NFC focus: Bears are tops at linebacker
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Posted: May 25, 2007
SN correspondents
1. Bears. Brian Urlacher remains the most athletic middle linebacker in the game. He and Lance Briggs are the league's best twosome, and Hunter Hillenmeyer is a smart two-down player.
2. Seahawks. Lofa Tatupu, who mans the middle, and Julian Peterson are two of the league's best linebackers. Leroy Hill could put the position over the top if he builds on his strong finish last season.
3. Cowboys. DeMarcus Ware is a star on the right side. Akin Ayodele and Bradie James make few mental mistakes on the inside. Greg Ellis probably will start on the left side while Anthony Spencer transitions into a starter.
4. Buccaneers. Like fellow starters Derrick Brooks and Barrett Ruud, Cato June is a perfect fit in the Bucs' scheme. All are very fast and can both cover and offer run support.
5. 49ers. Derek Smith and Brandon Moore form a tough, aggressive inside duo. Rookie Patrick Willis figures to push Smith for playing time. The 49ers are quicker and stronger on the outside with the acquisition of Tully Banta-Cain and the development of Manny Lawson.
6. Packers. A.J. Hawk and Nick Barnett have to start making some game-changing plays, which were few and far between last year. Brady Poppinga is on the strong side for now.
7. Falcons. Demorrio Williams, Keith Brooking and Michael Boley make up a solid unit. Brooking will benefit from being moved to the middle permanently. Rookie Stephen Nicholas will help on the weak side.
8. Vikings. E.J. Henderson moves back to the middle after two seasons on the weak side, where Chad Greenway will play. Ben Leber is steady and one of the team's better pass rushers from the outside.
9. Redskins. Marcus Washington and middle linebacker London Fletcher-Baker could start for any team in the league. Rocky McIntosh is a work progress. Lemar Marshall can play inside or outside.
10. Saints. Scott Fujita, Mark Simoneau and Scott Shanle are consistent contributors but aren't dynamic athletes. Free-agent pickup Brian Simmons likely will replace Simoneau as the starter in the middle.
11. Rams The club has decided to keep Will Witherspoon in the middle. Pisa Tinoisamoa must show he can stay healthy on the weak side, and Brandon Chillar is solid on the strong side.
12. Panthers. When Dan Morgan is on the field, this group can be very good. Rookie Jon Beason will be ready to slide into the middle if anything happens to Morgan; otherwise, he'll be on the weak side. The coaches believe Thomas Davis is ready for a breakout season.
13. Giants. Antonio Pierce is terrific in the middle. Beyond that, this unit is a mess. Mathias Kiwanuka is a converted end. On the weak side, the Giants are hoping Gerris Wilkinson or Kawika Mitchell will step up.
14. Eagles. The team believes it improved one of its weakest areas by trading for Takeo Spikes, drafting Stewart Bradley, getting Chris Gocong back from injured reserve and releasing Dhani Jones. Jeremiah Trotter will remain a stalwart in the middle.
15. Cardinals. The talent is there, but Chike Okeafor and Bertrand Berry are moving from end and are bound to struggle. Inside, Gerald Hayes is a stout run defender, and Karlos Dansby gives the team another playmaker.
16. Lions. Ernie Sims has the potential to be an impact player on the weak side. Paris Lenon (middle) and Boss Bailey are solid.
