Where do the Chicago Bears linebackers rank amongst the rest of the NFC North?
With the slow offseason ahead and little roster changes to be made it is a good time to go through and see where the Chicago Bears stack up to their division rivals. This series has done just that looking at each and every position group. Today, we look at linebackers. How do the Chicago Bears stack up to the rest of the NFC North in terms of top-end talent and depth?
4. Lions: Jarrad Davis, Christian Jones, Devon Kennard, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Nick Bellore
The Lions have tossed some resources at the position, but it is still considered a pretty big weakness. Jarrad Davis was a first-round pick. With that is some investment in a starter. While he did not have a strong rookie season, he did show some progression by the end. In a new defensive scheme with some better pieces around him a year two step forward should be in the books.
However, when you go down the line from there, you understand that the Lions are not going to be winning this division with their linebacking play. We all know Christian Jones from his long stint with the Chicago Bears. While he is a fine depth option, he is looked at as a below average starter and a poor signal caller. Right now he is needed as a potential starter in Detroit.
Devon Kennard is a similar castoff from the New York Giants, who were not wowing anyone with their linebacker play in 2018. Jalen Reeves-Maybin is a mid-round pick from Tennessee in 2017. He can defend out in space but needs to put on some size to maintain in the box. Then, there is Nick Bellore who will make the team with special teams capability. Overall there is limited upside away from Davis.