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UCLA football 2017: Projected Bruins depth chart

By Brad Weiss

PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 01: Josh Rosen #3 of the UCLA Bruins calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the first half of a game against the Arizona Wildcats at the Rose Bowl on October 1, 2016 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 01: Josh Rosen #3 of the UCLA Bruins calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the first half of a game against the Arizona Wildcats at the Rose Bowl on October 1, 2016 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Photo By John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Photo By John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images /

Notable Losses: The losses are plentiful on this Bruins defense, and it could spell serious trouble for the team in 2017. First round defensive end Takkarist McKinley is gone, as is Jayon Brown, who led the team in tackles last season. Brown and McKinley were 1st Team All Pac-12 selections, but they aren’t the only ones missing from 2016. The secondary will also be a question mark, as stars Fabian Moreau and Randall Goforth are also gone.

LDE: Rick Wade, sophomore (RS)

DT: Jacob Tuioti-Mariner, senior

DT: Boss Tagaloa, sophomore

RDE: Jaelan Phillips, freshman

The UCLA Bruins picked up arguably the best player in high school football last season, as defensive lineman Jaelan Phillips will join the fold for 2017. Phillips has the potential to be a future first-round NFL selection and will have to play the role left vacant by Takkarist McKinley from last year. This is a young defensive line, but if Rick Wade takes a step forward, and they can get a presence in the middle, they should be able to get stops.

OLB: Josh Woods, junior

ILB: Kenny Young, senior

OLB: Krys Barnes, sophomore

The leader of this unit is without a doubt, Kenny Young, who was a second-team All Pac-12 selection in 2016. Young had a breakout season, and most believe he could be a 1st Team performer in his senior season. Josh Woods was the first reserve off the bench for the linebacking unit last season, and Krys Barnes figures to be alongside him in the starting lineup in 2017. Lokeni Toailoa is another name to watch for, as he could find himself in Woods role from last season.

CB: Darnay Holmes, freshman

S: Adarius Pickett, junior (RS)

S: Jaleel Wadood, senior

CB: Nate Meadors, junior

The Bruins will have to replace Fabian Moreau and Randall Goforth, but they do have some talented pieces remaining. Adarius Pickett is an exciting young player, and Jaleel Wadood is one of the better safeties in the Pac-12. Darnay Holmes will attempt to be a solid player as a true Freshman in 2018, and based on early returns, he is a super-talented player who should team well with Nate Meadors at the corner positions.

Next: Oregon football 2017: Projected Ducks depth chart

Special Teams

K: J.J. Molson, sophomore

P: Austin Kent, sophomore

KR: Jordan Lasley, junior (RS)

PR: Adarius Pickett, junior (RS)

Both J.J. Molson and Austin Kent split time with other players last season but should have complete control of their positions in 2017. As a freshman, Molson converted all 27 of his extra points, while making 12 of 20 field goals. The return game should be one of the best in the Pac-12, as both Pickett and Lasley have the ability to take it to the house at any time. Lasley actually returned a punt for a touchdown last season, but Pickett will likely handle those duties in 2017, with Lasley returning kicks.

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