MSU unit looks to replace two first-round NFL picks
Mississippi State's 2018 defensive line was one of the country's most intimidating units.
There was star power in the forms of defensive end Montez Sweat and tackle Jeffery Simmons, both of whom were first-round picks in the National Football League Draft earlier this year. There was veteran leadership and depth with guys like end Gerri Green and tackles Braxton Hoyett and Cory Thomas. All those guys were the foundation for last year's Bulldog defense that proved to be the stingiest in the nation.
That was then though. In 2019, MSU will do its best to replicate the success of Sweat, Simmons and company.
To be fair, it's likely the Bulldogs might take at least a small step back up front and on defense as a whole. It's tough to lose three first-round NFL Draft picks (safety Johnathan Abram joined Sweat and Simmons as first-rounders) and not see at least a little bit of a drop off. However, on the defensive line, MSU does seem equipped to absorb the big blow that comes from losing its departed stars.
On the ends, Mississippi State is still incredibly dangerous. Senior Chauncey
(Photo by Jason Cleveland, SDN file)
Rivers could be poised for a huge season. In a backup role last year, Rivers flashed his potential as he racked up seven tackles for loss and recorded 2.5 sacks. Rivers played in all 13 games and totaled 24 tackles.
Fellow senior Fletcher Adams will challenge Rivers for a starting spot. Adams also played in every game last season and notched 20 tackles with two tackles for loss and a sack along the way.
The other side of the line has intriguing, high-upside players as well. Former Starkville High star, junior Kobe Jones, should play his biggest role as a Bulldog yet. He played in all 13 contests in 2018 and notched 22 tackles with 6.5 tackles for loss. Marquiss Spencer is also highly thought of and might actually win a starting job as he returns after missing most of 2018 with injury.
While Rivers, Adams, Jones and Spencer give MSU options on the ends, the interior of State's defensive line is the big question mark. Simmons, Hoyett and Thomas filled space and made life difficult for opponents a year ago, but there's very little experience to rely on to fill those guys' shoes.
A pair of seniors stand as the most likely starting tackles. Those are Kendell Jones and Lee Autry. Kendell Jones, however, has seen action in just six career games. Autry has a bit more Southeastern Conference experience as he played in all 13 games last year, recording 11 tackles.
Beyond Autry and Kendell Jones, most of the rest of what MSU will have to rely on is youngsters. They are promising youngsters to be sure. The Bulldogs are incredibly high on a number of them, perhaps most notably Fabien Lovett, but still, it can be dangerous to rely heavily on youth in the unforgiving Southeastern Conference.
Still, all things considered in entirety, MSU'S defensive line looks poised to more than hold its own this year. No, Simmons and Sweat aren't walking back through the door, but if the interior of the line can be adequate, the Bulldog ends might just be good enough to pick up any slack.
(Editor's Note: In the weeks leading up to Mississippi State football's August 31 season opener, the Starkville Daily News is looking at the players at each position group likely to play key roles for the 2019 Bulldogs. The series continues today with the defensive line.)