Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant at the DE spots, Clemson should have a solid group to start out. Behind them are young talent waiting for their chance to get on the field. I think where FSU has the advantage is in their depth. After the 4 starters there are very few returners with quality game reps. Pagano transferring is a very big deal for them.
Alabama - What's new? Alabama will lose Allen, Williams, Anderson, Tomlinson, Ball & Frazier and replace them with guys ready to contribute.
Starting up front should be: D. Hand, R. Davis, I. Buggs and bruiser D. Payne will all be in the mix. In addition veteran guys like Shaun Dion Hamilton, Anfernee Jennings, Christian Miller, Keith Holcombe and Terrell Hall all have the ability to play both in space at LB as well as rush the passer on the edge. Coaches are very high on Terrell Hall early as a guy to rush the passer for them as well.
I think in terms of potential FSU has the ability to have the best Defensive Line in the group. Between returning starters and veterans, quality incoming depth as well as the overall depth to allow for fresh quality reps. Alabama while they have to replace the most out of the 3, has a lot of guys who could provide depth for them as well as versatility. Clemson as mentioned above has the best starting 4 in my opinion but will have a tougher time finding depth in their young reserves.
Only time will tell but something good to chew on.
FSU - Obvious interior depth will help to go along with tremendous athletes on the edges. Think the biggest concern right now on the DL will be who can set the edge of the defense and at the LOS/Point of Attack. In the past guys like Werner, Edwards and most recently Walker were tremendous with this. Their ability to both provide run support but also rush the passer and contain QB's really was an asset to our defenses. Jimbo likes these guys to be thicker in build so they can bump down to a 5-Tech/3-Tech if needed. Across the front with a combination of Burns, Sweat, Christmas, Nnadi, Wilkerson, J. Robinson, Aime, Pugh and Kaindoh all provide valuable experience. Newcomers like Wilson, Parks, Durden and Lawson will create some competition and much needed depth especially on the edges when they arrive this summer.
Clemson - This could be the most disruptive returning front 4 in the country. Despite losing Pagano to transfer, and Carlos Watkins to the draft Clemson returns a lot of talent. Led by Soph Dexter Lawrence and Junior Christian Wilkens inside who will require a ton of attention. With the loss of Dodd and Lawson from the 2015 team, Wilkens played a lot of SDE in 2016. With the emergence of Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant at the DE spots, Clemson should have a solid group to start out. Behind them are young talent waiting for their chance to get on the field. I think where FSU has the advantage is in their depth. After the 4 starters there are very few returners with quality game reps. Pagano transferring is a very big deal for them.
Alabama - What's new? Alabama will lose Allen, Williams, Anderson, Tomlinson, Ball & Frazier and replace them with guys ready to contribute.
Starting up front should be: D. Hand, R. Davis, I. Buggs and bruiser D. Payne will all be in the mix. In addition veteran guys like Shaun Dion Hamilton, Anfernee Jennings, Christian Miller, Keith Holcombe and Terrell Hall all have the ability to play both in space at LB as well as rush the passer on the edge. Coaches are very high on Terrell Hall early as a guy to rush the passer for them as well.
I think in terms of potential FSU has the ability to have the best Defensive Line in the group. Between returning starters and veterans, quality incoming depth as well as the overall depth to allow for fresh quality reps. Alabama while they have to replace the most out of the 3, has a lot of guys who could provide depth for them as well as versatility. Clemson as mentioned above has the best starting 4 in my opinion but will have a tougher time finding depth in their young reserves.
Only time will tell but something good to chew on.
