dawhizz

Yep. He may have changed from a mid-first to a late first, but I don't see how this injury causes him to slide to the second round. It's a broken pinky toe, which I can't see significantly affecting his ability to run in the future. It's a nice dream, but I can't see it.

Someone did an interesting poll with profiles for quarterbacks where you had to pick one blind. I thought it might be interesting with this batch of profiles I found. I'll post the answers sometime later: Prospect A: Sees the field well and plays with an aggressive mentality. Has a gunslinger mentality, a strong arm and a quick release. Throws with touch. Is accurate. Will throw before his receiver breaks and can hit receivers in stride. Does not lock on to receivers. Has pocket presence and poise. Is no more than decent athletically. Has played predominantly in shotgun formations and will have to learn dropback skills. Prospect B: Four-year starter who is a natural leader. Is big and tough. Has a strong arm and can zip the ball into tight spots. Is a pretty good decision maker who sees the field well. Will take chances. Sometimes needs to give up on a play sooner to avoid mistakes. Has some elusiveness as a runner. Can be flustered into bad throws. Has average accuracy. Prospect C: Has ideal size, a strong arm and an effortless throwing motion. Is capable of the spectacular throw. Can throw a pass on a dime but is somewhat inconsistent with accuracy. Isn't afraid to make mistakes. Is calm in the pocket, athletic and can escape pressure. Might have he most potential of any quarterback in the draft. Has questionsable field vision. Prospect D: Good game manager who doesn't make many costly mistakes. Checks off covered receivers and shows poise. Shows solid athleticism. Has ordinary arm strength. Throws a nice, catchable ball. Doesn't have the kind of ability normally associated with a franchise quarterback. Prosepct E: Good accuracy and wonderful intangibles. Prepares well and manages a game efficiently. Shows command of his offense. Has average arm strength and movement ability. Is effective on short routes. Performance is erratic. Similar to the Panthers' Jake Delhomme, but might lack Delhomme's execeptional feel for the game. Prospect F: Good caretaker quarterback who makes pretty solid decisions. Has decent athleticism and arm strength. Played in a quarterback-friendly system and wasn't asked to do anything ambitious. Has good technique but is a bit mechanical. Is an accurate short passer, but hasn't consistently been asked to make intermediate and deep throws. Tough player who will hang in there and take a hit. His instincts and ability to feel pressure and see the field are questionable. Prospect G: Big, strong pocket passer who.s been productive throughout his college career. Fires the pass between defenders, easily gets the ball downfield and zips the outs. Displays a sense of timing, nicely places his passes and does not have receivers waiting on the throw. Slow setting up in the pocket and has a low trajectory for a tall passer. Immobile and cannot escape the rush. Erratic, misreads defenses and throws the ball into coverage. With that set of profiles before you, who do you want to see on the Bears?

