The 2016 NFL Draft is less than a week away. While many of college football’s biggest names will find new homes, their former teams will spend the next few months finding their replacements.
The SEC is no exception. For the past decade, the conference has dominated the NFL Draft, which also means that its teams have had to find suitable replacements for their top stars.
Five SEC programs will have face that challenge this fall. Here’s a look at the teams with the biggest shoes to fill after NFL Draft departures:
Alabama
Alabama lost 10 total players to the NFL Draft this offseason. Derrick Henry carried Alabama’s national championship winning offense with an FBS leading 395 carries for 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns — both SEC single-season records — while becoming the second player in school history to win the Heisman Trophy. That was enough for Henry to solidify a draft grade high enough to forgo his senior season.
The Tide also needs to replace its starting quarterback for the third consecutive season. Jake Coker, who finally earned the starting job after two offseason QB battles, made the most of his last year of eligibility with a consistent 3,110 yards, 21 touchdowns and eight interceptions on 262-of-393 passing.
Alabama also looks to replace five players from its top-ranked defense including A’Shawn Robinson, regarded by many as the nation’s best run-stopping defensive tackle, veteran inside linebacker Reggie Ragland, who led the Tide with 102 tackles and defensive back Cyrus Jones, who also excelled as a punt returner with an SEC-best four touchdowns.
But, in true fashion, Nick Saban has a plethora of talent to fill the voids at each position, as he’s done throughout his tenure. Bo Scarbrough is expected to replace Henry and provides a similar large frame and skill set. The Tide will also hold a QB competition between veteran backup Cooper Bateman and former 5-star prospect Blake Barnett. Even with the loss of defensive coordinator Kirby Smart, the Tide should be set on defense with several former blue chip prospects ready to see expanded roles in 2016.
Arkansas
Arkansas loses the majority of its offensive production, simple as that. Quarterback Austin Allen, a three-year starter who had a career-season in 2015? Gone. Alex Collins, a running back who recorded 1,000 yards in each of his three seasons in Fayetteville, including a career-best 1,577 yards and 20 touchdowns last season? Gone. Hunter Henry, the nation’s best tight end and the Razorbacks’ second-leading receiver? Gone. But what about Jonathan Williams, Collins’ running mate who missed the entire 2015 season recovering from surgery? He’s gone too.
Arkansas also lost offensive tackle Denver Kirkland and guard Sebastian Tretola this offseason. So far, head coach Bret Bielema revealed that Austin Allen will be the quarterback replacing his departing older brother. Jeremy Sprinkle, who led SEC tight ends with six touchdowns, is also expected to see an expanded role in Henry’s absence. But between senior Kody Walker, sophomore Rawleigh Williams III and incoming freshman Devwah Whaley, the running back position is still up for grabs.
Florida
Jim McElwain enjoyed a successful transition during his first season as Florida’s head coach. The Gators finished first in the SEC East before dropping their last three games to FSU, Alabama and Michigan. But McElwain benefited from having Will Muschamp’s talented defense because, as many may have forgotten, the one thing Muschamp did do well was recruit defensive talent.
But the Gators need to replace six defensive players including former All-Americans Vernon Hargreaves III and Jonathan Bullard. Florida also loses leading tackler Antonio Morrison, top pass rusher Alex McCalister and defensive backs Brian Poole and Keanu Neal.
Ole Miss
Ole Miss’ 2013 signing class changed the complexion of its program. Big name prospects such as Robert Nkemdiche, Laremy Tunsil and Laquon Treadwell provided early impacts to the rising program and managed to help the Rebels contend in the SEC West. But all three players, as well as wide receiver Cody Core, offensive tackle Fahn Cooper, inside linebacker C.J. Johnson, cornerback Mike Hilton and safety Trae Elston departed this offseason.
Nkemdiche, Tunsil and Treadwell are all projected to be first round picks, which speaks volumes of their importance to the Rebels lineup. It will be a tall task replacing all eight players this offseason, especially the big three from its program-changing 2013 class.
October 31, 2015: Mississippi Rebels offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil (78) looks to throw a block during an NCAA football game between the Auburn Tigers and the Ole Miss Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL. (Photo by Scott Donaldson/Icon Sportswire).
Mississippi State
Mississippi State looks to replace seven departing players, but none bigger than Dak Prescott. Prescott is the most decorated player in Mississippi State history, which is the first sentence on his biography on the HailState.com website. He is a two-time All-American and All-SEC quarterback and was the second player in SEC history to throw for 70 touchdowns and rush for 40 in his career.
Prescott owns 38 school records including eight single-game, 15 single-season and 15 career. He accounted for 114 career touchdowns, which ranks fourth in conference history and totaled 11,879 yards of total offense, which ranks third.
Prescott alone won Mississippi State more games than it should have with a depleted roster in 2015. He is arguably the biggest void to fill set by any departing SEC player. The Bulldogs also need to replace six other key players including wide receiver De’Runnya Wilson, defensive tackle Chris Jones and cornerback Will Redmond.
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