I realize that we're in the preseason and a few of these guys might not stick, but it's pretty remarkable to look at the talent on that team. Nine out of 11 were/are on NFL rosters or NFL talent. The only real outliers are PoVey and Peck.

Contrast that with the 2014 defense - NFL guys (that we are currently aware of) are Fua, who was injured most of the year, Daniel, and Kaufusi.

The entire starting linebacker crew is currently on NFL rosters. That's impressive.

LE - Soph - Kaufusi: NFL bound.
NT - Sr - Manumaleuna, Sr. NFL; Cowboys.
RE - Soph - Peck
OLB - Jr - Fua - NFL; Cardinals
OLB - Sr - KVN - NFL; Lions
ILB - Sr - Hadley - NFL; Raiders
ILB - Sr - Unga - NFL; Giants
S - Sr - Sorensen - NFL; Chiefs
S - Jr - Bills - Injuries or would prob be on an NFL roster
CB - Jr - Daniel - NFL; Raiders
CB - Sr - PoVey - NFL Camp or 2

Note: this isn't a post about Nick Howell, but it kind of is. Look at all the Sr NFL guys on that 2013 squad. It's awfully hard to replace that. Add in the injuries to key guys and it's a wonder the defense played as well as it did.