We all clearly have our idea of what we would like the Bears to do in the draft. But, unfortunaely, the Bears rarely do what we want them to, particularly in the draft. So, putting aside maybe how I WANT the draft to go, I thought I'd give a concerted effort to figure out how Jerry Angelo would want the draft to go. Here's what I came up with (get ready to hear the word "character" a lot): 1) Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt - Offensive tackle is probably the clearest need for the team, and the value in this draft is at OT. The fact that they let Ruben Brown and Fred Miller go without trying to sign replacements suggests to me they are depending on the draft for their long-term replacements. The choice would be between Williams and Otah. I think the preference would be to draft someone who can step in at LT and move Tait to RT, and Williams is the more ready to do that, by all accounts. Plus he was team captain and scored better than Otah on the Wonderlic (31 to 16), so he passes Jerry's character test. RB is the other position where there's value, but I can't see Jerry admitting defeat regarding Cedric Benson this soon. 2) Jordy Nelson, WR, Kansas State - Suprised? Like you were with Mark Bradley? And Dan Bazuin? And Charles Tillman? I could go on, but suffice to say the Bears generally cause eyebrows to raise in the second round. The Bears obviously need WR help, but with such a deep class, why would they take Nelson? Well, he's probably one of the top character guys in the draft, with one profile going so far as to call him "the type of person you'd want your daughter to marry." Beyond that, he's been hugely productive (122 recs, 1606 yds, 11 TDs last year) with good measurables from a conference Angelo has drafted a lot of offensive players from (Benson, Bradley, Runnells, Gage). He's also had great games against top CBs, including Aqib Talib (to the tune of 10/137/1). He's also a former safety who will play solid special teams. Why would you draft a receiver in the second round to play special teams? Ask Jerry Angelo, I'm sure he can explain it to you. 3a) Roy Schuening, OG, Oregon State - I think Angelo will want to put some new talent into the offensive line to give Benson as much opportunity to succeed as possible (without, you know, actually spending money in FA), particularly since it sure seems like they don't trust Josh Beekman yet. Schuening is one of the top run-blocking guards in the draft who offers the versatility the Bears usually look for (he can even play RT in a pinch) and was Academic All Pac-10 the last two years (yep, that means high character). 3b) Dennis Dixon, QB, Oregon - I don't know that I've seen anyone predict this, but I think it makes Angelo-sense. Right now there's very little excitement around the QB position (dread would probably be the more appropriate term). Is Chad Henne going to change that? Will Joe Flacco? Even Brian Brohm? They may be good pro QBs, but its not the kind of name that will really excite anybody or make people say, "Man, I have to check out Bears training camp to see Joe Flacco!" But Dennis Dixon? That's the kind of addition that makes even people who just barely follow college football take notice. Dixon is certainly a gamble after he ended the season with a torn ACL, but he brings something at QB the Bears clearly don't have with his athleticism who was a winner in college (as were Grossman, Orton, Krenzel) who was also very efficient when he was healthy (67% completion, 20 TDs, 4 ints). The Bears have not hesitated to draft someone with an injury (Corey Graham, Airese Currie) or just put someone on IR for a year if necessary. Angelo will need to be convinced Dixon won't pursue baseball first, but if he gets that kind of committment from Dixon, its the kind of guy who can, at least theoretically, energize a fan base (and buy himself some time at GM . . . ). 4) Allen Patrick, RB, Oklahoma - Jerry likes Oklahoma (Harris, Dvoracek, Runnells, Bradley). Jerry likes mid-round guys who have special teams value (Patrick covered kicks at OU). Jerry wants competition for Benson without causing any big controversey that would hurt Benson's ego (Patrick happily shared carries with Adrian Peterson and DeMarco Murray without causing any big stir about playing time). Patrick can do just enough of everything to contribute and push for carries. 5) Cornelius "Pig" Brown, S, Missouri - Another example of the Bears taking a chance on a guy who suffered an injury. In an incredibly weak safety class, it's hard to find any bargains at all. But Brown was well on his was to a great year before tearing his Achilles tendon. Through 8 games, he had 70 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and three INTs. You average those out for 12 games, you have a year of 105 tackles, 12 tfl, and 4 ints, which would be one of the better ones in the draft. Seems like the kind of second day safety Angelo would like. Plus his name is Pig. So he's got that going for him. Which is nice. 6) Pierre Garcon, WR, Mount Union - It simply wouldn't be an Angelo draft without a small school guy with huge production against marginal competition (Dan Bazuin, Garrett Wolfe, Adrian Peterson, Daniel Manning, Brock Forsey, etc). That way if they happen to work out, he looks really smart. Garcon reportedly impressed at the combine with his all-around skill set. He showed off his athleticism when he returned a punt for a TD in the Texas v. Nation game, and the Bears like guys who impress in postseason games (Michael Haynes, Mark Anderson). 7) Someone who won't ever do anything - Seventh round picks under Jerry Angelo: John Capel (released after missing the rookie symposium and never receiving the contract offer he felt he "deserved"), Bryan Anderson (active for 4 games in 1994), Alfonso Marshall (had 7 tackles in 2004, carted off the field against the Titans, presumed dead), Rod Wilson (10 special teams tackles in 2 years), Tyler Reed (on practice squad), Aaron Brandt (quit football in training camp). I could take a guess here (which would have been Keilen Dykes, DT, West Viriginia), but history says I don't need to bother. So, there you have it, what I think Jerry Angelo would probably like to do in the draft. It's certainly not what I would do, but I think the picks make a lot of sense given Jerry's history. What do you think?

