ASHKUM BEAR

If the Bears draft goes as planned and they get there OLT, QB, RB, WR in the first 3 rounds and when there 4th round pick is up and these two are available, who should the Bears take? Josh Barrett S Arizona St. 6-2 223, 4.34-40 (4.34, 4.30, 4.43) Very athletic for his size, 4.35 speed at combine, in the box safety who can tackle and deliver the big hit, plays the run very well, high football IQ, and a team leader, also can drop back and cover. Tom Zbikowski S Notre Dame 5-11 211, 4.44-40 (4.44, 4.40, 4.58) Hard worker and team leader, has a high football IQ, plays the run very well, in the box safety, cover skills need some work, makes plays when he gets the ball, excellant special teams player. Both players have there flaws, but could be the SS the Bears cover-2 could use. Tom Zbikowski has Chicago ties and could become the fan favorite as he seems to be the John Lynch type of safety. His ceiling isn't as high as Barrett's, but his floor isn't as low. Josh Barrett has the speed that JA/Lovie covet. He's an amazing athlete in the mold of Sean Taylor. He could blow the roof off of the ceiling if he matures/develops, but he has potential to bust more than Zibby does. At the least, Zibby could be a backup SS but be a ST ace where as Barrett would just be a back up S as he has no history at playing ST. So out of the two Safeties, who would you take. Someone help me make a decision b/c I like them both. For all those saying Zbikowski is slow, a 4.44 40 time is really not that slow and how fast was John Lynch?

The Atlanta Falcons biggest needs are DT, QB, OT, CB. They feel they got possibly the best DT in the draft and if he gains his full health, they possibly could get the next Warren Sapp type of player in Dorsey. There draft board plan is playing out as planned and the have shown a lot of interest in Deleware QB Joe Flacco. With the 34th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcon select Joe Flacco, QB, Deleware. With pick 35, the Kansas City Chiefs and Brletich are now on the clock..........

Great to here he's back! He was really missed last year and his leadership/emotion will be a big boost. The way he played in preseason and the SD game makes me think he can be bigger than T. Harris on this team(blasphemy), but he has to first prove he can stay on the field. JA might have two DT's to sign after the 2008 season if DD can stay healthy and play like he is capable of.

I'd be more than happy to take Mendenhall like that if the opportunity like that presented itself. So we get a top 10 prospect at RB by moving up and it cost us a 3rd this year and next which the 3rd next years value equals a 4th (by trade charts) {this obviously won't happen though} 1-14 Chris Williams OLT - may not be a road grader, but a finese pass blocking OT. 1-25 Rashard Mendenhall RB - IMO the best RB in this years draft. Benson will really have to step it up to prove he's the man 3-90 Mike McGlyn G - Starter quality G that made Otah look good. Some say he is the better NFL prospect out of the two 4-110 Josh Barrett SS - Fast, Athletic, hard hitting SS that Lovie/Angie love for there D 5-142 Colt Brennan QB - Young cocky QB, maybe like McMahon ? 6-175 Keenan Burton WR - The Bears brought him in for a look at and like this kid 7-222 Jacob Hester FB - The Bears just couldn't resist a man named Hester 7 comps (TE , WR, CB )

Jake Scott the G from Indy who signed with Tennessee? Nah, I think I'd rather have Jake Long. (just busting)

I like seeing this much better: Devin Hester #4 for this current all time mock. 4. Oakland Raiders – Devin Hester, WR/KR. No, this is not a misprint. Al Davis is that far gone. "Who is the fastest player on our board?" Davis asks in the war room. When Lane Kiffin starts to answer, Davis puts his finger to his lips as five armed security guards surround the second-year coach, place him in a straitjacket and lock him in the broom closet. The last thing Kiffin says before his mouth is gagged is "Yo, Adrian," and no one knows whether he's talking about a halfback named Peterson or paying homage to Sly Stallone

If I remember right, Lovies/JAs plan was to bring in players to help improve our 3rd down efficiency. Olsen was the first step of the plan, and finding a RB that can be brought in on 3rd down and be a threat on screens/draws was another part. The major part that they both didn't realize was that w/o a push up front from the oline, none of this would matter.

