dawhizz

I also like hearing from players about how they feel. In a recent CNNSI column, the writer talked to Nnamdi Asomugha about the trade: When I asked Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha on Thursday about Cutler, whom he calls a buddy, he told me: "He was arguably the top QB in the [AFC] West, so I'm not upset to see him leave. He should bring success to the Bears. [He's a] top eight QB." http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writ...tler/index.html That's good to hear, in my book.

Just for fun, I figured I'd take a look at what FAs might be available next year. According to KFFL (http://www.kffl.com/static/nfl/features/freeagents/fa.php?option=WR&y=2010), the list includes: Chris Chambers Braylon Edwards Lee Evans Vincent Jackson Greg Jennings Brandon Marshall Derrick Mason Hines Ward Roddy White Some of those guys may have already signed extension that they haven't reflected yet, but that's a hell of a list right there. If Denver doesn't have a great year, you think Marshall's not running toward Chicago with both hands in the air? The problem, the much-anticipated "uncapped year" of 2010 will probably actually hinder FA movement: http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8...mp;confirm=true

That would probably be my preference at this point. If you don't sort out the defense, Cutler's not going to make enough of a difference.

Looks like JA is also eyeing a possible move up in the second if an impact WR starts to slip: And on the subject of the Bears, don't count them out of draft-day dealing. General manager Jerry Angelo says the team already is discussing scenarios in which it can move up from its 17th spot in the second round to acquire a "bubble first-rounder" early in the second round. Angelo also is open to the possibility of moving down if the round does not break right. http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-0...0,3366579.story

Chris Mortenson actually made this same point this morning on Erik Kusillias's ESPN radio show. Basically, that sure Brandon Marshall looks like a monster and has been superproductive, but there's a couple guys every year like that who often don't end up doing much of anything. And there are even more who fit the Eddie Royal "type." It's hard to say there is a unique quality that makes you at least conclusively determine that the WRs are independantly better then the QB is making them look.

Another couple guys to keep in mind a little later in the draft: Aaron Kelly, Clemson - Another huge target who had a huge junior year (88/1081/11), but came back to earth last year. If you're look for a "Brandon Marshall-type" a little later than Ramses Barden will be drafted, but maybe a little more ready to contribute, he might be a good option Jarett Dillard, Rice - He's only 5'10', but he led all receivers at the combine with at 42.5' vertical and his last three years of production have been insane: Year G R Yds Avg TD 2006 13 91 1,247 13.7 21 2007 12 79 1,057 13.4 14 2008 13 87 1,310 15.1 20

It will be interesting to see how Forte's ground and air production change. Part of the reason Forte caught so many balls last year was that he was often the checkdown receiver, and when you have a pure pocket passer, he has less time in which to decide the check down. With a more mobile Cutler, I can see him doing a better job of avoiding the rush while keeping his eyes downfield for the receivers (whover they may be) before checking down. Then again, Cutler's agility will let him pull the rush that much farther in for screen passes and such.

C. Don't wear sweatpants at the club.

He's been released by the Giants. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/foot...s.ap/index.html

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-0...0,2912681.story "I would be ticked off, too, if someone was trying to trade me and didn't tell me about it," Urlacher said. "I don't think Jay is going to be an issue. We have a pretty good locker room, so I'm not worried about that. … I'm not worried about him fitting in." Urlacher was as shocked as anyone when the Bears pulled Thursday's stunning trade, sending Kyle Orton, a first- and third-round draft pick in April and a first-rounder in 2010 to Denver for Cutler and a fifth-round pick this year. "I guess we got better as a team," Urlacher said. "You get a quarterback who is a Pro Bowl guy. "But I will say this: I think Kyle Orton is a good quarterback. He's a great teammate. I hope he does really well in Denver."

Press conference is at 5:00 tonight.

Sometimes, teams make moves and you get the sense that the team is genuinely, enthusiasticlaly behind the move. When the Bulls got Derrick Rose, everyone, no matter who you talked to on the team, was visibly thrilled and he had respect from day one. Every Bear I have heard speak about the trade has brought up, even when not prompted, that they really believed in Kyle Orton as QB and are sorry to see him go. Cutler's not going to be handed anything by this team. One hopes that changes the moment he throws a 60 yard bomb on the money, but if he thinks that making the Pro Bowl and moving to a city which has been plagued with questionable to bad QB play for most of the past 50-some years is going to give him some automatic validation, he's going to be disappointed. I think it will help A LOT to have 2 former teammates (Williams and Bennett) on the team, but they are both young and neither are leaders in the locker room. I'll be interested to see how things develop.