Seems like it would make sense to make a play for him if he would come cheap. He brings some of the same things you had with Thomas Jones. He's certainly had his problems, but who hasn't running behind the Lions' O-line?

I also kind of wonder if Angelo is waiting to see what happens with Shaun Alexander before moving on a FA RB.

I'm not even sure it would take that much. Abdullah was tendered the lowest tender (about $970,000 I think) and the Bears would only have to lose a 7th round draft pick (the round where Abdullah was drafted). Add in the fact that the Broncos seem to be preparing to move on without him, since they signed Marlon McCree and Marquand Manual this summer, and seems like a reasonable offer would keep the Broncos from matching. It would make particular sense because the safety class this year in the draft is looking particularly bad.

Doesn't seem worth it to me. You might as well just draft the best guard in the draft in the 2nd round, which is probably where he'll go, whether it be Albert, Rachal, Young, whoever.

I think it makes the most sense. He's going to be fairly cheap. If Benson works out next year, it's still money well spent for one year of insurance. If he doesn't, we have someone who can at least theoretically carry the load. Plus, it would let us focus on other needs in the draft.

Seems about right... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Angelo

Or you could just draft Adarius Bowman. Everyone seems to be caught up in the fact that he's had bad workouts and not great 40 times and so he's slipping. but it's exactly the same things people were saying about Boldin (who went lower than most people expected). Peep this: Size: Boldin - 6'1" 216 Bowman - 6'3" 223 Junior Year Stats: Boldin: 65 recs, 1,011 yds, 13 TDs Bowman: 60 recs, 1,181 yds, 12 TDs (67, 1006, 8 last year) Profiles: Boldin (from CNN/SI): BIO: Junior entry who leaves school a year early after winning second team All-Conference Honors, leading Florida State in all receiving categories with 65 catches, 1, 011 yards and 13 scores. Sat out the 2001 campaign after suffering a season ending knee injury during pre-season drills. Ranked third on the team as a sophomore in receiving with 41-664-6. Performed terribly at the Combine, running poorly and struggling during pass catching drills. Has been used sporadically at QB. Recently ran a 4.59 during Pro-Day workouts in Tallahassee. POSITIVES: Nice-sized wide out who consistently makes positive plays for the offense. Extends and catches the pass away from his frame, boxes out defenders and effectively runs after the reception. Adjusts to the errant throw, reaching back to catch the ball without breaking stride. Settles into the open spot on the field, looks the pass into his hands and pulls the throw out of the air. Displays focus, concentration and timing. NEGATIVES: Not quick off the line of scrimmage, lacks sharpness running routes and overall quickness. Does not have the second gear or have separation downfield. ANALYSIS: Not as bad as he looked at the Combine but his draft ranking will suffer none the less. A viable possession receiver at the next level who sneaks it downfield on occasion. Bowman (from NFL Draft Countdown): Strengths: Has excellent size with a solid frame and long arms...Very athletic...Terrific leaping ability...Very strong...Runs well after the catch...Has big, reliable hands and he will make the spectacular catch...A decent route runner...Tough and a hard worker...A big play threat...An outstanding blocker...Offers some versatility...Very productive. Weaknesses: Doesn't have great timed speed..Had some off-the-field issues and character may be a concern...Needs to improve his concentration...Will struggle to separate...Not real elusive...He lacks explosiveness and a burst...Might have to change positions. Notes: A top recruit coming out of high school who began his career at North Carolina but was dismissed from the team after he was cited for marijuana possession..Is also being looked at as a potential H-Back or Tight End...The speed factor will hold him back as a pro prospect but he's an impressive physical specimen...If teams weigh his workout numbers too heavily in their evaluations this guy could turn out to be a steal for someone..May never be a star but he absolutely has starting potential. With all the talented WRs available in this draft, I would really like to see Bowman as a Bear.

Good point. It would be so much better to take the 2nd (or some say 3rd) best RB to run behind the 3rd worst offensive line.

Lovie Smith's interested too (from the Trib): Extra points Ryan Clady, a junior offensive tackle from Boise State, impressed during a personal workout at the school Monday. According to the Idaho Statesman, Bears coach Lovie Smith is headed to Boise for a private workout with Clady. The Bears have the No. 14 overall pick and could use it on an offensive lineman.

