Michigan State Football: Ranking the position groups heading into 2020

6. Defensive Line

I’m not crazy about the defensive line for Michigan State heading into the season and that’s mostly because of what the Spartans lost.

You look at the front four and three of those guys are off trying to make NFL rosters, led by Kenny Willekes who was drafted in the seventh round by the Vikings. Raequan Williams and Mike Panasiuk will be massive losses on the interior while the only returning starter from last year’s line is senior end Jacub Panasiuk.

Jacub originally opted out of the season, which would have likely made this position group either No. 7 or No. 8 on the team, but decided to return when the Big Ten brought football back.

Joining Panasiuk on the line is senior tackle Naquan Jones who has been good enough to start for years, but is finally getting his shot. He should have a big season for the Spartans, but outside of those guys, there’s not a ton of depth nor experience.

Zach and Jacob Slade could be solid options at end and tackle, respectively, and Mike Fletcher is one of the better young talents on the roster. Losing Adam Berghorst to the offensive side of the ball will hurt, though. Jalen Hunt, Maverick Hansen, Drew Beesley, Jack Camper, DeAri Todd and Dashaun Mallory should also get a look, but there’s just not a lot of proven players.

This line could be good, but I think 2020 will be more of a rebuilding year for this group.