Michigan State Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart after spring 2019

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EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 29: Raequan Williams #99 of the Michigan State Spartans rushes the quarterback while playing the Central Michigan Chippewas at Spartan Stadium on September 29, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 31-20. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line

Starting tackles: Raequan Williams, Mike Panasiuk
Backups: Naquan Jones, Dashaun Mallory

The starting tackles really aren’t even a question here. Raequan Williams had an opportunity to skip his senior year to declare for the NFL draft after recording a career-best 50 tackles and 10.5 for loss in 2018, but he decided to stick around. He’ll be joined by fellow senior Mike Panasiuk who had 24 tackles and 5.5 for loss last year, but he’s due for a breakout campaign.

Behind those two will be Naquan Jones, almost surely, and my pick for the second backup is Dashaun Mallory. Jones had himself a strong season in 2018 and if it weren’t for Panasiuk, he’d be the starter. He finished with 25 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack and was virtually unblockable when he was in. Mallory is a redshirt freshman with great size and who shows plenty of promise.

Starting ends: Kenny Willekes, Jacub Panasiuk
Backups: Jack Camper, DeAri Todd/Zach Slade

Kenny Willekes has been out all spring after breaking his leg in the famed (obviously kidding) Redbox Bowl. He was rushing Justin Herbert near the end zone when an Oregon lineman swept his legs and twisted them awkwardly. He’s rehabbing, but he’s the clear No. 1 defensive end on the team and reigning Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year. Jacub Panasiuk had a strong spring and will join him on the other side for his junior year.

Then things will get a little tricky. The backup that I see as a sure thing is Jack Camper who played well last season after moving over from tight end, but the second reserve is a tough pick. DeAri Todd has been talked about as a potential breakout player for the past two offseasons and he has the potential, but Zach Slade has had a big spring, almost recording a pick-six in the Green-White Game. It’ll be an ‘OR’ for that second backup spot.

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