WARHORSE
01-04-2008, 04:39 PM
Take a look at the free agent LBers here. It is a given that we could use a linebacker, but in all honesty, I think with the addition of some real space eaters, our linebackers will do well enough indeed. Gold was not an impact player this year, but hes light, fast, and flies to the ball. He will sell out his body in his aggressiveness to make the play. His problem is getting off tackles and guards that make it to the second level, shedding blocks. Put guys in front that demand the attention of the opposing Oline, and he is a different player. He will make plays behind the LOS. His hands are like bricks when it comes to INTs though. A forgotten man is Holdman. He was a redskin veteran starter, and would have started at the strongside had he stayed healthy. Winborn, has played well and did well enough that the Broncos extended his contract. I think that speaks for where the Broncos thoughts are on him. Special teams a consideration as well.
With all that said, Karlos Dansby is the best strongside playmaking linebacker in the league. He would be a tremendous upgrade imo to our team. He would make a bigger impact on our team than Briggs.
I dont see us drafting a backer, unless its in the later rounds.
OR, we address each position in the offseason and a linebacker is the best available athlete.
LINEBACKERS
Lance Briggs, UFA, Chicago Bears
Since 2004, Briggs has been a standout linebacker for the Bears. He’s overshadowed by Brian Urlacher much of the time, but Briggs gets the job done as is evidenced by the fact that he’s totaled more than 100 tackles in each of the past three seasons and that he’s added four sacks and five interceptions over that time. Teams are going to line up to try and entice Briggs to come play for them, and whichever team lands him will be adding one of the top weak-side defenders in the league. The chances of Briggs leaving seem good.
Tedy Bruschi, UFA, New England Patriots
The safe bet is that Bruschi will retire once his contract ends after the season, but if he can be convinced to play another season or two, he’ll be able to attract decent attention as a leader with valuable playoff experience and championships under his belt. In fifteen games during the ’06 season, Bruschi logged 112 total tackles and an interception, all after coming back from a stroke. Bruschi has proven that he’s not only talented and has a natural ability for the game, but also that he’s one tough customer with a work heart that can’t be measured. He is a unique breed of a player.
Karlos Dansby, UFA, Arizona Cardinals
Dansby may very well end up being the cream of the crop in terms of linebackers during the next free agency period. He has excellent size and is coming into his own as a top level defensive player. He will turn 26 later this season and has consecutive seasons of 80 or more tackles. He also collected three interceptions in ’05 and an impressive eight sacks in ’06. Being young, strong, and talented should land him a large contract, and the Cardinals could be the team locking him up very soon.
Demorrio Williams, UFA, Atlanta Falcons
Williams is slightly undersized, but he has a knack for finding the ball and making the play. His 217 combined total tackles over the past two seasons is a solid number, and he’s been helpful against the passing attack at times. He is also appealing because he’s still maturing at the position and is just 27 years old. Atlanta will try to retain his services, but Williams might command more money on the open market.
Boss Bailey, UFA, Detroit Lions
Bailey has strong coverage skills and works hard to make plays. Bailey is physically gifted, but he has battled injury the past two seasons and hasn’t had a chance to show consistent play. Due to lost games, he’s also been unable to work on developing a knack for tracking down the ball. Bailey needs to be more physical, but also find a way to stay healthy. He’ll turn 28 early in the season, and will need to be on the field to garner attention on the free agent market.
Danny Clark UFA Houston Texans
He’s played for three teams in three seasons, and he’s making a decent impact in Houston this year. Clark totaled 113 tackles in 2005 with Oakland and then went to New Orleans, where he played sparingly. In ten games this season, he has 42 total tackles and an interception to his credit. Clark isn’t an elite player, but he can be an asset in a depth role or alongside top-quality linebackers. He may have found a home in Houston, depending on how his season finishes out.
Kawika Mitchell UFA New York Giants
Mitchell tallied seasons of 105 tackles and 104 tackles in Kansas City prior to this season. Mitchell is now playing for a Giants team that has some decent depth at linebacker and has improved their defensive play over the course of the season, so he hasn’t been asked to post similar totals. However, he’s still been able to make 42 total tackles, force a fumble, and record a sack. Mitchell may not be the biggest prize as a free agent, but he will be a solid addition for any team that needs linebacker help.
Mark Simoneau UFA New Orleans Saints
Simoneau hasn’t overly impressed with his play in recent seasons, but he was a crucial part of the Saints success last season. His effort and ability to make timely plays paid big dividends early in the season and helped the team get off to a strong start. He has 47 tackles this season, and he’s a veteran who knows how to play the game. He’s a liability in coverage at times, and doesn’t strike fear into opponents, but he’s a decent player that will find a place to play if the Saints don’t work to extend his contract.
