Outside Linebackers:
Projected Starters: Pernell McPhee (PUP) & Willie Young
McPhee has yet to practice with the team but is still listed as a starter on the depth chart. As long as he is healthy, the job is his. There’s an outside chance that Lamarr Houston could beat out Young to start opposite McPhee, but this seems unlikely. Young is a better pass rusher and has caught the eye of the coaching staff.
Depth: Lamarr Houston, Sam Acho, Leonard Floyd
The odd man out here is Christian Jones. He still has a chance to battle it out and there are rumors buzzing that the Bears would like to trade Lamarr Houston to get rid of his contract which would give Jones the fifth OLB spot in the rotation. This is a long shot because finding a willing team to deal Houston is unlikely. The rookie project Roy Robertson-Harris is the underdog of the unit and will likely be placed on the practice squad. He’s a freakish athlete and could end up being a future stud of the defense if given the necessary time to develop.
Ebony Bird
Best Case: Pernell McPhee played well last year but was limited in his production in terms of pressuring the QB since he was the only true pass rusher on the defense and was often double-teamed. A healthy Willie Young in addition to an improved front 7 will create more opportunities for McPhee to get to the QB. Leonard Floyd has looked good early and should provide a much needed spark in a situational role. Sam Acho is a smart guy that plays the run extremely well and provides veteran leadership.
Worst Case: Prior to last season McPhee was more of a rotational player with the Baltimore Ravens. It’s quite possible that the increased number of reps that come with a starting role may have been more than McPhee could handle and directly contributed to his knee injury. McPhee needs to be healthy and durable for this group to reach its full potential. Without McPhee present as an impact player this unit drops into extreme mediocrity.
Cap Hit: McPhee (7.7 mil), Willie Young (4.7 mil), Lamarr Houston (7 mil), Leonard Floyd (2.9 mil), Sam Acho (680 k). McPhee ranks 14th among all outside linebackers, Houston ranks 21st, and Willie Young is 35th. This might look like a lot, but this is always a pricey group. The biggest concern is that two of our top three have had big injuries in the last 2 seasons (Young torn Achilles & Houston ACL surgery). McPhee is getting paid 16-game-starter money and his current injury status might not allow him to live up to his pay. Lamarr Houston is over-paid and under-producing which illustrates the rationale behind the trade rumors.
Projected 2016 Ranking: 12-15
Next: Cornerbacks