Michigan’s 2022 defensive line was extremely deep with talent, and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter rotated players consistently. This led to many players last year on the d-line having 2-3 sacks, with the entire defensive line totaling 26 sacks as a group. However, the top two sack leaders on the defensive line from last year, Mike Morris (7.5 sacks) and Eyabi Okie (4.5 sacks), will not return this year, so can the returning players and new faces pick up the production?
Michigan D-line coach Mike Elston – Clayton Sayfie/TheWolverine.com
Returning players
There is a bunch of notable returning players from last year’s D-line that I believe will have huge years and possibly have all B1G-type seasons, including Kris Jenkins.
There seems to be a lot of hype surrounding Jenkins this offseason as he heads into his senior season, and for a good reason; the 6-3 303-pound lineman led all of Michigan’s d-lineman in tackles last season with 54, along with two sacks. He was listed on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy preseason watch list (given to the nation’s best defensive player) and Outland Trophy watch list (given to the nation’s best interior lineman) just a few days ago. I expect Kris to have a huge year and be in contention for the Nagurski Trophy.
The other notable returning players on the d-line include Braiden Mcgregor, who had two sacks last year and will be a leader on the defense this year. I could see Braiden possibly leading the team in sacks this year off the edge.
Sophomore Mason Graham is coming off of a huge freshman season where he really made a name for himself. He had 27 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season and looked like a bully on the field against an opposing offensive lineman. He stands at 6’3, 318, and will be a great run blocker this season yet again, as I fully expect him to start full-time in the interior, replacing Mazi Smith. I could also see his sack numbers rise this season on top of his tackles.
Derrick Moore was another freshman last year who was extremely productive in his limited time on the field. He had eight tackles, along with two sacks, and appeared in all 14 games. I believe he will be in contention for starting at the edge position and will definitely be a huge factor as a rotational player if someone like McGregor starts over him. Derrick is explosive off the edge and with another offseason under his belt, will have an even more productive year in 2023.
Michigan DL Braiden McGregor (17) – Neil Blake/MLive.com
New Faces
EDGE player Josaiah Stweart tops this list of new faces, as the 6-2 235-pound transfer from Coastal Carolina has huge potential this season for the Wolverines. As a freshman in 2021, Stewart played in all 13 games for the Chanticleers, compiling 43 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks (a Coastal Carolina school record), and three forced fumbles. He has elite burst off the edge and can win with his quick hands. He was a huge and underrated transfer portal get for the Wolverines this past spring and will be huge for this season’s D-line.
Incoming freshman Cameron Brandt could have an impact on the field this season, as the 6-4 277-pound d-lineman could see playing time as a rotational guy. At Sierra Canyon High School, he posted 55 tackles and four sacks his senior season and helped the team make a state playoff appearance. While his playing time freshman year may be limited due to the extremely talented and deep roster already, his future could be extremely bright.
Michigan EDGE Josaiah Stewart-Photo credit Josaiah Stewart / Instagram
Overall, this Michigan D-line is stacked in 2023 and has tons of depth. The EDGE position is arguably the deepest position on the team, and I expect Jesse Minter to be rotating guys in and out the whole season. This D-line could get upwards of 35 sacks this season, with one or two guys getting ten-plus. I’m excited to watch how great this group ends up being.
