Bears following Fox, Fangio size template for 3-4 linebackers

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With heavy interest in Denver Bronco Danny Trevathan to staff one of the Bears’ inside-linebacker spots, the Bears are looking to take another step closer to building their defense according to one pattern that worked successfully for their two top defensive coaches in their respective previous systems.

Despite one notion that 3-4 linebackers are typically bigger on the inside as part of stopping the run, as in 4-3 middle linebackers, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio in San Francisco and head coach John Fox in Denver staffed for speed on the interior behind their three down-linemen and were bigger on the edges.

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Fangio had his greatest success positioning NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis inside. Trevathan and Brandon Marshall played inside for the Broncos last season. All are 245 pounds or smaller.

Edge rushers Von Miller, Demarcus Ware and Aldon Smith, all 255 pounds or bigger.

[SHOP: Gear up, Bears fans!]

Bears general manager Ryan Pace made Pernell McPhee (280) his prime edge target last year in free agency, and Trevathan (238) his main inside linebacker target this year, presumably to pair with Shea McClellin (245). McClellin is currently an unrestricted free agent but the organization regards him as still having unrealized upside.

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