Bearstalk

It's been said on the radio 670 the Score that the Bears are not pursuing any big name free agents. This thought angers me b/c IMO we are still close to being a playoff/superbowl contender team. So remembering the Bears recent history with Angelo saying we will be active in FA or not, he is usually honest about which way there going. With that said my conclusion is: 1. We lose Briggs and Berrian in FA without signing significant FA contracts we gain possibly two 3rd round compensation picks in 2008. 2. Our draft board is: RD1=Brohm QB/Mendenhall RB both positions need a new franchise player - I look for the Bears to trade up to the lower 1st round…

There's mention that SF isn't interested in Briggs. I figure it to be a smokescreen since they will get their hands slapped by the NFL soon I imagine. If true, I suppose it increases the chances of our singing him. They also mention the possibility of the Bears trading for Warner in their note on Orton. Sounds like an interesting possibility...that probably should have happened years ago, and not now. http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm

Josh Barrett:6'2 225 4.35 AZ State Kenny Phillips: 6'2 212 4.55 (un) Miami Quentin Demps: 6' 203 4.37 UTEP Barrett May not last till 2nd Round

Jonathan Vilma is in Detroit Wednesday to take a physical. Vilma, the No. 12 overall pick in 2004, is recovering from reconstructive knee surgery, which he underwent in November. He has experience in a Tampa 2 defense like Detroit's, having played for Herm Edwards 2004-2005. If he's cleared physically, a trade could be announced on Friday.

Citing two NFL sources, AOL Sports' Sean Jensen reports Randy Moss is expected to sign a "multi-year deal" to stay in New England. Jensen writes from Minnesota, so he probably has close ties to Moss or his agent. Jensen believes the contract is expected to be for three years and $30 million with $12-15 million guaranteed. A lot of news that comes out at this time of year is misdirection, but this makes sense. Jensen adds that impending free agent Lance Briggs is slated to sign with San Francisco.

Zach Zaidman on the SCORE said something interesting tonight when talking about the defense. I'm paraphrasing, but he said, "A major problem with the defense, the way I saw it being in the locker room, there were far too many "Me's" and not enough team guys. Too many guys were worried about putting up big stats so they could get paid. There was the hang-over from the Super Bowl and other guys had just gotten paid." I thought this was interesting as hell. Previously we've just assumed the defensive woes were a combination of injuries, having a new OC, and playing a more difficult schedule. This sounds like there are more chemistry issues and conflict within the …

Just pointing out that there's one more bad WR who's hit the market the Bears might be interested in after some team over-pays for Bernard Berrian. According to PFT, Washington paid 10 million AND gave up a 3rd & 4th round draft pick for Lloyd's services. As PFT wrote, "For that investment, the Redskins got 23 catches for 365 yards in 2006 and two catches for 14 yards in 2007. He never caught a touchdown pass as a Redskin." He was in that massive free agent group Redskins fans were so proud of that included Antwaan Randle-El and Adam Archuletta. Gentlemen, that is exactly why you shouldn't get pissed when the Bears don't go broke trying to get a guy.

Patriots RB Kevin Faulk was reportedly arrested for misdemeanor marijuana possession Friday night when was caught with four joints at a Lil' Wayne concert in the Cajundome. The drought of Patriot arrests has ended with Faulk and DB Willie Andrews getting caught this month. While going to the Cajundome is usually asking for trouble, Faulk might be the first person in history to get caught by a concert security check. If he wasn't in the league's confidential drug program, Faulk's playing status shouldn't be affected

Let's say that the Bears do the smart thing and get an OL in the first round. Otherwise 99% of us would go crazy (like I did when they drafted Benson). With this year's WR class, it seems there is a great possibility to draft a stud in several of the first few rounds. There is a distinct possibility of having a good one in the fourth round. Desean Jackson will be gone when the Bears 2nd comes up. After that, it's almost a toss up among many there. Mario Manningham (had a bad 40 time, could slip) Early Doucet Malcolm Kelly Limas Sweed (will probably be gone after his good 40 time) James Hardy Devin Thomas Andre Caldwell Earl Bennett Adariu…

Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe reports that the Patriots are expected to release LB Rosevelt Colvin today. His $5.5 million base salary combined with a foot injury sealed his fate. We're still surprised because they are very thin and old at the position. Colvin quickly becomes one of the most intriguing names available at linebacker, while the Patriots need to add a lot talent to the position. Feb. 26 - 2:39 pm et Source: Boston Globe

Which mock drafts are the most reliable? Whose opinion do you trust the most? (I'm getting excited for the draft............. if you can't tell)

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3265157 Former 1st rounder getting traded now for a 6th rounder. What a shame. I'm afraid this could be the precursor of the Vikings making a hard push for Berrian when the time comes.

I know I'm probably the only one, but I figured I'd throw it out there. I think Jacob Hester would look great in Bears uni. I'm hoping the Bears take a flyer on him on Day 2. A solid blocker and receiver. He has the kind of versatility that will force the defense to make the FB be accounted for. He's great on specials teams. What he lacks in size he more than makes up for in work ethic, technique and heart. Things that are way too often overlooked by all the statheads out there. McKie is pretty underwhelming. I mean whenever his hands touch the ball the collective thought from every Bears fan is usually...WTF?? Hester has the chance to make a game altering …

I've been seeing everyone spooge all over the idea of Flacco for some time now. And, all of the sudden, this guy is flying up the depth chart at the combine like Matt Jones, going from a 4th to a late first. I can understand if you love the guy and want to draft him, but a late first rounder for someone widely considered a fourth rounder just a month or so ago is absolute lunacy. I'd be much happier passing of Flacco if it meant the Bears got to A) Keep their picks, and Draft non-reach picks with the first two rounds. If Flacco is there in the third, fine, grab him. But since he won't be there, why reach? I'd much rather see an OL, OL, QB draft sequence w…

More split time for Olsen? Always good to have depth. Looks like Clark is content with the situation. http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Akcr...t&type=lgns

Does anyone have an idea what our cap space is like now? With Rex, Des, A.Brown signed and Orton, Berrian(hopefully) soon to follow we can't have an awful lot left for a big FA signing like Faneca/Bell/Scott(OG's). The rookie pool will also cost about 5 million. LT or NFO please help

Listened to Thayer on the SCORE with Double Z earlier tonight and he said Orton has progressed enough to be given the starting job. He also seem to say 5 yrs is enough time on Rex and the Bears need to move on - Rex has too many questions to answer. Peace

Full Story FYI on some the measureables... 40: 4.78 (T-4th among QBs) Vert: 28.5 (5th among QBs) Broad Jump: 9.02 (T-2nd amont QBs) 3 Cone: 6.82 (1st among QBs)

Angelo stated that he wanted to make sure he had cap room available, not just to sign his own guys, but to try and sign free agents also. Depending on what happens with Berrian, the most likely positions Angelo will target IMO are RB & OG. I know there's speculation we'll draft a running back, but we've done so early two of the last 3 years and have little to show for it. I've posted ESPN Insider's running-back story below. I think we'll target Julius Jones. He won't cost nearly what Michael Turner will cost, and most of the other guys aren't much of an upgrade over Adrian Peterson. Turner and Kreider highlight free-agent RB/FB classes Runni…