Off-the-ball linebackers didn't have a big place in the
Chicago Bears' usual defensive scheme from 2015 to 2021. The 3-4 defense requires only two of them, both on the inside. However, things are about to change under Matt Eberflus. His 4-3 defense requires three such linebackers, one middle and two outside. All three have more responsibilities than most 3-4 inside linebackers do. This is why the position might be a greater need than some people realize.
It is important to remember that Eberflus himself played linebacker in college. He coached it for years with the Dallas Cowboys. He sees the game of football through that position. It isn't hard to imagine he'd have misgivings about the Bears' current situation with only Roquan Smith a proven commodity. Danny Trevathan is old and coming off a knee injury. Alec Ogletree and Joel Iyiegbuniwe are free agents. Eberflus could urge GM Ryan Poles to make the position a greater priority.
Especially with this upcoming 2022 draft class.
It appears to be a strong one for off-the-ball linebackers. One name specifically could end up getting the attention of the Bears head coach. Somebody that shares a lot of similarities to Indianapolis Colts All-Pro Darius Leonard whom Eberflus helped turn into a superstar. His
name is Damone Clark. The LSU standout was terrific last season, racking up 135 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 15 tackles for a loss, and an interception.
Scouts laud him for his mixture of size, speed, instincts, and leadership traits. It is evident the young man spends countless hours studying film. Opponents rarely fooled him during games. His best performance was probably his last, terrorizing Texas A&M for 10 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 3.5 tackles for a loss. The Leonard comparison also fits from a measurables standpoint. Both are 6'2, weigh between 230-240 lbs, and have good length.
Clark can help Matt Eberflus keep the Bears defense great
Remember, the last time this organization ran this defensive style, they had two outstanding linebackers in the middle in Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs. Smith has already proven he is a star in his own right, playing Pro Bowl-caliber football the past two years. He is still only 24-years old. Adding somebody like Clark would give Chicago their best 1-2 punch at the position in a decade.
The best part is the two players can be interchangeable. Smith has made his money as an inside linebacker, so it isn't hard to imagine him transitioning to middle linebacker easily. However, Matt Eberflus may see his skill set as even more dangerous at weakside linebacker. This would enable Clark to man the middle, something he did superbly in college. Then again, he also has the tools to be just as dangerous outside as well.
Such versatility is coveted in today's NFL.
The problem is Eberflus may not be able to get his way. For one, there is a chance Clark goes in the 1st round. Chicago doesn't pick until the 2nd. For another, GM Ryan Poles may prioritize investing in the Bears offense to help quarterback Justin Fields. It may depend on how the board falls this April. If Clark is there, he may be too good to pass up.
