bradjock

Below I've posted the blog from profootballtalk.com that says Dante Stallworth is getting no interest. That's awesome. It means that either: a) FA WR's like Berrian won't command HUGE $$$'s, and If Berrian walks, it's one more guy the Bears could get to replace him. NO MARKET FOR STALLWORTH A league source tells us that there's little or no interest on the open market for receiver Donte' Stallworth, whose tenure with the Patriots is ending after only one season. A year ago, Stallworth was believed to be one of the hottest free-agent receivers on the market. After languishing on the shelf while the big money flowed, Stallworth signed a long-term contract in New England that was essentially a one-year "prove it" deal. But Stallworth never got a chance to prove anything, because only a few weeks after he signed the Pats traded for Randy Moss. One possible destination for Stallworth could be Minnesota, since the Vikings run the same offense as the Eagles, for whom Stallworth had a solid season in 2006. Ditto for the Buccaneers, who seem to be always on the hunt for more pass-catchers.

I'd love Mendenhall, but considering we let Fred Miller go, and other then Flozell Adams, there are NO offensive tackles available in free agency. As of right now, John St. Clair is our starting RT, and our back-up is Terrence Metcalf (who couldn't cut it as a guard.) If Berrian leaves, the cupboard is bare at WR. There are no good safeties who are available in free agency, and our QB group isn't exactly great. Of our "need" positions, running-back and guard are the two that are most easily fixed via free agency. With Tait getting older, we're getting desperate at the offensive tackle position.

You say that he'd be a 50x upgrade over anyone back there . . . how do you know that? PFT said that Oakland would like to trade him and that he's not lived up to his ability/potential. I'll be honest, I try really hard not to watch ANY Raider games, so I don't have a clue. I just know that top 10 picks make big money which equals "big cap hit." The last time we traded for an under-achieving safety it didn't work out so well (Archuletta). I'm really not against it. I love the fact he's fast as hell and can play SS or FS. I'm just skeptical.

I heard on the radio Mendenhall had a great workout and ran a 4.4 at the combine. That will help his stock. Being an Illini fan I'd love to see us get Mendenhall, but I just cringe at the idea of adding another rookie running-back.

Agreed. He and I had our disagreements, but at the end of the day, we're all just Bear fans here.

I think the rules were pretty simple: It was based on the draft order, reguardless of trades. Whoever got the most correct won. So this year each person would submit their picks 1-31 (since New England lost theirs). It wasn't who the teams drafted, but simply the order. (It would be too confusing with trades.) He used some sort of spread-sheet program that made it easier. I have no idea what happened if there was a tie. I was also lucky to get 2 correct.

