We are still looking through the lens of a 2013 defense severely diminished by injuries, and one that was still very young.
Entering 2014 with the players on the roster (we have to go with the cards we're holding here), the picture is this:
DL: Ninkovich, Kelly, Wilfork and Chandler Jones with Siliga and Chris Jones as depth, and tremendous potential in Armstead
LB: Hightower, Mayo and Collins (depth is needed here)
CB: Dennard, Revis and Arrington in the slot with Logan Ryan as depth
Safety: McCourty and Adrian Wilson with Duron Harmon as depth
Not a rookie in the mix, and speed and smarts at every level. The only real hole here is safety if Wilson can't run, which is quite possible. It looks like Wilfork will depart, which is sad. But, plugging his spot with Siliga, Chris Jones and Armstead is not a terrible place to be with the other three guys on the DL.
The importance of continuity cannot be understated with a defense that looks like this. When you have 13 or 14 guys who have been together as a unit you worry about introducing new guys. In the current picture, the "new guys" are Adrian Wilson and Darrelle Revis, two smart accomplished leaders.
This is a very impressive group from which to approach the draft.
