Khaseem Greene to Bears: How Does the LB Fit in Chicago?
Published by Jon Dove on April 27, 2013
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The losses of Brian Urlacher and Nick Roach left major holes within the Chicago Bears’ linebacker corps. Chicago signed D.J. Williams and James Anderson as veteran stop-gap solutions. However, the future lies with Jonathan Bostic and Khaseem Greene.
Both rookies will have an opportunity to compete for a starting job right away. Greene will likely set his sights on the strong-side linebacker spot. He’ll have to beat out Anderson in order to open the season as a starter.
Greene’s combination of athleticism and tenacity make him a high-impact player. He does a good job attacking downhill and making plays behind the line of scrimmage. Once Greene closes on the ball-carrier, he looks to deliver big hits and generate turnovers.
The video below shows the type of powerful hits he can deliver from his linebacker position.
Greene’s one issue is that he has some false steps in this game. He must do a better job reading his keys and deciphering post-snap information.
As is the case with most young linebackers, Greene also needs to work on taking on blockers. He must find a way to get his hands inside the blocker and keeping clean. Luckily, this is the type of concern that can easily be fixed at the next level.
He’ll also have the opportunity to learn from Lance Briggs, who’s one of the best linebackers in the league. Briggs’ leadership will be one of the keys to getting these rookies ready to contribute.
This pick fits what the Bears have done so far in this draft. Phil Emery has focused his sights on adding players with top-end athleticism. Greene has a chance to be a real difference maker.
Chicago has really added speed and athleticism to a unit that lacked that last season.
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