I think you bring up some fine points about Ninkovich, but I think he's got one more year here. I certainly wouldn't consider him a "lock," but I'd probably give him a 2/3 shot at making the team. As always, our hope is that someone younger and cheaper can show enough to make him expendable. Here is my reasoning, for whatever it may be worth to you:
--he has a lot of experience in our system and also provides good leadership. He's dependable, he's a Jet killer, and I think he's worth something in the vein of a Chris Long role
--despite his age and having lost a step or two, he still provides adequate depth as a rotational player
--he has versatility to play/backup different roles here, which is obviously important. He does what is asked as an end of line player, can set the edge, rush the QB, and play both with his hand in the dirt + standing up as an OLB in different schemes
--while we did address the position and are looking to get faster and younger, I don't think we're necessarily "there" just yet. I think Flowers is an obvious starter, but there's still some past inconsistency and issues with Ealy, so I'm not going to pencil him in just yet. Our hope is that at least one of the rookies will be blended in as the year goes on
