Where'd all the linebackers go?

The Patriots starting LB corps (David Silverman)

The cut down deadline has come and gone and the Patriots claimed two defensive linemen to the 53 man roster. The two DL, Kelcy Quarles and Bruce Gaston, are both young interior linemen who likely will be utilized as depth at this point in time. In order to create room for Gaston, following the Ryan Mallett trade which created the room for Quarles, the Patriots released special team LB Chris White. While this is not an unexpected move, there are now only four true linebackers on the team: Jerod Mayo, Jamie Collins, Dont'a Hightower, and Darius Fleming. So who are the backups?

That could be a bit tricky, but it also could hint at what defensive scheme Belichick will be implementing. The last few years the Patriots have tried to do a mix of 4-3 and 3-4 as their base defense, but couldn't successfully execute the 3-4 due to the inexperience of players and the personnel Belichick had to work with. Now with key players having enough experience to learn both schemes, Belichick may feel comfortable enough to unleash his 3-4 like the days of old.

In order to make a 3-4 work you need to have the right personnel. When it comes to the three down linemen, their size has to be a factor. The line would consist of bigger DL, which include a nose tackle and two ends. The nose would more than likely be Vince Wilfork, with the ends being a variety of players like Dominique Easley, Joe Vellano, and Sealver Siliga. For the DL, they must control their run gaps and be able to cover two gaps using their strength and athleticism. Bruce Gaston could fit one of the DL positions due to size (6'2" 310 lbs), and he has played 50 consecutive games in college, indicating his good health.

The main area of interest is the linebacker position, where the team only has four true players at the position. With only four players and four positions needed to be filled, others will have to be utilized as outside linebackers. This preseason, we have noticed the likes of Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich, Michael Buchanan, and Zach Moore all play as stand up OLBs. They have dropped into coverage, pressed WRs and TEs, and rushed the passer. All of these players possess a skill set and body type that allows their athleticism to play as either a DL or LB.

So while it is still early, and the Patriots very well could add another LB to the roster, at this point in time I expect to see the likes of the more athletic defensive linemen to be utilized as both DEs and OLBs. With this base formation the Patriots should be able to be more creative with their blitzes and stunts, which in turn should generate more pressure. As a whole, this move should make the defense dramatically better at rushing the passer and limiting opponents passing attack.

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