While Fabian and the Bullocks were studs we also had meh talents in Ricketts and MacPherson. I'd say in terms of overall ability this group could be considedered competitive with 03.
As much as people pan Ricketts' performance that year, he was reliable as a nickel in most situations.
It remains to be seen if this squad has the talent of 2003. The bar is set pretty high when you have to live up to a first-round draft pick and two guys who get tons of NFL playing time. Here's to hoping that Asante & Co. can become the head hunting Mike Brown-esque players we all want them to be.