Michigan’s interior defensive line will look a bit different in 2025 without Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, but just how significant will the change be? We look into the PFF data to get a good idea:
With the offseason now in full swing, Michigan’s interior defensive line takes center stage as a key area of intrigue. Losing Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant to the NFL is a big blow, so Michigan will have to rely on a mix of veterans, younger talent, and guys acquired via the transfer portal to hold down the fort.
Utilizing Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades and insights, let’s assess the returning talent and new additions poised to make an impact on the interior in 2025.
Rayshaun Benny
Leading the pack is Benny, who concluded 2024 as Michigan’s fourth-highest-graded defensive player, per PFF. His overall defensive grade of 83.1 tops all returning linemen, and his 87.5 run defense grade was second only to Graham. Additionally, his 83.8 tackling grade leads all returnees on the defense.
Needless to say, Benny will be relied upon heavily along the interior in 2025.
Ike Iwunnah
There’s a noticeable drop in PFF grading among returning interior linemen behind Benny. However, Iwunnah offers some promise. In the first meaningful action of his career, Iwunnah played 165 snaps across nine games last fall and earned a modest 68.2 overall defensive grade. His 77.2 run defense grade is solid, but his 52.3 pass rush grade suggests room for improvement in that area.
Damon Payne Jr.
A significant addition to Michigan’s defensive line is Payne, who transferred over from Alabama. He played 288 snaps and recorded 12 tackles, one fumble recovery, three pressures and three quarterback hurries in 2024. His PFF grades include a 62.0 overall, 63.3 in run defense, 79.6 in tackling and 52.0 in pass rush.
Payne’s experience and consistency will be valuable assets to a relatively newer group of interior linemen in 2025.
Tre Williams
Michigan’s interior defensive line also gets a significant boost with the addition of Williams from Clemson. At 6-foot-2 and 315 pounds, he brings size and power to the Wolverines’ front. He is coming off his most productive season yet, logging 303 snaps and racking up 14 tackles (three for a loss), two sacks, two fumble recoveries, five quarterback hurries and two pass deflections.
Much like his stats, Williams’ PFF grades reflect balance. He earned a 66.3 overall defensive grade, a 69.4 tackling grade and a 68.9 pass rush grade last fall.
Trey Pierce
Pierce saw limited action in 2024, accumulating 153 defensive snaps primarily in late-game situations. His PFF grades include a 62.1 overall defensive grade and a 69.2 run defense grade, indicating potential as a run defender. However, his 50.0 tackling and 54.0 pass rush grades highlight areas needing further development. His continued growth will be crucial for depth purposes.
Enow Etta
Entering his third year, Etta arrived in Ann Arbor with high expectations as a four-star recruit. Initially an edge rusher, he transitioned to a hybrid role in 2024 and got 86 defensive snaps. In those snaps, he earned a 58.0 overall defensive grade, a 61.6 run defense grade and a 53.4 pass rush grade. While these numbers leave much to be desired, his versatility and adaptability could eventually lead to future success.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season presents both challenges and opportunities for Lou Esposito’s position group. While the departures of Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant leave behind a significant gap, the combination of returning talent and strategic additions provides a foundation for a formidable unit that has the potential to be, at the very least, deeper than it was last year.