Thread: Can Dom DeCicco Succeed Brian Urlacher??..............

I think he's going to be solid depth. Farther than that- if he's taken a quantum leap in his play he could be in the mix as successor. Still, I believe it's going to take both the draft and FA to transition the LB corps when Urlacher and Briggs retire.

Interesting update on DeCicco and the Bears MLB situation.

Is it possible that an UDFA could possibly take over for a future HOF MLB and do justice to the legacy established by so many Bears MLB's before him. It's a long shot but he does have some things in his favor in addition to being able to patiently learn from and behind one of the best to ever play the game.

Much like Urlacher DeCicco played a hybrid SS/LB position in college at Pitt. Here's a very brief scouting report on him which lists him quite a bit smaller and slower (6'3" 222lbs/4.64 40) than when he showed up at camp last year at 6'4" 230lbs and running an Urlacher like 4.56 time in his 40 yard dash at his pro day.

Dom DeCicco


School: Pittsburgh

Position: S


Bio: Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors after his senior and junior seasons. Led Pittsburgh in tackles as a senior, posting 94/5/2. Junior totals included 88/3/3.


Positive: King-sized safety who plays the game like a linebacker. Explosive up the field in run defense, is a strong tackler, and easily brings opponents down at the point of attack. Aggressive in all aspects of the game, effectively diagnoses the action, and flashes cover skills between the numbers. Takes on blocks and defeats them getting to the action.


Negative:Possesses marginal coverage skills, lacks a great burst to the ball out of his plant, and struggles in man coverage. Lacks great range and struggles to make plays outside the numbers.
Analysis: DeCicco has been very productive in the Pittsburgh system since his sophomore season and has ability to contribute at the next level in a zone system or as a traditional strong safety. Should also be an asset on special teams.



He has the attributes you'd look for in a MLB as far as his aggressiveness, explosiveness, and his ability to get off blocks and make that tackle. As a former DB he's always had better than average speed for a LB and if the write up is correct he's adding the bulk he needs to become a MLB.

If he's gonna play MLB for the Bears his biggest challenge may come from vastly improving his coverage skills. If there's anything that sets Urlacher apart from other great MLB's it's that. He as great coverage LB and if Lovie remains as the Bears HC whoever replaces Urlacher will also need to have great coverage skills.

No doubt Dom DeCicco will have a very difficult time measuring up to the legacy Urlacher will leave behind but if he can learn to play the game with the quiet competency of a guy like Hunter Hillemeyer we may have a half way decent future MLB or SLB already in the hopper.

It is from B/R mo but they're not the only ones taking notice. Here's another article with a poll of Bears fans on his prospects. It's an intriguing question to ask at this point in time especially with Uralcher resting up coming off and injury and about to enter into a contract for his final years with the Bears.

I don't think anyone thinks he's ready to take that spot now but after another two or three seasons watching, learning and backing up one of the best who knows. If we were to win the 2013 SB my guess is that Brian would still keep playing but if we win the 2014 or 2015 I could see him hanging it up and going out on top.

As much as we all hate to think about it you gotta admit that it's time we do. Lovie has made some comments that indicate that he's pretty high on the kid too.


Flying Under The Radar: Dom DeCicco

by DaveGilbert/NFL on Jun 8, 2012 9:00 AM CDT in Notes

Scott Boehm - Getty ImagesMore photos »
Dom DeCicco #58 of the Chicago Bears

Taking another look at some of the Bears players that don't always make the headlines. This week; linebacker and special teams stalwart Dom DeCicco.

DeCicco was signed in 2011 as an undrafted free agent. He played his college football as a defensive back at the University of Pittsburgh, where he had 12 career interceptions and 167 tackles. He made 36 starts for the Panthers and was named a first-team all-Big East in his senior year.

He has been seeing some action as a middle linebacker during this year OTAs, and recently said:

"It's really invaluable just being out there with the [veteran] guys," DeCicco said. "It makes you want to know your stuff even more because you don't want to let anybody down. Playing alongside Lance [Briggs] and Nick [Roach], I've learned a lot and they've been nothing but help."

Obviously, DeCicco is very inexperienced, although he did feature in 16 games last year, mainly seeing action on special teams, but finishing his first season in Chicago with 12 tackles.

The Bears saw more value in having DeCicco line up as a linebacker as opposed to a defensive back. I am sure his size played a big part in that decision. He is 6'4 and 230 lbs, but has good speed and agility that could make him a threat as a blitzing type of linebacker.

Dom is in the right place to learn the ropes. He is on the same roster as two of the best linebackers the Bears have ever seen in Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs. When remembering joining the team last year, he commented:

"It was really humbling. At first it was extremely tough because you're watching them on film and you're watching yourself and you're trying to compare yourself to them but you really can't because they're that good. It's tough to get used to that. But it makes you want to get that much better just seeing how good they are and where they're at and learning from them."

The Bears must be honest and realize that Urlacher and Briggs are entering the twilight of their career. Thought must be put into deciding who will take their place once they hang up their boots. Do Chicago already have those players ready and waiting, or will they have to look elsewhere to find the duo's successors?

More importantly, does Dom DeCicco have what it takes to step up and be considered a suitable replacement for two of the Bear's best?

Here's a ten second video of DeCicco laying the smackdown during a special teams return:




Poll Could Dom DeCicco be a future starter for the Bears?

73%
YES

219 votes


26%
NO

79 votes


298 votes

Originally Posted by BigBadPapaBear

It does read like bleacher report has their fingerprints all over this one. lol Good call MoTownB.

How can one really replace Urlacher right? lol

I haven't heard anything about DeCiccio but hopefully he's developing into a player. If you're on the 53 man rsoter you need to eba guy that can contribute somehow. He looks liek a football player and there's no way Sandusky got to him.

Sandusky was at PSU. DeCicco played at Pitt. He still has a virginal ass as far as we know. LOL