-Beekman might just have an edge on any drafted G right now unless it's Albert's. -What would you think of shifting Kreutz to LG and putting Beekman in at C. Beekman has that versatility, and may be able to make a snap with out fumbling the exchange. -I still have G as a priority, but I think there's bigger fish to fry right now (OT, RB, WR, QB) and then (G, S, DT, Heres my priority for the draft: RD1=OLT (I'd happily take a chance at B. Albert - and if he can't make it as a LT he will be a probowl G) RD2=QB Chad Henne (I'd prefer to trade down a little w/ this pick) RD3=RB Matt Forte RD3=WR RD4= OG/S

I don't think Beekman was ever competing to beat out Ruben Brown. Lovie has a policy that if a player can practice during the week, he can play. Blame it on Lovies system, but since Brown won the job in TC it's his unless he really blows it or ends up injured. With Brown, he played injured until he shut himself down on his own. I question why Beekman didn't get a shot when Metcalf failed so bad that they put St. Clair over at guard. There must be a reason and I really don't think it is he a terrible player. Maybe he was the teams #2 Center behind Olin and if Olin went down, they needed someone to fill in.

Sorry guys, I wrote this myself. It was not a PR fluff, just pointing out that the Bears were redshirting Beekman like many other Bear draft picks. So many write him off like he is not even in the mix of things. Go back and read what the scouts had to say about him coming out of college. This kid is a good kid that plays with a mean streak. I still want to bring in another guard, but it won't be any higher than a 4th RD selection IMO

Exactly. Since Rusty has joined the Bears, they've been redshirting players. The Bears have been redshirting the players were they have depth to do so (Bazuin, Okwo, Williams, Dvorecek) and with Beekman, he was mostly inactive until they sat John Tait for his ankle injury. I don't think it's a coincidence we've been claiming IR on so many draft picks, but a strategy to let these players develop there bodies for the NFL to help avoid future injury. Most scouts had Beekman rated as a 2nd RD grade, he did slip to the 4th, which was probably due to his strength, but if he does commit to the program and comes back stronger he should be able to compete for a G position this year and IMO he will beat out Metcalf.

Josh Beekman Resurrects When the Chicago Bears selected Josh Beekman in the 4th round of the 2007 draft, most fans were very pleased with the selection. They thought they got a player who was projected to go as high as the 2nd round in the 4th round. Jerry Angelo started the process of injecting youth into the aging offensive line. The Bears had high expectations for the 2008 season, especially on the offensive side of the ball. No one expected the Bears offense to recess like it did, and a big factor was the breaking down of the offensive line. Players played injured until it was time to fold the cards. Ruben Brown played most of the season with a torn shoulder, literally trying to stop defenders with one arm. John Tait and Fred Miller both sat out games due to ankle injuries. They played through the injuries even though it was evident they were a main reason for the poor showing on the offensive side of the ball. When the Bears decided to insert John St. Clair and Terrence Metcalf, many were questioning why not give Josh Beekman a shot. Was Beekman another one of Jerry Angelo's awful offensive line picks? There must be a reason why Beekman didn't see one snap during the 2007 season. One reason for Beekman's absence was his strength. He posted 24 reps on the bench press at the combine and since he's undersized as it is at 6-1 307, the Bears wanted to see him get stronger before putting him against NFL caliber players. Beekman was basically redshirted like fellow draftees Dan Bauzin and Mike Okwo. Jerry Angelo has a knack for drafting players and hiding them for a year and Beekman was no different from any of the others. With a year under his belt training with Rusty Jones, Beekman will enter the 2008 season ready to compete for a spot on the offensive line. He will most likely be competing against Terrence Metcalf for Reuben Browns vacant LG position and may have the edge on the 6 year veteren. The Bears still need more youth for the offensive line and will look early in the 2008 draft for an offensive tackle. The Bears would like to find there LT to solidify there line for years and this is the best draft in recent history to do that with. With Beekman now in the mix, the Bears need to replace Reuben Brown is not as high a priortity, but don't rule out finding another guard talent in RD4 like they did with Beekman to add competition for Garza for the 2009 season. Quick Josh Beekman facts: -Beekman started on the Amsterdam (NY) varsity football team as an eigth grader, playing defensive line. -2006, received the Jacobs Blocking award for being the most valuable blocker in the ACC -Honored with the Scanlon Trophy, the highest honor given to BC senior football players that exemplifies scholar, athlete, gentleman, and friend. Josh Beekmans website