I don't think we'll target Faneca. It's tough to justify paying him that much more then we'll pay Olin Kreutz. If we go for a quality starter at a normal price, I think we'll look to sign either Rex Hadnot of Miami, Jake Scott of Indianapolis, Jacob Bell of Tennessee, Justin Smiley of San Francisco, Floyd Womack of Seattle, Jamar Nesbit of New Orleans, or Damien Woody of Detroit. Free-agent C, OG and OT classes are deep in '08 By Scouts Inc. (Archive) Updated: February 20, 2008 Comment Email Print The free-agent market opens Feb. 29. Scouts Inc. will give an overview of the upcoming class, position by position. This year's free-agent offensive linemen class is especially deep. Centers [+] EnlargeOtto Greule Jr/Getty Images Jeff Faine is in a class by himself in this group of free agent centers. The center position is very strong this year with several starters qualifying for unrestricted free agency as well as a few backups who have the potential to start for the right team. Plus, three teams have two centers who are unrestricted free agents: New Orleans with Jeff Faine and Jonathan Goodwin, Tampa Bay with John Wade and Matt Lehr and St. Louis with Andy McCollum and Brett Romberg. The free-agent center class is led by fifth-year veteran Faine from New Orleans. He is a top competitor, a good athlete and very smart. He is not quite as big as you'd like but compensates with a natural sense of leverage and really excels when he is surrounded by two large guards. After Faine, there are seven second-level centers who can definitely help a team get to the next level. They include Wade, McCollum, Lehr, Romberg, Chris Myers from Denver, Mike Pucillo from Washington and Casey Wiegmann from Kansas City. Free-agent Cs in '08 Name Team Status Lennie Friedman Browns UFA Jonathan Goodwin Saints UFA Rex Hadnot Dolphins UFA Andy McCollum Rams UFA Seth McKinney Browns UFA Jeremy Newberry Raiders UFA Mike Pucillo Redskins UFA Brett Romberg Rams UFA Wade Smith Jets UFA Alex Stepanovich Bengals UFA Ross Tucker Redskins UFA Tyson Walter Packers UFA Jason Whittle Bills UFA Casey Wiegmann Chiefs UFA Dylan Gandy Colts RFA Geoff Hangartner Panthers RFA Scott Jackson Texans RFA Chris Myers Broncos RFA Jeff Faine Saints V-UFA John Wade Buccaneers V-UFA V: Player can void his contract and become a free agent. Wade is not a top athlete for the position, but he's very smart and understands blocking schemes and angles. Romberg was a part-time starter in St. Louis and has the ability to play other positions on the offensive line as well. Like Wade, he's also very smart and understands angles and leverage. Lehr and Pucillo were basically backup centers in 2007 but appear ready to step up to a starter's role, while McCollum has been playing at a very high level for many years but appears to be on the decline. Like McCollum, Wiegmann is getting long in the tooth, yet continues to play at a high level. Both McCollum and Wiegmann have lost some flexibility and agility but make up for the loss in athleticism with an understanding of leverage and angles. Because center is a position that puts such a high priority on intelligence, due to the need to be able to make the line calls, experience tends to count for a lot. Teams like St. Louis, Tampa Bay and New Orleans that have two centers who are unrestricted free agents will have to make difficult decisions. We expect they will keep one but not both. Guards The guard position is headed up by perennial all-pro Alan Faneca from Pittsburgh. He should command the same kind of attention Steve Hutchinson garnered when he left Seattle for Minnesota a couple of years ago. Faneca is in the prime of his career and brings not only his playing skill, which is pretty much unmatched in this year's free-agent crop, but tremendous leadership in the locker room and a temperament that can be contagious. While Faneca is in a class by himself, there are several other guards in the next level who can step in for a team looking for a quality starter and raise the bar for that offensive line. These guards include Rex Hadnot of Miami, Jake Scott of Indianapolis, Jacob Bell of Tennessee, Justin Smiley of San Francisco, Floyd Womack of Seattle, Jamar Nesbit of New Orleans, Damien Woody of Detroit, Ruben Brown of Chicago and Larry Allen of San Francisco. Free-agent OGs in '08 Name Team Status Larry Allen Cowboys UFA Milford Brown Rams UFA Ruben Brown Rams UFA Rick DeMulling Redskins UFA Alan Faneca Steelers UFA Adam Goldberg Rams UFA Matt Lehr Buccaneers UFA Chris Liwienski Dolphins UFA Gene Mruczkowski Dolphins UFA Jamar Nesbit Saints UFA Jake Scott Colts UFA Justin Smiley 49ers UFA Keydrick Vincent Cardinals RFA Fred Weary Texans UFA Floyd Womack Seahawks UFA Joe Berger Cowboys RFA Elton Brown Cardinals RFA Jason Brown Ravens RFA Chris Kemoeatu Steelers RFA Evan Mathis Panthers RFA Stephen Peterman Lions RFA Allen is not apt to go