I like Jackson too. Wasn't he in Denver last year? I know he didn't get on the field a lot, but he did at least get some reps with him.

Austin Collie, WR, BYU He's a little older than other prospects since he's coming from BYU and had his two year mission in there, but he also looks ready to contribute right away. I'm not sure you can say the same thing about a guy like Barden.

Plus, Kyle's on the last year of his deal, so he's playing for a contract AND to stick it to the Bears. Should be interesting.

Angelo mentioned his next order of business was bringing in some competition at WR. Who do you want? UFAs Matt Jones Torry Holt Brandon Lloyd Mike Furrey Drew Bennett Marvin Harrison Shaun McDonald DJ Hackett Koren Robinson Justin McCariens Ronald Curry Ashley Lelie Darrell Jackson Amani Toomer RFAs Malcolm Floyd (2nd round comp) Lance Moore (2nd round comp) Hank Baskett (2nd round comp) Demitrius Williams (4th round comp) I'd certainly like Holt, but I would also seriously consider Demitrius Williams at 4th round pick. He hasn't quite put it all together yet, but I like what I've seen from him in limited work in Baltimore. I'd also think about taking a flier on Bennett or Curry.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writ...ex.html?eref=T1 Peter King says this is a "massive step down" for Cutler from the Broncos talent on offense to the Bears talent on offense. And maybe that's true at WR. But he neglects to mention the fact that he now has a stud RB to take the pressure off the pass (something he didn't have in Denver), one that not only runs, but catches a ton of passes. And there was something else . . . oh, I remember now . . . THE BEARS WERE A BETTER TEAM LAST YEAR!

I listened to one of Mel Kiper's podcasts recently and he said Robinson was falling from the people he talked to. Now, some of that may be smoke or whatever, but he does talk to a lot of people and said he's closer to a late third round pick. Just FYI. I'm still more worried about the FS spot than you. If we don't improve our pass defense, Cutler's not going to matter that much. I'm confident we've added two starters to the O-line (Pace and Omiyale) to go with what is essentially an addition in Williams. I don't feel so confident about Bullocks. Therefore, my draft would look like this (not terribly different from my last mock): 2) Rashad Johnson, S, Alabama - Unless Robiskie's here (and I don't think he will be), not other WR is worth the pick. And if the Cutler in Denver shows anything, it's that he doesn't make a difference without a good defense. 3) Austin Collie, WR, BYU - I would love Barden, but I don't think he lasts to the end of the third. Collie's age will probably push him down, however, but he's ready to step in and contribute right away, which is what this team needs. 4) Henry Melton, DE, Texas - A guy who the Bears apparently have an eye on and can provide situational pass-rush help for the defense. 5a) Jarret Dillard, WR, Rice - Great 3rd down/red zone option with monster production in college and a vertical (42 1/2 inches) that makes his height (5'10") deceiving. 5b) Roger Allen, OT/OG, Missouri Western - High upside guard/tackle to develop. 6) Joe Burnett, CB, Central Florida - Good zone corner who broke up 35 passes and had 16 interceptions in his college career. 7a) Frantz Joseph, LB, Florida Atlantic - Smart tackling machine to develop on special teams. 7b) Marcus Mailei, FB, Weber State - Power blocker with good hands oout of the backfield.

I've heard there's a teleconference at 6:30. Might want to keep an eye on chicagobears.com in case it's broadcast.

I guess when Angelo said "we're always on the prowl for new talent", he wasn't just blowing smoke.

AND Basanaz! That's a tall order.

The hits keep coming: Bears | Pace agrees to terms Share: Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:34:27 -0700 ESPNews reports the Chicago Bears have agreed to terms with unrestricted free-agent OT Orlando Pace (Rams). Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

It's funny, I was doing an unrelated Bears search right before class, and it came up with a link about Cutler to the Bears on some other Bears board and I assumed it was an April Fool's joke from yesterday. Then I noticed that it was just posted. Wild, wild stuff.

How can I be expected to pay attention to a Trusts and Estates lecture at a time like this?

ESPN now saying it's Orton, 2 first and this year's 3rd for Cutler and a 5th. Looks like that's the real deal. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4037373