Georgia Football: Who Is Replacing Every Former Bulldog Taken in 2015 NFL Draft

It was a solid NFL draft weekend for the Georgia Bulldogs, as they had five players selected in the draft ceremony in Chicago. Todd Gurley, Chris Conley, Ramik Wilson, Damian Swann and Amarlo Herrera did great things for the Bulldogs during their careers, and they look to do the same thing on Sundays.

Now the Bulldogs have to move forward and replace the players who have gone on to do bigger and better things. Some of the players who will take the place of the draftees have more than enough experience, while there are others that have seen some playing time, but the starting role will be very new to them in 2015.

So here’s a look at the players who are replacing every former Bulldog taken in the 2015 NFL draft.

RB Nick Chubb for Todd Gurley

Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

In reality, Nick Chubb took the place of Todd Gurley in the middle of the 2014 season when Gurley was suspended. So this will not be anything new for Chubb.

The rising sophomore running back took the SEC by storm as he rushed for 1,547 yards and 14 touchdowns on 219 carries. He was named SEC Freshman of the Year, and he also made the 247Sports True Freshman All-American Team.

With the majority of the offensive line returning and Chubb putting in the work during spring practice, his numbers should be about the same, if not better in 2015. And if that happens, the Bulldogs will be in prime position to win the SEC East as well as the SEC.

WR Kenneth Towns for Chris Conley

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The passing game was not a strong suit for the Bulldogs last year, as they ranked near the bottom of the conference. But Conley was a reliable receiver who worked hard and was very intelligent.

So Kenneth Towns will have some work to do to fill Conley’s shoes.

Towns played in 12 games last season and tallied six receptions for 45 yards and one touchdown. At the end of the season, the team awarded him Most Improved Player on offense.

Towns has seen his share of experience, but he has never started in his career. He has improved each season, but he will need to be on top of his game in 2015 because whoever is the new quarterback will need all of the help he can get.

ILB Reggie Carter and Tim Kimbrough for Amarlo Herrera and Ramik Wilson

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Both Amarlo Herrera and Ramik Wilson played inside linebacker, so Reggie Carter and Tim Kimbrough will look to duplicate the same success the draftees achieved the last two seasons.

Carter saw his share of time last season, as he recorded four tackles in the Clemson game and five tackles in the Florida game. He also had a strong spring game, racking up eight tackles.

Kimbrough also saw plenty of action despite not making one start last season. He recorded 32 tackles, including five tackles against Vanderbilt. He also was awarded Most Improved Player on defense at the end of the season.

STAR Dominick Sanders for Damian Swann

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Damian Swann was the leader of the secondary, and he will be missed. But Dominick Sanders, who started at cornerback last year, could be the favorite to take over Swann’s spot.

Swann played the “Star” position, which is a mix of linebacker and safety depending on the scheme. So whoever plays the position needs to be able to be aggressive in the run game and cover in the pass game.

Sanders had a big season at cornerback, as he tallied 34 tackles, 0.5 sacks and three interceptions. Sanders and Quincy Mauger are the two best defensive backs on the roster when it comes to covering receivers, so moving him to the “Star” position will help him make more plays.