I'm still quite surprised that we retained both Brad Jones and AJ Hawk, because from all accounts, Bishop will be full-go for training camp. So who will be coming off the bench? Bishop is our best ILB when full healthy, and the solid tackler that we sorely need inside. He insists he will be "110%" for training camp.
Both Jones and Hawk are also paid starter money. Not that too much depth is bad, especially with injuries last year at ILB, but it is unusual to have 3 "starting" ILB's going into the season.
I imagine they will play matchups, but the ILB situation doesn't end at those 3, either. I know he didn't contribute much last year, but I still think Terrell Manning has the speed and athleticism to be a dark horse for us at the position as well. I hope he is. Francois is a serviceable backup and good special teams player, who ideally won't play much on defense for us.
Both Jones and Hawk are also paid starter money. Not that too much depth is bad, especially with injuries last year at ILB, but it is unusual to have 3 "starting" ILB's going into the season.
I imagine they will play matchups, but the ILB situation doesn't end at those 3, either. I know he didn't contribute much last year, but I still think Terrell Manning has the speed and athleticism to be a dark horse for us at the position as well. I hope he is. Francois is a serviceable backup and good special teams player, who ideally won't play much on defense for us.