Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of email questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
Do you think that Brian Urlacher will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer?
Steve S.
Louisville, Kentucky
I definitely think that Brian Urlacher has the credentials to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer—he was rookie of the year in 2000, defensive player of the year in 2005 and an eight-time Pro Bowler. But it's very tough to gauge Urlacher's chances given that Ray Lewis and Ronde Barber are among the other players who also could be eligible for the first time in 2018. If I had to guess at this point, I would say that Urlacher will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. I was interested to see what the Chicago Tribune's Dan Pompei had to say about the issue. Dan represents Chicago as one of the 46 individuals on the Hall of Fame's selection committee. Dan recently wrote that he isn't sure when Urlacher will get in "except it shouldn't take anywhere near as long as it took Richard Dent. It's difficult for anyone to be inducted in their first year of eligibility. I don't think there will be much, if any, resistance to Urlacher being hall-worthy among voters. It's just a matter of determining where he fits in line with the other worthwhile candidates."
Will Lance Briggs be moved to middle linebacker to control the defense?
From Jerrad W. on Twitter
No, Lance Briggs will remain at weakside linebacker, where he's been voted to seven Pro Bowls in 10 seasons with the Bears. But this offseason he has been calling plays for the first time. When asked by reporters last week about playing without longtime teammate Brian Urlacher for the first time, Briggs said: "It's very different. I didn't call the plays before and now I'm calling plays. I just have a lot of respect. I've been spoiled for the last 10 years."
How do the Bears envision using Jon Bostic?
From Jared P. on Twitter
As it stands now, the Bears envision second-round draft pick Jon Bostic backing up at all three linebacker positions and contributing on special teams. They do expect him to eventually become a starter; it's up to him how quickly that transpires. I certainly wouldn't be surprised to see him push for playing time on defense this season even if one of the veteran starters doesn't get hurt.
