Auburn football 2017: Projected Tigers depth chart

Defense

Auburn’s two biggest losses to the NFL Draft come on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive tackle Montravius Adams now plays for the Green Bay Packers and defensive end Carl Lawson is on the Cincinnati Bengals. Fortunately for Auburn, Steele is excellent at defensive schematics. Also, Adams would disappear at times and Lawson didn’t exactly have the best track record of health as an undergrad. Don’t expect the defense to carry Auburn this year, but it shouldn’t fall off a cliff completely.

Defensive End: Marlon Davidson, Sophomore
Defensive Tackle: Andrew Williams, Redshirt Junior
Nose Tackle: Dontavious Russell, Redshirt Junior

Auburn uses a 3-4 hybrid defense that often plays out of sub packages, primarily in nickel. The Tigers usually play with two defensive tackles and one defensive end up front with an edge hybrid player known as BUCK sometimes lining up front. Losing Adams hurts, but tackles Dontavious Russell and Andrew Williams are redshirt juniors. There has been a great deal of praise about sophomore defensive end Marlon Davidson coming out of camp.

BUCK: Paul James III, Senior
Middle Linebacker: Tre’ Williams, Senior
Strong-Side Linebacker: Deshaun Davis, Redshirt Junior
Weak-Side Linebacker: Darrell Williams, Junior

While there are some questions along the Auburn defensive line, Steele will have more confidence about his linebacking corps. Senior Paul James III will play the crucial BUCK role. A trio of upperclassmen in Deshaun Davis, Darrell Williams and Tre’ Williams will play at linebacker for the Tigers.

Cornerback: Javaris Davis, Redshirt Sophomore
Free Safety: Stephen Roberts, Senior
Strong Safety: Tray Matthews, Senior
Cornerback: Carlton Davis, Junior
Nickel: Jeremiah Dinson, Redshirt Sophomore

Experience might make the Auburn linebacking corps the best level of its defense, but keep an eye on this year’s secondary. Safeties Tray Matthews and Stephen Roberts are seniors. Look for them to lay the foundation for a solid Auburn pass defense. The cornerbacks are slightly younger but could be the types to make big plays on the ball. Carlton Davis and Javaris Davis will play on the outside with Jeremiah Dinson likely in as the nickel.

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Special Teams

Punt Returner: John Franklin III, Senior
Kick Returner: Kerryon Johnson, Junior
Punter: Ian Shannon, Redshirt Sophomore
Kicker: Daniel Carlson, Senior

Under Malzahn, Auburn has been one of the better schools in the country in special teams. They’ll have an absolute hoss at kicker in Daniel Carlson. Ian Shannon will be the team’s punter. The return game should be compelling with running back Kerryon Johnson fielding kicks. Since John Franklin III is probably done playing quarterback, his elusive legs might be used in the punt return game. The guy can fly.