Among the hardest hit SEC teams for early NFL departures, Ole Miss will have a host of players to replace, and a handful will be especially difficult.

5. S Mike Hilton — The versatile defensive back was a Thorpe Award semifinalist, tied for second on the team in tackles, and was third in the SEC in pass breakups. Beyond stats, his leadership will be tough to replace. He played cornerback until moving to safety for his senior season. Two years ago, he led the team in tackles (71).

4. S Trae Elston — Anchoring a defense that was second in the SEC in interceptions with 15, Elston led the team with four, returning two for touchdowns. Elston was second in the SEC with 16 pass breakups and tied for second on the team in tackles. He was named to the Coaches’ All-SEC  team and considered one of the top 10 safeties available in the upcoming NFL Draft.

3. DL Robert Nkemdiche — Off-the-field issues seem to be all that could prevent the five-star recruit from becoming a top 10 draft pick. The top recruit in the 2013 class that resurrected the Rebels program, Nkemdiche was suspended, and later left to prepare for the draft after an arrest on drug charges in Atlanta before the Sugar Bowl. The 6-4, 296-pound Nkemdiche had 29 tackles, seven for a loss and three sacks in 2015. The fact that Nkemdiche is still believed to be a first-round pick after the drug arrest speaks to his talent and potential.

2. OT Laremy Tunsil — The presumed top 10 draft pick — projected as the top offensive tackle — is the best player on an offensive line that must be overhauled. The Rebels were fourth in the SEC in sacks allowed, and seventh in rushing in 2015. Tunsil rebounded from a seven-game suspension for violating NCAA rules to become a two-time All-American. Of course, Tunsil leaves a lasting memory of catching a TD pass in the Sugar Bowl rout of Oklahoma State.

1. WR Laquon Treadwell — The dynamic playmaker returned from a horrific leg injury late in 2014, and capped his college career with a three-TD Sugar Bowl performance. Treadwell wasn’t just the Rebels’ No. 1 receiver, he had nearly three times as many catches (82) as his next closest teammate. He had 1,153 receiving yards and 11 TDs in his final season. He lived up to his five-star status coming out of high school, finishing his career as the SEC’s top receiver and winning the Biletnikoff Award.