Will the Rebels defensive line take a step back? There is a strong case it won’t

Sep 28, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive linemen Walter Nolen (2) and linebacker Suntarine Perkins (4) react after a sack during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn ImagesConventional wisdom would suggest that it would be really hard for the Ole Miss defense not to see a drop-off along the defensive front. The Rebels lost four starters along the defensive line to the NFL following the 2024 season.

Chief among them was DT Walter Nolen, who became the first Rebel drafted in the first round since Laremy Tunsil in 2016. They also lost team sack leader Princely…