anywhere and he may retire. If he doesn't, he has already expressed his desire to stay in the Bay Area. Brown is getting on in years, but brings a lot of intangibles and still has enough quickness and agility to be effective. Womack, Woody, Nesbit and Hadnot all have skills, but their position versatility would tend to give them more value as free agents. Womack has played both guard and tackle and is powerful, but tends to have mental lapses. Hadnot has played both center and guard and also brings a strong base with power, but has the edge because he is a little further along when it comes to understanding angles and blocking schemes. Woody has played center, guard and tackle. He even played left tackle for Detroit in 2007 and is probably the least athletic of the above three and can get overweight at times, but he can be an extremely powerful blocker when he is on. Nesbit has also played all three positions on the offensive line. He can also carry too much weight at times and is not a great athlete, but he's extremely powerful and can lock on to opponents once he gets his hands on them. Scott, Smiley and Bell are all somewhat similar because they are still relatively young (26), and are all on the rise when it comes to their techniques and learning the tricks of the trade. They are all athletic and play with good leverage, effort and intensity. Scott is probably the most athletic of the three but plays a little light and lacks the kind of power the others bring. Bell is also athletic but plays a bit stronger than Scott and is extremely competitive. Smiley plays the strongest of the three and runs a close third when it comes to athleticism. This trio of guards are apt to command a lot of interest in free agency. Any team that lands one of these players would be getting them as they reach their prime. As a result, a team could build its line around one of them or make them the final piece of the puzzle. Three more guards who come close to playing at the same level as the second tier are Lennie Friedman and Seth McKinney of Cleveland and Ryan Lilja of Indianapolis. These guys are all starters and are in their prime. They can go to a team that thinks it is one player away from having a complete offensive line. There are also two restricted free agents who could garner some attention but are not as apt to change teams. They include Jason Brown of Baltimore and Evan Mathis from Carolina. As a whole, this is a very good group of guards and there should be quite a few of them, as well as some of the guys not mentioned, who draw interest and will end up with new teams and bigger contracts. Tackles Flozell Adams is the only top-level tackle in this class and the Cowboys are not going to want to lose him. He is considered one of the top left tackles in the NFL, especially when it comes to pass blocking. He is massive and can absolutely lock on to rushers once he gets his hands on them. He has very long arms and his length makes it very difficult for opponents to get by him. Free-agent OTs in '08 Name Team Status Flozell Adams Cowboys UFA Jacob Bell Titans UFA Nat Dorsey Browns UFA Jason Fabini Redskins UFA Brandon Gorin Rams UFA Cornell Green Raiders UFA Stockar McDougle Jaguars UFA Mike Rosenthal Dolphins UFA Max Starks Steelers UFA Todd Steussie Rams UFA Barry Stokes Lions UFA Kyle Turley Chiefs UFA Maurice Williams Jaguars UFA Trai Essex Steelers RFA Cory Lekkerkerker Dolphins RFA Daniel Loper Titans RFA David Stewart Titans RFA Will Svitek Kansas City RFA Kwame Harris 49ers V-UFA Chad Slaughter Rams V-UFA At the next level there is Max Starks from Pittsburgh and Maurice Williams of Jacksonville. Williams has been a quality starter at right tackle but lost the starting job to Tony Pashos this fall. However, he did start at guard when Chris Naeole got injured, so he has position versatility going for him. Williams is an adequate athlete for a tackle with good knee bend and body control. He could show more tenacity and work harder to finish off blocks more consistently. A change of scenery could be beneficial. Starks is another previous starter who slumped in 2006 and has not been able to regain the starting position. He is massive and can dominate strengthwise, but needs to be more consistent and rely more on his techniques and less on his raw physical tools. David Stewart of Tennessee is the lone restricted free agent who belongs in the second tier of linemen and will probably draw the most interest, thanks to his youth and potential. He is massive, and plays with a lot of functional strength and good leverage. He can lock onto opponents with his strong hands and dominate. The Titans are apt to do everything they can to retain him. As a whole, the tackle position has strength at the top, but the second-tier tackles all have questions about them and the depth there this year does not match the depth of previous years.

