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Trey Pierce and Enow Etta lead Michigan's defensive-tackle rotation, with Etta retaining notable athleticism at 328 pounds and Bobby Kanka separating from the younger reserves, giving the room a higher ceiling than last season if it adds more pass rush.
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John Henry Daley has progressed from a snap restriction to a full practice load at edge, while Dominic Nichols is drawing breakout expectations and true freshman Tariq Boney was one of Michigan's biggest fall-camp risers.
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Michigan expects to use a 4-2-5 defense while treating Troy Bowles, Chase Taylor and Nathaniel Staehling as starting linebackers, but the position is considered the defense's weak point because its reserves and transfers lack proven Power Four starting experience.
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Jyaire Hill, Zeke Berry and Smith Snowden form an experienced starting cornerback trio with Shamari Earls trusted as the fourth option, although Michigan still wants more proven depth beyond those four.
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Chris Bracy, Mason Curtis and Rod Moore separated from the rest of the safety room during camp, with Moore described as mostly recovered and expected to approach full strength by Big Ten play, but the depth behind that group remains uncertain.