No matter the measurement or metric, Pitt's defensive line stood tall last season.
In passing situations, few defensive fronts were better.
• The Panthers' passing downs sack rate of 15.6 percent was third in the nation, according to stats from footballoutsiders.com.
• Pitt's 10.6 percent sack rate ranked sixth nationally, but oddly enough, only third in the ACC behind Miami (11.0) and Clemson (10.9).
Against the run, the defensive line didn't stack up quite as favorably, but it mostly remained well-above average.
• They were ranked 28th in standard downs line yards per carry at 2.24. That metric measures raw, unadjusted per carry line yards for a team on standard downs.
• In opportunity rate, which measures the percentage of carries that gain at least four yards when four yards are available, Pitt ranked 31st at 43.5 percent.
The front four was a fearsome unit in 2019, and nearly every main player is back for the 2020 season, plus reinforcements are in place. The returns of Rashad Weaver, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in August and defensive tackle Keyshon Camp, another knee injury casualty, bolster a deep and dynamic group.
Could the combination of last season's production -- Pitt was tied for tops in the country with 51 sacks -- and the additions of Weaver and Camp -- a pair of likely starters -- make it the best defensive front in the country?
The Panthers at least belong in the preseason discussion.
Here's a look at the main players:
STARTERS
If Pitt's defensive line were a band, consider Jaylen Twyman would be the front man, even if he plays at defensive tackle, a typically unheralded position.
Last season was Twyman's first as a starter, though it took Camp's injury to solidify his place in the lineup, and he made the most of it, amassing 41 tackles (12 for loss) and 10.5 sacks. He became the first interior defensive lineman to lead Pitt in sacks since Aaron Donald in 2013.
With an explosive first step, a top-notch swim move and quickness, the 6-foot-2, 290-pound Twyman played his best against stronger competition, and he's being viewed as a possible first-round draft pick heading into 2021.
He'll garner more attention in 2020, so topping last season's numbers will be a challenge. But the hard-working Twyman could do so.
Pitt DL Jaylen Twyman (@JaylenTwyman) captures the blocker's chest, snatches him, finishes with a swim move & gets the sack.
Inside hand placement is key to making this move work! #H2P #PassRush pic.twitter.com/DQtzaKk7Ot
— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) March 31, 2020
• Camp appeared poised for a breakout season in 2019 before his injury in a season-opening loss to Virginia. Heck, he had a half-sack and two hurries against the eventual Coastal Division winners before getting hurt.
Injuries have been an issues for Camp, who also suffered a knee injury in 2018, but, if healthy, the 6-4, 295-pound run stuffer should be a nice fit beside Twyman.
• Like Twyman, Patrick Jones II enjoyed breakout success in 2019, logging 41 tackles (11.5 for loss) and 8.5 sacks.
The 6-5, 255-pound Jones uses his long arms to his advantage, as he forced four fumbles last season, including two in a wild win at Duke. His 55 pressures were second in the ACC.
His combination of speed and athleticism make Jones an intriguing NFL prospect, and he is being viewed as a possible first- or second-round pick in some circles.
#Pitt DL Patrick Jones with a great get off & rush angle. Uses the speed dip to beat the blocker & get the sack.@P_jones9 is on the Hendricks, Nagurski & Bednarik watch list heading into the upcoming season! #h2p #passrush pic.twitter.com/A7xWueg3GT
— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) April 18, 2020
• Remember Weaver? He was only Pitt's most impactful defensive player in 2018.
Need proof? He had 14.5 tackles for loss (6.5 sacks), three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and a bunch of batted down passes at the line of scrimmage thanks to his 6-5, 270-pound frame.
Sounds pretty good, huh?
If Weaver can approach those numbers, expect Jones to create havoc on the other side of the line.
KEY BACKUPS
Habakkuk Baldonado was born in soccer-crazed Rome, Italy, but he's proving quite adept at American football, putting together a strong 2019 season in a backup role.
Baldonado finished with 30 tackles and 4.5 sacks last season, and his abilities continue to flourish under the direction of defensive line coach Charlie Partridge.
• Deslin Alexandre started all 13 games last season, and he's capable of holding onto that spot, particularly if Weaver struggles in his return to football activities. He finished with 38 tackles (10.5 for loss), 5.5 sacks and a fumble recovery.
• Tyler Bentley, Devin Danielson and John Morgan also figure to be in the rotation.
KOVAK'S VIEW
When Weaver was injured, not much of expected from this group.
When Camp went down, those expectations were lowered.
Expectations can be a funny thing, but the performance of Pitt's front four in 2019 was anything but funny. Twyman and Jones emerged as stars on a defense that led Pitt to am 8-5 record.
The pair took turns saving the team in key wins. Central Florida, Duke, North Carolina -- all games where Jones and Twyman made significant late-game plays. Imagine what that record might have been without them.
But add Weaver and Camp into the mix, and it's easy to see why so many are bullish on Pitt's defense. If the Panthers take a step forward in 2020, the defensive line will lead the charge.