While all indications are that Poole and Daniels are the heir-apparents to SM and PS, I still think that Saban had FS in mind for Daniels before Poole's injury, at least for this year. Daniels could have come in and been very good at the position (an edge to him over Tillman and Bua due to his experience in Saban's system) and his lack of ideal speed (for a CB in the NFL) would not have been much of an issue since he's got plenty of speed for the FS position. He has played all of the CB and S positions at LSU, so he has knowledge of what Saban wants to see. Obviously, that all changed with Poole's injury.
Now, with a slot open opposite SM, Edwards, Daniels and Howard are competing for the it. Howard may still end up being that guy though. He has got the skill and speed for that position and played a similar D scheme at Carolina. He was not cut out to be a JJ/Wanny CB. His weakness is straight man-on-man coverage that the previous regime wanted from their CBs. I remember reading somewhere that Howard has an attitude problem right now, so that is why he's listed as 3rd in line behind Edwards and Daniels. Either way, all three will get lots of playing time. I suspect we'll play the nickel and dime packages about 30% of the time provided our DL stops the run and forces 2nd, 3rd and 4th & long situations.
I would suspect that we will be in the market for another CB next draft/FA period. SM may not be brought back due to his age and salary, however he is signed thru 2007. A change in scheme may also prolong his career here to at least 2007 (assuming his cap hit next year is managable) since pure speed will not be the major basis of coverage. He may even end up as the nickel/dime guy with a healthy Poole and a drafted CB (next year).
Either way it goes, unless Daniels/Edwards?Howard fall completely on their faces this year, we are not in as bad shape as we thought we would be, pending any other injuries.
