Defense
Oregon will have to lean pretty heavily on their linebackers in 2018. After a solid first season under Jim Leavitt, the Ducks have some pretty important vacancies in their depth chart.
The defensive line will be buoyed by Jalen Jelks and Jordon Scott, but either Drayton Carlberg or Austin Faoliu will have to step up. The Ducks lose Henry Mondeaux among others, and will need an unproven player to step up in their 3-4 system.
The linebackers, inversely, are going to be great in 2018. Troy Dye, Justin Hollins, La’Mar Winston and Kaulana Apelu were all great in 2017 and are all back this year. If they improve in 2018, this could be the best group of linebackers in the Pac-12.
Oregon’s youth movement at defensive back last year will pay off this year. Thomas Graham Jr. and Deommodore Lenoir are as battle tested as it gets after starting as freshmen. With Nick Pickett, Brady Breeze, and Billy Gibson backing them up at safety, this unit should be a strength in 2018. Even with the loss of Arrion Springs.
Calling for contributions
While Oregon doesn’t have to replace a ton on defense, they would still love to have some freshmen step up. After landing a top 20 class, the Ducks certainly aren’t lacking in young talent.
Four-star safeties Jevon Holland and Steve Stephens will both see the field early, as will linebacker Adrian Jackson. The question is about their group of three-stars. Cornerbacks Vernone McKinnley III and Haki Woods are both already on campus, and will probably play significant time.
If any of Andrew Johnson, Sione Vea Kava, or Kahlef Hailassie can contribute, it’ll be a big plus to a defense that needs any help it can get, especially up front.