re: Defensive Line Depth Seems like the biggest concern for this season

I agree it's an area of concern, but IMO people overlook the impact that Beckwith had on our front 7 when he finally became the starter.

DJ Welter started the first 6 games for us... against Wisconsin, Sam Houston St,ULM, Miss St, New Mexico St, and Auburn.In those 6 games, opponents had 228 carries for 1,106yards and 9 TDs with a 4.8ypc. Per game, 38 carries for 184.3yards and 1.5 TDs..

Beckwith started the final 7 games.... against Florida, UK, Ole Miss, Bama, Arkansas, TAMU, and ND. In those 7 games, opponents had 232carries for 879yards and 7 TDs for a 3.7ypc. Per game, 33.1 carries for 125.5yards and 1 TD. And if you don't include the bowl game, our #s are even better.

Thats a difference of 60ypg, 1.1ypc, and half a TD. All because we finally put Beckwith in the game over Welter. And considering we made a change at the MLB spot and not the DL, that tells me that our run D early on was not mainly because of the DL.

Based off what our opponents averaged with Welter as the starting MLB, we were right around 88-90 in the nation vs the run. With Beckwith, we were 19-21 in the nation. And the games Beckwith started in were against way better opponents.

Were we "gutted up the middle" in the first 6 games? Yes. Absolutely. The final 7 games (which didnt come against cupcakes like Sam Houston St, ULM, and New Mexico St) we werent gutted up the middle with Beckwith in the game. We were actually pretty damn stout vs the run.

We return 2/3 starting LBers, including Beckwith, and have the same DTs as this past season, who were very young for the most part and improved as the season progressed. And those guys like Godchaux, Bain, Lac, Gilmore, etc will all be improved.

And we had enough bodies to throw out there at DE and they all have different skill sets that we will get solid production from there. I also think Lewis Neal is gonna be a monster. He's as strong as an ox, explosive, and relentless. Ed O likes him a lot and said he can be a Trent Cole type of player and is expecting a big year from him. I think he has a big year for us.