Now in the post-signing day, pre-spring lull, we’ve begun a deep dive into all aspects of the SEC.

Having already taken a look at the top individual players at each position, it’s time to assess some of the conference’s most important position groups. Both depth and top-end talent will play a role in these rankings.

After evaluating the SEC teams with the best edge rushers, we will now rank the five best cornerback duos heading into the fall. Unlike our edge rusher rankings, this analysis won’t take depth into account; it is purely based on which team has the best pair of starting corners.

No. 5: Kentucky

Projected starters: Chris Westry, Derrick Baity

Westry and Baity are returning at cornerback for the Wildcats, and they are part of a very underrated Kentucky secondary.

The duo combined to break up 10 passes and snag four interceptions in 2016, and each player had over 40 tackles. Few cornerbacks possess the same length as Westry and Baity, who are 6-foot-4 and 6-foot-3, respectively. The juniors are entering their third season as starters for the Wildcats so experience is very much in their favor.

No. 4: LSU

Projected starters: Donte Jackson, Kevin Toliver II

It won’t be easy to replace Tre’Davious White next season, but LSU’s reputation for developing defensive backs is well known.

Jackson is primed to take on the role of No. 1 cornerback for the Tigers, and he tied for the team lead with two interceptions while also knocking away eight passes in 2016. On the other side, Toliver is a strong candidate to take over the starting role. Injuries have been an issue, but Toliver grabbed an interception and broke up five passes in limited time as a true freshman and is a good cover corner when healthy.

No. 3: South Carolina

Projected starters: Chris Lammons, Jamarcus King

Will Muschamp has proven that he can build dominant defenses, and he has two excellent corners to work with in Lammons and King.

The seniors tied for the team lead with three interceptions apiece last season and combined for 15 pass breakups. Lammons and King have a lot of experience under their belt, largely because of the Gamecocks’ lack of depth in the secondary, but they should be fresher this fall as South Carolina has a nice crop of defensive backs coming in.

No. 2: Florida

Projected starters: Duke Dawson, Chauncey Gardner

It seems hard to believe that Florida can lose two of the best corners in the SEC and still expect that to be a major position of strength, but that’s the case for the Gators.

Jalen Tabor and Quincy Wilson are off to the NFL, but Dawson is returning for his senior season and has the chops to fill one of their shoes. Dawson led Florida with seven passes broken up in 2016 and also had a pick-six against Arkansas. The other corner position isn’t solidified yet, but Gardner is a strong candidate to slide over if he doesn’t remain at safety. The Outback Bowl MVP made a splash with two interceptions, including a pick-six, to end the season.

No. 1: Alabama

Projected starters: Anthony Averett, Tony Brown

There is sure to be a bit of shuffling in the secondary this spring, and it’s entirely possible that Minkah Fitzpatrick moves back to corner after playing safety for the final seven games last year, but Averett and Brown seem the most likely starters at this point. This duo may not be well known across the conference, but like all Alabama players, they have more than enough talent to succeed.

Averett, arguably the fastest player on the team with a 4.34 40-yard dash time, became an every-down corner when Fitzpatrick slid over to safety and finished the year with 48 tackles, eight pass break-ups and two forced fumbles. Brown, a former 5-star recruit, has experience at both corner and the Star position. He should be the primary candidate to man the other corner spot after finishing last season with 32 tackles and two interceptions.