GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- With Florida's five early entries to the NFL Draft now declared, we have a much better idea what the Gators will look like heading into the 2017 season.

In particular, we know the defense is going to lose a huge chunk of its production and experience. All told, Florida will have to replace 184 career starts, more than a season and a third worth of experience when spread out across all 11 positions.

There are two major question marks for the Florida defense right now after losing eight starters, including both defensive tackles, both linebackers, both cornerbacks and a safety. We outline them below.

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Run Defense

Florida's run defense took a step back as it was in 2016, ranking just 38th nationally after allowing 145 yards per game on the ground. That was the highest total the Gators had allowed since 2003.

Now the unit must replace both starting tackles, a veteran end who could set the edge (when healthy), both starting linebackers and its best in-the-box safety.

It won't be easy. Florida has to shore up the defensive tackle depth chart with some quality in the 2017 recruiting class, and it will need significantly improved contributions from the returning tackles on the roster.

Starting Cornerbacks

It's one thing to have a run defense that may be questionable. It becomes a much bigger question mark when you can no longer stick your cornerbacks in man coverage to load the box, and that's likely where Florida falls in 2017.

The return of junior Duke Dawson is massive for Florida, because it gives the Gators a little bit more flexibility in the secondary and means they likely only have to find one true freshman ready to start from Day 1.

With two safeties back who will be seniors in Nick Washington and Marcell Harris, Florida will likely opt to stick those two there, then play impressive sophomore-to-be Chauncey Gardner either at outside cornerback or nickelback, depending on where Dawson's most comfortable.

However, Florida's seeming lack of confidence in the other cornerbacks on the roster -- and there were some injuries, granted -- like Christopher Williamson, Joseph Putu and McArthur Burnett this fall leaves you wondering if they'll be ready to play by next year.

The more likely scenario is a stud high school player arrives on campus and wins a starting job from Day 1. Still, Florida loses a big luxury in being able to leave its corners on an island. Couple that with a projected step back in run defense from an already iffy 2016 performance and play-action could prove problematic for the Gators.

There's a lot of work to do this offseason.

Collective Starts Lost

32 - S Marcus Maye

28 - DE Bryan Cox Jr.

26 - CB Jalen Tabor

24 - CB Quincy Wilson

23 - LB Jarrad Davis

22 - DT Caleb Brantley

16 - DT Joey Ivie

10 - LB Alex Anzalone

3 - LB Daniel McMillian

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Contact Thomas Goldkamp by 247Sports' personal messaging system or on Twitter at @ThomasGoldkamp.