1. Ohio State: Despite the loss of Cam Heyward, who will be playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers this fall, the Buckeyes won't lack talent along the front four. Look for John Simon to step up his game in place of Heyward and a bevvy of young defensive ends to emerge this fall.
2. Nebraska: Jared Crick is a rock in the middle but the Huskers still need to find a consistent pass rusher off the edge. Look for special teams standout Eric Martin to emerge at defensive end this year.
3. Michigan State: William Gholston will move from linebacker to end this year to give the Spartans an imposing presence along the defensive line. Tackle Jerel Worthy will command double teams and could free up Gholston for a breakout year. I predict Gholston will lead the B1G in sacks this year.
4. Penn State: Look for end Jack Crawford to have a big senior year for the Nitts. A host of talented young players will create a staunch defensive line in Happy Valley.
5. Wisconsin: Ends Louis Nzegwu and David Gilbert will form a nice pass rushing tandem this year for the Badgers. Sophomore Beau Allen is an emerging star on the interior.
6. Michigan: Mike Martin is a stud at DT. He is NFL ready right now. Defensive coordinator Greg Mattison should find some nice complimentary pieces to put around Martin in what will easily be the biggest position of strength defensively for the Wolverines.
7. Iowa: The losses of Adrian Clayborn, Karl Klug, and Christian Ballard will sting, but Broderick Binns offers another future NFL player for the Hawkeyes, who always seem to reload along the defensive line.
8. Purdue: Kewann Short is a future NFL player and a nice piece to have in the middle of the defensive front four. However, the loss of Ryan Kerrigan will sting and look for the Boilermakers to have difficulty applying pressure to the QB this year.
9. Illinois: The loss of Corey Liuget is a crushing blow to the Illini, but one thing Ron Zook can do is recruit and he has two talented young defensive ends in Michael Buchanon, who was an Army All-American, and Whitney Mercilus.
10. Northwestern: Defensive Tackle Jack DiNardo has showed some promise and End Vince Browne has gotten to the QB in the past, but their isn't much depth here.
11. Minnesota: Senior Brandon Kirksey gives the Gophers leadership and solid play at Defensive Tackle, but the Gophers don't have any proven edge rushers. D.L. Wilhite has shown glimpses of getting to the quarterback, but must become more consistent.
12. Indiana: There just isn't much here. IU will be lacking in both talent and numbers. They need to generate a pass rush and stop people on the ground. Good luck with that...
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