re: Akiem Hicks to start out at DE in the new 34 - other notes

That all seems very in line with what I've been saying.

I imagine the 2 LBs that will switch inside and outside most are Hawthorne and Wilson. I think Butler probably starts at the strongside but I see Wilson getting a bunch of snaps at every LB spot except maybe Lofton's.

I'm most curious as to who'll start inside with Lofton, either Vilma or Hawthorne. I see them rotating a lot regardless.

Galette is likely the starting weakside "rush" LB but I could see guys like Broughton, Smith, and the other young guys getting looks there.

Jordan has the strongside DE spot locked down. I see Smith, Hicks, Coleman, and the other young guys fighting for snaps at the other spot. Hicks likely will be the main d-line backup if he doesn't start.

I see Bunkley as the starting NT with Jenkins being a situational sub.

Guys like Walker and Johnson will probably play a bit of both like Hicks.

Obvious who the starting CBs are. Bigger question will be how nickel plays out. Jenkins and Vaccaro can both play there but we also have Robinson and White. I think this may be the first time since I remember that we keep only 4 CBs because of the ability of 2 safeties to play nickel.

Safety will be the most interesting position given Vaccaro's ability to play both spots. We could have a good 3 man rotation.

So if Mike Triplett says it, it must be true?