Mackovic came in 1992. Did inherit high draft picks like Brockermeyer, Lance Gunn, and Van Malone. Remember, Texas was just two seasons removed from a potential national title in 1990. I'll say this - MacWilliams didn't win but got recruitng going in the right directions. I'd guess at least 14-15 starters from the 1990 team were drafted eventually - Cash brothers, San Thomas, Chuck Johnson, Dronett, Patton, Jeter, Brian Jones, Gunn, Berry, Stanley Richard... I can name off hand. Mackovic's freshman class included highly touted Shea Morentz, Mike Adams and Pinckney would both started immediately at WR.
Overall, Mackovic inherited a better roster than Strong.
Mack Brown obviously inherited Ricky, but also two beasts-in-waiting named Shaun Rogers and Casey Hampton, and a pretty solid O-Line, and Wane Mcgarity. Truth is Mack Brown didn't rebuild, he just took it too another level. Texas won conference titles in 94, 95, and 96. The team collapsed and quit in 97, but the foundation was there.
Mack Brown inherited a much better squad than Mackovic or Strong. I'd say what Strong has now is more like what MacWilliams inherited from Akers.