Laurence Holmes NFL Draft Preview (April 26th, 2006)

By: Laurence W. Holmes

As much as the Bears protest, the on-going negotiations or lack thereof, with Lance Briggs will have an effect on this years draft. Briggs made his first Pro-Bowl this season and joked at the press conference that perhaps now he was going to get a raise from his rookie contract. He was right. Briggs is represented by Drew Rosenhaus who now has a lot of leverage at Halas Hall. Along with Briggs he also fronts for: Adewale Ogunleye, Tommie Harris and Thomas Jones.

Throughout his tenure as General Manager, Jerry Angelo, has made it his mission to reward players with contract extensions early. Sometimes it works: Brian Urlacher is now a bargain and so is Mike Brown. He gave Roberto Garza and Terrence Metcalf deals to stick around and bolster the line. Sometimes it doesn't: Angelo did give Mike Green a 5 yr deal worth 10 million dollars. He was traded Monday for a 6th round pick to Seattle after falling out of favor with Lovie Smith last season.

Back in November, Angelo was trying to get a deal done with Briggs, but he's made it clear he's not going to "overpay". I'm not sure what that means, but I do know the Bears will be farther away from a championship if Briggs is not a member of this defense. And Rosenhaus does have a history of holding out players who are under contract...ask T.O.

I made the statement on the show that I think that Lance Briggs might be a better "natural" Linebacker than Brian Urlacher and that has caused some consternation, so let me clarify:

Brian Urlacher was voted Defensive Player of the Year and for good reason. He's unbelievably fast, agile and physical. His effect on his teammates is infectious and everyone in that locker room believes in him. He's put in the work to become a dominant force. Urlacher didn't play LB in college very often although his size and skill set projected to the spot in the pros. Many fans and some observers (myself included) felt that his athleticism would be better suited at the "Will" LB, but he's proven all of us wrong. He's often found in the film room and is responsible for making the defensive calls and the pre-snap adjustments. He's an athlete who has evolved into a great football player.

Lance Briggs could easily play all three Linebacking spots and when Urlacher got injured last year, there was some talk of Briggs being in the middle. Some scouts projected him as a "Mike" Linebacker because of his football IQ. He's a smart player and isn't physically as gifted as Urlacher, but he's not a slouch either. Playing alongside Urlacher has definitely allowed Briggs to accelerate his maturation into a great player, but the parts were always there. And yes, Briggs can take more risks because Urlacher's recovery speed is ridiculous. One Bear once told me that,"...playing with Urlacher is playing without fear. You know that he can cover most mistakes."

Briggs finished 1 tackle behind Urlcaher for the Bears lead, according to team statistics. When Lovie Smith got to the Bears he said that Briggs could be his, "Derrick Brooks". That's why Briggs wears #55. He's disruptive, heady and physical.

Urlacher is the better player. Briggs is the better LB. Hopefully that makes sense to everyone now.

Back to how this effects the draft. The Bears have to be careful. They have to make sure that they pick a LB who adds to their depth, but they also have to cover themselves. If Briggs holds out (and right now there's no indication of that)...they have to be ready. I like a couple of guys: Alabama's Demeco Ryans, Miami's Rocky McIntosh and Florida State's Ernie Sims.

Some people want Bobby Carpenter from Ohio State, but my peeps are telling me that Carpenter is a little bit of a head case.

If the 1st Bears pick isn't a Tight End I expect it to be a LB. It's a pretty good draft to get an OLB and the Bears might need to plug that guy in right away if there are problems with Briggs. Hopefully there won't be. Jerry Angelo is committed to bringing him back and Lovie Smith would be the football equivalent of heartbroken if he couldn't continue to develop this Pro-Bowl Linebacker.

Comments

[Jared]

Laurence - good analysis of the LB situation. However, I don't think the Bears should take an LB in the 1st round. Our defense is solid, but could use some depth at LB and DB true. However, we need major weapons on offense. In particular -we need speed at the WR and TE. I suggest taking Senorice Moss with the 26th pick (or 1st pick in 1st/2nd rd if we trade down) and the best available TE in the 2nd round. Moss would be a great compliment to Moose and Berrian while solving our KR/PR problem. TE is deep enough to wait till the 2nd round to get a guy like Pope or Fasano. We can then pick up a speedy LB in the 4th, as its also a deep LB class this year.

[Bear fan Bob]

Lawerence good read but I don`t know if you have the right angle on the situation???
Here is a thought from a guy who has been watching football for 40 yrs+ I think # 54 is alot like #4 of G.B. these 2 guys are superstars BECAUSE OF THE PEOPLE AROUND THEM. you take away #54`s helpers (2001) Colvin,Holdman #54 was pretty much useless 2005 add Hillenmeyer,Briggs a good pair of de`s (L,R)#54 looks great again they cover up his mistackles and mistakes.Remember that is NO SPKINKLE,BUTKIS,MARSHALL OR SINGLETARY OUT THERE NOT EVEN CLOSE!#4 same thing take away a good o-line, a few great recievers,and give a average running back (Green) all you have left is a foolish selfish gunslinger thats why Reeves got rid of him from the falcons
Please get a punter, a wide out,and MOST OF ALL A TIGHT END Who can catch the damn ball and run with it.Can you imangine that?????

[DAVE P]

HEY LAWRENCE YOUR TALKING ABOUT MY FAVORITE TOPICS THE BEARS AND THE DRAFT. HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR THE BEARS TO GET HELP AT TE IN THIS DRAFT? IF THEY DONT GO FOR TE IN THE FIRST RD AND GO FOR A LB WILL SOMEONE BE LEFT IN RD 2 WHO WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE A DIFFERNACE RIGHT AWAY???? DAVE P CHAMPAIGN IL

[redinator]

Well written article. Cann't wait to read tomorrows. Keep up the good work.