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I hope not. Given that we're going to have 2 LBs on the field for 2/3 of the snaps, I don't see a need to carry that many. Having that many LBs leaves us way too thin on the DL, which we found out last year. I'm more than happy to load up on them on the PS, though.
When did we last carry more that 9 defensive linemen. How is fewer than 9 DL's somehow thin? Can you even name 5 DE's that you want on the team?
DT (5)
We all seem to be fine raising our number of DT's from last year's 4 to 5 because we had 3 injuries at the same position (Wilfork, Kelly and Francis). I'm fine with five DT's
DE (3)
I see no one but Ninkovich, Jones and Buchanan. Even that should be better than last year when we also had Bequette. Almost all of us had Moore headed to the Practice Squad a couple of weeks ago. He's done well and is a good Practice Squad candidate. Hopefully Fleming or Hightower can take a few DE reps this year. Some have suggested Easley. Vellano has played a bit of 3-4 DE in this preseason.
9th DL
We are likely fine with 8 DL's, unless we can find a veteran DE backup. However, we have the opportunity to add a bit of depth. The choices are Moore, Vellano or Bequette. My choice is Vellano, but I can understand another choice. The point is that we don't need 10 defensive linemen.
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DEFENSIVE BACKS
We will carry 9 or 10. I vote for 10, although many want 9.
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HOW MANY LINEBACKERS? (the answer is 6 or 7)
FIVE POSITIONAL LINEBACKERS
In 2013, we have averaged 2.2 LB's on the field at once. However, we also had 2 LB's injured. We were very happy that we had 2 qualified backups in Collins and Fletcher. It is the hope of many of us that Hightower or Fleming can take some reps at DE, or at least when someone is injured. Having 2 backups is the low limit, because we need Ninkovich and Jones as starting DE's.
ONE OR TWO ADDITIONAL SPECIAL TEAMERS
We have almost always carried wide body special teamers (LB's or SS's). They are critical players in the special teams units. Last year, we had Chris White and Beauharnais for a total of 7 LB's.
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BOTTOM LINE
We should carry 6 LB's.
DL 9
LB 6
CB 5
S 4
25th - either a 10th DL or a 5th safety