Elijah Daniel's Dismissal Hurts Auburn More Than You'd Expect

What seemed like an inevitability became a reality over the weekend, as Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn dismissed defensive lineman Elijah Daniel. Daniel was arrested earlier this month and charged with four counts each of theft and burglary.

According to The Associated Press (via: ESPN.com), six of those charges are felonies.

Head coach Gus Malzahn released a statement on Saturday confirming that Daniel is no longer with the program (via: Charles Goldberg of AuburnTigers.com):

Will Daniel's absence be a big loss?

On paper, not really.

The 6'2", 282-pounder had 15 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss as a sophomore in 2014, playing primarily as a reserve defensive end in an Auburn defense that was desperately searching for answers up front all season long.

Paper sometimes lies, and in this case, it does.

Daniel put up similar stats during his true freshman campaign in 2013, notching nine tackles, 3.5 for loss and two sacks in a reserve role. But that reserve role was important, because former defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson moved him down to tackle at times in pass-rushing situations to get more pressure on the quarterback.

He might not have made tackles, but his presence helped others—including former defensive end Dee Ford and current defensive end Carl Lawson—make a living in the backfield.

Dave Martin/Associated Press

That's vitally important this year, because new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp's biggest challenge this year is not only finding capable defensive linemen who are up for the challenge, but simply finding bodies.

"Daniel being dismissed will have an impact on the Auburn defense not because he was expected to be an impact player but because the numbers are just that limited across the defensive line," said Cole Cubelic, host on WUMP 730 in Huntsville, Alabama and former Auburn offensive lineman.

DaVante Lambert started at end late in the 2014 season but will will cross-train at tackle as well, according to Ryan Black of the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer. He missed spring practice recovering from a knee injury, but he should be back for fall camp. Lawson participated some this spring but missed the spring game and sat out portions of scrimmages recovering from a torn ACL.

Daniel, a 4-star prospect in the class of 2013, was expected to battle with Lambert and incoming freshman Byron Cowart for the true defensive end spot opposite Lawson, who's slated to play "Buck."

Wade Payne/Associated Press

With Lambert playing both end and tackle, Cowart needs to come in and be a significant contributor right away. Can he do it? Sure. The 5-star prospect from Seffner, Florida is quick off the edge and, at 6'4", 250 pounds during his senior season in high school, he is certainly capable of being an every-down end.

He might have to, because Auburn's defensive tackle depth may force Lambert, Andrew Williams and others to focus more of their attention inside alongside Montravius Adams, Maurice Swain and Dontavius Russell.

"Adams is going to have a big year," said Cubelic. "Swain will help inside. But my biggest concern for Auburn in 2015 is defensive line depth, specifically inside."

Chris Carlson/Associated Press

Depth issues could force Lambert (6'2", 282 pounds) inside, but that could have been a role for Daniel based on his size, strength and experience bouncing around the line. At worst, Daniel's versatility would have landed him significant playing time in specific situations and as part of the defensive line rotation—which every championship-caliber needs to be successful.

Gimel President finished last season as a starter alongside Lambert at defensive end but has been working at the hybrid "Buck" spot—but he could move back to more of a true end during fall camp.

Whatever happens, though, Daniel was more than "just a backup."

He was a solid player with tremendous versatility and decent upside, which would have helped Muschamp rebuild and redesign a defensive line that needs to evolve into a strength if Auburn is going to contend for the SEC title in 2015.

Quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. All stats are courtesy of CFBStats.com unless otherwise noted, and all recruiting information is courtesy of 247Sports' composite rankings.

Barrett Sallee is the lead SEC college football writer and college football video analyst for Bleacher Report as well as a host on Bleacher Report Radio on Sirius 93, XM 208.

Follow Barrett on Twitter @BarrettSallee.