While nothing is set in stone, expect Stephen Tulloch, DeAndre Levy and Justin Durant to start at linebacker.

That leaves an interesting mix for backups. Here are three backup linebackers to keep an eye on.

1. Doug Hogue is entering his second year as a bigger and wiser player. He actually grew nearly an inch and gained 15 pounds. And in his rookie season he was thrown right into training camp because there was no offseason due to the NFL lockout. He learned on the fly and feels more comfortable now and it shows.

2. Rookie Tahir Whitehead, a fifth-round pick out of Temple, has made an early impression. If he can play special teams and there’s no reason to doubt that he can, he’ll make the 53-man roster without a problem.

3. Ashlee Palmer has been working at middle linebacker in the offseason. He played there once last season — against the Giants — when there was a lack of healthy bodies. He’s solid on special teams. Can’t imagine they would let him go. Rookie Travis Lewis could be the odd man out unless they keep seven linebackers. Lewis could be assigned to the practice squad.

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