Strong Side Linebacker (SAM)
This position is up for grabs and as of right now and I’m not sure who will get the nod. Kyle Wilber – who’s finally found his niche – and second year man DeVonte Holloman are the main players fighting for the starting spot.
Wilber started his first game at OLB late last season against the Giants, and for a guy who hadn’t played the position very long, he held his own. He finally found his home as the strong side linebacker and has shown in mini-camp that he doesn’t want to let it go. He’s strong against the run and although he doesn’t have the best coverage skills, he makes up for it in effort and smarts.
DeVonte Holloman has shown that he can be a playmaker if given the chance; he’s done it as an outside linebacker as well as in the middle. What I like about Holloman is he has a nose for the ball, and he’s one of the more versatile players on the team. While he hasn’t played linebacker very long, it sure hasn’t taken him long to make an impact on this team.
Names to watch: Cameron Lawrence
Lawrence got some playing time last season because of injuries. Watch to see if that experience helps him take that next step on the depth chart.
