SEC Football: Defense will Determine Division, Conference Winners in 2017
SEC West
Alabama and LSU should be at the top of the conference defensively once again.
Alabama lost six key defenders to the first two days of the NFL Draft. However, because of Nick Saban’s recruiting prowess, the team has plenty of talent already on the roster.
LSU lost talent in the draft, too. However, the team suffered tougher losses on the offensive side of the ball. Safety Jamal Adams and cornerback Tre’davious White are definitely big losses, but like Alabama, the team has plenty of talent already on the roster.
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Despite losing Garrett, Texas A&M defensive coordinator John Chavis should have the Aggies close to the top defensively. The Aggies are especially strong at safety with Armani Watts, Donovan Wilson and Larry Pryor. Jarrett Johnson is a talented pass rusher, even if he is a major step down from Garrett.
Because Auburn is much stronger offense, the defensive statistics will likely regress. However, the Auburn defense should be strong again in 2017. Expectations are high enough that some are picking Auburn to win the West, as well as the conference as a whole.
Byron Cowart moved to defensive tackle and turned heads this spring, while defensive tackle Dontavius Russell has been the vocal leader of the team this spring.