Auburn Football: Defensive Depth Chart Projections

Nov 16, 2013; Auburn, AL, USA; A general view of the stadium during the game between the Auburn Tigers and the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Thornton & Andrew Williams

In addition to players that saw a lot of playing time in 2014, there are two redshirt freshman that could be very much in the mix in 2015.

Justin Thornton was a solid pass rushing prospect in the 2014 Auburn recruiting class and was ranked as the nation’s 120^th player overall by 247Sports. The Prichard, Alabama native was very active as a high school senior with 56 tackles and eight sacks.

At 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds however, Thornton was not quite thick enough to force himself onto the field as a true freshman. With a full year on campus to grow and mature physically, specifically to add weight and strength, Thornton should be ready to enter the rotation next season.

More from Auburn Football

Similarly, Andrew Williams signed with Auburn as a four-star product in the 2014 class, and was rated as the 231^st best high school player in the nation by the 247Sports Composite, the 12^th rated weak side defensive end, and a top-20 prospect in Georgia.

Listed at 6-foot-4 and 251 pounds, Williams played in a small-school division in high school, where he accumulated 70 tackles, 36 tackles for loss and ten sacks as a senior.

Expected to contribute as a true freshman, especially with the injuries and depth issues that plagued the Tigers on the defensive line this season, it was a bit of a surprise that Williams was redshirted.

However, that decision could be a clue that Williams’ future is as an interior defensive lineman – a position dominated by seniors and sophomore Montravius Adams in 2014.

If he weighs north of 275 pounds in 2015, expect Williams to be moved inside. If he’s still in the 250 range, he’ll complete for playing time at defensive end.

Next: NFL Coaching Rumors: Gus Malzahn Contacted by the 49ers?

Auburn Football: Defensive Depth Chart Projections – Defensive End

More from Fly War Eagle