The ability to rush the passer and disrupt the rhythm of opposing offenses is among the keys to developing a top-flight defense. The very best pass rushers in the game can have a substantial impact demanding extra coverage and exploiting opponent’s weaknesses up front. We took these factors in to account when building what we feel is the ideal defensive line looking ahead to the 2016 college football season. Here is a look at the choices for our optimal college football lineup at the defensive line positions.
DE: Myles Garrett, Texas A&M Aggies
Garrett was the SEC’s most dominant freshman sack man ever in 2014 and he followed that performance up by leading the conference in tackles for loss last season. Garrett has recorded 24 sacks and 33.5 tackles for loss through his first two seasons at Texas A&M and he made it clear that he feels he will do better in his junior year than he did last season. Although Texas A&M is a program that is in rough shape these days, that’s actually helped Garrett’s cause. The Aggies have been playing from behind a lot and that’s meant the defense spends more time on the field than the offense. That gives Garrett more opportunities for snaps and plays. But he’s the type of player that would be a star regardless.
Garrett has put in the work to take his game to another level in 2016 and it will be fun to watch him dominate for the Aggies in 2016.
DT: Jonathan Allen, Alabama Crimson Tide
Allen played mostly on the outside for Alabama last season thanks to the team’s incredible depth on the defensive line. However, he is expected to shift back inside this year where he will have the chance to be a major disruptive force in the middle of their defensive line. Allen was credited with four pass breakups and six quarterback hurries a year ago and he was their leader in tackles for loss with 14.5 despite not being a full-time starter. That will change in 2016 with Allen shifting inside to start on a full-time basis as a dominant defensive tackle. By the time the 2016 campaign will be over, expect him to be the next ‘Bama prospect to become a first round pick in an NFL Draft.
DT: Malik McDowell, Michigan State Spartans
The Spartans lost a ton of talent on both sides of the ball this past offseason but their best player will return to line up at the defensive tackle position once again in 2016. The 6’6’’, 275-pound McDowell has recorded 17.5 career tackles for loss along with 10 quarterback hurries through his first two seasons at Michigan State and expectations are extremely high for the projected 2017 first round pick. It helps his case that the Spartans play in a conference where defenses are highlighted. It also helps his case that Michigan State plays grind-it-out type of college football games where they rely on their running game and their rugged defense to deliver the victory. McDowell is one of the anchors.
This year, expect McDowell expects to line up at multiple positions on the defensive line in order to maximize his potential to get after the quarterback this season and the Spartans will need him to stay healthy and continue to dominate this season.
DE: Carl Lawson, Auburn Tigers
When he is healthy, there are few pass rushers in all of college football that are as good as Lawson at getting after the quarterback. The junior defensive end had only one sack last season because of a cracked hip injury but he is back at full strength and the expectation is that he will be at his best when the season starts in September. Auburn plays a fast-paced game on the offensive side of things, which gives players like Lawson plenty of opportunity. It would help if he was surrounded by a better cast but this is what he has to work with right now. He’s the star on the defensive side and should continue to lead them in 2016. Auburn clearly plays better when its star defensive end is on the football field and his health will be among the keys to the Tigers success this season.
