Crazy 4 Maize and Blue

Base Defense:  +/- 40% of defensive plays will be run out of some sort of "50" or 3-4-type of formation with a few different subs in play at a couple positions, particularly along the front line. A lot of guys will get the chance to rotate in so I included all the guys that I think can contribute in some fashion this season. The positions where only one guy is listed means that they will rarely, if ever, leave the field. They should be team leaders who won't be really challenged for their jobs at the top and they look like future NFL draft picks. Edge: Aiden Hutchinson - A potential  First Team All-Big Ten player and a first round draft pick next spring. He should flourish in the new system. DL: Christopher Hinton - Could this former 5-Star recruit finally have a breakout year under the new defensive coaching staff?  NT: Mazi Smith/Jordan Whittley - Loads of potential between Smith and Whittley but both also have a lot to prove.  DL: Donovan Jeter/Julius Welschof - Je

2021 Roster Rankings: The Leaders... 1. DE  Aiden Hutchinson   (Sr, 6'5"/270lbs) - The defense completely fell apart once Hutchinson and Paye missed time with injury. There literally was no pass-rush for a three-game stretch after the team posted five against an experienced Minnesota line on the road. With a healthy Hutch coming back for his senior year before going off to the NFL, where he is projected to be a high draft pick, the team has a real veteran cornerstone to help build the defense around this spring. He has played against Ohio State. He has played against 'Bama. He has gotten his game to a high level. Can he help others around him achieve greatness? It's a lot to ask, but it's what leaders do. If he wants to truly be a Michigan great, then he needs to elevate those other players around him.  2. WR  Ronnie Bell   (Sr, 6'0"/190lbs) - Yes, Bell only has one TD in the last two years, but he has led the team in receptions the entire time. Even with