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Auburn should have a much improved defensive line in 2023.

Thanks to Hugh Freeze & Co. bringing in a few defensive linemen through the transfer portal, the Tigers should be able to replenish the cabinet in one of the more disappointing units last season.

They should have solid depth at defensive tackle, at which Auburn has one of the better starters in the nation.

According to social media influencer Big Game Boomer, Auburn's Justin Rogers is the 12th best defensive tackle in the nation. Jayson Jones is the 37th best DT according to the list.

Rogers, a former high four-star, transferred to Auburn from Kentucky in January, where he played in all 12 games for the Wildcats as a freshman in 2021. Rogers brings size and physicality to the Auburn defensive line, and is expected to play a significant role in stopping the run - something new defensive coordinator Ron Roberts specializes in.

Jones collected 28 total tackles and 0.5 TFL during his first season with the Tigers.

During spring practice Freeze named Jones as one of the Tigers' leaders, being very vocal in the locker room and holding people accountable in the weight room as they prepare for the season. His offseason work has caught the eyes of members of the staff and his teammates. Despite bringing in several skilled defensive linemen, Jones is still starting for the Tigers.

The 6-foot-6, 310-pound lineman is expected to make significant strides this year under the guidance of Auburn's new staff. With his size and athleticism, Jones has the potential to be a dominant force on the Tigers' defensive line - hopefully being one of the primary pieces in Auburn's quest to improve their run defense.

This article first appeared on Auburn Tigers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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