I assume some part of that is meant to be sarcastic, but I honestly don't have a clue what you're talking about. I assume this is another in your long line of "Let's draft Rashard Mendenhall" arguments? I fail to see why Mendenhall is such a sure thing in your mind. He's coming off one good year (except for a good game against Penn State in 06) where he racked up most of his yard against Indiana, Wisconsin, Ball State, and Minnesota (ranked 102nd, 34th, 103rd, and 92nd in rushing defense respectively). He had great numbers in the Rose Bowl against a good USC defense, but the game wasn't particularly close at any point. He's coming from a spread-option that doesn't exactly translate easily to the pro-style offense. And you want him to run behind a line that clearly did not open up holes for its runners last year. I don't see how that's recipe for success.

Like Eddie said, "I like where your head's at." I'd like see us move Ogun for a 4th round pick (DE is a luxury position for us right now, and we can't really afford luxuries) and do something like this: 1) Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt 2) Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State 3) Matt Forte, RB, Tulane 3) Josh Johnson, QB, San Diego 4) Jerome Simpson, WR, Coastal Carolina 4) Craig Steltz, S, LSU 5) Fernando Velasco, C/G, Georgia 6) Keilen Dykes, DT, West Virginia 7) Adam Bishop, TE, Nevada 7) Bryan Mattison, DE, Iowa

Time to party like it's 2002!

I'm hoping Josh Beekman is that guy, given how much we need O-line help. It's not hard to see him winning a startng job. It would also be nice if they gave Mike Hass a decent chance.

You've been wrong all 816 times. Max Starks was NOT franchised by Pittsburgh. He got the "transition" tag, with a one year tender of just under $7 million and the right to match any offer, but any team who signs him would not be giving up any draft picks. So it's certainly difficult to make a deal work, but not nearly as impossible as it would be if he was franchised (Steve Hutchinson was transitioned by Seattle and the Vikings managed to make it work).

Makes sense. Ayanbedjo is a fine ST player, but that's about it. After signing Briggs, you end up putting Williams & Okwo on special teams instead of protecting them since they would be competing for a starting job. So Brenden becomes expendable. I have no problem with it.

Just wondering what people think of him in general. I always thought he was pretty overrated, but I don't watch a ton of ND games. The reason that I ask is he seems like exactly the kind of player the Bears would draft, like they did with Garrett Wolfe last year, where he's a guy who has got a ton of attention in the area and has a high "name recognition" value at a position we are obviously hurting at. I would not be shocked to see Angelo draft him at the end of the third round. Is he as overrated as I think he is, or am I missing something?

I'd rather see if we can trade for Jerius Norwood.

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/be...e022908.article Not a big deal, as far as I'm concerned. I'd just use a pick in the 6th/7th to get the best remaining blocking TE available. They don't tend to go early.

Which makes the first and second OT & what?

Josh Johnson in the 3rd.

I don't want them. And it's not financial (or, at least, not just financial). As for Moss, you say he's "pretty much sure to produce". How quickly we forget: YEAR TEAM G REC YDS AVG LNG TD FD FUM LOST 2004 MIN 13 49 767 15.7 82 13 43 1 1 2005 OAK 16 60 1005 16.8 79 8 46 0 0 2006 OAK 13 42 553 13.2 51 3 29 0 0 He quit on the Raiders. He did. What makes you think he won't do the same thing with Kyle Orton, Rex Grossman, or a rookie throwing him the ball? Because if we pay big money for Moss, you aren't going to be able to sign a big name QB if one becomes available. As for Johnson, he's only going to be available via trade. Are you prepared to trade your next two first round picks for him, or your first and second this year? My guess is that's what it's going to take, and someone will probably pay it or close to it (Jacksonville makes a ton of sense to me). Plus he'll want an extension once he signs. If you think spending a big part of our salary room, giving away two premium draft picks, and similarly keeping the team from being able to add much else in free agency is worth it for Johnson, I'd love to hear your case.

I would disagree with that definition myself. I would agree that a true sleeper can't be widely considered a first day pick (like James Hardy in the original list), but I don't think they need to be non-division FBS players. I think they can just as easily be a guy buried on the depth chart of a good school (like Matt Cassel from a couple years ago) or who is from a big school, but has been too injured to show what he can do on a consistent basis.