What Simonton Says…
Do the Tigers have enough front-seven depth to survive the SEC grind?
Obviously, the quarterback battle on the Plains is the primary question that must be answered before the fall, but entering the offseason, Bryan Harsin must decide if he should hit the transfer portal for more defensive line and linebacker depth.
The Tigers’ starting DL looks quite solid — edges Derick Hall and Eku Leota and interior linemen Colby Wooden, Jayson Jones, an Oregon transfer, and Marcus Harris. But depth is a major concern after eight players entered the transfer portal. The Tigers need more complimentary pieces surrounding Wooden and Harris, so it’s a big offseason for guys like Jeffrey M’ba, Marquis Burks and Zykeivous Walker.
The staff has also challenged former blue-chip recruit Dylan Brooks to at least give them something as an edge presence behind Hall and Leota.
Auburn’s linebacker room is also undergoing a rebuild, as it lost close to 200-combined tackles from Zakoby McClain and Chandler Wooten. Owen Pappoe returned to school, but he’s struggled to stay healthy and was out during the spring. Are Wesley Steiner and Cam Riley, two mostly unproven pieces, ready to carry the load?
They might have to be.