LKelley67

I just don't want to see another exodus for NOTHING ala Bentley/Howard. If you do not wanna sign him on longterm then get someone you do.

Sounds like you aren't familiar with him either. Young, tough, versatile, rising star...

Has become a leader after just two seasons with the Bears. He’s started 29 consecutive games and is coming off a Pro Bowl alternate honor in his first season at weak-side linebacker. Selected by the Bears in the third round (68th overall) in the 2003 draft.
2004: Started all 16 games at WLB after moving from SLB in the off-season and became the first Bears player other than Brian Urlacher to lead the team in tackles since Barry Minter in 1999... Led team in tackles in 8 games including 2 games with a career-high 17 tackles... Honored as a second- alternate OLB for the Pro Bowl after recording 168 tackles including 10 TFLs and 0.5 sack... Returned INT for a TD for second consecutive year... One of just five Bears to start all 16 games.

2003: Played all 16 games as a rookie for Chicago, becoming a starter at SLB in the fourth game and maintaining a high level of play while starting the final 13 contests, tying for 4th on the team with 81 tackles... Added an INT return for a TD, a fumble recovery, 5 PDs and 4 TFLs.

COLLEGE: Three-time first-team All-Pac-10 Conference selection at LB after beginning four-year career at Arizona (1999-2002) at FB... Switched positions during the spring following his freshman season... Special teams standout who also led Wildcats in tackles each of his 3 seasons on defense... Closed out his career with 308 tackles (205 solos), 10.5 sacks, 36 TFLs, 3 INTs, 10 PDs, 5 forced fumbles and 4 fumble recoveries in 33 games at SLB... Added 163 yards and 2 TDs on 25 carries in 10 games at FB as a freshman... Named team's Defensive Most Valuable Player as a senior, starting 11 games and leading the team with 98 tackles, including 3 sacks and 11 TFLs... Also recorded 1 INT and 2 PDs... Recovered 2 fumbles and forced 2 others while recording season-high 15 tackles twice... As junior, led team with 93 tackles in 11 games while collecting 6.5 sacks and 14 TFLs... Caused and recovered a pair of fumbles and deflected a pass... In first year at LB as a sophomore, led team with a career-high 113 tackles, including 1 sack, 11 TFLs and forced 1 fumble... Also notched 2 INTs and 7 PDs. Appeared in 10 games at FB as a freshman, starting twice and carrying 25 times for 163 yards (6) and 2 TDs... Majored in sociology.

PERSONAL: Three-year letterman at Elk Grove H.S. in Sacramento, CA as a LB, RB, safety, kickoff and punt returner and place-kicker... Named Sacramento Bee Player-of-the-Year as a senior with 100 tackles, including 5 sacks... Rushed 26 times for 315 yards and 6 TDs as a FB in school's sectional championship win; had 1,574 yards on 139 carries overall... Two-year track letterman in the 200- meters, 4x100 relay and shot-put... Born Lance Marell Briggs to Raymond and Brenda Briggs... Sister, Tranae, played volleyball at Sacramento State, South Florida and Florida State... Cousin, Tamika Dennis, played volleyball at Arizona

I'll take a 3rd rounder playing like a 1st rounder over a 1st rounder living up to 3rd round expectations anyday.