Florida State Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

Defensive Line

Starting tackles: Derrick Nnadi, Demarcus Christmas
Backups: Fredrick Jones, Walvenski Aime’

Derrick Nnadi and Demarcus Christmas return as the starting defensive tackles on the Florida State Seminoles defense. Nnadi and Christmas proved to be a dynamic duo next to each other in the ACC.

Nnadi recorded 49 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and six sacks last season. The rising senior is on three different award watch lists entering the preseason (Bednarik, Outland and Nagurski).

Christmas recorded 21 tackles, six pass breakups (most on the d-line) and 2.5 tackles for loss in 13 starts in 2016. He has an opportunity to have one of the stronger front-four in recent memory.

Fredrick Jones and Walvenski Aime’ are set to get looks at the reserve defensive tackle spots. One name to not forget about, however, is defensive tackle Marvin Wilson. He’ll likely push for time as well in fall camp.

Starting ends: Josh Sweat, Brian Burns
Backups: Jalen Wilkerson, Joshua Kaindoh

The loss of DeMarcus Walker at defensive end certainly hurts but there’s still a wealth of talent left on the defensive line. Josh Sweat returns off one edge. The Nagurski Award watch list recipient made 10 starts in 12 appearances last season. His 7.0 sacks ranked third on the team.

Brian Burns is the starter on the opposite edge. The 2016 Freshman All-American led all freshmen last season with 9.5 sacks. The Seminoles finished ranked second in the nation in overall sacks (51.0).

With guys like Jalen Wilkerson and Joshua Kaindoh at the reserve, their defensive line unit can get there again. Wilkerson made three appearances a season ago. Kaindoh is 6-foot-7, 250-pound defensive end prospect with a lot of hype surrounding him. He should see a lot of time on the field next season despite only being a true freshmen.