Rest assured that some will take this entirely the wrong way, but Saban is absolutely correct here.
What he is saying is that we aren't as talented this year in certain spots as we have been in the past, and unpopular as though that may be to some, it's undeniable. At quarterback, offensive tackle, and cornerback, we just don't stack up to what we've had in years gone by. There is no proven commodity at QB like a McCarron, an OT like Andre, Fluker, Carpenter, Cyrus, etc., and certainly nothing near a Kirkpatrick or Miller at cornerback (or, arguably, even a Dequan Menzie or Deion Belue).
Of course, though, he's saying nothing about the overall talent of the roster here, and truth be told this is also arguably the most talented team we've had yet in certain spots. I'd take our current group of tailbacks and wide receivers, for example, over any we've had in Tuscaloosa in a long time.