Michigan State Football: Way-too-early 2020 depth chart projection

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EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 21: Naquan Jones #93 of the Michigan State Spartans moves to tackle Drake Anderson #6 of the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on September 21, 2019 in Evanston, Illinois. Michigan State defeated Northwestern 31-10. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line

Starting tackles: Naquan Jones, Jacob Slade
Backups: DeAri Todd, Deshaun Mallory

One of the leaders of the defense heading into next season has to be Naquan Jones who has put in the work to climb the depth chart. He finished with 15 tackles and a sack last season but you can just feel that he’s on the verge of a breakout senior campaign. With Mike Panasiuk and Raequan Williams gone, that’s extremely likely.

Jacob Slade is another guy I like at tackle who finished with 13 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack last season. That other tackle spot is up for grabs and I’ll give Slade the nod over DeAri Todd and Deshaun Mallory although I could see any of them starting.

Starting ends: Jacub Panasiuk, Jack Camper
Backups: Michael Fletcher, Adam Berghorst

Jacub Panasiuk posted a tweet this offseason that caused some controversy, but deleted it shortly after and it looks like he’s still on the team. If he returns, he could be one of the better defensive ends in the conference. He finished with 34 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks as a junior. Jack Camper, a former tight end, could emerge on the other side.

I’m a big fan of redshirt freshmen Michael Fletcher and Adam Berghorst at the end spots and I believe they’re the next stars of the defensive line. Don’t sleep on Drew Beesley either.

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