Other Free Agent Linebackers
Jordan Beck RFA Atlanta Falcons
Kevin Bentley UFA Seattle Seahawks
Darryl Blackstock RFA Arizona Cardinals
Brandon Chillar UFA St. Louis Rams
Na'il Diggs UFA Carolina Panthers
Landon Johnson UFA Cincinnati Bengals
Teddy Lehman UFA Detroit Lions
Lemar Marshall UFA Washington Redskins
Sam Williams UFA Oakland Raiders
With all that said, Karlos Dansby is the best strongside playmaking linebacker in the league. He would be a tremendous upgrade imo to our team. He would make a bigger impact on our team than Briggs.
I dont see us drafting a backer, unless its in the later rounds.
OR, we address each position in the offseason and a linebacker is the best available athlete.
LINEBACKERS
Lance Briggs, UFA, Chicago Bears
Since 2004, Briggs has been a standout linebacker for the Bears. He’s overshadowed by Brian Urlacher much of the time, but Briggs gets the job done as is evidenced by the fact that he’s totaled more than 100 tackles in each of the past three seasons and that he’s added four sacks and five interceptions over that time. Teams are going to line up to try and entice Briggs to come play for them, and whichever team lands him will be adding one of the top weak-side defenders in the league. The chances of Briggs leaving seem good.
Tedy Bruschi, UFA, New England Patriots
The safe bet is that Bruschi will retire once his contract ends after the season, but if he can be convinced to play another season or two, he’ll be able to attract decent attention as a leader with valuable playoff experience and championships under his belt. In fifteen games during the ’06 season, Bruschi logged 112 total tackles and an interception, all after coming back from a stroke. Bruschi has proven that he’s not only talented and has a natural ability for the game, but also that he’s one tough customer with a work heart that can’t be measured. He is a unique breed of a player.
Karlos Dansby, UFA, Arizona Cardinals
Dansby may very well end up being the cream of the crop in terms of linebackers during the next free agency period. He has excellent size and is coming into his own as a top level defensive player. He will turn 26 later this season and has consecutive seasons of 80 or more tackles. He also collected three interceptions in ’05 and an impressive eight sacks in ’06. Being young, strong, and talented should land him a large contract, and the Cardinals could be the team locking him up very soon.
Demorrio Williams, UFA, Atlanta Falcons
Williams is slightly undersized, but he has a knack for finding the ball and making the play. His 217 combined total tackles over the past two seasons is a solid number, and he’s been helpful against the passing attack at times. He is also appealing because he’s still maturing at the position and is just 27 years old. Atlanta will try to retain his services, but Williams might command more money on the open market.
Boss Bailey, UFA, Detroit Lions
Bailey has strong coverage skills and works hard to make plays. Bailey is physically gifted, but he has battled injury the past two seasons and hasn’t had a chance to show consistent play. Due to lost games, he’s also been unable to work on developing a knack for tracking down the ball. Bailey needs to be more physical, but also find a way to stay healthy. He’ll turn 28 early in the season, and will need to be on the field to garner attention on the free agent market.
Danny Clark UFA Houston Texans
He’s played for three teams in three seasons, and he’s making a decent impact in Houston this year. Clark totaled 113 tackles in 2005 with Oakland and then went to New Orleans, where he played sparingly. In ten games this season, he has 42 total tackles and an interception to his credit. Clark isn’t an elite player, but he can be an asset in a depth role or alongside top-quality linebackers. He may have found a home in Houston, depending on how his season finishes out.
Kawika Mitchell UFA New York Giants
Mitchell tallied seasons of 105 tackles and 104 tackles in Kansas City prior to this season. Mitchell is now playing for a Giants team that has some decent depth at linebacker and has improved their defensive play over the course of the season, so he hasn’t been asked to post similar totals. However, he’s still been able to make 42 total tackles, force a fumble, and record a sack. Mitchell may not be the biggest prize as a free agent, but he will be a solid addition for any team that needs linebacker help.
Mark Simoneau UFA New Orleans Saints
Simoneau hasn’t overly impressed with his play in recent seasons, but he was a crucial part of the Saints success last season. His effort and ability to make timely plays paid big dividends early in the season and helped the team get off to a strong start. He has 47 tackles this season, and he’s a veteran who knows how to play the game. He’s a liability in coverage at times, and doesn’t strike fear into opponents, but he’s a decent player that will find a place to play if the Saints don’t work to extend his contract.
Other Free Agent Linebackers
Jordan Beck RFA Atlanta Falcons
Kevin Bentley UFA Seattle Seahawks
Darryl Blackstock RFA Arizona Cardinals
Brandon Chillar UFA St. Louis Rams
Na'il Diggs UFA Carolina Panthers
Landon Johnson UFA Cincinnati Bengals
Teddy Lehman UFA Detroit Lions
Lemar Marshall UFA Washington Redskins
Sam Williams UFA Oakland Raiders