UCLA Football: Who Is Replacing Every Former Bruin Taken in 2015 NFL Draft?

The UCLA football team will be tasked with replacing three former Bruins taken in the 2015 NFL draft. 

It will not be easy by any stretch of the situation. Jim Mora's squad will have to account for the loss of its most experienced defensive lineman a season ago (Owamagbe Odighizuwa), a Butkus Award-winning linebacker (Eric Kendricks) and arguably the most successful starting quarterback in program history (Brett Hundley). 

Fortunately, UCLA's head man has built up sufficient depth throughout the squad. While it's unlikely that the eventual replacements will replicate the production accrued by Kendricks and Hundley, there are some talented options waiting in the wings. 

This piece will look at three current members of the team ready to step up and assume the vacant roles left by the Bruins' NFL draftees.  

Replacing Eric Kendricks: Myles Jack

Nati Harnik/Associated Press

Jack should have a big junior season.

UCLA will be replacing its most productive defensive player with arguably its most talented one in Myles Jack. The Bruins' dynamic defender will make the move inside—after playing the last two years as an outside 'backer.

This will not be as drastic a transition as some might believe. UCLA played in the nickel a good chunk of the time in '14. As a result, Jack was often playing as a de facto middle linebacker in the 4-2-5 scheme. 

There will be an undoubted adjustment in terms of making defensive calls as the new quarterback of the defense. Jack will also assume a much larger leadership role.

However, he's more than capable of playing the position at a high level. 

Replacing Owamagbe Odighizuwa: Takkarist McKinley

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McKinley about to put the clamps on Southern Cal QB Cody Kessler.

Owamagbe Odighizuwa was often the tone-setter last year on the defensive line. The most powerful of the bunch, his motor was seemingly always revving.

UCLA's projected starter at Odighizuwa's vacant spot—Takkarist McKinley—is a bit different when compared to his predecessor. McKinley isn't as physically strong or powerful. He's also still raw from a technique standpoint. 

With that said, McKinley has one of the highest ceilings of any player on the entire roster. His immense athleticism flashed at times a season ago. The most pressing area of improvement for McKinley was becoming more developed technically in regard to pass-rushing skills. 

In fact, this spring was the first time in which McKinley was afforded an offseason within the UCLA program.

Not only has he been working with the coaching staff, learning the nuances of the position, but McKinley has also made strides physically with famed strength and conditioning coordinator Sal Alosi.

Therefore, he could be in line for a big year in 2015.  

Replacing Brett Hundley: Josh Rosen

For the last three years, Brett Hundley has been the hub of the UCLA offense. In some respects, he's been the galvanizing force behind UCLA's emergence as a prominent program within the Pac-12. 

The eventual starting signal-caller will have some massive shoes to fill. At this point, the leading contender for the job is true freshman Josh Rosen. 

Assuming Rosen wins the job, he'll be walking into a very good situation. UCLA returns the Pac-12's leading rusher in Paul Perkins, a veteran offensive line (for the first time in seemingly a decade) and a host of good receivers—led by Jordan Payton, Mossi Johnson and Devin Fuller. 

Rosen's top competition at the position is likely Asiantii Woulard. Not only has Woulard looked good during the spring, but the Florida native possesses very good physical tools. This prevailing sentiment gives him an edge over fellow competitor Jerry Neuheisel. 

The battle for the starting job will likely continue all the way throughout fall practice.