[SamuelMcF]

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

Your configuration is exactly correct. Just replace "defensive tackle" with DL and "defensive end" with Edge. The only slightly tricky part is the linebackers.

I believe you've unfortunately stated the two incorrect scenarios. "Inside linebacker" actually most likely refers to two guys: the Mike and Will LBs. The Sam LB will be an "Edge." David Bailey has previously stated he's learning both the Edge (I'd assume WDE) and Sam positions, for example.

Thus, there are actually 3 positions that fall under Edge, and we should indeed have 10-12 of those per your commentary. As there are 2 "Inside Linebackers" (I'm really not a fan of the term "Inside" anymore but whatever), we should have around 7-8.

I'm also a bit intrigued by versatility between SDE (the bigger Edge guys) and DL. Armel Mukam (6'4" 250) stated in a post-commit interview that we're looking at him as "primarily a 5-tech, but we'd occasionally kick him inside." A 5-tech is a DE lined up right outside the offensive tackle. So although we thought of him as a DL recruit, it's possible he's more of a big Edge a la Aaron Armitage and Lance Keneley. He's basically the same size as them already.

Cameron Brandt is, of course, an interior DL.

[SamuelMcF]

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

Your configuration is exactly correct. Just replace "defensive tackle" with DL and "defensive end" with Edge. The only slightly tricky part is the linebackers.

I believe you've unfortunately stated the two incorrect scenarios. "Inside linebacker" actually most likely refers to two guys: the Mike and Will LBs. The Sam LB will be an "Edge." David Bailey has previously stated he's learning both the Edge (I'd assume WDE) and Sam positions, for example.

Thus, there are actually 3 positions that fall under Edge, and we should indeed have 10-12 of those per your commentary. As there are 2 "Inside Linebackers" (I'm really not a fan of the term "Inside" anymore but whatever), we should have around 7-8.

I'm also a bit intrigued by versatility between SDE (the bigger Edge guys) and DL. Armel Mukam (6'4" 250) stated in a post-commit interview that we're looking at him as "primarily a 5-tech, but we'd occasionally kick him inside." A 5-tech is a DE lined up right outside the offensive tackle. So although we thought of him as a DL recruit, it's possible he's more of a big Edge a la Aaron Armitage and Lance Keneley. He's basically the same size as them already.

Cameron Brandt is, of course, an interior DL.