For most college football programs, having seven -- seven! -- defensive players taken in the first 112 picks of the 2017 NFL Draft would result in that side of the ball being in rebuild mode for the following season. An exception to that is Alabama, a program that offers up next level prospects in crimson waves.

Despite losing an outgoing group led by first-rounders Marlon Humphrey, Jonathan Allen and Reuben Foster, Nick Saban looks to have plenty of elite personnel with which to reload. That said, UA defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt isn't free and clear of concerns where depth is concerned.

As talented as the Crimson Tide is on its two-deep "rep chart", it still has a handful of players whose availability during the upcoming season will prove critical to its ability to sustain as college football's top defense. Those defenders include:

Anthony Averett: Considered a question mark heading into last season, the fifth-year senior will be viewed as a strength of the backend of the UA defense after posting a team-high eight pass breakups in 2016. Will be counted on to provide a lockdown presence at right cornerback in his final season in Tuscaloosa.

Shaun Dion Hamilton: Dependability went a long way in pushing Hamilton into the starting lineup a season ago, but it was his playmaking ability (nine tackles for loss) that kept him there. If he's fully recovered from the ACL tear he sustained against Florida in the SEC Championship Game, the senior may prove to be an every down option at inside linebacker.

Rashaan Evans: Versatility will keep him on the field down in and down out in 2017. Whether it's at inside linebacker on early downs or as a pass rusher on third-and-long, expect Evans to play a role in each of Alabama's primary defensive packages. Realistic candidate to pull off the front seven triple crown of leading the team in total tackles, tackles for loss and sacks.

Minkah Fitzpatrick: Once again, the Alabama will feature versatility at all three levels of its defense. In the secondary, that means Fitzpatrick, who has career starts at cornerback, star and safety to his credit. There's also intangibles to consider with the junior, as he'll be counted on to provide leadership and make calls for the secondary.

Da'Shawn Hand: With Jonathan Allen and Dalvin Tomlinson the latest UA linemen to make their way to the NFL, the path is clear for Hand to become the next big thing at end. Expect to see Hand, Payne and Isaiah Buggs on the field together a good bit -- and not just in base situations.

Ronnie Harrison: The junior has all the physical attributes the NFL is looking for: size, speed and the ability to play both safety and dime backer. Provides the presence of an enforcer at the safety position. Downhill approach leaves him open to big plays at time, but it produces a fair share for UA as well.

Da'Ron Payne: Speaking of versatility, Payne will have an opportunity to show he is capable of producing in every aspect of trench warfare. While interior pass rush is what NFL scouts want to see from the junior, it still starts with Payne's ability to discourage opposing offenses from running the football.

JK Scott: Technically, he's a specialist. Ask any opposing offense, though, how difficult Scott makes things for them and his value as a defensive weapon becomes crystal clear. Not only capable of flipping field position with a swing of his right leg, Scott also excels at pinning opponents inside their own 20. Could add kickoff duties to his to-do list this season, marking another area where he might affect field position.

With those candidates in mind, who rates as Alabama's Mr. Indispensable on the defensive side of the ball for the 2017 season?

UA/SEC quarterback talk with QB Country founder David Morris: