Depth along both the defensive line is generally looked at as a barometer for what separates the SEC from other conferences. Going up against ferocious, physical, athletic teams on a weekly basis, any program within this region needs consistent and quality depth up front if its to sustain any sort of success.

When looking at Arkansas in 2016, Bret Bielema’s team seems to be buying into this premise.

The Hogs return an experienced trio up front in Taiwan Johnson, Deatrich Wise Jr., and Jeremiah Ledbetter. The troika combined for 11.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss in 2015.

A fourth starter is currently unknown, although Bielema will have his pick of players to pull from — including JaMichael Winston, Karl Roesler, and stud true freshman McTelvin Agim. Armon Watts, Bijhon Jackson, and Brandon Lewis also add to the overall depth.

The wildcard in this equation is Tevin Beanum. While he’s currently away from the team dealing with personal issues, a return would give the Razorbacks a legitimate option to not only factor in the rotation, but potentially start.

With the amount of run-heavy programs in the SEC West (Alabama, LSU, Mississippi State), Arkansas appears primed to combat these vaunted rushing attacks.