Tracking the Enemy: Ranking Big 12 defensive line groups

Part of an ongoing series ranking the Big 12 position groups that pose the most threat to Baylor for the 2017 season.

9. Texas Tech

The Red Raiders would be much higher on the list if former ESPN 300 recruit Breiden Fehoko did not transfer to LSU. Alas, Tech is left with a ragtag team across the line that has just one player that’s been in over four games in the Big 12. This group’s success depends on transfers Kolin Hill and Mych Thomas.

8. West Virginia

Running a 4-3, the Mountaineers will rely on body count more than high-caliber talent. There will be a variety of lineups that rotate throughout each game which could work to the ‘Eers advantage changing schemes as it could let Baylor run wild.

7. TCU

There’s a bit of confusion in the depth chart along the trenches. TCU’s chief goal is to replace Josh Carraway around the edge- almost certainly impossible. But there’s also a bit of mystery surrounding the interior which works to Baylor’s advantage as guard play is a bigger question mark than Mo Porter and Patrick Lawrence at the tackle spots.

6. Iowa State

The Cyclones have consistently produced two strong position groups: Receiver and defensive tackle. Demond Tucker was one of the best transfers in recent Big 12 memory, a true stronghold at defensive tackle two years ago. This year, Matt Campbell a top tier juice nose tackle in Ryan Lima that should give Baylor’s interior protection trouble. Add breakout freshman defensive end Jaquan Bailey (who missed the Baylor game last year) and there’s some serious potential in Ames.

5. Kansas

As detailed earlier, Baylor will have its hands containing Dorance Armstrong but he’s not all the Jayhawks have in their corral. Daniel Wise provides a nice complement inside, a true run stuffer with pass rushing ability. Those two alone warrant attention but keep an eye on defensive tackle Isi Holani as well, one of David Beaty’s top recruits last year.

4. Kansas State

This is consistently one of Bill Snyder’s top units but replacing Jordan Willis will be one of the most difficult jobs in the Big 12. Even more, Elijah Lee provided great relief at linebacker both as a run stuffer and edge rusher. This group will rely on the continued development of Reggie Walker at end and hope Will Geary can come back at defensive tackle to his former All-Big 12 self.

3. Oklahoma

Moving back to a 4-3 system should be the Sooners’ advantage, even more, if you count Ogbonnia “Obo” Okoronkwo as a fifth lineman rushing the edge. Obo had a breakout season last year with nine sacks and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see that number jump. But inside, OU is led by Matthew Romar and should be a nice pair with Neville Gallimore.

Another group that gets the job done no matter who leaves the program thanks to their deep recruiting at the position. The Pokes replaced Jimmy Bean and Emmanuel Ogbah last year with a great rotation and are as solid as they come inside with DeQuinton Osborne and Trey Carter, which should be enough to fill the hole Vincent Taylor left this year. Bonus points for Mike Gundy’s mullet.

1. Texas

Yep, the Longhorns have the top slot but it’s well-earned. Tom Herman built his top-shelf Houston defenses around his big guys up front like Tyus Bowser and Ed Oliver. Herman will have quite the pile of clay to mold with all-conference talents like Poona Ford and Malcolm Roach. It would be great if Jordan Elliott didn’t transfer (which could raise concerns but avoid the conspiracy theories). Texas is ready to make a statement with its front three.