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 Running backs This season's unrestricted and restricted free-agent RBs class is similar to classes of recent seasons. Like big-name quarterbacks, elite running backs never hit the open market, but there are always a few up-and-comers available. These are players who have never been go-to guys but should make very good money in free agency. Teams will often take a chance on a backup RB, hoping he can ramp up his production to become an excellent No. 1 back. Free-agent RBs in '08 Name Team Status Mewelde Moore Vikings UFA Derrick Ward Giants UFA ReShard Lee Raiders UFA Michael Turner Chargers UFA Maurice Hicks 49ers UFA Jamal Lewis Browns UFA Aveion Cason Lions UFA Jesse Chatman Dolphins UFA Reno Mahe Eagles UFA Verron Haynes Steelers UFA Josh Scobey Seahawks UFA Chris Brown Titans UFA Musa Smith Ravens UFA T.J. Duckett Lions UFA Ron Dayne Texans UFA LaBrandon Toefield Jaguars UFA Aaron Stecker Saints UFA Travis Minor Rams UFA Michael Bennett Buccaneers UFA Samkon Gado Dolphins RFA Vernand Morency Texans RFA Alvin Pearman Seahawks RFA Tyson Thompson Cowboys RFA Shaud Williams Bills RFA Julius Jones Cowboys V-UFA Michael Pittman Buccaneers V-UFA Tatum Bell Lions V-UFA Rock Cartwright Redskins V-UFA Marion Barber Cowboys V-RFA V: player can void his contract and become a free agent The guy who fits that mold and is the top UFA RB on the market is the Chargers' Michael Turner. He has been in the shadow of the best RB in the NFL, LaDainian Tomlinson, over his career. Turner is a well-built back with excellent speed and is a threat to score anytime he touches the ball. Turner appears to have all the physical tools to be a starting back, but there is always that unknown because he has never done it full time at the NFL level. Marion Barber is listed as the backup in Dallas, but he is the workhorse back on that team. Barber can void his contract and become a free agent, which he will do if he and the Cowboys can't come to a long-term deal prior to the start of free agency. Barber is one of the most physical runners in the NFL. Plus, he catches the ball well out of the backfield and is one of those players who can bring a spark to an offense. His only drawback is he does not have big-time speed. Turner and Barber are very close in terms of free-agent value. It basically just comes down to what you want for your offense, but both should flourish as starters. The Cowboys' starter on the depth chart is Julius Jones, who is also set to become an unrestricted free agent, and all indications are that Dallas will let him test the market. It is hard to gauge the market for Jones because even though he has started every game the past two seasons, his career production is just average. However, he has split time, which does not help his numbers. The biggest drawback with Jones is that he is not a physical inside runner. Plus, although he's a scat-back type of runner, his hands are just average. Veteran back Jamal Lewis does not have as much value as Turner and Barber, but he is coming off an excellent season, which saw him return to the Lewis of three years ago. He was healthy and back running with a physical style that made him one of the league's more feared backs. Despite playing eight seasons, Lewis is just 28 years old. His body looked well-rested last season and he appears to have some solid years left. The Browns desperately want him back and he fit their scheme well, so look for him to stay in Cleveland. After this group, there is not a ton of excitement in terms of starters, but there are some quality role players. Saints RB Aaron Stecker turned some heads with the way he played in New Orleans once he received his opportunity. He has been a career backup but is a player with solid run skills who has always delivered when called upon. We would say he rates as a high No. 2 back right now. Jesse Chatman was one of the few bright spots in Miami's offense last season. He was solid after replacing the injured Ronnie Brown. Chatman is a guy who was kind of unknown and has now proved his value as a definite No. 2 NFL back, with the possibility of being a No. 1 in the right system. The Vikings' Mewelde Moore dropped down the depth chart this past season, but when healthy he has made some plays. He does not have a big market, but should be considered strongly by a team looking for depth. The Buccaneers' Michael Pittman and Michael Bennett, the Titans' Chris Brown, the Lions'T.J. Duckett and the Texans' Ron Dayne are guys who were once considered potential No. 1 backs (and, in the case of Bennett and Brown, are former 1,000-yard rushers). That time has passed and these guys are now more considered as backup types. They are guys you like to have because of their experience, but they won't be your No. 1 guy. Overall, this is a good group of runners. There is a nice mix of potential future stars and some veteran guys who can provide solid depth. Fullbacks Free-agent FBs in '08 Name Team Status Thomas Tapeh Eagles UFA Brad Hoover Panthers UFA Cecil Sapp Broncos UFA Tony Richardson Vikings UFA Dan Kreider Steelers UFA Bryan Fletcher Colts RFA Justin Green Ravens RFA Corey McIntyre Falcons RFA Leonard Weaver Seahawks RFA Even though former Baltimore Ravens FB Ovie Mughelli became the highest-paid FB in the NFL when he was signed by the Falcons last season, the position is really a dying breed in today's NFL. More and more teams are going to one-back or multiple-receiver sets and the role of the blocking FB has diminished. If a team does use a fullback, in most cases it is strictly in short-yardage situations, which means there is very little money or value invested into the position. This year's class of free-agent FBs offers little to no excitement. The best blocker of the group is Pittsburgh's Dan Kreider, but he missed much of the 2007 season due to injury. Krieder is in the old mold of FB. He is a very good lead blocker, but offers very little in the way of offensive skills as a runner or receiver. Vikings veteran Tony Richardson is more in the mold of a guy who can catch out of the backfield or run with it, but his best days have long passed. Beyond Krieder and Richardson, the list offers little to no value. In our opinion Jones is the only FB who offers much value. Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.

