What's equally important as the talent ratings is how well does the coaching staff develop and use these players.
If you have a defensive coordinator the likes of Jon Tenuta or Brian Van Gorder trying to fit too many square pegs in round holes, then talent ratings aren't going to mean much at all.
The same could be said about Ty Willingham and Bill Diedrich trying to make a power option team run a finesse West Coast offense using a triple option quarterback. I don't recall any of the years (2002-2004) being known for our having a potent, prolific offense, despite some pretty good talent levels on those teams...