LSU Tigers defensive line completely revamped for 2024 college football season as fall camp kicks off

The LSU defensive line and recruiting there since Brian Kelly has joined the Tigers has fallen under some criticism. But upon further review, does it really warrant such skepticism heading into 2024?

Yes, the Tigers just sent the majority of their starting defensive lineman to the NFL. And yes, the recruiting could be better there. However, the returning talent, transfers, and a couple top tier freshman should make the completely revamped defensive line way better than off-season noise have many believing.

LSU Defensive Line Fall Camp Preview

Projected Starting Defensive Line

• Sai'vion Jones
• Paris Shand
• Jacobian Guillory
• Jalen Lee
• Bradyn Swinson

LSU's defensive front might not have many proven 6'5", 300+ pound future NFL stars on it at the moment, but they do have a number of talents with multiple skill sets who can play inside and out. Based on spring action and reports Sai'vion Jones, Paris Shand, and Bradyn Swinson could all line up in a variety of pre-snap spots in Blake Baker's newly installed defensive scheme.

Although that trio of Swinson, Shand, and Jones weren't incredibly productive a year ago, they also (for the most part) weren't pressed into anywhere near full-time roles. All three could be in for huge upticks in opportunity this fall. They won't likely line up on the interior for the majority of the time, but all three can reportedly do it.

The interior defensive line might have a few more questions, but Jacobian Guillory did log over 250 defensive snaps last year and brought pressure when he did. Jalen Lee likely lines up alongside him in a much more expansive role than his sub-100 snap 2023 campaign.

Related: Will Garrett Nussmeier carry the LSU Tigers offense to the playoffs, and is there a solid backup behind him?

Projected Backup Defensive Line

• Gio Paez
• Dominick McKinley
• Gabriel Reliford
• Kimo Makane'ole
• Shone Washington

Transfers Gio Paez (from Wisconsin) and Shone Washington (JUCO transfer) as well as veteran Kimo Makane'ole will all see decent action early in fall camp as interior options for the defensive line still, but none bring anywhere near the hype that the two true freshman stars do.

Five star Dominick McKinley already stands at 6'6", nearly 320 pounds and he's just a true freshman. He can line up anywhere he's needed along the defensive front because he boasts unreal speed at his size, possesses a variety of moves to win against the pass and run, and can throw his weight around to bully just about any offensive lineman. There's a chance he ends up an every down starter by year's end.

Then there's Gabriel Reliford. He would be getting much more hype if it weren't for Dominick McKinley. Reliford was a bit of a late riser in the recruiting process as he developed physically to his peak a little late, but he projects to be a multiple force off the edge who can slide inside when needed. If he adds just a bit more weight he could inevitably become a Byron Murpy II type (first round pick to the Seahawks this spring) who despite his below average height wins with leverage and quickness.

Related: Three potential LSU Tigers breakout players for the 2024 college football season

Overall Defensive Line Outlook

LSU sent several stars along the defensive front to the NFL in the form of Maason Smith, Mekhi Wingo, and Jordan Jefferson, but the talents behind them look ready to compete in 2024. When LSU mixes their experience, size, and versatility with the high upside of their star freshman there's a chance they blow people away with just how good they are by the time they reach SEC play.

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