Year after year, we see more and more underclassmen declare for the NFL Draft, and while the early declaration volume may seem much tamer this year compared to years past, everyone had Landon Collins, Amari Cooper and TJ Yeldon pegged to leave school early.

All three declared for the draft last week, and Collins and Cooper should be first-round picks. Don’t count Yeldon out of the first round yet, but running backs just don’t bring the value they once did. He’s likely a second-round pick.

So, how will Alabama replace all three catalysts? Let’s dive in:

Landon Collins, S
2014 stats: 103 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 3 INTs, 7 break-ups, 10 passes defended
Replacement: Hootie Jones
Skinny: Rising sophomore Hootie Jones is next in line to replace one one of the best tackling safeties in college football. Collins’ experience and play meant so much to a defense with noticeably lacking corner play, and Jones stands the best chance to win the job and run with it. Incoming safeties Deionte Thompson and Ronnie Harrison are both talented, but it’s just tough for first-year players to break into the lineup.

Amari Cooper, WR
2014 stats: 124 catches, 1,727 yards, 28 TDs
Replacement(s): Robert Foster and Cam Sims
Skinny: You don’t just replace a premier caliber player like Amari Cooper, but an entire cast can help fill the hole. The two who quickly come to mind are the talented Robert Foster and Cam Sims. Chris Black also stands to see increased playing time, but he’s more of a slot receiver when compared to Cooper. ArDarius Stewart is another great looking prospect who should see more passes thrown his direction. Replacing Cooper is one of the bigger unknowns entering spring practice. One hundred and twenty four catches will be spread among several players in 2015.

TJ Yeldon, RB
2014 stats: 194 carries for 979 yards, 5.0 average, 11 TDs, long of 31 yards
Replacement(s): Derek Henry and Kenyan Drake
Skinny: Although TJ Yeldon was a big-time back and a very talented player, the Crimson Tide are loaded at the position, and Yeldon is the easiest of the three to replace. Obviously, Derek Henry stands the best chance to garner more carries, but the lesser known Kenyan Drake also returns from a broken leg suffered last season. Drake’s versatility will be a huge asset for Lane Kiffin and the offense. Altee Tenpenny, Tyren Jones and incoming five-star Damien Harris will also have a nice battle for carries behind Henry and Drake.