The Northern Illinois Huskies definitely struggled defensively last season. NIU allowed 418.8 yards per game, which was actually middle of the pack...but they gave up a whopping 38.7 points per game, which was tenth in the MAC and one of the worst in the NCAA (only eight other teams allowed more points per game).
However, as with every single position group for NIU in 2020, the front seven was chalked full of freshmen. And the good news is all of their defensive starters return this season, with the exception of one - former DT Weston Kramer.
Defensive Line
The Huskies have 17 players listed as either a defensive end or defensive tackle, so there is certainly some depth here.