Updated Michigan Football Projected Defensive Starting Lineup After 3 Weeks of Fall Camp

Michigan is entering another week of fall camp, but the starting lineup is shaping into place.

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Michigan is three full weeks into fall camp and while the Wolverines are still figuring out their rotations for the season, they likely have a good idea of who is going to start. Kyle Whittingham said last week that he wasn't going to reveal a depth chart and everyone would find out at once when his team takes the field.

But after reading some tea leaves and listening to coaches, here is how we believe Michigan's defense will look when it takes the field.

Defensive line

Starters: John Henry Daley, Dominic Nichols, Trey Piece, Enow Etta

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The only change I've made from the last starting lineup is putting Dominic Nichols into the starting lineup. Cameron Brandt is going to be a factor and he's going to play a lot, but Nichols' stock continues to rise. Andrew Sprague recently said he is the best pass rusher on the team.

"I'd say pass rush, Dom Nichols is, in my opinion, the best pass rusher," Sprague said. "Not too many people talk about him, but he's gonna be one of the best in the country, in my opinion."

Nichols has been out for a few days with a minor injury, but I believe he has done enough to start alongside John Henry Daley. Michigan is also high on Lugard Edokpayi, Nate Marshall, and both true freshmen, Carter Meadows and Tariq Boney, entering the season.

No surprises at defensive tackle. Both Enow Etta and Trey Piece are locked into the starting lineup.

Linebackers

Starters: Nathaniel Staehling, Troy Bowles

Jay Hill says Michigan has five or six linebackers it can trust this season, but the reality is the Wolverines will play a lot of Nathaniel Staehling, Troy Bowles, Chase Taylor, and Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng. And Staehling has been a fall camp beast.

He was out of spring ball but now that he's healthy, it's clear why he was a top option on Michigan's board during the transfer cycle. Coaches applaud his IQ and his ability to tackle. He has played his way into a starting role, and as of now, we would give Troy Bowles the edge to start with him.

But expect to see plenty of Taylor and NOB as well.

Cornerbacks

Starters: Jyaire Hill, Zeke Berry, Smith Snowden (NB)

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Nothing has changed here, and barring injuries, nothing will. The only update on the corner situation is that second-year player Shamari Earls is coming into his own and he's solidified the CB4 job.

Kyle Whittingham and Jay Hill have both noted there are battles for the fifth, sixth, and seventh spots at the position, but the top four they feel really good about. It's nice to hear that Earls is taking the next step as he was a borderline five-star prospect.

Safeties

Starters: Rod Moore, Chris Bracy

Again, no changes here, and with Rod Moore back to fully practicing, he should be ready to go for Week 1 of the season.

While Moore and Chris Bracy will start for Michigan this season, the player whose stock is rising is Mason Curtis. Jay Hill said Michigan is treating him like a starter and he's going to play a lot of football this season.

Jordan Young is also getting mentions as a second-year player. The Wolverines have four safeties they can rotate and it feels like they won't lose much when any of them are in.