Georgia’s defense played the pivotal part in winning its first national title in 42 years. It was truly reflected when the Bulldogs set a record by having 5 defenders chosen in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

The Bulldogs allowed just 2.6 yards per rush and 10.2 points per game, producing overall proficiency numbers that ranked among arguably the best in decades. They had a remarkable 84% stop rate of all drives last season — drives ending in a punt or a turnover.

On the surface, it looks difficult if not impossible to replace the likes of edge rusher Travon Walker, defensive tackles Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt, defensive back Lewis Cine and linebacker Quay Walker. Besides the highly touted quintet, there were other losses to the unit with the likes of Channing Tindall, Derion Kendrick and Nakobe Dean.

But this is still Georgia, and the Bulldogs’ level of talent shouldn’t take a major hit. Head coach Kirby Smart and defensive co-coordinators Glenn Schumann and Will Muschamp should be able to retool and not totally rebuild.

Plug-and-play is in full effect in Athens.

Like most of their peers in the SEC, it will come down to how well the Bulldogs’ defense will mesh together with some new pegs in the holes. Several media outlets still have the Dawgs’ ranked among the nation’s best in this upcoming transition.

How good can the Bulldogs’ defense be in 2022? Expecting this group to replicate last year’s results isn’t fair. So what’s realistic? Let’s break it down and see.

Pressuring the quarterback: Slightly worse

It’s likely too early to make a solid call on this category. Georgia recorded 49 sacks last year, 2nd-most in program history, 2nd in the SEC and 4th nationally. Eight of those came in the 2 Playoff wins over Michigan and Alabama. Their ability to harass Bryce Young in the rematch was the difference. They sacked Young 4 times in the championship after not getting home once in the SEC title game, which Alabama won comfortably.

The Bulldogs lost a number of sack contributors and it really will be about development here. Fortunately, Smart and Co. have a long and successful history of development.

Edge rusher and linebacker Robert Beal is back and was the team’s leading sacks with 6.5 wrap ups. More importantly, Beal had 5 of those in his last 6 games, and he proved to be a real force down the stretch. He was given an extra year of eligibility due to COVID, and the Bulldogs are grateful to have him back pressuring the quarterback.

Fellow linebacker Nolan Smith also is back, and Smith notched 3.5 sacks last season. Smith will need to raise his production to have the unit apply appropriate pressure.

Along with Beal, Jalen Carter was arguably the Bulldogs’ best defensive lineman last fall, and will be an anchor. Carter had 3 sacks last season, and there are plenty of early signs that the total easily could double this fall.

There is a healthy, young rotation of linemen and linebackers in the mix, and their production can sway the pendulum in either way.

Run defense: Same or slightly better

The Bulldogs allowed an average of 80 yards rushing and a paltry 2.6 yards per carry last season. They allowed 3 rushing TDs — fewest in the nation. That’s a tall order to produce a lower rate of production with the loss of Davis and Wyatt, who were run-stop pluggers.

There’s depth here, and the Bulldogs will look to Nazir Stackhouse, Zion Logue and Tramel Walthour to raise their level of play in the rotation. Redshirt freshmen Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Marlin Dean and Jonathan Jefferson, and true freshman Bear Alexander all got looks in the spring.

The run defense could also get a boost from Smael Mondon Jr. and Xavian Sorey Jr. from the linebacker spots, as their stock has risen.

Pass defense: Slightly lower

The Bulldogs’ pass defense was ranked 13th in NCAA stats in 2021, allowing 190 yards and 5.62 yards per attempt. They gave up 10 passing TDs, fewest in the SEC.

Simply put, they were better in 2021 than in 2020 even though they had to replace both cornerbacks heading into last season. Again, plug-and-play.

Cornerback Kelee Ringo, regarded as the nation’s top player at that position in the 2020 class, is back for his second season as one starter. The other corner was viewed as a battle, but Kamari Lassiter made a strong claim for it in the spring. Redshirt senior William Poole also will be in the hunt.

Christopher Smith returns at one of the safety spots, and the competition for the other spot could be a late-camp decision, but Dan Jackson appears to have the lead. Tykee Smith should open at the Star position.

Chemistry will be the main factor here toward the unit either maintaining or lowering last year’s production numbers.

Special teams: Better

Georgia needed to replace punter Jake Camarda, and they have apparently found a more than suitable replacement.

Australian Brett Thorson was the first to send his letter of intent on early signing day. He came from ProKick Australia, a program that trains athletes to compete at the college and pro levels. Former Texas punter Michael Dickson was a product of that program and won the 2017 Ray Guy Award and was drafted in the 5th round in 2018 by Seattle.

Thorson is reputed to have a strong leg with punts recorded over 60 yards, and hang times over 5 seconds.

His contributions can certainly set the table for the Bulldogs’ special teams coverage.

Overall: Slightly lower

It’s way-too-early July, and it’s hard to get a good reading on a defense that lost may impact players from last season’s historically dominant lockdown pack.

The Bulldogs will be replacing 8 of their 11 starters, and this likely will be one season in the last few where the offense can outshine the defense mainly due to attrition.

There are a few playmakers on this side of the ball, but it will be a matter of confidence and maturity. They should be able plug their holes and not experience any major deficiencies.

The offense will need to put their share of points on the board, while the defense establishes a new identity.