I will consider, since it won't be my $$. I'm looking for a franchise player to lead my team at a certain position (wink,wink). Since RD1-9 (1360), I may offer you my RD2-34 (560) + RD2-37 (530) + RD3-63 (250) + RD6-172 (22.6) 1360 for 1360.6, but I won't know for certain until your on the clock. Any other takers, I have a lot of assets to wheel and deal with.

The Oakland Raiders select: Darrin McFadden RB w/ $$ already heavily tied up at DT and Al Davis's tendencies of taking blazing fast offensive players, McFadden will team up w/ Russell to form a 1 -2 punch.

With the 3rd pick, Atlanta Falcons select: Glenn Dorsey DT LSU Oakland is on the clock!

I don't think we'll have to pass on him. I really believe he will be gone before #14. He may even go higher than McFadden according to some talking heads on ESPN/NFL network. Teams that might take him. NYJ if DE/DMcF is off the board, Cincy if DT is off the board, Denver if DT/DE is off the board?, or Carolina.

Atlanta Falcolns- Here are my picks and what there worth: RD1-3(not available) , RD2-34 (560), RD2-37(530), RD2-48(420), RD3-68(250), RD3-98(108), RD4-103(88). I'm willing to package some picks to move up if I really covet a player.

I'm all for that also. I think we should move down in RD2 if we were to go RB. The only guys IMO I'd take #44 would be: 1-Brohm 2-Baker 3-Flacco 4-Henne? Move down to 50-60 and take: 1-Henne 2-Chilo Rachel 3-Roy Schuening 4-Matt Forte

