Free agent middle linebackers **merged**

[AKATheRake]

im in the "roll with what we've got" camp...lets see what the new rookie can do.

So the rookie and 2nd year player basically get no competition now and get a starting job through NFL attrition and they're supposed to develop? Show us what they got?

Ok so you're willing to accept missing the playoffs?

I guess the injured Henry Melton and/or David Carr are the Leaders on this defense?

Oh boy!

 

[Szczepanik]

The lack of faith in Holloman here is concerning...

 

[manster4ever]

Takeo Spikes.......at this point it can't hurt to give him a try. If anything, he brings some leadership abilities to the def.

Yes...solid vet who's been DURABLE

 

[JohnnyHopkins]

Go with what we have. They have to move on from Sean Lee in 2015 and they can do that best by seeing what they have on this roster.

 

[gimmesix]

im in the "roll with what we've got" camp...lets see what the new rookie can do.

Not at all for let's see what the new rookie can do. It's a leap of faith to think someone we've taken in the fourth round is ready to be an NFL starter.

I prefer moving Carter to middle linebacker (he played well before when given that kind of leadership role), but bringing in a vet to compete for the position.

Also, we should not pretend with the injury problems that we had last year that the rest of this linebacker corps is going to remain intact. We need more bodies just to survive.

 

[65fastback2plus2]

Not at all for let's see what the new rookie can do. It's a leap of faith to think someone we've taken in the fourth round is ready to be an NFL starter.

I prefer moving Carter to middle linebacker (he played well before when given that kind of leadership role), but bringing in a vet to compete for the position.

Also, we should not pretend with the injury problems that we had last year that the rest of this linebacker corps is going to remain intact. We need more bodies just to survive.

we're talking about OTA's and camp here. Why SHOULDNT a rookie be given 6-8 weeks? A vet can come in with little camp and play just fine. So, since we have time, by all means yes, lets see what the rookie can do.

 

[DFWJC]

Hitchens is going to get a real shot here folks.
Wait and see.

 

[gimmesix]

we're talking about OTA's and camp here. Why SHOULDNT a rookie be given 6-8 weeks? A vet can come in with little camp and play just fine. So, since we have time, by all means yes, lets see what the rookie can do.

Depends. If Dallas picks up a veteran who has not played MLB in this 4-3, then even that player needs some time to acclimate himself to the scheme and his teammates. If Dallas decides to pick up someone like Urlacher, then he needs time to shake the rust off. Plus, you do run the risk if there's a particular player that you want of some other team having a need and going after that player as well. (I don't think that will be the case with Urlacher, though.)

I'm not a fan of waiting until late in camp to bring in a player, like we did with Brian Waters last year. There needs to be time for them to get their body and mind ready to play, especially if they are going to end up starting.

If the rookie proves to be better then the rookie should start, but I'd rather him have to compete for it then essentially be given the role by default.

 

[JoeyBoy718]

If we bring in a veteran it'll be for depth. Carter is definitely starting. Most likely at WLB but possibly, just speculating, a move to MLB. I see Wilber starting at SLB but maybe a battle between him and Holloman. I think Hitchens will be given a chance at MLB but the most likely scenario will be Holloman or Carter starting there. My guess is:

SLB --- MLB --- WLB
Wilber --- Holloman --- Carter

 

[big dog cowboy]

The lack of faith in Holloman here is concerning...

Until I read/hear something more definate from the coaching staff I'm wonding they have the same concern.

 

[the_h0wey]

Brian Urlacher.

Chime in please.

I was thinking Dexter Coakley or Dat Nguyen...

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

I was thinking Dexter Coakley or Dat Nguyen...

LOL...wonder if Lee winds up going the route of Nguyen and goes on to be a coach.

 

[rwill784]

In all honesty, if Hitchens is solid against the run and Holloman can make a jump, I think we could end up being OK.

I still would sign a mlb or possibly trade for one. The fact that it's this early is better for us, at least it's not mid season. Let holloman/Hitchens/durant earn the spot then work from there.

 

[OhSnap]

Waaaaaaaah to the young guys. You do what you have to do to win first, worry about hurt feelings and all that crap later. If the young guys don't like it then step up and TAKE the job! Don't cry in your beer over it.

Too many businessmen willing to coast for a few years then suddenly become all stars when it's contract time.

 

[AKATheRake]

I was thinking Dexter Coakley or Dat Nguyen...

Nguyen, Coakley is too small for the MLB position.

I want Coakley back at RLB.

 

[TXCowboyVol]

If.....we go after one of the following (unlikely I know), factoring age and upside, who would you prefer for a 1 year stop gap between these 4 and why?

Takeo Spokes
Jonathan Vilma
Brian Urlacher
Pat Angerer

 

[AKATheRake]

LOL...wonder if Lee winds up going the route of Nguyen and goes on to be a coach.

Thought the same thing.

 

[The Natural]

I know this is hypothetical and I really did try to make a choice but those are all terrible options. Spikes and Urlacher haven't played since 2012, Vilma played what 1 game last year, and Carter/other scrub could give the same production as Pat Angerer. For the sake of the thread I guess you go Angerer since he's the only one thats been even marginally productive but he's still a JAG

 

[jazzcat22]

"Mike" Singletary....

 

[OhSnap]

If I was that desperate I would try to do a trade with the Bengals for Vontaze Burflict.