Linebackers
Daniel:
OLB: 1. Jalen Reeves-Maybin 2. Cortez McDowell
OLB: 1. Curt Maggitt 2. Elliott Berry
ILB: 1. Kenny Bynum 2. Darrin Kirkland Jr/Dillon Bates
Thoughts: A ton of speculation here. I’m going to list Maggitt twice (as the starting OLB in the 4-3 and the starting DE in the nickel) in this chart, though it’s hard to have a great feel for how they’ll use him since he was out this spring. JRM will be a starter at OLB, no doubt. But inside linebacker or ‘Mike’ is wide open. I’m putting Bynum as the starter by default since he took most of the reps there this spring, but it’s a true open battle with Kirkland Jr., Bates and possibly Jakob Johnson all heating up the competition when they’re all fully healthy this fall.
Houston:
OLB: 1. Jalen Reeves-Maybin 2. Cortez McDowell
OLB: 1.Curt Maggitt/Cortez McDowell 2. Elliott Berry
ILB: 1. Kenny Bynum 2. Darrin Kirkland Jr./Dillon Bates/Gavin Bryant
Thoughts: Lots of bodies, but still a lot of question marks as well. Jalen Reeves-Maybin is as solid as they come at outside linebacker and had a really nice spring. Cortez McDowell continued to garner a lot of praise from the coaching staff for his work at outside linebacker; so much so that I moved him into a co-starting role with Curt Maggitt should the Vols go to a 4-3 set. Maggitt’s ability to play both linebacker and DE will be a weapon for the Vols’ defense, who can now play personnel based on matchups along the defensive line. Middle linebacker has a lot of bodies, but still needs someone to step up and own the position for this defense to reach their full potential. Bynum is solid, if not spectacular, while Dillon Bates and Gavin Bryant each showed flashes, but lacked overall consistency. Keep an eye on Darrin Kirkland Jr. this summer.
Reed:
OLB: 1. Jalen Reeves-Maybin 2. Cortez McDowell
OLB: 1. Curt Maggitt/Dillon Bates 2. Elliott Berry
ILB: 1. Kenny Bynum 2. Darrin Kirkland Jr.
Thoughts: This lots of questions with this group. Reeves-Mayin remains the only lock to start. If the season started today, he’d be joined by Kenny Bynum at MLB and Maggitt at OLB. I still like Bates outside more than at MLB. If Kirkland Jr. can step up this summer and take that MIKE spot, then don’t be surprised if they move Bates back outside. McDowell will seriously challenge for playing time when fall camp kicks off. The biggest need for this team is for someone to take that MLB job by the reins and run with it.
