Defensive Preview
Defensive Line
The defensive line is a young, but talented group, led by junior defensive tackle Lorenzo Neal (#9). Redshirt freshmen Giovanni Reviere (#92) is a 6'5, 270 pound freak of nature who is expected to see significant playing time this year.
Linebackers
The biggest question mark coming in to the season. Junior Markus Bailey (#21) will be a solid outside backer for Purdue, but the other two linebacker spots are up for grabs. Bailey has 195 career tackles, and is garnering NFL attention. The most likely started at inside linebacker will be sophomore Cornel Jones (#46). Coach Brohm has been vocal about his desire for some of the younger linebackers to step up and help improve a young Purdue defense.
Secondary
Redshirt freshmen Kenneth Major III is expected to be a major part of the Boilermakers defense this season. The speedster has impressed in fall camp despite his youth. Junior Navon Mosely (#27) brings significant experience to this group, and should be a leading tackler this season. Senior Jacob Theineman (#41) is the vocal leader of the Purdue defense, and will return to his starting strong safety role after a 73 tackle season in 2017.
Coach's Input
With just 4 starters returning from last year's defense there is significant work to do for the Boilermakers. There is enough talent for Purdue to compete in the Big 10 this season, but it will definitely take a solid coaching performance to get there. The offense will put up points, and it may do so in a hurry, so we expect the defense to spend plenty of time on the field. If the Boilermakers can find two or three new contributors they should be in good shape in 2018.