Derek Mason wants 'functional depth' on Auburn's defensive line. But what does that mean?

Auburn's new defensive coordinator had a go-to phrase when discussing the defensive line Monday. Here's how it could translate on the field in 2021.

DT Colby Wooden (Todd Van Emst/Auburn Athletics)

Question: What position does Colby Wooden play in Auburn’s new defense?

“This year in the 3-4, I’m still a D-tackle,” Wooden said Saturday.

Got it. Sounds simple enough…

“I play the 3 and the 4i, and in the nickel, I play the 2i and the 3,” Wooden continued.

Hold on, those were three different things, right?

Let’s review what Wooden means by those numbers, which are known as “techniques” along the defensive front.