Jamar

Williams

The Panthers sound confident that Davis is on the right track and will be ready for Week 1, but Williams is a solid backup. He’ll provide good depth behind Davis and in the middle behind Jon Beason.

Okwo isn’t especially big (5-11/232) or fast (4.69 forty) but was productive when healthy at Stanford. The Bears’ website noted that Okwo “compares favorably” with 2006 fourth-round pick Jamar Williams, his competition while Lance Briggs holds out of camp.

Briggs wants to be paid more than Urlacher. Jamar Williams reportedly impressed while filling in at weak-side linebacker during minicamp season.

Briggs’ status is in serious doubt for Sunday night’s contest against the Packers. Jamar Williams may pick up another spot start in his place.

This is the best-case scenario for both sides. Michael Okwo and Jamar Williams can learn behind Briggs for a year and the Bears can make another run at the Super Bowl with their Pro Bowl weak-side linebacker. Briggs can leave after the season. Expect another 100+ tackle season from Briggs.

Schefter says Briggs hopes the Redskins and Bucs will step up efforts to acquire him via trade closer to training camp. If not, he’ll hold out. The Bears and Briggs remain at opposite ends of the spectrum in contract talks.

“I don’t think he’ll be here,” Urlacher said. “I don’t think the Bears will pay him what he wants.” Briggs played in 75% of the Bears’ defensive snaps this season and can’t be franchise tagged again. It sounds like there’s a good chance Jamar Williams will be starting on the weak side in 2008.

The Bears are $20 million under the cap and have made no known attempts to re-sign Bernard Berrian, so money couldn’t be the issue. As it stands now, third-year player Jamar Williams is in line to replace Briggs on the weak side.

Williams, the Bears’ fourth linebacker, could probably start for many other teams. He’ll be an IDP pickup if Brian Urlacher or Lance Briggs goes down.

Williams is getting the nod with Hunter Hillenmeyer (rib) likely out. Nick Roach will move to the middle to allow Williams to step in on the strong side. Williams and Roach are very athletic and coach Lovie Smith is “excited to see them play.” The Bears should be able to handle Maurice Morris and the Lions on Sunday.