I think the schematic improvement (year 2 under D'Onofrio) should help offset the new players. Freshman get to play on defense this year, no doubt. I think the coaching staff have recruited players who fit the D and that a bunch of them will step forward.
I believe both senior safeties will be much improved, due to a variety of reasons, such as it being their last chance, NFL motivation, year 2 under AL and maturity -- they step up and captain this 2012 defense and we could be in the hunt. I know that's a big IF but it's a Canes thing.
We need to stop the run better, period. I think the DT's, barring injury, will be a big improvement and Denzel could be an All-American this year: 140+ tackles.
Go Canes!