[BostonCard]

Your points are well taken.  I think one of the things that I am struggling with is the new positions as we switch to a 4-3.  The last time we were in a 4-3, the configuration was as follows:
2 defensive tackles
2 defensive ends (sometimes divided into strong side and weak side defensive ends, SDE and WDE respectively)
3 linebackers (divided into a Mike [middle], Sam [strong side], and Will [weak side])
2 safeties (a strong safety and a free safety)
2 cornerbacks
1 nickelback (when we are playing in the nickel)

If we still separate the inside linebacker from the other LB’s, then we probably only need at most one a year.  On the other hand, if we call “inside linebacker”, all three of the linebacker positions, then we probably need 10-12.

BC

[BostonCard]

Your points are well taken.  I think one of the things that I am struggling with is the new positions as we switch to a 4-3.  The last time we were in a 4-3, the configuration was as follows:
2 defensive tackles
2 defensive ends (sometimes divided into strong side and weak side defensive ends, SDE and WDE respectively)
3 linebackers (divided into a Mike [middle], Sam [strong side], and Will [weak side])
2 safeties (a strong safety and a free safety)
2 cornerbacks
1 nickelback (when we are playing in the nickel)

If we still separate the inside linebacker from the other LB’s, then we probably only need at most one a year.  On the other hand, if we call “inside linebacker”, all three of the linebacker positions, then we probably need 10-12.

BC