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Michael Okwo... (1 Viewer)
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Jeff Pasquino
Footballguy
They like Okwo, but given that he's a rook and they'd want to work him into the system, I don't think he'd be a drop-in replacement for Briggs.
They'd probably platoon the position to keep Okwo and Jamar both fresh and learning that spot.
If Briggs is out - I'd expect more from Urlacher as for stats and a committee approach for Brigg's vacancy.
Okwo could still crush TC, and that could do two things - make him the immediate replacement, but also force Briggs' hand to get to playing in Week 1.
If a rook comes in and crushes the role, Briggs' value drops as he becomes "a product of the system" and not an elite talent LB, dropping his value on the FA market.
They'd probably platoon the position to keep Okwo and Jamar both fresh and learning that spot.
If Briggs is out - I'd expect more from Urlacher as for stats and a committee approach for Brigg's vacancy.
Okwo could still crush TC, and that could do two things - make him the immediate replacement, but also force Briggs' hand to get to playing in Week 1.
If a rook comes in and crushes the role, Briggs' value drops as he becomes "a product of the system" and not an elite talent LB, dropping his value on the FA market.
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Any particular reason you see a platoon instead of the team just having a "may the best man win" approach? How do you see the platoon working out? A passing down/running down platoon? I could see a platoon for that purpose (except that Okwo's skillset is basically complete as far as what is asked of a WLB in a cover 2), but I don't know about platooning LBs to keep them fresh - that happens on the D-line, but I can't think of an LB rotation that is based on player stamina issues. I would give the edge to Okwo, his skills are almost ideal for a WLB in a cover 2. Williams was hurt all of last year, so he's not really that far ahead of Okwo.
I don't know if I would expect Urlacher's stats to go up - the scheme is designed to funnel plays to the WLB, and I wouldn't expect that to change, Briggs or no Briggs.
as Lions327 alluded to - when we talked to John Crist, the publisher of the Bear Report magazine and editor-in-chief of Bearreport.com about this, he said to expect Briggs to be in uniform for week 1 because he probably cant afford to miss those 450K game checks. He said he thinks Briggs will report during training camp, and that the Bears hold all the cards because of the presence of Okwo and Williams. Briggs hand is already forced, unless both Okwo and Williams suck and/or get hurt.
Briggs is definitely a product of the system (*cough* cato june *cough*) and I don't think a rook excelling in the role is needed to prove that. He's not an elite talent LB - Crist also spoke to this in the interview.
Link to John Crist interview from 6/5
I would say Okwo is the guy to have, and if you're patient, you'll get a starting WLB in 08.
ETA: It's pay material, so I can't post it, but the latest scout.com NFC minicamp insider notes has some glowing things to say about Okwo's fit as a WLB, including one source who said they thought he could start as a rookie as long as he was a cover 2 WLB.
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Jene Bramel
Footballguy
I share Sig's opinion here.With Leon Joe and Jamar Williams already rostered, I think the selection of Okwo was more than just a hedge against Briggs not returning in 2007. I think the Bears staff targeted the guy they thought could replace Briggs in the lineup immediately. They drafted him ahead of many other so-so OLB prospects whose best fit would have been in a cover-2 scheme. Jeff is correct that there will be a learning curve for a rookie in Lovie Smith's scheme though. I don't agree, however, that platooning two inexperienced players is the way to minimize error.
Williams could establish himself as a guy who, when finally healthy, seizes control of the position. We once thought that of Gilbert Gardner as well though.
While I hate to disagree with Sig (and Crist) and acknowledging that there's no question the Cover-2 system made Briggs look good in the boxscores, I don't think Briggs is tied to a Cover-2 system the way Cato June would be. Briggs is a powerful hitter and has been very successful in coverage. With those skills and his speed, I think he could succeed in any defense as a WLB -- ala Ian Gold -- and at 240 pounds I wouldn't be surprised to see him work well in the middle with the right surrounding cast. In short, I think he's much closer to Will Witherspoon than he is Cato June.
chook
Footballguy
Gotta love the big 3 all replying in the last few posts.
Bloom - I think you're right about LBBC being unlikely, but wrong on Briggs being Cato June.
Jene hit the nail on the head about Briggs' speed, power and skills making him more than 'a product of the system' IMO. He hits with tremendous force.
