Don’t forget about the Carlson kid. He immediately adds depth and had an offer to Oklahoma St among others. He’s probably the key. If he comes in as a solid #2 type player we’re golden. Most JC guys take a little while but the difference is he doesn’t have to come in a and start…just learn the system and be productive as he figures it out.
Bowen and Bernard are the obvious 1’s. Carlson, Lloyd, Mata’afa and Lund behind them. Fabrizio as well if healthy. In theory you have two veterans ready, both with NFL type bodies/potential. Then you have a freak in Lloyd who will leave his mark at some point here. After that you need 1-2 of the other 4 to bring something to the table.
If we are able to get through 3-4 games healthy and give the young guys some live reps we’ll be fine the rest of the way.
Hard to believe but we’ll be just as physical there as we were last year and probably even more so. We lose Cody’s motor and Chase’s intelligence but overall we should be very similar especially with the D-line expected to be as good as they are. We’re better on the edge this year which sets up nicely with the two big bruisers back there. They shouldn’t have to run as much sideline to sideline with Anae, Tupai and Tafua all with another year under their belt and containing.
This position group should end up as a fairly significant strength mostly because the guys in front of them will take a lot of pressure off and they’ll wreak havoc because of it!
Utah @ 
Baylor 
.