While there's the immediate notion that Rosenass clients are "waiting it out," don't forget that Dez Clark is a Rosenass client and he was able to get a deal done today. That means the other 3 are definitely waiting until free agency. To me it seems incredibly likely we'll lose all three. Brendon Ayanbadejo--He told the Sun Times he was happy as hell in the pro-bowl to actually get to play linebacker again & he knows he won't have this opportunity with the Bears. He sounded disgruntled the Bears never gave him an opportunity to move off of special teams. This reminds me of when Dante Wesley signed with the Bears because he wanted to the chance to play cornerback more. That tells me Ayanbadejo's gone. Lance Briggs--There's been rumors that he wants to get out from Urlacher's shadow. The SCORE's speculated that he might be happy as hell to get out of Chicago due to his "female problems." I believe someone will "make it rain" for him, and he'll be happy to walk. He gone. Bernard Berrian--Of the 3, he has to be the happiest with his situation, especially now that Rex has signed. Unless the Wizard of Oz gives Hester a brain, Berrian is likely to be the #1 WR on this team for years to come. Of the 3, losing Berrian would hurt the Bears the most. I think we'll sign him. Can't wait until Friday when Free agency starts.

I wonder if this means will be playing Olsen at the WR position more? Compared to Moose, Olsen is bigger, faster, and more athletic. Moose is a better blocker, but other then that, there's nothing Moose could do that Olsen couldn't do better. There were far too many stretches that Olsen did not see the field last season. He's a top offensive talent, and he needs to stay on at all times.

Agreed. Considering him & Orton are both free agents next season, it ought to be interesting to see what happens.

Technically Connor beat me to it. Although I'd still a little pissed that ESPN, or any other web site other then the Sun Times (including the Tribune) has no mention of it. There's nothing on ESPN's rumor-mill or on John Clayton's blog. So are you happy about this Chile? Just wondering because I have some seriously mixed feelings.

This list is a good example of why you always take quantity over quality when drafting, since you never know what the hell you were going to get. I know a lot of people were pissed we didn't stick at #4 and draft Byron "fat-ass" Leftwich. I myself was praying for Kyle Boller. We ended up with Rex, who's been bad, but not as bad as Boller or Leftwich. Meanwhile, you look at this list and think, "Damn it'd be nice to have Troy Polomolu right now." Among other guys. For every great player like Carson Palmer, there's a horrific bust like Charles Rogers. Draft as many good players as you can and hope one of them turns into a star. Never, ever trade up. (As for NFO's idea that we move up to get a top o-lineman, all I need to say is Robert "Hagrid" Gallery.

