Yeah, it goes both ways for the DL and LBs. I agree the LBs were a big part of the problem, but even good LBs look bad when they're constantly fighting off OL with essentially free releases. And the DL looks bad when there is a big crease, but a lot of times the problem is the LB just wasn't where they were supposed to be. I do think Shavers and Wright in particular looked good at times (coincidentally the new 0 and 9), just like Keona Davis, Williams Nwaneri, Riley Van Poppel, and Kade Pietrzak looked good at times. Without a true stud at either level, the flashes from each player just didn't match up often enough. Better LBs would fix some of the problems, so would better DL. We need both, and I do think the returners at each position will be significantly better next year.
FWIW, I think Shavers was really hampered by his hand injury/cast and he's still a potential difference maker. But Wright was hit or miss, MWT had a fun diving sack and not much else, Bower was overmatched, and Merritt flashed a bit but then got hurt. Anyone know what the deal with Christian Jones is? I know not everyone is ready to play as a freshman, but I'm kinda surprised he never got out there.