Burfict entered training camp slated as the starting weakside linebacker under defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. Bradham entered training camp slated as the starting weakside linebacker. Houston entered training camp slated as a starting weakside linebacker. Woodyard entered training camp slated as the starting weakside linebacker. Ogletree entered training camp slated as the starting weakside linebacker. After playing as safety as a freshman he switched to linebacker as a sophomore. Kerrigan entered training camp slated as the starting weakside linebacker. Leonard entered training camp slated as the starting weakside linebacker. Bradham entered training camp slated as the starting strongside linebacker. Another key play of the linebacker position is blitzing. He also played as a linebacker and a placekicker. He was the first linebacker drafted in 2006. The Washington Redskins drafted him with the intent of converting him into an outside linebacker. Ninkovich began the 2010 season as a starter at outside linebacker. He is also the nephew of former American football linebacker Steve Conley.