Auburn was already expecting to tackle some key losses in the offseason. Guys like Braden Smith, Tre’ Williams, Tray Matthews and more were seniors, after all.

The real issues began when four juniors chose to enter the 2018 NFL Draft a year early.

All of those losses now leave several huge holes to fill. Here are the top 5 openings, and who we can expect to fill the void.

1. Kerryon Johnson, RB

Why it hurts: Johnson’s emergence was somewhat unexpected. Last year’s starting running back Kamryn Pettway was coming off a 1,224-yard season. That didn’t stop the Madison, Ala., product from taking the lead role, though.

Johnson won the SEC rushing title with 1,391 yards. He also ran for 18 touchdowns despite missing two games due to injury. The yardage was the most from an Auburn running back since Cameron Artis-Payne (1,608) in 2014. The touchdowns were the most since Tre Mason (23) in 2013.

That’s not easy to replace.

Who is expected to step up: It would have been Pettway, but he, too, is gone.

It’s possible that Kam Martin (453 yards, 2 touchdowns) starts next season. At 5-10, 182 pounds, his lack of size could open the door for someone such as Malik Miller or true freshman 4-star Asa Martin to grab the starting role, though.

2. Jeff Holland, Edge rusher

Why it hurts: When Auburn lost Carl Lawson following the 2016 season, there were questions about who would replace his production. His 13.5 tackles for loss and 9 sacks led the team by a wide margin.

The answer came quickly.

Lawson’s replacement, Jeff Holland, racked up 45 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. His tackles (3.21) and sacks per game (0.71) were better than Lawson’s (2.31 tackles, 0.69 sacks). Now Holland is off to the NFL a year early.

Who is expected to step up: It’s not just a matter of determining who wins the Buck linebacker job. It’s determining who is capable of being that elite threat as a pass rusher.

Nick Coe is a probable candidate. The 6-5, 270-pound specimen mustered 29 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks despite mostly being in a rotational role. The only problem is that he’ll probably continue to work in rotation.

That could open the door for rising sophomore Markaviest “Big Kat” Bryant. He’ll not only be the most likely candidate to slide back into a role at Buck linebacker, but he also showed a lot of promise as a pure pass rusher (2 sacks, 1 forced fumble).

3. Austin Golson, OL

Why it hurts: This spot was almost given to right guard Braden Smith, but Golson’s versatility makes him a lot more difficult to replace.

After sitting out 2014 following a transfer from Ole Miss, Golson started games at left tackle and center over the next three years. He saw snaps at every position along the line except right guard.

Who is expected to step up: Golson, the left tackle, should be easily replaced by Prince Tega Wanogho, who drew multiple starts at the position during his second year. The 6-7, 301-pound tackle is a converted defensive lineman who was still trying to find his footing, so expect noticeable improvement in 2018.

Golson, the center, won’t be as easy. Casey Dunn started when Golson was at left tackle, and he did an excellent job. But Dunn is out of eligibility. Look for Nick Brahms or Kaleb Kim to work their way into that starting job.

4. Daniel Carlson, K

Why it hurts: A kicker making this list over the likes of Smith, Tre’ Williams or Tray Matthews? If you don’t know why it was impossible to leave Carlson off this list, then you haven’t been paying attention.

In his four-year career, Carlson never finished lower than No. 24 in the country in made field goals per game. He actually led the country in 2016 (2.2) when he made 28-of-32 attempts (87.5-percent).

The 2017 season didn’t yield the same results (74.2-percent), but Carlson still leaves Auburn as the SEC’s all-time leading scorer (474 points) — breaking the record by a whopping 62 points.

Who is expected to step up: The good news is there should be a Carlson attempting field goals. Daniel’s little brother, Anders, redshirted this season, but he also has an impressive leg.

It’ll be hard to replicate older brother’s success, but the Tigers’ kicking game should remain in good hands.

5. Carlton Davis, Cornerback

Why it hurts: Davis stepped up his game during his third year. He put up 36 tackles with 1 interception and led the Tigers with 11 pass breakups.

Davis’ size (6-1, 203) helped provide Auburn with a valuable combination of length and physicality on the perimeter. That size and production earned the attention of NFL scouts, and Davis decided to skip his senior year as a result.

Who is expected to step up: Yes, his loss hurts — especially with the secondary losing both safeties as well. The Tigers have suitable replacements, however.

Jamel Dean and Javaris Davis should be the two starters on the outside. Dean provides the group with the size and length (6-2, 215) that the older Davis brought to the table.

Another name to know is incoming true freshman Christian Tutt. The 4-star prospect enrolled early, and he has the skill-set to make an early impact. Whether that’s as a starter or as quality depth remains to be seen.