Scott

Shanle

New England needs linebacker depth and Shanle has been rumored to be available. The Patriots would probably trade one of their backup tackles for him.

Shanle could probably start at any one of New Orleans’ linebacker spots but he seems to fit best in the middle. Colby Bockwoldt is the Saints’ weak-sider with Scott Fujita stationed on the strong side.

Jay Foreman and Alfred Fincher continue to compete in the middle. Shanle will battle Colby Bockwoldt and could be an IDP sleeper.

There’s been speculation the Cowboys, who are extremely deep at end and linebacker, may be dangling players at both positions as trade bait for a wideout. Shanle started over first-round pick Bobby Carpenter and big-money free agent Akin Ayodele in the preseason opener.

If Vilma is suspended, as expected, Lofton will move back to the middle with David Hawthorne on the weak side and Scott Shanle on the strong side. Chris Chamberlain, signed away from the Rams, could end up competing for snaps with Shanle.

The No. 72 pick in last year’s draft, Wilson saw limited action as a rookie. Newcomer Chris Chamberlain will work on the weak side and a potential Jonathan Vilma suspension would keep Curtis Lofton in the middle. Wilson will compete with Will Herring and possibly Scott Shanle for starter’s snaps on the strong side. It’s the 23-year-old’s job to lose.

Shanle didn’t start and only played sparingly as his lingering shoulder issue nagged. He didn’t record any tackles after racking up six and a sack in Week 13.

MIKE linebacker Lofton and weak-side starter Hawthorne will be every-down ‘backers, with SLB Scott Shanle exiting in nickel sets. It’s particularly notable for Lofton because he was considered weak in coverage in Atlanta. The Saints like him plenty in that role, and he should lead the club in tackles this year.

On Tuesday, Shanle was the SAM backer in the morning, and Chamberlain ran with the starters in the afternoon practice. Chamberlain is a good bet to win out because he knows DC Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme the best, and is nearly six years younger than Shanle. Shanle’s roster spot may hang in the balance.