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ILB Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears

HT: 6-3, WT: 244, Born: 5-25-1978, College: New Mexico, Drafted: Round 1, Pick 9

2008 Projections

Best Case

Although Urlacher has battled some health issues, including back problems in 2007, he's managed to play a full 16 game season in 7 out of 8 years that he's been in the league. He's also been a 6-time Pro Bowler, 4-time 1st team All Pro, and 2005 Defensive Player of the Year. There's not much that Urlacher can't do, as we saw last year when he finished with 90+ solo tackles, 5 sacks, and 5 interceptions. Even at 30 years old, he still has the potential to finish as the highest scoring IDP player in the league.

Worst Case

There were reports last year that Urlacher has an arthritic condition in his back, and if true, it's hard to imagine that not having a negative impact on his performance and maybe even ending his career prematurely at some point. His tackle numbers over the past three years have been pretty consistent, but his big play numbers have shown some large fluctuations so if he winds up having a down year in those categories he would likely drop out of the top-10. There's also been reports that Urlacher is unhappy with his contract and may consider sitting out at some point. He's still playing on a 9-year, $57 million deal that he signed in 2003.

Outlook

Although the back issue and a potential contract dispute are certainly cause for concern, there aren't too many safer options out there at the LB position. Urlacher plays through injuries, which is what you love to see from your best players, and as the face of the franchise it's hard to imagine them not working the contract situation out. He's been a top-5 LB in 3 of the past 6 seasons and will probably wind up there again this year.

Writeups last modified: 2008-06-01 21:31:50