The start of any season brings questions, but replacing 15 NFL draft picks means that Georgia will be looking for high-impact players at just about every position. You can make a case for any of them as areas to watch during preseason camp. The secondary was already stretched thin in 2021 and must replace two starters. The offensive line had to start shuffling in the season opener and didn’t stop until the national championship game – and then lost two of the more consistent starters and the position coach. A couple of productive receivers are gone, and several of the more experienced returning receivers are in various stages of recovery from injuries. Turnover at the tailback and linebacker positions is as comprehensive as it’s been since 2018.

But I just don’t see how changes on a unit that lost three first-round draft picks wouldn’t have the most impact on Georgia’s goal of contending again in 2022.

One big reason for the success of last season’s defensive line was consistent quality among the unit. You could be concerned about Jordan Davis, but the overall #1 draft pick was right next to him. Wyatt certainly was no liability. Jalen Carter was as good as any of them. You could afford to rotate in less-experienced younger reserves without much of a drop-off because a couple of high draft picks were probably still on the field.

The line did so much for the 2021 team. At the very least it commanded enough attention to allow the linebacker trio of Dean, Tindall, and Walker to flourish. It was effective enough that Georgia often got adequate pressure only rushing four defenders. That didn’t stifle defensive creativity; the versatility of the linemen allowed the defense to remain unpredictable with pressure and create situations like Travon Walker and Nolan Smith combining for an interception while dropped back in pass coverage. Rushing only four also helped Georgia’s thin secondary unit – additional defenders could drop back into pass coverage.

The big question this year is whether other areas of the defense might become more exposed if the line isn’t as effective. We already know that the defense will have to replace a great deal of production at nearly every position, and each change will ripple throughout the rest of the defense. Will Jamon Dumas-Johnson face a tougher job than, say, Quay Walker had last season if blockers are more frequently getting to the next level? Will we see defensive backs targeted more if a four-man rush isn’t getting the same pressure?

None of that is to say that Georgia lacks options up front. Jalen Carter of course is the anchor of the line and a proven superstar. He will also likely be the target of frequent double-teams unless other linemen can make that a losing strategy. Can Carter be as effective when he is the focal point of protection schemes?

One positive is that experience isn’t a huge problem. Georgia rotates defensive linemen often, so last season’s reserves saw plenty of playing time even in the biggest of games. Brinson, Walthour, Stackhouse, and Logue all played in at least ten games. This year it will be their experience that allows Georgia to rotate in the next wave of talented newcomers. It didn’t take long for the talent of Travon Walker and Jalen Carter to show through, and someone like Mykel Williams, Bear Alexander, or Christen Miller might be the next rookie to stand out early in his career.

For Georgia to have anything close to the defense we’ve enjoyed for the past three seasons, that combination of returning experience and new talent on the defensive line will have to produce well enough for 1) Jalen Carter to have room to do his thing and 2) the rest of the defense to bring its own replacements up to speed without becoming liabilities.