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Position: Offensive line
Returning starter(s): The Lions will have three key returners with tackle Drew Shelton, and guards Vega Ioane, Sal Wormley, and JB Nelson. Nelson missed part of last season due to injury.
Key players lost: Left tackle Olu Fashanu will be a first-round pick in next month's NFL Draft, and possibly the first offensive lineman taken off the board. ... Hunter Nourzad started every game at center and will likely be a third-day pick in the draft. ... Caedan Wallace, the starter at right tackle, should also be a late-round selection.
Statistically speaking: The offensive line paved the way for over 2,400 yards rushing last season with two of the better backs in the Big Ten with Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton.
Emerging newcomers: Nolan Rucci, a 6-8, 305-pound tackle, transferred in from Wisconsin. Rucci saw action in six games in the last two seasons for the Badgers. Rucci's father, Todd, was a Nittany Lion. Todd was taken in the second round of the 1993 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. ... Cooper Cousins, a true freshman from Erie McDowell High School, could also see playing time. Cousins picked Penn State over Kentucky and Pitt.
Analysis: Although a lot of talent was lost, mainly with Fashanu, there is a lot returning, as well. The offensive line played well for most of the season last year, but struggled against elite defensive fronts in Michigan and Ohio State. The Lions won't have to worry about Michigan this season, but will play Ohio State and Washington at home.
Monday: Defensive line
-- Andy Stine