I have no doubt in my mind that Miami will be no less than stellar on defense this upcoming season.
Starting with the front seven, I think the attrition was good with the loss of Chick and Pierre on the DL. There is no way Miami can't generate a consistent pass rush with AQM and Chad Thomas as bookends who I think will combine for 15+ sacks between them, with Trent Harris, Kamalu, and a young DJack in the rotation. DT play should be solid with Wyche, Moten, Jenkins and Heurtelou. Good depth/rotation there.
LB play I think will be stout with the combination of Grace, Kirby and Owens. I think Charles Perry will open eyes as a freshman. Grace will be an All-American.
I think the DB play will be reminiscent of the big play secondaries of old that Miami is used to. I think Tracy Howard will have an All-ACC type year with the pass rush being dramatically improved. I think Artie Burns will finally play like the dog he know he can be and I think Corn Elder will be a complete menace as the Nickle Back. I expect a young Jaquan Johnson to be the freshman sensation that everyone expects. I believe that the "light bulb" has came on for Jamal Carter. I think that it took him some time to develop his on field awareness and raise his football IQ. If that's the case, he will have his lone good year and be gone because he's physically ready for the NFL now. I think Deon Bush will have a year that will go down in Canes lore. He is a senior with the world of ability, elite skillset and smarts that will go out and play with a chip on his shoulder. Also big-play Rashawn Jenkins will be back on the field this season.
All in all, for a defense that improved to be ranked 14th last season, I think the stars have aligned for Miami to have a terrorizing defense that will be among the nations elite.