We move along in our post-spring look at positions across the ACC with the front seven. To evaluate these groups, we looked at returning defensive lines and linebackers as a whole, a challenge to be sure because some teams are stronger in one area over another. These rankings take into account returning players, depth and where the groups stand right now.
The verdict: the top four in this ranking are virtually interchangeable.
1. Florida State. The Seminoles return defensive end DeMarcus Walker (10.5 sacks), along with Derrick Nnadi and Josh Sweat along what should be a stout defensive line. The issue remains linebacker, where depth is a concern. If Matthew Thomas can stay healthy, this group will have the makings of another top-notch front.
2. Boston College. Five of seven starters return, including Harold Landry, Truman Gutapfel and Matt Milano, off a team that ranked No. 1 in the nation in tackles for loss and No. 2 in rush defense. Replacing Steve Daniels and Connor Wujciak will be tough, but the Eagles return enough to once again be stingy on defense.
3. Louisville. The Cards are stronger at linebacker (Keith Kelsey, Devonte Fields) than on the defensive line, but this front seven has the potential to be even more disruptive than it was a year ago (97 TFL, 38 sacks). Losing Sheldon Rankins up front could be challenging, and depth remains a concern along the line.
4. Clemson. Among the top four, this group has the biggest potential to shoot to the top spot once the season ends. The Tigers are here because there are too many unknowns, especially at end and linebacker. Beyond Carlos Watkins, Christian Wilkins and Ben Boulware, there are question marks. If the last two seasons are any indication, Brent Venables will find a way to reload and make this group nasty again.
5. Pitt. The Panthers already showed how tough group they are becoming under defensive-minded coach Pat Narduzzi. Ejuan Price (11.5 sacks, 19.5 TFL) is back for his sixth season, along with linebackers Mike Caprara and Matt Galambos. Building depth in the interior of the line and finding a starting “star” linebacker are offseason priorities.
6. Virginia Tech. Last season was simply not up to standard for defensive coordinator Bud Foster, as the Hokies saw their sacks total dip to 26, their lowest since 1990. Ken Ekanem returns at defensive end, while the interior of the line looks strong. Still, they need to find a rotation and depth at end and linebacker.
7. Wake Forest. The Deacs have been underrated on defense, but do a solid job with their front seven. Every starter on the defensive line returns, including Duke Ejiofor, who finished last season with momentum. Linebacker remains a question with Brandon Chubb and Hunter Williams both gone.
8. NC State. The Wolfpack do return five of six starters, including tackles Justin Jones and B.J. Hill, so this group should be improved. But losing Mike Rose (10.5 sacks) is tough considering his experience and ability to get after the quarterback.
9. North Carolina. There is no question last season ended with a disastrous performance against Baylor, and most of the blame went to the front seven. Three starters return on the line, including tackle Nazair Jones. But the bigger question is at linebacker, where two of its best players -- Jeff Schoettmer and Shakeel Rashad -- are gone.
10. Miami. If defensive line coach Craig Kuligowski is as good as advertised, Miami will find itself in a different spot in these rankings at the end of the season. For now, the Canes return players who have underperformed along the defensive line. There is depth there and at linebacker, where true freshman Shaq Quarterman had a standout spring.
11. Virginia. The entire scheme is being restructured into a 3-4 alignment under new coach Bronco Mendenhall, so it’s tough to get a gauge for this group just yet. Donte Wilkins has taken to nose guard, and Andrew Brown has an opportunity to hit his potential at end. But mostly, the Hoos are lacking in depth across the board along the line and at linebacker.
12. Duke. The Blue Devils have made strides among their front, but they still need to make improvements getting after the quarterback. A.J. Wolf is strong in the interior of the line, but depth needs to be developed at end. So does a rush end. Leading tackler Dwayne Norman also is gone among the linebackers.
13. Georgia Tech. The Jackets had a disappointing performance along its front seven a year ago, ranking last in the nation in tackles for loss (47) and No. 120 in sacks (14). KeShun Freeman returns at end, and there is some depth here. But it’s safe to say, this group has plenty of work to do to improve in 2016.
14. Syracuse. The issue here is the defensive line, particularly defensive end. Nobody in the ACC lacks the depth the Orange do at this position, and that is hard to overlook -- even with the entire starting linebacker group returning.