The article also mentioned we'd like to bring back John Gilmore (although it doesn't seem that we've bothered to offer him a contract yet.) I've love to have him back for his blocking ability, although I'm not sure how much time he'll see the field with Dez Clark & Greg Olsen in front of him.

You beat me to it. I posted this is another thread before seeing yours. If it happens it means: 1. Grossman & Orton will be competing for the #1 job--Does anyone think Orton can win this job? Last year Grossman was clearly superior to Orton, and the coaches & players all see to LOVE Rex. 2. Griese will be cut--I'm sure there will be trade speculation, but nobody will give much for a guy they figure will be cut anyway. While I'm confused at why Rex is loved, I'm also confused at why Griese is hated so much. He's seemed to have a cold relationship towards his teammates & coaches. Other then the debate about whether or not he called the plays on the winning drive (why the hell can't I remember what game that was?) He's never said or done anything at least publicly that gives the indication that he's a bad guy. My head hurts right now.

The Sun Times is reporting "Grossman Nears New Deal." (Probably most other sources also. this is just the first one I've checked since I've been on the computer this morning). Why does this possible deal make me kind of happy and kind of sick to my stomach at the same time? Here's the Chicago Sun Times story. http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/be...-bear23.article Grossman nears new deal BEARS | 1-2 years, incentives likely in contract for QB February 23, 2008 BY BRAD BIGGS bbiggs@suntimes.com INDIANAPOLIS -- The first piece of the Bears' free-agent puzzle should be delivered soon as a contract for Rex Grossman is imminent. The team is expected to reach an agreement to retain the quarterback, perhaps today, after negotiations on a new deal carried late into the evening Friday. » Click to enlarge image Quarterback Rex Grossman is expected to compete for the Bears’ starting job once again. (Tom Cruze/Sun-Times file) RELATED STORIES Bears in Brief: Agent vows close contact over free agents plus Harris Inside the Bears: Updates from our blog General manager Jerry Angelo met with agent Eugene Parker in the morning and they huddled again throughout the evening working on details of a contract that would bring the first-round pick from 2003 back for what has been said will be a quarterback competition involving Kyle Orton. A source said it will be a one- or two-year deal and includes incentives based on playing time and performance. Re-signing Grossman was one of the organization's top goals when it arrived at the combine Wednesday. Grossman, who helped the team to Super Bowl XLI the season before, was erratic in the first three games of 2007 before being benched. He was reinserted at Oakland Nov. 11, replacing Brian Griese, and was more consistent before being lost to a minor knee sprain Dec. 6 at Washington. Returning to the Bears provides Grossman with his best opportunity to play in 2008 despite the turbulent experiences and intense scrutiny he has faced. He's said he wants to return. ''It is a body of work,'' coach Lovie Smith said. ''There have been some highs and some lows, but we think Rex is a good football player and I choose to remember more of those highs. I still don't think he's peaked yet. I still think his future is bright.'' But Grossman, who earned $2.035 million last season, will not be handed the starting job. Orton played well enough in three starts to end the season to prove a viable option, one who is not mistake-prone and might be a good fit for the team, especially if the defense and running game return to form. The Bears have done all they can to avoid quarterback competitions in training camp since 2001 when Jim Miller edged Shane Matthews and Cade McNown was never really in the race. But the franchise has not been able to escape the everlasting turnover that seems to come with the position. In Angelo's seven seasons, the team has changed starting quarterbacks 23 times. ''This is a little bit different,'' Angelo said when asked about competition. ''I don't want to say it's tricky, but you're going to have to have a real plan in place to be fair with everybody and to make sure that you're making the right decision because once we make that decision, we're going to go forward with it and we're going to stay with it. ''[Grossman] understands it. He's talked to Lovie about it. I've talked to his agent about it. He's fine with it. Obviously we want to get the best player under center. Kyle did some good things at the end. I think he deserves the right to compete at the position. I know that this isn't going to be something ... I don't see this dragging out into the season. We will have a pretty good feel as we already do about the guys and what the tiebreaker is, that obviously has to be determined by the coaches." Griese is expected to be released if Grossman returns. He's due a $300,000 roster bonus early next month. But the competition won't begin until Grossman signs the deal.

