Power ranking SEC defensive lines for 2019
It’s hard to dispute the fact that the SEC is the best football conference in today’s game, and the primary reason for this is because of the amount of talent that is annually produced along the defensive line.
As the old saying goes, “offense wins games but defense wins championships,” and no unit on defense is more important than the line. The first line of defense, if you will. They stop the run and affect the passing attack by pressuring the QB. Frankly, it’s their impact that usually makes LBs and DBs look good.
And no one produces defensive line talent like the SEC. This year should be no different.
So, who has the best defensive line? Who, relatively speaking, has the weakest? Let’s take a look:
14. Vanderbilt
The ‘Dores have struggled along the defensive line the past few years and that trend unfortunately looks like it will continue this fall. DE Dare Odeyingbo is the key returning starter after a sophomore season in which he had 28 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 2 sacks and a pick. He’s a big body (6-6/265) with NFL talent. NT Drew Birchmeier (31 tackles, 3 TFLs, 2 FF) is another returning starter who they’ll count on inside.
The other starting spot is still somewhat in the air between Rutger Reitmaier (an Oregon transfer), true freshman Daevion Davis and Marist transfer Eddie Zinn-Turner. Simply put, they’re going to need some guys to step up to help a run defense that was 13th in the SEC in yards per attempt (5.0).
13. Missouri
The Tigers have a very proud tradition of producing quality defensive linemen with Ziggy Hood, Aldon Smith, Sheldon Richardson, Kony Ealy, Markus Golden, Shane Ray and Charles Harris (all of whom were picked in the first 2 rounds of the NFL Draft). There might not be a sure-fire early round draft pick in this year’s unit, but they do have some upside.
Chris Turner (24 tackles, 3.5 TFLs and 2 sacks) and Trajan Jeffcoat (who flashes twitch and burst) are the presumed starters at DE, and the hope is one of them becomes the latest star pass rusher. Jordan Elliott and Kobie Whiteside will man the middle with Akial Byers rotating in. Elliott has a lot of upside and really came on strong at the end of last season.
12. Tennessee
The Vols are replacing all 3 starters up front from a unit that helped a run defense improve by 96 yards per game (155.2 in 2018 after 251.3 in 2017). With 2 career starts returning up front, it’s safe to say there’s not a whole lot of experience to fall back on.
NT Emmit Gooden (33 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 1 sack) is by far the most productive returning player and should be an impact player inside for the Vols. Sophomore DE John Mincey flashed in limited time last year, but he’s still a relatively unknown commodity. They really need either Savion Williams (No. 1 JUCO DT prospect for 2019) or Aubrey Solomon (a former 5-star prospect who originally signed with Michigan) to emerge as an impact player this year.
11. Arkansas
Fortunately for the Razorbacks, they at least have some experience returning up front, as all 4 expected starters are seniors with game reps. Dorian Gerald (21 tackles, 2.5 TFLs) and Gabe Richardson (13 tackles, 1.5 TFLs) are slated to start at DE, but they need them to provide the pass rushing prowess they lacked off the edge last year.
Inside there is a bit more confidence with McTelvin Agim (45 tackles, 10 TFLs and 4.5 sacks) and T.J. Smith (26 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks). Agim is a legitimate NFL prospect who can penetrate the line of scrimmage and Smith is strong against the run.
10. Ole Miss
I think the Rebels will really benefit from the move to the 3-4 defense under new coordinator Mike MacIntyre. Luckily, they already have a defensive line that appears well suited for the new front with guys like Benito Jones, Josiah Coatney and Tariqious Tisdale.
Coatney will start at DE after finishing 3rd on the team in tackles last year with 63. Jones will play the nose, and he should prove to be a disruptive presence for centers to block 1-on-1, assuming he can stay healthy. Tisdale will compete with Ryder Anderson for the other starting spot, and each are long and athletic guys with the ability to develop into disruptive pass rushers. Developing reliable depth will be crucial this fall.
9. Kentucky
Obviously, a big reason Kentucky was such a force on defense last year was because of their back 7. Three were just picked in the first 3 rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft, including Josh Allen at No. 7 overall. But don’t forget that the defensive line was solid too, and they return 3 guys with starting experience.
Quinton Bohanna is a run-stuffing juggernaut inside at 6-4, 361. DE Calvin Taylor (6-9, 310) really came on strong down the stretch last year. He finished 4th on the team in TFLs with 6 — including 5 in the final 5 games. Senior T.J. Carter, who has started 16 games over the past 2 years, is expected to win the other starting DE job.