A Niners man myself, the Chicago offense bores me (may change with Hester), but I continually watch them for the chance to see Briggs and Urlacher try and kill the opposition once Rex has quickly taken his unit off the field.
Jeff - you raise a good point about 'If a rook comes in and crushes the role, Briggs' value drops as he becomes "a product of the system" and not an elite talent LB, dropping his value on the FA market'.
At the moment I know relatively little on Okwo compared to Briggs, whom I've followed closely since the Bears took him at the start of the third round in '03 (Crist was a little off target, saying 4th rounder in '04). But if Okwo is able to come in and 'crush the role', to me that speaks volumes about the talent of the kid rather than proof of Briggs being a product of the system.
You're right about Briggs' FA market value likely dropping, however.
Thanks guys, great reading.
ETA: Fixed Italic
Bloom - I think you're right about LBBC being unlikely, but wrong on Briggs being Cato June.
Jene hit the nail on the head about Briggs' speed, power and skills making him more than 'a product of the system' IMO. He hits with tremendous force.
A Niners man myself, the Chicago offense bores me (may change with Hester), but I continually watch them for the chance to see Briggs and Urlacher try and kill the opposition once Rex has quickly taken his unit off the field.
Jeff - you raise a good point about 'If a rook comes in and crushes the role, Briggs' value drops as he becomes "a product of the system" and not an elite talent LB, dropping his value on the FA market'.
At the moment I know relatively little on Okwo compared to Briggs, whom I've followed closely since the Bears took him at the start of the third round in '03 (Crist was a little off target, saying 4th rounder in '04). But if Okwo is able to come in and 'crush the role', to me that speaks volumes about the talent of the kid rather than proof of Briggs being a product of the system.
You're right about Briggs' FA market value likely dropping, however.
Thanks guys, great reading.
ETA: Fixed Italic
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I was harsh on him. He did become a much bigger hitter last year. I still don't see him wreaking havoc in quite the same way in any other defense, but you're right, the Cato June comment was unfair. Somewhere between Witherspoon and Gold makes sense to me.Jene Bramel said:
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boubucarow
Footballguy
I have watched every Bears games for the last few years and here is my thoughts on all topics mentioned in this thread.
Briggs...
He is a very good linebacker but is not worth the money he wants to get. He has enough speed, size, and toughness to be a very good linebacker for every team but I often have seen him miss tackles in the open field too many times to rate him as a top linebacker. So, of course, he is better than June because of his size and he could move into the middle for another team and be good. But, he isn't anywhere near as good as Urlacher. I don't want the Bears to pay him as much money as he wants. Let him go.
Okwo versus Williams...
When I was preparing to watch last years draft, I was trying to grade all linebackers since I knew that the Bears needed some depth there. I thought Williams would have been a good pick to challenge Hillenmeyer at the strong side. From what I remember, he was often described as a strong backer who could pass rush and his biggest negative was speed. I would be surprised if he was a good WLB in a Cover 2 defense. He probably is going to be a backup for all the positions but never a quality starter unless he is a SLB in the Cover 2.
Just like the year before, I was looking into the whole linebackers in the draft this year. A few names stood out as a possible WLB steal in the middle rounds and Okwo was on that list. His weaknesses often were described as lack of anchoring versus the run and his durability. However, his explosion and angles were applauded and he is a solid WLB Cover 2 fit. If Briggs is a no show, it will be Okwo's job if he catches up to the entire scheme and stays healthy. Williams is the stopgap #3 in this situation IMO.
Briggs...
He is a very good linebacker but is not worth the money he wants to get. He has enough speed, size, and toughness to be a very good linebacker for every team but I often have seen him miss tackles in the open field too many times to rate him as a top linebacker. So, of course, he is better than June because of his size and he could move into the middle for another team and be good. But, he isn't anywhere near as good as Urlacher. I don't want the Bears to pay him as much money as he wants. Let him go.
Okwo versus Williams...
When I was preparing to watch last years draft, I was trying to grade all linebackers since I knew that the Bears needed some depth there. I thought Williams would have been a good pick to challenge Hillenmeyer at the strong side. From what I remember, he was often described as a strong backer who could pass rush and his biggest negative was speed. I would be surprised if he was a good WLB in a Cover 2 defense. He probably is going to be a backup for all the positions but never a quality starter unless he is a SLB in the Cover 2.
