Depth chart analysis: Right defensive end

This is the sixteenth of a 24-part series that will run up to SEC Media Days detailing Auburn's depth chart heading into the 2014 season. This comes well after the Tigers concluded their 15 spring practices and includes insight from nearly every position coach on the staff.

AUBURN --LaDarius Owens may be asked to become the best pass rusher Auburn has this season.

If Carl Lawson's knee injury prevents him from playing for a prolonged stretch, Owens will have to do the most to offset the loss to Auburn's pass rush.

Owens had a more productive first half than second half and missed spring practice with a left foot injury so he'll have to return to form before any such big milestones can occur.

Elijah Daniel was lightly used as a true freshman but will be more utilized this fall, especially if Lawson can't go at any point.

The Two-Deep
LaDarius Owens (6-foot-2, 259 pounds, senior)
Elijah Daniel (6-foot-2, 263 pounds, sophomore)
OR Gabe Wright (6-foot-3, 284 pounds, senior)

Gus Malzahn's take
"Obviously (LaDarius) didn't go through spring, held him out, but he's a veteran guy and he's a guy that knows what to do so we feel good about him."

DEFENSIVE POSITION ANALYSIS: LDE | DT | NT

Starter
LaDarius Owens had some very strong outings in 2013. His play against Jake Matthews at Texas A&M was quite good even though he ended up with just two tackles.

However Owens never cracked two tackles in the final nine games of the season, so if he is going to be asked to increase production in his final season, he has a ways to go.

OFFENSIVE POSITION ANALYSIS: QB | RB | HB | TE | SE | F | SLOT | LT | LG | C | RG | RT

Backup
Elijah Daniel will be used more than a year ago and might crack the starting rotation at either end of the line.

The former Under Armour All-American was hampered by a groin injury for part of spring practice so he'll need a good fall camp to move up the depth chart and challenge for a starting job.

Next Wave
Gabe Wright (6-foot-3, 284 pounds, senior) was used at end during spring practice and will see time on the outside against certain teams.

Keymiya Harrell (6-foot-4, 256 pounds, junior) has to be healthy before any real information can be drawn from what he brings to the group.

Gimel President (6-foot-4, 259 pounds, sophomore) saw limited action last season.

Summer Arrivals
Raashed Kennion (6-foot-6, 230 pounds), Andrew Williams (6-foot-4, 250 pounds) and Justin Thornton (6-foot-5, 230 pounds) could play on either the left or right side of the line.

Quotable
"We felt like Elijah would be that guy and LaDarius Owens obviously has ability – he did some last year, he showed some bright spots last year – and both of them missing so much practice time. I can't say that we really found who is the other guy on the other side. I think it's still a good battle going on for that." – Ellis Johnson