Ok, I agree and disagree.
Where I agree: The 2012 defense has a lot of new and returning talent. The LB corps of Tripp/Coyle/JP with Timmer/Stu/Holt/Kose also in the mix will be crazy good. The single level of talent that was held by McSurdy will now be spread around. Harris I also do believe was/is the best DE the Griz had last year as a pass rusher.
Where I disagree: Waldo most certainly was not over-rated, DTs/NTs rarely put up flashy stats and their work in the trenches goes largely unnoticed. He led the team in sacks in 2010 and 2011. He was/is a force on the D-line and the most consistant player of the whole bunch. Alt I put in the similar category, pass-rush wasn't his specialty but edge containment was. Fether wound up splitting a ton of time with Harris, he never fully found his footing but I think was a solid part of the team. Takai needs work, IMO, he's got the size, but he needs to find a consistant level to play at which I've not seen him do in the last 2 years. For Tonga it's either peaks or valleys. Tonga will take that gap-stuffing role and I think the guys actually that will really make a splash this year will be Alex Bienemann and Jesse Ginn.
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Safety is solid, assuming Tully cleans up his tackling.
Corner is raw but good, Murray, Frank, Harris, Miles, & Goodwin will duke it out. I almost wonder if they'll look to move one of the young safeties to challenge this spot as well, Lebsock or Gratton?