Roster analysis: DT

AUBURN | A detailed look at Auburn’s roster by position starting with defensive tackle.

DEPTH (7 ideal): Even with Tashawn Manning delaying his enrollment while he receives cancer treatment, Auburn is deep at the defensive tackle position with eight players. The competition for spots in the playing rotation will be intense during preseason practice, which should make the entire group better and give defensive line coach Rodney Garner plenty of options. Here’s a look at the depth by class.

TALENT AND EXPERIENCE: Montravius Adams was third-team All-SEC last season and can certainly improve on that as a senior. He also projects to be taken in the 2017 NFL Draft. How high will depend on his senior season. Devaroe Lawrence may have the most upside of any of Auburn’s veteran defensive tackles and could really improve his draft stock with a strong senior season. Dontavius Russell had more tackles-for-loss than Adams last year, his first as a starter, and could be poised for a breakout season.

The jury is still out on Andrew Williams. That doesn’t mean he can’t develop into an important contributor on Auburn’s defensive line but the time is now for him to step up. Jaunta’vius Johnson is still young and has really reshaped his body over the last couple of years. This fall will be a great opportunity for him to make a move.

Auburn’s freshmen defensive tackles, Derrick Brown and Antwuan Jackson, were rated very high coming out of high school and could push for immediate playing time.

Adams and Russell are returning starters and Lawrence and Maurice Swain return as key backups. The group has 34 starts between them, which is a high number for two positions.

NEEDS FOR 2017: With three seniors and no expected attrition or early NFL Draft departures, Auburn appears to need two or three defensive tackles in the 2017 class. However, you have to account for position changes and the Tigers have at least one defensive end, true freshman Marlon Davidson, that could grow into a defensive tackle by this time next year. So the actual need in 2017 is more like one or two.

NEEDS FOR 2018: The need grows in 2018. Auburn won’t have any seniors unless it signs a JUCO in 17 but Russell could declare early for the draft and the process of restocking the cupboard will need to start early in anticipation of this year’s talented group of freshmen potentially leaving in 2019. Plus, if any of the younger players leapfrog some of the veterans, attrition is something that may have to be accounted for over the next two years.