I'll take Atlanta (many picks in the top 100) and Oakland. This should be fun

For all those that think we'll either take Mendenhall, or let him slip to the Lions, you might reconsider. I'll agree with Madlith that he is Top10 material, I watched him quite a bit and he will be the real deal. If he does make it to our pick at 14, JA will be on the hot seat to make the right decision, but IMO he'll luck out b/c Mendenhall will be long gone and there Bears will get the best player for there team. Here's my prediction. 1 Miami- Needs DE, DT, QB, WR, and OL. Chris Long DE-Long will be an ideal fit for Parcells to build his 3-4 D. With the face of there franchise J. Taylor being slowly pushed out the door, they will bring in a new face in Howies boy Chris. 2 St. Louis- Needs DE, DT, OL, DB Vernon Gohlston DE- Everyone has Jake Long slotted here b/c they need to replace the aging O. Pace and protect Jackson/Bulger. Pace will still contribute and they have Barron who can slide over if necessary, also Long is probably going to be a RT in the NFL, so is that really the right player to spend 25mil or so on? 3. Atlanta-Needs QB, OL, DT, CB Jake Long OT- Matt Ryan is a possiblity, and I know Atl has a ton of picks in the first three RD's, so I see them taking the same route as Cleveland and drafting there franchise OT and then there QB by either trading up or waiting to RD2. 4. Oakland- Needs RB, WR, DT, OL Darren McFadden RB - They do have other needs that are bigger than RB, but the just signed there DT to a record amount of money, so I don't see them locking up more $$ at the same position with the first pick. McFadden and Russell will rejuvenate the offense with excitement as long as Russell can stop eating for a while. 5. Kansas City - Needs OT, DT, QB, DB Sedrick Ellis DT- There just isn't a OT slotted high enough that fits the Chiefs bill. Clady/Otah/Albert/Williams are all going to be worthy, but DT is also a need and Otah/Alberts will be slight reaches if taken at 5. 6. New York Jets- Needs DE, CB, RB, QB, WR, OL Rashard Mendenhall RB -Thats right! They upgraded there oline with Faneca, they could use a QB, but are not in love with Ryan, and theres really not a DE they want at #6 either. Mendenhall will be a beast running behind De'Brickenshaw and Faneca and Bears fans will be crying. 7. New England- Needs LB, CB, S, OL Dominique Rogers-Cromartie CB- It's between McKelvin or DRC, because CB is there biggest need now that Samuel is gone. 8. Baltimore- Needs QB, OL, CB Matt Ryan QB- Ryan stays close to home and the Ravens hope they have there franchise QB. 9. Cincinatti- Needs DT, LB, OL, RB, WR, CB Glen Dorsey DT- The Bengals need to bring leadership and good quality to there franchise. Dorsey was a leader at LSU and will fill there hole at DT which they tried to fill prior to the draft in FA. 10. New Orleans- Needs LB, CB, DT, Keith Rivers LB- The Saints have one of the highest scoring offense's in the NFL, there D is the complete opposite and allow the most points. LB has been on the top of the Saints wish list for years, and now they make the right choice. 11. Buffalo- Needs WR, CB, DE, LB Leodis McKelvin CB-The Bills want to continue building the cover-2. They really consider bringing in DE Harvey, but have CB McKelvin higher on there board. 12. Denver- Needs DT, OT, DB, WR, RB Ryan Clady OT- Clady is a perfect fit for Denvers ZBS. He won't have to adjust much, so his wonderlic won't affect his abilities too much. 13. Carolina- Needs DE, RB, LB, QB, DB, OL Derrick Harvey DE- Carolina just signed there two OT's and have signed G's Milford Brown and Keydrick Vincent, so oline is not a priority. They are hoping Mendenhall falls to them, but he was gone. Harvey will fill a big need at DE for the Panthers. 14. Chicago- Needs OT, RB, WR, QB, S Chris Williams OT- Don't be suprised if they go B Albert here if they believe he'll be the better OLT in the future. Williams is the best guy who will only truely fit at LT, this will allow Tait to slide to the right side giving the Bears two strengths in one move. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I won't go any further The Bears rest of the draft should go: 2-trade down some how (too high Forte, Henne) maybe w/ Miami @ (57=330 + 64=270)=600 for (44=460 + 90=140)=600 1-14 Chris Williams OLT 2-57 Chad Henne QB 3a-64 Matt Forte RB 3b-70 Mike McGlynn G/OT 4-110 Josh Barrett SS 5-142 Keenan Burton WR 6-175 Barry Booker DT 7-222 Dennis Dixon QB 7-243 Steve Johnson WR 7-247 Cole Bennett TE 7-248 Pierre Garcon WR

That's all it is. You don't know who will be available this year when we draft or even next year, but the number of quality players at certain positions next year is what I'm looking at. I would definately be looking for my QB of the future this year b/c I would cringe at the the thought of taking Tebow next year. Next year has some quality as of right now at G, WR, SS, and LB, which I can see us taking either WR/SS next year with our top pick, b/c there should be good odd's a player at that position will be available. Knowing that, JA may consider taking Flacco QB over someone like K. Phillips S if they were both available when we select in RD2(doubtful). This time of the year is like being a little kid going through the Toys R Us ad and making your wish list for Santa. Some of us want the Ferrari remote control car b/c it's red and fast and some of us want the Monster truck remote control car so we can run over that Ferrari

