Analyst: ‘If Auburn can get elevated performance from the defensive line, there’s a possibility of a winning season’

Auburn football will have a winning season in 2023 if the Tigers could get improved play-making in the defensive trenches under new defensive coordinator Ron Roberts — this, at least, according to AL.com’s Nubyjas Wilborn.

Wilborn cited AU’s middling ranks in sacks (No. 78 nationally) and in tackles for loss (No. 101) in illustrating the point that Jeff Schmedding was not getting the most out of the defense schematically in 2022. Roberts told reporters on February 10 that he’ll be implementing a mix of D-line movement, stunts, and pressure so that the defenders don’t need to beat the protection on every single play.

Elevated DL performance could lead to a winning season, while no progression will lead to a repeat of last season according to Wilborn:

"“If Auburn can get elevated performance from the defensive line, there’s a possibility of a winning season. If not, well, we watched that movie last season.”"

Auburn football will be relying on transfers on the DL as well

Auburn’s defensive line saw nearly as much overhaul as the offensive line. It just didn’t get as much publicity because it wasn’t nearly the issue that protection was on the offensive side of the football.

Mosiah Nasili-Kite out of Maryland figures to step into the starting defensive end role alongside 2021 transfer Marcus Harris (Kansas) at defensive tackle and 2022 transfer Jayson Jones (Oregon) at nose tackle.

Elsewhere on the Auburn football defensive front, Elijah McAllister (Vanderbilt), Demario Tolan (LSU), and Austin Keys (Ole Miss) will all be newcomers to the LB room.

With key contributors like Colby Wooden, Derick Hall, Eku Leota, and Owen Pappoe all off to the pro ranks, AU will need newcomers to continue the group’s bruising in 2023. Integrating the new talent will be paramount to a successful season, but luckily all of them (minus Tolan) come as upperclassmen with Power Five experience.