dawhizz

Not that it is necessarily indicative of anything substantial, but two of the most updated mock drafts I've seen, both from fairly reputable draft sites, have Harvin available when we pick and one has Nicks as well. Here's hoping that holds true... http://draftdaddy.com/MD/ - Harvin and Nicks available in the 2nd http://walterfootball.com/draft2009matt.php - Harvin available in the 2nd

I'm not saying two in a row. In fact, I would be very against that. But a WR in round 2 or 3 and another with one of our round 5 picks would be a good idea, IMO. Robiskie and Dillard, Gibson and Kelly, Barden and Tate. Something like that.

I actually just started a thread about this, but I wouldn't be at all suprised if the Bears end up with two WRs from this draft in the first 5 rounds. That would give them 5 WR options and they can go out right after the draft and sign the veteran WR of their choice. If everyone we would sign now falls into one of those two categories, why are we running to sign them? I think this just says "We don't love the free agents WRs (completely justifiable), so let's see what the draft brings."

I touched on this in another thread, but I think the Bears have to be at least considering drafting two WRs this year if the value is there. I'm sure they would still love to add a veteran (particularly Holt), but the amount of research the Bears have put into scouting the WRs suggests to me that they would probably be interested in getting a couple new bodies in there. So, if that's the case, which two WRs do you draft and where do you think you can get them?

I don't know that the reason we haven't looked at WR is because we are "locked into a WR in the 2nd." The fact is, most teams are in a bit of a holding pattern regarding free agents, waiting to see what the draft brings before committing money to a FA. Since the Cutler trade, exactly one FA WR has been signed (Ronald Curry to the Lions today). I think the Bears are going into the draft with the right mindset. They know what WRs will be out there in FA and they can be fairly confident that they have a favorable situation for the free agent WRs with Cutler in the fold, which can give them some confidence in the market. Now they can look at their picks in each round and weigh the draftee against the players in free agency, instead of committing money to a FA, then finding out a guy you like better ends up being available at a value pick.

I would also throw out Nate Davis' name here. His stock is falling like a rock, but I think he's worth a shot late in the draft despite the int/learning disability fears.

I would be very pleased with that draft, although I'm not real confident it will shake out that way. I'm still concerned none of the WRs (after Robo) would fall and I'm not sure McBath lasts until the end of the end of the third.

Have you actually watched him in games? I haven't and there's not much on YouTube, so can you tell me what about his game you don't like?

Two receivers I haven't heard anyone really talk about as possibilities for the Bears, which would seem to be for good reason as they share a lot of similarities to Devin Hester (at least in theory). But let's say the top receivers are gone by our second round pick (Crab, Maclin, DHB, Nicks, Britt, Robiskie), and Harvin has somehow falled and Williams is on the board. Should the Bears consider taking either of them (as talent-wise they would be considered good value) or do you pass because they seem too redundant? I've seen a bit of each, but I honestly haven't looked at them very much. I'm not even sure what kind of receiver they both are after watching their highlights on YouTube (lots of returns/reverses/direct snaps/handoffs). Anyone have thoughts on either?

I can't quite seem to figure out the scouting reports for Tate. Most of them seem to operate on the impression that he was poised to be a potential first round pick this year, but I can't quite understand how he would have gotten such great press considering he only had 30 catches prior to this year, though he was a great return man. So, it's an incredibly small sample for him. But his ypc this year, in only 16 catches) was still an insane 23.5. The videos seem to show he has legitimate WR skills, but the injury scares me.

Some videos: He seems bigger than I think he's listed as and looks like he has good hands. The concern is obviously the injury which could make him Airese Currie 2.0.

Then that's the list, as far as I can gather.

I believe the players on the roster who were not drafted (if I understand your question right) are: Cody Balogh Brett Basanez Rudy Burgess Joe Clermond Jason Davis Rashied Davis Robbie Gould Caleb Hanie Israel Idonije Jason McKie Fontel Mines Adewale Ogunleye Brandon Rideau Nick Roach

I have documented my support for Rashad Johnson if Robiskie is off the board in the 2nd, so I'm right with you there. But how can you ignore WR until the 5th round on this team? We have 4 OTs on the roster who are at least arguably starter-quality (Pace, Williams, Shaffer, Omiyale) and 4 OLBs of at least arguably starter-quality (Briggs, Hillenmeyer, Williams, Roach). We have 1 1/2 WRs of starter quality (Hester and a completely unproven, but reunited with his college QB, Earl Bennett). I have no problem going with a WR in the 5th, in fact I would prefer it, but only if the Bears also go WR in the 3rd.

How the deal went down: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writ...rade/index.html

Except if you read the article I attached, the provisions are built to prevent people from buying championships by limiting the amount of money successful teams can spend without losing comparable value (either by cuts or FA). For a team like the Bears who now expects to be more successful, that's a bit of a concern.

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