8. Mississippi State
You could make the case that Mississippi State had the best defensive line in college football last year. That line featured 2 1st-round draft picks (NT Jeffery Simmons and DE Montez Sweat) and was a big reason the Bulldogs finished No. 2 nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 13.2 points per game.
Unfortunately, all 4 starters must now be replaced. Fortunately, however, the Bulldogs have done a great job of recruiting defensive linemen, so there shouldn’t be a total collapse. DE Chauncey Rivers steps into a starting role after racking up 7.5 TFLs and 3 sacks in reserve last year. Seniors Lee Autry and Kendell Jones will get the first opportunity to start inside with freshmen Fabien Lovett pushing for time. Also, don’t be surprised if 1 of the 3 4-star defensive linemen they signed this year winds up making an impact.
7. Texas A&M
The Aggies featured one of the most productive defensive line’s in the country last fall, and were a big reason they were No. 2 nationally in rushing defense, allowing just 95.2 yards per game. However, they were decimated by graduation, and have to replace DE Landis Durham and DTs Kingsley Keke and Daylon Mack, who combined for 31.5 TFLs and 20 sacks.
Don’t fret yet, Aggies faithful. DT Justin Madubuike (10.5 TFLs, 5.5 sacks) returns as one of the best interior linemen in the country. Sophomore tackle Bobby Brown is a bull at 6-4, 330, with huge upside. Michael Clemons is back at DE after missing all of 2018 and Tyree Johnson, a natural edge rusher, will do everything he can do hold off true freshman DeMarvin Leal, a 5-star prospect ranked No. 16 nationally in the 2019 recruiting class.
6. Georgia
The Bulldogs are expected to have one of the best defenses in the country this fall, but the one unit that still has some questions is the line. Don’t get me wrong, there’s talent to work with, but it’s unproven or inconsistent.
DE/DT Tyler Clark (31 tackles, 4 TFLs, 1 sack) is the leader up front and was up and down last year while battling injuries. NT Jordan Davis has flashed impressive quickness for a man of his size (6-6, 320) and could be a difference maker as the spear point in the Dawgs’ 3-4 front. DEs Julian Rochester and Malik Herring will face stiff competition in camp from a bevy of highly touted freshmen arriving on campus, especially 5-star Travon Walker, considered the No. 22 prospect in the 2019 recruiting class.
5. South Carolina
I might be higher than most on the South Carolina defensive line as I think they have a nice combination of talent, depth and experience. Granted, I’m also assuming that that those who have been injured (D.J. Wonnum, Aaron Sterling and Javon Kinlaw) are back fully healthy, and that some of the younger guys like Zacch Pickens and Rick Sandidge mature early.
Kinlaw is one of the best DTs in the country, and at 6-6, 305, is a force inside who can penetrate the pocket. Wonnum had 13 TFLs and 6 sacks as a sophomore DE but was plagued by injuries last year. Sandidge (No. 141 player in 2018 recruiting class) and Pickens (No. 8 player in 2018) have a lot of talent and the ability to make an impact at DT on a veteran line. J.J. Enagbare is another guy to keep an eye on at DE.
4. Florida
Similarly, to the next 3 teams on this list, you can count on Florida every year to pump out elite defensive linemen. This year they’ll be forced to replace 3rd-round draft pick Jachai Polite (19.5 TFLs, 11 sacks) as their primary edge rusher, but return starters Jabari Zuniga at DE, Kyree Campbell at NT and Adam Shuler at DT.
Zuniga is the star of the group, and is the SEC’s active sacks leader after having racked up 15.5 the past 3 years. I can see him becoming a 1st-round pick next spring. It’ll be intriguing to see if Louisville transfer Jonathan Greenard can replace Polite’s pass rushing prowess off the edge. He sat out last year but had 7 sacks for the Cardinals in 2017.
3. LSU
Wait, LSU has another deep and talented defensive line? Shocking, I know. About as predictable as death and taxes. All 3 starters from last year’s squad return, though they’ve switched things up a bit.
Rashard Lawrence, who should be an early-round draft pick next spring, returns at DE after racking up 10 TFLs and 4 sacks last year. Breiden Fehoko, who was the starting NT last year, has moved outside to DE where he’ll compete with Glen Logan, who started 10 games last year. Enormous sophomore Tyler Shelvin (6-3, 362) is expected to be the new NT after a terrific spring. He’s a classic 2-gap plugger who excels against the run.
2. Alabama
One thing Alabama can always depend on each year is an elite defensive line. It’s a big reason the Tide always find themselves competing for national titles, if we’re being honest, and this year should be no different.
