I keep hearing some variation of this from Badger fans, and it's a ridiculous take. I don't care who you are - you don't lose three NFL draft picks (all 5th-year seniors, btw) from your offensive line and just keep right on trucking. Not even schools like Texas, USC, and Alabama could do that without at least some drop-off.
I agree with you in principle, although this year is a bit different for Wisconsin in that we get back two starters from two seasons ago who were either injured or redshirted last year because of our depth.
LT- Ricky Wagner- started at RT last season, has played in 24 games, has 10 starts. Our coaches have him as the highest rated lineman since Joe Thomas.
LG- Travis Frederick- started four games as a true freshman the season before last (two at LG and two at C). Is the only player in team history to start at center as a true freshman in the season opener. Redshirted last year due to depth. Was also named #2 on Feldman's workout warriors. Squats over 700 pounds.
C- Peter Konz- Ranked as the top center in his draft class, Two year starter at center, 21 career starts. Third team All Big Ten last season.
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=83386&draftyear=2013&genpos=C
RG- Kevin Zeiliter- returns on the interior from last season. 3V letters, 2 year starter, 22 games started. Preseason 1st/2nd All Big Ten by several sites.
RT- Josh Ogelsby- Has started at least two games each of the past three years. 15 career starts. Coming off ACL injury. High school 5*. Projected as the #4 Tackle in his draft class before his injury. Casey Dehn is also a possibility here (played in all 12 games last year, started 1).
It's odd, but due to injuries and a lot of depth, all but one of our projected starters have started at least 10 games despite losing three o-lineman to the draft. I'm not saying there won't be a drop off. There very well could be. In fact, I think that there will be a small drop off. However, there is also a possbility that this line could be better than last year's; it is unlikely, but it is a real possibility. All five starters are projected to be drafted.