Auburn Football: Defensive Depth Chart Projections – Defensive Tackle

Nov 30, 2013; Auburn, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback AJ McCarron (10) throws th ball as he is pressed by Auburn Tigers defensive end Elijah Daniel (97) at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports

Elijah Daniel

Similar to Lambert, sophomore Elijah Daniel projects well to the defensive tackle position.

Daniel was expected to push for a starting position at defensive end – especially once Lawson was lost for the year, and it was a disappointment to many fans when he did not emerge from fall camp with a starting job. There were many that felt Daniel was underachieving on his high potential.

However, it was Daniel’s own nagging injuries cost him practice time in fall camp and slowed the 6-foot-2, 263-pounder from making a major impact early in the season.

As the year progressed, Daniel finished strong and made a start in the regular season finale against Alabama, which in fairness was due in part to Lambert being unavailable. Still, Daniel seized the opportunity for increased playing time and earned the start with a solid performance as Lambert’s replacement against Samford with a sack and seven quarterback hurries.

With Lambert out this spring, Daniel will have an opportunity to show Muschamp what he can do at a couple of positions, including defensive end and defensive tackle.

If Daniel can play both, it’s an added bonus because Muschamp wants to field the best four starting defensive linemen and is very creative when it comes to putting his players in a position to take advantage of one-on-one matchups.

For example, towards the end of the 2014 season at Florida, Muschamp settled on a starting defensive line that included three players that were seen primarily as defensive ends. Therefore, it’s not out of the question to see Lawson, Lambert, Daniel and Adams all starting for the Tigers in 2015.

Daniel’s skill set as a solid pass rusher with good strength and adequate size makes him one of the four best linemen on the Auburn football roster. It’s just a matter of Daniel taking advantage of his opportunities and finding the best spot for him.

Next: Devaroe Lawrence