Defensive Line:
Roster Locks: Kwity Paye, DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Laiatu Latu, Tyquan Lewis, Samson Ebukam, JT Tuimoloau, Neville Gallimore, Adetomiwa Adebawore, Tim Smith
Roster Cuts: Isaiah Land, Durell Nchami, Pheldarius Payne, Devonta Davis, Joe Evans, Desmond Little
This franchise rarely wavers from keeping a large amount of depth on the defensive line. I do not expect any movement on that philosophy this season. I could see the staff bring in some new names to this room between now and training camp. Whether that acquisition would make an impact is unknown.
The room welcomes rookies JT Tuimoloau and Tim Smith. Tuimoloau should have no issue making the team, but I do think Tim Smith will be on the bubble most of camp, but I do think he makes the team. Smith is a great run stopper but struggles in the pass rush. He played a lot of high-pressure games at Alabama, and I think that will help this season as he pushes for a roster spot.
Linebacker (5)
Roster Locks: Zaire Franklin, Jaylon Carlies, Segun Olubi, Cameron McGrone, Hunter Wohler
Roster Cuts: Jacob Phillips, Austin Ajaike, Liam Anderson, Solomon DeShields
I have no idea what the plan is here, as the team did not address this as most thought they would in the draft. The team drafted Hunter Wohler out of Wisconsin in the 7th round, but to say that cures all issues they may have at this position is not a probable outcome. I think Wohler has a great chance to make this team, but his forte is special teams, and he is a tackling machine.
The team is attempting to recover from the loss of both EJ Speed and Grant Stuard; both were role players on this team. This is one of three areas I think they still need to address before training camp starts. I have faith in Zaire Franklin to lead the unit internally, but the others are unproven. I would not be surprised to see a free agent addition before training camp.