[OutsiderFan]

Attrition is a bitch.  Unless you account for it you are at risk for the 2017 situation every year.  We have no idea how especially Schaffer and Peek will contribute, and nothing rules out Swann or Williams retirements either.  And, most of these guys aren't big enough, DWP possible exception. 

Moreover, Shaw says it is a Junior and Senior game.  Well, that means you probably need three DL per class to every year be in position to field primarily Juniors and Seniors.  Stanford could have as few as just one upper class DL in 2018 if Phillips doesn't return.  Don't want to go through this again.

2017 6-7 can play, but really only three playing much = not much depth
Senior: Cotton
Junior: Phillips
Soph: Jackson
Frosh: Williams, Swann, Schaffer, Peek?
RS - DWP, Johnson

2018 6-8 to play, but only Phillips proven difference maker
Senior: Phillips (assuming he returns)
Junior: Jackson
Soph: Williams, Swann, Schaffer, Peek?
Frosh: DWP, Johnson
RS: Unknown

2019
Senior: Jackson
Junior: Williams, Swann, Schaffer, Peek?
Soph: DWP, Johnson
Frosh: Unknown
RS: Unknown

Three DL in 2018 would be a good way to hedge bets.  Having only one Senior for the next two years is not ideal.

[OutsiderFan]

Attrition is a bitch.  Unless you account for it you are at risk for the 2017 situation every year.  We have no idea how especially Schaffer and Peek will contribute, and nothing rules out Swann or Williams retirements either.  And, most of these guys aren't big enough, DWP possible exception. 

Moreover, Shaw says it is a Junior and Senior game.  Well, that means you probably need three DL per class to every year be in position to field primarily Juniors and Seniors.  Stanford could have as few as just one upper class DL in 2018 if Phillips doesn't return.  Don't want to go through this again.

2017 6-7 can play, but really only three playing much = not much depth
Senior: Cotton
Junior: Phillips
Soph: Jackson
Frosh: Williams, Swann, Schaffer, Peek?
RS - DWP, Johnson

2018 6-8 to play, but only Phillips proven difference maker
Senior: Phillips (assuming he returns)
Junior: Jackson
Soph: Williams, Swann, Schaffer, Peek?
Frosh: DWP, Johnson
RS: Unknown

2019
Senior: Jackson
Junior: Williams, Swann, Schaffer, Peek?
Soph: DWP, Johnson
Frosh: Unknown
RS: Unknown

Three DL in 2018 would be a good way to hedge bets.  Having only one Senior for the next two years is not ideal.