Time moves quickly, like Lance Briggs after a snap.



Five years have passed since Briggs retired, and now he is eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the first time.



As a member of the Hall of Fame’s board of selectors, I know Briggs has a lot going for him as a candidate. But he played a position – outside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme – that has not generated many inductees in recent years. The only off-the-ball outside linebacker who played in the last 35 years inducted into Canton is former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Derrick Brooks. And he might be the best to ever play the position.



Similar linebackers not enshrined include Maxie Baughan, Cornelius Bennett, Matt Blair, Joe Fortunato, Chuck Howley, Wilber Marshall, Clay Matthews and Andy Russell.



The edge rushing outside linebackers hog the honors during their careers. Then they get voted onto all-decade teams and ultimately they are taken more seriously as Hall of Fame...