Depth chart analysis: Left defensive end

This is the thirteenth 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 -- A lot is being asked of Carl Lawson as he enters his sophomore season.

But one of the top recruits in the country in 2013 may not have much of a chance to meet all the expectations of replacing Dee Fordif Lawson is unable to return from offseason knee surgery.

There is no timetable for Lawson's return and reading between the lines of what defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson did and did not say regarding his top returning pass rusher, it sounds as though he could be on the shelf to start the season, at least.

Even if Lawson returns in time for the start of the season, the defense is prepared to rely on the "rhino package" of Gabe Wright and Montravius Adams at defensive end against run-heavy Arkansas.

The Two-Deep
Carl Lawson (6-foot-2, 261 pounds, sophomore)
Montravius Adams (6-foot-4, 306 pounds, sophomore)
OR Elijah Daniel (6-foot-2, 263 pounds, sophomore)

Gus Malzahn's take
"We have high expectations for Carl, coming off the season he had. You can just tell he's a lot more confident out there and just trying to be a leader by example."

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

Starter
Despite notching 20 tackles, with 7.5 for loss and four sacks, Carl Lawson was disappointed in his true freshman season.

Replacing first-round pick Dee Ford, one of the best pass rushers in the country last season, won't be easy for Lawson or anyone else on Auburn's line. It'll take more than one player to fill the "major void" left by losing 10.5 sacks.

In order to reach the level of success he wants and the coaches are asking, Lawson has to be healthy, and at this point that's not a certainty.

His response following surgery has been "phenomenal" but little else is known.

Backup
Montravius Adams will be used more at one of the tackle positions but he did spend time at end during spring practice and will likely be used outside in the season opener.

The 306-pound Vienna, Georgia native will bring a different dimension to the Tigers defensive line when lined up at end. Whether Adams will be the first one to step in for Lawson in non-running situations will remain to be seen but his skills will be suited for the position in at least the first game.

Elijah Daniel was used less often than Lawson last season but still managed 2.5 sacks and 11 quarterback hurries.

If Lawson is out for a longer stretch of time, Daniel will be most likely be the regular replacement, though he played primarily on the right side last season.

Next Wave
Keymiya Harrell (6-foot-4, 256 pounds, junior) has to be fully healthy and in game action before projecting where he can finish.

Gimel President (6-foot-4, 259 pounds, sophomore) saw limited action last season and with so many newcomers on the line, may not see much of additional time in the fall.

Summer Arrivals
Raashed Kennion (6-foot-6, 230 pounds), Andrew Williams (6-foot-4, 250 pounds) and Justin Thornton (6-foot-5, 230 pounds) are all longer, leaner rush ends and could end up on either the left or right side.

Quotable
"Dee was extremely good off the edge. Carl is a more complete player. Good on first down, physical guy, still developing his pass-rush skills."" – Ellis Johnson