Just like the year before, I was looking into the whole linebackers in the draft this year. A few names stood out as a possible WLB steal in the middle rounds and Okwo was on that list. His weaknesses often were described as lack of anchoring versus the run and his durability. However, his explosion and angles were applauded and he is a solid WLB Cover 2 fit. If Briggs is a no show, it will be Okwo's job if he catches up to the entire scheme and stays healthy. Williams is the stopgap #3 in this situation IMO.
chook
Footballguy
GreatI have watched every Bears games for the last few years and here is my thoughts on all topics mentioned in this thread.Briggs...He is a very good linebacker but is not worth the money he wants to get. He has enough speed, size, and toughness to be a very good linebacker for every team but I often have seen him miss tackles in the open field too many times to rate him as a top linebacker. So, of course, he is better than June because of his size and he could move into the middle for another team and be good. But, he isn't anywhere near as good as Urlacher. I don't want the Bears to pay him as much money as he wants. Let him gkwo versus Williams...When I was preparing to watch last years draft, I was trying to grade all linebackers since I knew that the Bears needed some depth there. I thought Williams would have been a good pick to challenge Hillenmeyer at the strong side. From what I remember, he was often described as a strong backer who could pass rush and his biggest negative was speed. I would be surprised if he was a good WLB in a Cover 2 defense. He probably is going to be a backup for all the positions but never a quality starter unless he is a SLB in the Cover 2.Just like the year before, I was looking into the whole linebackers in the draft this year. A few names stood out as a possible WLB steal in the middle rounds and Okwo was on that list. His weaknesses often were described as lack of anchoring versus the run and his durability. However, his explosion and angles were applauded and he is a solid WLB Cover 2 fit. If Briggs is a no show, it will be Okwo's job if he catches up to the entire scheme and stays healthy. Williams is the stopgap #3 in this situation IMO.
info! 
Jeff Pasquino
Footballguy
Platoon needed better definition, I'll give you that.I've seen many first year guys come in and struggle with their first year, either with (A) the speed of the game, (B) the complexity of a new scheme, and/or ( C) the length of the season / year.
What I meant by platoon is that they may leave the position as a competition and use both in their best respective roles (i.e. first/2nd down vs. 3rd, or obv. run vs. pass situations) to aid in Okwo's learning curve and also to help him remain strong and effective for the entire season.
I didn't mean that they'd exchange series or quarters - more situational and each play less than 70-80% of the downs. It may not be a 50-50 split, but it could help to ease Okwo into a very important role on that defense.
I agree, but if they have a youngster learning both the league and the scheme at one of the key spots on a Top 3 NFL D, that's pressure. He may not perform up to Briggs' level, so I'd expect the Pro Bowler to his left to pick up some of those extra tackles.Of course, I agree with Bloom that Briggs likely won't hold out. This is purely speculative.
I also agree - but why would Briggs (or his agent) allow the rookie to come in and excel and remove all doubt? There may be a few franchises that are willing to pay big $ for Briggs in the hopes that he isn't just a product of the system.
I agree with this 100%.
Anthony Borbely
Footballguy
I'm not too concerned long term. He must be the better short term backup there. I think he is a better player than Jamar Williams and think he will be the WLB next year.:X Per Rotoworld:
I sure hope he doesn't get pigeon holed into playing the SLB after Briggs leaves.
Warpig
Footballguy
Lets hope so.Anthony Borbely said:I'm not too concerned long term. He must be the better short term backup there. I think he is a better player than Jamar Williams and think he will be the WLB next year.Warpig said:Per Rotoworld:
I sure hope he doesn't get pigeon holed into playing the SLB after Briggs leaves.
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Jene Bramel
Footballguy
Agree with the posts above.It's not unusual for a good young backer to start out as a a reserve SLB when a team has an established MLB/WLB. The position is easy to learn according to some and it gives the team a chance to have its better reserves at any area of relative weakness. Freddie Keiaho started there last year, Brian Urlacher some years ago, Ahmad Brooks, James Anderson, DeMeco Ryans (briefly), etc. The team has already said Okwo was in their plans at WLB in the future. This isn't likely to be a Derrick Johnson, DJ Williams situation.Warpig said:Per Rotoworld:
I sure hope he doesn't get pigeon holed into playing the SLB after Briggs leaves.
