Mississippi State Football: Quarterback battle will dictate 2019 success

Defense needs to replace key players but has depth

Last season, the Bulldogs led the SEC and the country in several defensive categories including total defense and yards per play allowed. Now the defense has lost seven starters and must rebuild, but there is depth with experience. Defensive coordinator Bob Shoop is hoping there is not too much of a drop-off.

The Bulldogs are replacing first round draft picks in Jefferey Simmons and Montez Sweat. Lee Autry should get one of the inside defensive line positions as he is the only returning player along the front four. A lot of inexperience with the others, but freshman Nathan Pickering could be a future star. On the outside, there should be a rotation of Kobe Jones, Fletcher Adams, and junior college transfer Chauncey Rivers.

The linebackers have the most upside as there were no losses from last year’s unit. Middle linebacker Errol Thompson finished second on the team with 87 tackles a year ago. Leo Lewis and Willie Gay have the outside positions on lock down plus there is nice depth to work into the rotation.

Both starting safeties are gone from a great unit last year, but this season it could be the cornerbacks turn to shine. Cameron Dantzler had an excellent sophomore season with 43 tackles, two interceptions and nine passes defensed. Marcus Murphy and Jaquarius Landrews will slide into the safety spots and will look to not allow the position to drop off.

With so much top talent gone on the defense, there is likely to be some impact to production. But the depth here should keep the defense from completely falling off the cliff.