Bears LB Battle: Who Wins—Nick Roach or Hunter Hillenmeyer?
Published by Jake Perper on May 10, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
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Hunter Hillenmeyer, 28, will be entering his seventh season with the Bears. He was a fifth round pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2003, and when the Packers waived him that year, the Bears scooped him up.
In six seasons with the Bears, Hillenmeyer has appeared in 86 games, recording 294 tackles, four and a half sacks, and one interception.
Hillenmeyer has been a solid linebacker, but he only played in 13 games last season and started in five of those games.
When he returned from injury, he saw Nick Roach take his starting job at strongside linebacker.
Why Will Hunter Hillenmeyer Win the Starting Strongside Linebacker Job?
Because when he was healthy he showed he was a solid player. He always seemed to be in position to make a tackle.
Many called him underrated because Urlacher and Briggs play next to him. Hillenmeyer finished third on the Bears with a career-high 101 tackles in 2007.
Nick Roach, 23, will be entering his third season with the Bears. Roach went undrafted out of Northwestern, but the Chargers signed him to their practice squad before the Bears snatched him in 2007.
In two seasons with the Bears, Roach has appeared in 17 games, recording 38 tackles, and two pass deflections.
Roach started in nine games last season and averaged almost four tackles a game.
Why Will Nick Roach Win the Starting Strongside Linebacker Job?
Because the Bears are very high on this guy and they started him over the veteran Hunter Hillenmeyer, who was sent back to playing special teams.
Roach looked very quick on the field and rarely misses a tackle.
He fits great in the Bears defensive scheme.
So, Who Will Win the Starting Strongside Linebacker Job?
Nick Roach has the upper edge because last season he showed the Bears what he does for the defense and what Hunter Hillenmeyer doesn’t do.
Roach will be the starter at strongside linebacker for the Bears this season.