Senior DE Raekwon Davis is the big name returning. He’s an athletic freak with a rare combination of size and strength. Losing NT Quinnen Williams (picked No. 3 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft) is a big blow, but true freshman D.J. Dale enjoyed a breakout spring and has the staff raving about his potential. DE LaBryan Ray, a former 5-star prospect out of high school, has been patiently waiting his time the past 2 years and is poised for a breakthrough season.
1. Auburn
I think this is the best defensive line in the country. And that’s even considering they’re replacing a 4-year starter at NT in Dontavius Russell, who was a force against the run. They have an elite starting lineup that can rush the passer and stop the run, and there’s quality depth too, thanks to consistent recruiting.
DT Derrick Brown, who would have been a 1st-round draft pick this spring, elected to come back for his senior year and is arguably the best defensive lineman in the country. DE Marlon Davidson will be a 4th-year starter who has the versatility to play inside or outside depending on front. Nick Coe, who racked up 13.5 TFLs and 7 sacks last year, is a hybrid DE/OLB who could be even better this year. There are many questions about Auburn’s team this year, but the defensive line isn’t one of them.
This is a group of difference-makers.
I’m very happy with what LSU has returning on the DLine. They are a solid group with depth if they can stay healthy. Auburn has a bunch of studs though, and are definitely number one to start the season.
Have you watched the highlights of last year’s LSU – Florida game lately?
Florida lost their most productive player while LSU has everyone returning, along with a guy that was injured much of the season.
What’s that got to do with the embarrasment of last year’s loss to Florida?
Wasn’t LSU much higher ranked at game time?
The stat sheets would suggest that, yes …but Polite was a liability against the run and he liked to freelance too much. Zuniga was the real anchor on that DL last year.
Polite played the game of his career against LSU and he was the difference in that game. Not sure what the results of that one game have to do with the article though.
Have you watched the highlights of last year’s LSU – Georgia game the following lately?
How about the MSU-Auburn game from last year. Auburn was man handled
Have you watched highlights of last year’s Georgia-Auburn game lately?
Once again a Saturday down south article that is completely inaccurate. How the hell is Ole Miss defensive line better than Arkansas’. Keep overlooking Arkansas please. Our D line is deep and the strongest part of our football team. Oh well less than a month away time to prove the naysayers wrong.
Has Arkansas won an SEC game in the past couple years?
No we haven’t, but this article has nothing to do with wins. Once again I’m just glad we arent ranked 14th. My goodness we really are turning into vandy
Has Auburn not lived up to their potential every year since “Scam Newton”. GFU
Well… there was that 2013 SEC champ team that was seconds away from a NC…
Sadly only one vs. Ole Miss in Bert’s final year. But that is, of course, irrelevant to Hogvillain’s point. We have nothing really to support that opinion, but I hope he’s right. Go Hogs!
I have no problem with the order. Auburn is just loaded and nobody else is really close including bama, for a change. The next 3or 4 after auburn could probably be shuffled several times and it would be difficult to make a strong argument against it. While we did lose a lot of starters they improved last year but they still were not that good. If soloman and Williams both play and play to potential I expect our line will move up a few spots by seasons end but we have not had much luck with jr college guys panning out on the DL in recent years.
Hey Rick, with respect to Missouri’s quality NFL linemen, you didn’t mention Justin Smith “The Cowboy”. He was an NFL first round (fourth over all pick), has 5 pro bowls, 2 first team All Pro, and both the 2011 Sports Illustrated and Pro Focus Player of the Year.
If you have the chance or inclination, ask Barry Odom where Justin Smith ranks among the Missouri players you mentioned.
If we have the 8th best Dline in the conference, this is going to be a long season, indeed.
Loaded at DE young but talented at DT.
I guess 5 is fair but I think there’s and argument for 4th maybe 3rd depending on how Pickens picks up College ball
Mizzou’s Dline hasn’t been the same since Kuligowski left. What used to be the strength of the team is now its weakness.
You mean Steckel
No, I mean Kuligowski. He was the Dline coach
Was that the guy who coached Michael Sam?
Kool was a good coach, but our D went to crap when Steckel left. Steckel left after 2014, and Mizzou’s defense had 42 sacks under him that year. In 2015, when coach Kool was still there, Mizzou’s d-line only had 18 sacks.
So I repeat, you meant Steckel.
Even the last 2 seasons (’17 and ’18) when our defense has not been very good, our d has put up around 30 sacks. D Line Zou was known for pressuring the QB and causing turnovers. I give the credit to Steckel.