That's some serious optimism for a team that just lost a top-15 NFL Draft pick. Auburn's defensive line production wasn't just about one guy, but replacing a talent like Faulk is a monumental task. Last season, Auburn's pass rush outside of him was inconsistent, ranking 78th nationally in sacks per game. The "next man up" philosophy sounds great, but the data shows a drop-off. The returning edge players combined for just 4.5 sacks last year. Development is one thing, but expecting an unproven player to immediately replicate a first-rounder's havoc rate is a massive leap. The SEC is loaded with veteran offensive tackles, and they'll be targeting that new starter from week one. Auburn's defensive success will depend on their entire front seven improving, not just hoping one replacement becomes a star. The pipeline might not stop, but it often slows down.