Inside Linebackers (4)
C.J. Mosley, Dont’a Hightower, Rashaan Evans, Mack Wilson
Analysis: Reuben Foster’s uncertain future after a nasty ACL injury prior to last season put his spot on this roster in jeopardy. Had he been healthy, he would’ve almost certainly made it — and probably would’ve been a starter.
Shaun Dion Hamilton is the other player who was tough to leave off, and the argument could be made that this defense should either A) add another linebacker while dropping a defensive back or B) should make it over Mack Wilson.
Wilson is important player because of his ability in pass coverage. With Evans and/or Hightower having to potentially play outside on passing downs, a linebacker who’s effective in coverage would be needed to step in next to C.J. Mosley when in the nickel package.
Wilson, despite his limitations, is a valued, instinctual off-ball linebacker in passing situations.