Kansas State defensive coordinator Tom Hayes is replacing three linebackers with former backups, transfers and inexperienced underclassmen. Adding a former All-American would be a lot more fun.
The same goes for Texas, whose defense ranked among the worst in the Big 12 in allowing nearly 450 yards per game. Malik Jefferson and Anthony Wheeler lead a talented but unsteady linebacker group that could benefit from one of the best linebackers in college football history.
MORE: How Long Will Big 12 Teams Remain Undefeated? Over/Under Games for Each Team
What if each Big 12 could add one former player to their 2017 roster? Only players who last played in the last 15 years (final season of 2002 or later) are eligible.
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Baylor – Robert Griffin III, QB
Zach Smith is a capable, strong-armed quarterback who should play well in the Bears' new system. Robert Griffin III is better.
The 2011 Heisman Trophy winner had more than 9,000 total yards his last two years and 77 touchdowns. Baylor has needs elsewhere but this is a no-brainer.
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Iowa State – Ellis Hobbs, CB
Ellis Hobbs, a three-year starter at cornerback, was an All-Big 12 selection in 2004 after registering five interceptions. He finished his career with 209 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and 29 pass breakups.
Iowa State could also go All-Big 12 offensive tackle Kelechi Osemele, who would stabilize an offensive line that struggled with injuries and inconsistency last year. And no, Seneca Wallace is not an option; he is extremely overrated.
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Kansas – Todd Reesing, QB
Kansas has just two First-Team All-Americans in the last 40 years. Todd Reesing is not one of them, though he's the clear choice for a program that's ranked near the bottom of the FBS in most offensive categories since his departure in 2009.
He had 3,486 yards, 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions during the Jayhawks' magical 2007 season. All-Americans Aqib Talib (cornerback) and Anthony Collins (offensive tackle) would be great but neither can have the impact that Reesing would.
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Kansas State – Arthur Brown, LB
Any of Kansas State's four recent All-American offensive playmakers — Collin Klein, Jordy Nelson, Darren Sproles or Tyler Lockett — make sense. But the Wildcats are preparing to field one of their best offenses in two decades.
The smart addition is Arthur Brown for a linebacker group that lost three starters. Brown was a First-Team All-American and the 2012 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.
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Oklahoma – Gerald McCoy, DT
A case could be made for nearly 30 former Sooners. Jason White, Sam Bradford, Adrian Peterson, Ryan Broyles, Dede Westbrook. Take your pick; they're all worthy.
Two-time All-American Gerald McCoy would be a welcome addition for a young defensive line that returns zero starters and is moving toward more four-man sets.
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Oklahoma State – Justin Gilbert, CB
Oklahoma State is in dire need of a cornerback.
Don't let Justin Gilbert's botched NFL career fool you; he was an elite cornerback, arguably the best in Cowboys' history. He had two seasons with at least five interceptions, was a First-Team All-American in 2012, finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award (nation's best defensive back) and set the Big 12 record for kickoff return touchdowns with six in 2013.
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TCU – Jerry Hughes, DE
TCU could bring back Trevone Boykin to replace Kenny Hill or All-American receiver Josh Doctson to bolster Hill's drop-prone receiving corps.
Or they could they add the best defensive end in program history, Jerry Hughes. A two-time All-American, Hughes had 36 tackles for loss and 26.5 sacks his last two years.
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Texas – Derrick Johnson, LB
Vince Young is eligible and as one of the best quarterbacks in college football history is a worthy pick. But Texas needs a reliable playmaker on a defense that was bullied by Big 12 offenses. That man is Derrick Johnson.
The 2004 Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner (nation's best defensive player) was an elite run-stopper, pass-rusher and coverage man. Keep Shane Buechele at quarterback and bolster the defense with Derrick Johnson.
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Texas Tech – Dwayne Slay, S
Dwayne Slay won't single-handedly fix a porous Texas Tech defense but the big (6-foot-3, 214 pounds), bone-crushing safety would be a game-changing upgrade.
The Red Raiders' lone defensive All-American since 1998, Slay had 114 tackles in 2005.
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West Virginia – Tavon Austin, WR
A disruptive defensive end or outside linebacker would be ideal, but the Mountaineers haven't had an elite player at either position in the last 15 years.
West Virginia could replace Will Grier with Pat White or Geno Smith, or they could give Grier an All-American receiver. Kevin White or Tavon Austin are both fine choices.
