Editor's note: This is the sixth part of a series projecting Michigan State's depth chart by position heading into fall camp.
Three starters were gone and the fourth spent most of the offseason suspended while dealing with legal problems.
That was the outlook for Michigan State's defensive line heading into last season after a miserable 2016 in which the Spartans struggled stopping the run and were one of the worst teams in the nation at rushing the passer.
Change proved to be good. Michigan State turned to a trio of new full-time starters last season and improved up front.