We have had zero defensive players leave and have real success elsewhere. (We could argue Robert Quinn but he's from previous coach)
We haven't always had Ramsey, either.
The D players play better here. AD effect, yes, but it also seems like our secondary has generally performed well even outside our star players. And I mean across the board.
We may have lost experience and size in the secondary, but we have the twitchiest small dudes and that may matter.
They have to be "just good enough" to keep the opposing team under 25. Be opportunistic.
That said, next year's defense will be better, for certain ... a lot of young guys are going to get meaningful reps. Our offense will keep us in games, and can likely close out games. Defense just has to make a few plays ...