Yes. Everyone knows, and this is why a larger portion of the fanbase hates him.
Venables agrees with you about the DL, and the Alamo Bowl made it clear. The old OU staff knew too. They had commitments from DT ranked 16th nationally (now A&M) and DE ranked 79th nationally (Michigan). They were in good position with an edge who is 22 (Georgia). In response, Venables has taken 2 portal DT and may take a third. He's signed one high school DT and will likely sign another plus 1-2 DE.
Some amendments:
The high school class will probably end up in the low 20 - 22. They've taken at least 6 portal players (at least one is undeclared). They may take 6 - 10 more.
"Heavily slanted toward skill positions" fails to account for only 9 WR on campus, including 2 freshmen who'll likely suck like most Fr WR do, and only 4 RB on campus, 2 freshmen plus 2 guys who'll leave at the end of 2022.
Unless McKinize is Micah Parsons (he isn't), he's likely an edge player. They have plenty of edge players and that position is likely devalued with Venables defense anyway (I was wondering about the fuss about McKenzie flipping to UT and Sanders to OU). The LB class is good, possibly really good longterm because they have 3 guys who project to what Venables really likes (Lewis, Kanak, Rowe).
DL is going to be a complete make over from the lighter quicker guys Grinch wanted vs what Venables wants (massive quick guys--basically freaks that are day 1-2 draft picks who everyone wants). Venables and Bates think they can get them at OU.