Whoa, whoa, wait a minute; Hold the phone. Brian Urlacher, who has often unwarrantably been linked with the term “overrated” while in his prime, is now being called the best inside linebacker in pro football. It’s important to note that his prime was two years ago.

The Sporting News has Urlacher ranked numero uno in their list of the top 20 NFL inside linebackers, citing the lackluster play of the defensive line last season as to why he made fewer impact plays than usual. True, but I also don’t recall him being engulfed by the opponent’s O-line as much as I do his inability to run sideline to sideline with his previous effectiveness.

TSN has ranked their top 20 at all positions ‘cept for the secondary, which is probably in the Bears’ best interest.

Other Bears who made a list, followed by their positional rank: Olin Kreutz-3, Robbie Gould-6, Lance Briggs-7, Matt Forte-9, Orlando Pace-9, Tommie Harris-10, Jay Cutler-12, Greg Olsen-13, Adewale Ogunleye-13.

I will say that I’m stoked Forte has been the subject of so much fervor lately. I’m also somewhat surprised how Ogunleye constantly overshadows Alex Brown. Brown is two years younger and since Ogunleye joined the Bears in 2004, their stats have closely mirrored one and another with Ogunleye holding a slight lead in sacks (35.5-29.5) and tackles (240-219), while Brown is up in interceptions (4-1) and forced fumbles (12-9).

Of course, none of this matters–rankings, at least–unless the players live up to and in some cases–talking to you, secondary–exceed expectations.

Oh, crikey! I have found the secondary rankings (here and here). But, don’t worry; as expected, no Bear makes a list so additional reading will not be necessary.

h/t to Zoner Sports.

More from Blog Down, Chicago Bears

• Brian Urlacher Is Less Than A 90 In Madden NFL 11, And Three Other Bears-Madden Tidbits
• A Conspectus To The Offseason Partying Of Jay Cutler And Greg Olsen (With Brian Urlacher)
• Bears show no interest in Jones; neither do 26 other teams