Defensive Line (5)
Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Matt Ioannidis, Tim Settle, Caleb Brantley
No surprises here for the time being. The top-three unit of Allen, Payne, and Ioannidis is one of the best tandems in the league and it’s a far cry from the thin unit the team had at this position just a few seasons ago.
As for their backups, Settle is a monstrous run stuffer who has some solid pass-rush ability of his own. He should be a great top backup and could see more action against the run as the season goes along.
Brantley is the wild card on this list. Not because of his talent — he surely has enough pass rushing ability to make the roster as a developmental player — but because of an injury. He has been dealing with a Lisfranc issue in camp and if the team doesn’t think he’ll be ready to start the season, they could opt to keep a sixth defensive lineman.
If they did that, undrafted rookie, Ryan Bee of Marshall, would be my top choice as the 6-foot-7 player has done well so far this year. He also is well rounded and produced at Marshall, so that could help his cause. JoJo Wicker would have a shot to make it after a solid preseason as well.
But if Brantley is healthy, the team may not need Bee or Wicker enough to keep them on the original 53-man unit. So for now, they’ll try to stash him on the practice squad.