A never-too-early look at Georgia's defense

ATHENS -- Georgia's defense was rarely a problem in 2015.

Outside of games against Alabama and Tennessee, Georgia got a strong and consistent output each game. The Bulldogs performed well enough to end the year ranked No. 7 in total defense at 305.9 yards allowed per game.

Georgia's passing defense ended the season No. 1 as it held teams to 156.5 yards per game, although that was helped by playing three games against run-oriented option teams and another against FCS program Southern. But regardless of which teams Georgia played, its defense was clearly the strength of the 2015 team, which finished 10-3.

The Bulldogs do bring back an experienced secondary, which should help with any early growing pains the front seven goes through.

Here's an early look at Georgia's 2016 defense:

KEY LOSSES

Defensive line coach Tracy Rocker once again will need to work his magic with the rotation up front.

The Bulldogs lose defensive end Sterling Bailey, nose tackle Chris Mayes and defensive tackle James DeLoach to graduation. Defensive lineman Josh Dawson, who provided needed depth, is also moving on, giving the Bulldogs a total of four players gone from this past season's position group.

Hybrid linebacker Leonard Floyd decided to bypass his final year of eligibility for the NFL draft, which could be tough to overcome. Floyd lined up in multiple positions and recorded a team-best 4½ sacks. Georgia will also be without outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins due to graduation. Inside linebacker Jake Ganus, who transferred in from UAB for his final year of eligibility, went from special-teams contributor to team MVP. His departure could be a big one, considering he led the Bulldogs with 102 tackles.

In the secondary, Georgia loses one contributor, at this time, in Johnathan Abram, who decided to transfer. Abram, who appeared in 10 games and made four starts, totaled 25 tackles in 2015.

KEY RETURNERS

Up front, all eyes will be on Trenton Thompson, who proved why he was regarded as one of the nation's top overall high school prospects a year ago.

Thompson was limited midway through the season with injuries to both of his ankles. If he can stay healthy in 2016, he could be in for a big sophomore season.

Aiding Thompson on the defensive line will be defensive tackle John Atkins and a slew of young players, including Jonathan Ledbetter, Michael Barnett, DaQuan Hawkins and Chauncey Rivers.

At outside linebacker, it could finally be time for Lorenzo Carter to show why he was a coveted pass-rusher out of high school. Carter found himself in a rotational role, with the previous Georgia staff working wanting to develop him more as an all-around linebacker. He and Davin Bellamy could form a formidable duo on the outside edges, especially with the experience both got in 2015.

While Carter didn't record a sack, Bellamy posted three, along with nine quarterback hurries. Chuks Amaechi is also another outside linebacker who could take the next step in his progression, with the ability to rotate inside if need be.

Even with Ganus gone, there should be plenty of players able to step in at inside linebacker. Tim Kimbrough, Natrez Patrick and Roquan Smith all bring back valuable experience. While Kimbrough will be a senior, all three players could find themselves in an open competition for the two starting spots.

The secondary returns a ton of contributors, including safeties Dominick Sanders and Quincy Mauger, as well as cornerbacks Malkom Parrish, Aaron Davis, Rico McGraw and Juwuan Briscoe. Sanders, arguably Georgia's best returning overall defender, recorded 48 tackles, six interceptions and one sack. The defensive backs figure to be the strength of the 2016 defense.

KEY ADDITIONS

With rotational spots up for grabs on Georgia's defensive line, freshman Julian Rochester, who enrolled early Jan. 11, has a big opportunity for early playing time. He measures 6-foot-5 and 321 pounds, meaning he could get even bigger during offseason drills and spring practice. Fellow four-star defensive line commitments Chauncey Manac and Tyler Clark could work into the mix, too.

Cornerback Chad Clay, a three-star early enrollee, figures to have a shot at bettering his chances of playing early due to getting a head start with spring practice.

There are still several uncommitted prospects Georgia is hoping to sign who could step in and play early, including Lanier defensive tackle Derrick Brown, Jackson defensive tackle Michail Carter and Gordo (Alabama) linebacker Ben Davis.

This story was originally published January 21, 2016 at 9:41 PM with the headline "A never-too-early look at Georgia's defense ."