Chicago Bears: Predicting the 2017 53-man roster before training camp

Outside Linebacker

Starters: Leonard Floyd and Pernell McPhee

Backups: Willie Young, Lamarr Houston and Sam Acho

To me, the Bears’ outside linebacker situation is pretty straight forward. Leonard Floyd and Pernell McPhee are the obvious starters, Willie Young will see plenty of time in pass rush situations, Lamarr Houston will play a role and Sam Acho is quality depth and a special teams star. I suppose I could see a scenario where Acho is let go in a roster crunch, but I doubt that happens. He is too important.

The star of the position is Floyd, who the Chicago Bears drafted with the ninth-overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Floyd blends incredible quickness and athleticism on the outside and undoubtedly has a ton of long-term upside. He had seven sacks in 12 games last season and should take a major step forward in 2017.

McPhee continues to struggle with a ton of injuries, but when healthy, he is among the most important defenders for the Chicago Bears. McPhee is a force against the run and has some pass rush ability as well. He has a nice combination of power and quickness that allows him to dominate on the outside.

Young once looked like an odd fit for the 3-4 defense but has really grown into his role at outside linebacker in recent years. Young led the Bears with 7.5 sacks last season and can shine in a part-time pass rush role. Houston is still a strong run defender who can also get after the quarterback a bit. He brings quality depth to the position.

The Bears’ outside linebacker position is loaded with talent and upside. This group has a chance to be one of the premier positions on the entire roster.