SEC teams with biggest holes to fill

The 2015 season was one to remember for the SEC. It produced a national champion and nine bowl victories in what some pundits called a “down year.”

But at the end of such a successful season, the bill comes due. Seniors move on, and a few talented players leave early for the NFL draft.

So, just how much talent flowed out of the SEC after the 2015 season? Have a look below:

These figures don’t account for players who transferred or were dismissed from their respective programs. Here are some of the players that have fallen into those categories this offseason:

Whether it’s graduation or the NFL draft, every team has to reload to some degree in the offseason. Here are the five SEC teams with the most talent to replace for the 2016 season:

5. ARKANSAS

For the Razorbacks, it’s not about how many players they lost, but the quality of them.

Quarterback Brandon Allen, who threw for 3,440 yards and 30 touchdowns despite a rash of injuries at the receiver position, has graduated to the NFL. The same goes for running backs Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams, tight end Hunter Henry and guard Sebastian Tretola.

While the offense breaks in a few new faces, the defense returns starters. That should help offset growing pains on the other side of the ball.

4. MISSISSIPPI STATE

Dak Prescott owns or shares 38 school records in Starkville, but for the first time since the 2011 season, he won’t be eligible to start at quarterback this fall.

Defensive tackle Chris Jones and corner Will Redmond were also draft picks last weekend, and the early departures of receivers De’Runnya Wilson (declared for draft) and Fred Brown (dismissed from the program) won’t do the new quarterback any favors.

3. ALABAMA

No SEC team lost more seniors (23) than Alabama.

Seven players were taken in the first three rounds of the NFL draft, including Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry, starting center Ryan Kelly and four starters from the Crimson Tide defense.

Toss in the graduation of quarterback Jake Coker, and there are some holes to fill in Tuscaloosa.

It’s a good thing coach Nick Saban usually has the nation’s best recruiting class, right?

2. FLORIDA

Florida is without both of its quarterbacks from last season. Will Grier transferred and Treon Harris is suspended — along with top receiver Antonio Callaway, whose future is unknown. If Harris returns, he’ll be working with receivers, anyway. The Gators lost 21 other players to graduation and/or the draft.

Cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III and safety Keanu Neal were taken in the first round and five other Gators were selected later in the draft.

This includes, among others, the leading rusher from last season, Kelvin Taylor, and the team’s leading tackler, Antonio Morrison.

1. OLE MISS

In 2013, the Rebels hauled in a historically good recruiting class. This past weekend, three of those players were taken in the first round of the NFL draft.

Tackle Laremy Tunsil, receiver Laquon Treadwell and defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche will all be cashing checks next fall — leaving large shoes to fill in Oxford.

Tackle Fahn Cooper and receiver Cody Core were chosen in the later rounds, and in total, the Rebels will need to replace 23 players.

Fortunately, Chad Kelly is back. And as SEC quarterbacks go, that’s the best place in the conference to start.

Randy Capps

Randy Capps is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers SEC football, South Carolina and Georgia.