I’m just a fan offering an opinion, but this is how things look to me:
QB: A
RB: B
WR: C-
TE: A+
OL: C+
DT: D
DE: C-
LB: D-
S: A-
Nickel: B+
CB: B+
Overall: C+
I'm not quite as concerned about WR as some, but thankfully, the impressive TE room can help offset some relative weaknesses there (I like George & X in particular, and I’m optimistic that at least one or two of Key, Breshard, Romelo, and Ladson will splash, but I can see needing some depth). 2 TE sets or using Skinner out wide can make a big difference. If necessary, there’s no reason someone like Malik Curtis can’t make the switch from DB to WR and add another capable set of hands to the depth chart (he caught the ball well in HS, and is a speedy talent - and would be in a better position to play than if he stayed at CB).
Adding an experienced LB and a big DT from the portal (plus maybe an OT, a second LB, and a fast WR), along with continued quality coaching, can potentially push us into B territory. Definitely good enough for a weak ACC (and especially the Coastal) but likely not good enough for the big boys.
As much as I’d love to put on some orange and green shades and make a run year one, that’s unrealistic. We are an 8-win team right now. With portal help and some coaching tweaks, we’ll be a 9-win squad - with a chance to contend for an ACC title and crack the top 15 to end the year. I’d be ecstatic with that result. The good news is: the future is very bright.
Speculation is what the pre-season is all about... but what do I know? I'm just happy we have a legit staff and the school seems to care about winning again!