It is too early to do Mocks for 2009, but I put this out to show what the 2009 draft is gonna look like. As a GM, especially one that would rather build through the draft instead of FA, you have to take into account what future prospects will or won't be available. If I'm JA, I'm noticicing there's not going to be a deep talent pool next year for QB, RB, or OT. Those would be areas I would address early this year, which does have better talent. Next years crop looks to be deep w/ G, LB, and WR's. With that in mind, we may opt to take a WR/G a little later this year and bring in a RD1-RD3 player next year. Rumor is, next years talent pool will be a down year. Since 2008 is supposed to be decent down to RD's 3-4 I wouldn't mind trading away next years RD1 to jump back into the high 2nd RD if we can get a player we covet.

Next years draft is not a deep one for our current needs, except for maybe WR which may work out for us. The 2009 draft will be known for LB's. There are also a few SS listed top 25 and some CB's. Walters 2009 mock draft OL 1. Michael Oher OT Ole Mis top 5 2. Alex Mack C, Cal top 20 3. Duke Robinson G, Oklahoma top 25 4. Herman Johnson G, LSU top 25 5. Phil Loadholt OT, Oklahoma top 25 6. Andre Smith OT, Alabama top 25 RB 1. Chris Wells RB, Ohio St. top 10 2. Knowshon Moreno RB, Georgia top 15 3. C. J. Spiller RB, Clemson top 25 QB 1. Tim Tebow QB, Florida top 5 2. Matt Stafford QB, Georgia top 20 WR 1. Mike Crabtree WR, Texas Tech top 5 2. Darrius Heyward-Bey WR, Maryland top 15 3. Jeremy Maclin WR, Missouri top 20 4. Percy Harrin WR, Florida top 25

Terra, I believe the Bears will bring in a RB and if there is a way to get Mendenhall and also add two quality linemen with potential to start I'm all for it. This draft is rich in RB and OL this year. Which one will help the Bears more overall all, we all have different opinions. IMO, we are in dire need for OL and I blame this on JA who I normally applaud. He avoided this side of the football to bring in redshirt defensive/ST players for the last couple of years. With Kreutz 30, St. Clair 30, and Tait 33 we will be needing to address the o-line for the next 2-3 years. Our entire offense is in dire need of rebuilding as most of the offense is down to 1/2 years on contract. I really believe in building your team from the Lines out and if we can get Williams/Albert/Otah and then add F.Jones/Forte/Ray Rice our team would be better off, that just MHO. Is Forte really that far off from Mendenhall in talent? compare Rashard Mendenhall Illinois 5-10 225 40-4.45 Rashard Mendenhall profile year---gp----att----yds-----avg----td----rec----yds---td 2005---10----48----218-----4.5-----0-----13----82----2 2006---12----78----640-----8.2----5------12----164---1 2007---13---262----1681---6.4-----17----34----318---2 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Matt Forte Tulan 6-1 217 40-4.46 Matt Forte profile year---gp----att----yds----avg----td----rec----yds-----td 2004---11---140----624---4.5----4-----20-----180-----2 2005---11---169----655---3.9----4------23-----163----1 2006----9----163----859---5.3----8------28----360-----2 2007----12---361----2127--5.9---23-----32-----282----0

One reason why we went from Superbowl to 7-9 is partially b/c the oline. Reuben Brown was our best G playing with 1 arm. Miller at RT was taking naps and practicing for his new job at Wal Mart as a door greeter. Tait played most of the season with a bad ankle. Our O-line depth was so pathetic, we played these injured players until the season was lost. The injuries to the defense also hurt our chances as well. Mike Brown, Dusty, Tillman, Vasher, Harris, Urlacher, Walker, Payne, Briggs, Archuletta. Almost our entire D suffered an injury were they either missed games or it hampered there play. We have 8 picks for sure in this draft with possibly 3 more compensation picks. #1 priortiy needs to be replacing our RT and LG that were let go. Our secondary needs are finding competition for RB, QB, WR, S, and DT. Only 2 real holes to find starters and then were drafting for depth/competition.