I tend to agree. But the only other time they've lost two ILBs in an off-season (Johnson and Bruschi), they probably should have played 4-3 instead of plugging in people who sucked at ILB. I think BB would rather play an effective 4-3 than a sh!tty 3-4.
We're dealing with a pretty drastic scenario here. Fortunately, I doubt Bruschi retires. Hell, Seau's playing so well, he might want to hang around too.
I have wandered to the ledge and back thinking about the 2008 LBs, as of today I am not worried (subject to daily change). It must be the sweet sweet feeling of humlitating the Steelers, that always cheers me up.
As of right now we have 3 out 4 starts. Thomas was far more productive inside than he has been on the outside, I expect to see improvement on his run defense as the season progresses. Also very interested to see Alexander and Woods get some action, even they are even adequate depth then things are not so bad. I just hope we don't pull out any 'secret weapons' in the AFCG like we did with Alexander last year, he takes a lot of grief but the Safeties play in that game was terrible. Speaking of grief, TBC was run out of town on a rail for his play against SD last year, Thomas has looked just as bad the past few games at the exact same position. But I digress.
2008
ROLB - Colvin, Woods
ILB - TBD, Lua
ILB - Thomas, Alexander
LOLB - Vrabel, TBD
I expect Izzo to return but if he plays a single pre-season snap at ILB I will vomit in my mouth. If Seau or Bruschi return which I doubt then they become 1/2 time players, still a need to get some speed in the middle.
If forced to take a top 10 draft pick, I would go OLB/DE before ILB. Even though ILB is a bigger need it is a much cheaper position and if someone is drafted who can get to the QB that is an extremely valuable commodity, names (Gholston, Harvey and maybe Long, lets see how he looks in space). With the right draft pick and veteran pickup the unit could get much younger and faster, although very light on experience.
CB - There looks to be ok talent in rounds 2-4 and no real #10 type CB, anotehr reason to look at OLB/DE early. No DE is worth the #2 pick, if Miami trades out of number 1 so someone can take McFadden the Pats will get a lot less in a trade back scenario.
Larry Izzo summary
Special teams = good
LB = bad