This is really an interesting topic. if you think about it in terms of "core" players -- those players you want to retain long-term and build around -- at the beginning of 2016, you might likely point to Sean Lee and possibly, Byron Jones as the only true defensive core players. I am not saying the rest of the players from 2016 were JAGs. Rather, I would describe the rest of the defense collectively as average, meaning, the remaining players were fully replaceable if someone better came along. Heading into 2017, I would argue that we can add Collins to the core group and possibly Jaylon Smith (although, I acknowledge he hasn't played a down or proven anything yet other than he is incredibly resilient and determined). I also believe that the Awuzie and Lewis have the potential to be better than average, but only time will tell.
On balance, I think we are slightly better than 2016 with the opportunity to improve as the year goes on... fire away, I'll start ducking