How many LBs to keep?

I was looking at Sheil's (first name, cuz I can spell that more assuredly than his last name without looking it up) 53 man projected roster, and one thing that jumped out at me is he has the Hawks keeping 7 linebackers. I believe this is in line with previous years (though correct me if it isn't), but I was wondering if this year would be different. There's talk of going to the Big Dime (or whatever it is called) look where Browner is basically a linebacker. The Hawks also have Pinkins who can probably play a similar role. Now, Pinkins is listed as an LB, but Browner isn't. So with the focus on dime packages, do the Hawks keep fewer LBs, freeing up a spot or two in other positions? Or, do they need 7 LBs primarily for special team?

http://espn.go.com/blog/seattle-sea...roster-includes-a-deep-group-of-running-backs

Had to look myself so just helping others out.

I think with Browner in at Safety they might forego the extra LB and have 6 receivers.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...est-projected-starters-big-changes-in-seattle

Funnily enough on nfl.com they have Browner as a projected starter at LB.

If there were no injuries, then I would personally prefer the Hawks to keep either 6 WRs or 11 DBs over 7 LBs because I think the 6th WR or 11th DB will be a better player than the 7th LB this particular year. However, every year injuries to guys on the bubble in training camp/preseason usually make these end-of-the-roster decisions easier than the decision looks like prior to the start of training camp.

This refers to the number of LB kept during final cut-downs to 53 man roster in the PC/JS era.

2010: 5
2011: 6
2012: 6
2013: 7
2014: 7
2015: 6

So 6-7 is typical. There is some flexibility if required between a LEO and a SAM if needed. And this only refers to the initial roster. Injuries elseware makes the number of players at any position fluctuate.

Personally i think it's tough to make a determination on their view on dime packages until they 53 man roster cutdown.
Nickel packages are pretty much the new base in the NFL, but the Seahawks went traditional and got a run stuffing DT high.

There is a lot of competition at the corner position.

There will be several young players on the ST bubble, WRs, RBs, LBs, DBs, DEs. Those last few spots on the roster will no doubt come down to who is more valuable. If a fringe position player can't contribute on STs......

We'll do more nickel packages this year meaning the SAM won't be on the field all that much. We'll also get some dime packages apparently with Browner playing a fringe LB/SS role. Then we have Clark who will take most of Irvin's LEO snaps.

Wouldn't surprise me if we only kept 5 LBs on the roster.

Overseasfan":ubwsqcpt said:

We'll do more nickel packages this year meaning the SAM won't be on the field all that much. We'll also get some dime packages apparently with Browner playing a fringe LB/SS role. Then we have Clark who will take most of Irvin's LEO snaps.

Wouldn't surprise me if we only kept 5 LBs on the roster.

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I personally want to see if Browner makes the team. The idea of some sort of specialist LB/Safety is intriguing, but is there really enough room on the team for that? Thomas, Chancellor, Sherman, Lane, T. Smith, Shead, and McCray are the only DBs i feel confident saying will make the final 53. That's already 7 dbs. The competition is going to be fierce.

Tharold Simon has known injury concerns, but the team seems to like his talent when he's able to play. Steve Terrell is the only safety that really resembles ET physically. Marcus Burley has talend as a nickel. Stanley Jean Baptist is very intriguing as an outside guy. Quite a few people were surprised Tyvis Powell was available as a UDFA. Certain posters are very high on Tanner McEvoy. Then you also have Browner and whatever role your going to place him him.

It's a hole different thing if he is seen as an extra LB with it's own issues. We'll need to see what happens.

The may hold a player out of training camp to retain PUP spot a roster spot.

It's a position group to watch in camp for sure.

Wagner
Wright
Marsh
Pinkins
Longa
Lewis

CalgaryHawk":1q30prxo said:

If there were no injuries, then I would personally prefer the Hawks to keep either 6 WRs or 11 DBs over 7 LBs because I think the 6th WR or 11th DB will be a better player than the 7th LB this particular year. However, every year injuries to guys on the bubble in training camp/preseason usually make these end-of-the-roster decisions easier than the decision looks like prior to the start of training camp.

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Good post. With the flexibility on our roster this year, it's going to be an interesting TC. We have:

Browner who can play Safety and CB if needed, but might drop down to LB in dimes.

Pinkins who was a CB in college and now is a LB. He runs a 4.4 forty and can cover, making him versatile.

Kevin Pierre Lewis, who is listed a LB but also runs a 4.4 and Pete has acknowledged his skills in coverage before.

The McEvoy kid we drafted from Wisconsin who can play everything from FS to WR. Not sure where he'll fit in, but he's a football player and I think Pete keeps him.

Any of those guys has flexibility and can play other roles. This might be the hardest year to predict the back end of our defense.

Hawks46":3kzfii4q said:

CalgaryHawk":3kzfii4q said:

If there were no injuries, then I would personally prefer the Hawks to keep either 6 WRs or 11 DBs over 7 LBs because I think the 6th WR or 11th DB will be a better player than the 7th LB this particular year. However, every year injuries to guys on the bubble in training camp/preseason usually make these end-of-the-roster decisions easier than the decision looks like prior to the start of training camp.

Click to expand...

Good post. With the flexibility on our roster this year, it's going to be an interesting TC. We have:

Browner who can play Safety and CB if needed, but might drop down to LB in dimes.

Pinkins who was a CB in college and now is a LB. He runs a 4.4 forty and can cover, making him versatile.

Kevin Pierre Lewis, who is listed a LB but also runs a 4.4 and Pete has acknowledged his skills in coverage before.

The McEvoy kid we drafted from Wisconsin who can play everything from FS to WR. Not sure where he'll fit in, but he's a football player and I think Pete keeps him.

Any of those guys has flexibility and can play other roles. This might be the hardest year to predict the back end of our defense.

Click to expand...

Seriously. Don't sleep on Steve Longa. He's going to pop in pre season.