Dynasty IDP Spotlight: Jon Bostic
For the first time this century, the Chicago Bears will enter a season without Brian Urlacher. Since being drafted ninth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft, Urlacher has been the face of this storied franchise. More than that, he gave this team its identity. A rugged, blue collar, tenacious pro’s pro with leadership to spare; he was the kind of player teammates and fans alike rallied around. Throughout his illustrious career he was voted to eight Pro Bowls and was the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2005. He has a legitimate chance to one day join all-time great Bears linebackers Bronco Nagurski, Clyde Turner, George Connor, Bill George, Dick Butkus and Mike Singletary in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The man the Bears expect to eventually fill the very large void left by Urlacher is rookie Jon Bostic. Selected in the second round of this year’s draft (#50 overall), he is the highest drafted linebacker selected by the Bears since… Brian Urlacher. Here are Bostic’s numbers from his time as a Florida Gator:
Bostic started 32 out of 51 games during his four years in the Swamp. He was an All-American honorable mention in 2011 and received All-American third team recognition in 2012. As a Gator he showed a nasty mean streak as a downhill, attacking middle linebacker, shedding blocks and stopping the ball carrier’s forward momentum. Don’t misjudge him as a two down thumper, though. He has above average ability defending the pass as well. With great instincts, he is able to run with tight ends and sniff out screen passes and dump offs to running backs. His greatest asset will always be his leadership. He’s a vocal leader who always makes sure he and his teammates are in the correct position, much like Urlacher has done for the Bears.
Looking at their measurables from their respective Combines, you see a lot of similarities in the two players, although Bostic is three inches shorter than Urlacher. They have near identical times in every measured test. Of course, comparing players in shorts doesn’t usually get you anywhere, but Bostic shares a lot of similarities with the future Hall of Famer in measurables and intangibles.
The Bears may have lucked out with Bostic. While he won’t make anyone forget about Urlacher, he could ease the pain of losing him. Right now he’s running with the second team defense while free agent signee D.J. Williams runs with the first team, but Williams has an injury history and is already nursing a calf issue and is listed as “week to week.” If Bostic can make an impression while running with the starters, Williams could shift to the strong side and push James Anderson into a reserve role. A starting lineup of Bostic, Anderson and Lance Briggs would give the Bears their best possible trio at linebacker.
Bostic is a great investment in dynasty IDP leagues. Even if he doesn’t start week one, he will end up with this job much sooner rather than later. I currently have him ranked as the LB44 in dynasty start up drafts. Among the rookie linebackers, I have him behind only Arthur Brown, Kiko Alonso, Alec Ogletree and Manti Te’o, mostly because these four players have a clear path to being three down starters from day one. Even though he is attempting to replace Urlacher, I would compare him favorably to Curtis Lofton of the New Orleans Saints as a player who can play the run exceptionally and is slightly underrated in defending the pass.
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