I haven't seen Julius Jones play that much, so I'm curious about which style of Cedrics does he copy most. Is it: 1. Lean left, lean right, then drop on contact. 2. Run into your own offensive lineman & fall-down. 3. On a pass, focus on the defense so the ball drops off your hands, or 4. Finally make a big play, then celebrate by leaving the field on a stretcher. Cedric ought to get those moves patented. The question is not whether Julius Jones is better then Cedric, but whether or not he's better then Adrian Peterson, who was the best back on this team last year in terms of total yardarge.

Is this a joke? Did I miss something? It's 10:30 Chicago Time here and no web site has any mention of Grossman being expected to sign. I just don't believe it. Some team is going to look at Rex at say, "That's a Super Bowl Quarterback!" That team is going to "make it rain." Meanwhile the Bear's management and fans are debating whether Rex is better then Kyle freaking Orton. Think about that for a second. I just don't believe it. Is there a link anywhere?

To me, when McNabb had the threat to scramble, he was amongst the best in the league. Now he's become a pure pocket passer, and he no longer has the potential for greatness. Much like the Bear's QB's we have, he's great at times, and flat out awful at times. I guess I'd take him straight up over the guys we have, but with his cap number, and whatever it might cost to trade for him, he's not worth it. Technically I said I didn't want to see a rookie QB. Much different then saying that I didn't want to draft one. Although I do not want to take one in the first round. If that happens, we're doomed to see a Cedric Benson experiment (although I know you like him for some reason). We give that QB the keys to the car and he drives us off the bridge. It's bad enough having to watch a bad #1 running-back who sucks. Take a QB #1 and we're bound to find out what happens. Because Orton was drafted in the 4th round, there's much less demand for him to start. According to PFT, many of the top QB's will slip drastically. Ideally I'd like to see one with our first 3rd round pick.

I've said for 3 years that Orton shouldn't start because he's not very good, has poor accuracy, and doesn't have great vision. I've changed my stance, not because he's better, but because he's not as bad. When Orton emerged as the starter in 2007, for the first time all year there wasn't the constant interceptions, the constant batted-down balls, and he wasn't getting sacked 5 times a game. The running game seeemd more consistent and the rest of the team seemed to "step it up a notch." Maybe this was because we had nothing to lose at this point, maybe it was injured players getting benched, or maybe it's all in my head. Either way, there's no QB available I think will help this team (including McNabb) & I sure as hell don't want to see another rookie. I'd like to see Orton get his shot.

The 2006 we developed about as well as we could . . . at least until we thought it'd be a bright idea to start Mark Anderson. Although that did light a fire under Alex Brown's ass. It's amazing what a little competition will do. As for the draft philosophy, it really seemed to me that that 2006 was all about, "Get the best talent" reguardless of their background. The 2007 draft seemed to focus more on "character guys" and "over-acheivers." These are actually the types of players you want filling out the back of your roster & special teams guys. Could Angelo have been arrogant enough with his current team not to go talent first?

So if a guy takes really easy class & possibly cheats, you give him credit for having some idea of school? So that makes him less "stoopid." I'm confused as hell. As for Brant, the guy was a 7th round pick. You hope they make the roster but you really don't expect it. Either way, it's extremely unlikely that any 7th round rookie would immediatley be better then John St. Clair.

Heck, I'd be happy to pay $100.00 a ticket to see a Bear's game. Since the legalization of ticket-brokering, buying and selling tickets is more of a business then ever. For years I'd run into someone happy to dump tickets at face value just cause they couldn't go. Now those tickets go straight to e-bay or stub-hub and you have to pay through the damn nose. If you're not on Ticketmaster at 10:00 a.m. that Saturday morning in July they go on sale, you're screwed. For some reason each of the past 3 years something ignorant has come up which prevented me from doing this (last year the new Harry Potter book came out that day & I stupidly forgot. The year before my wife was knocked up & the year before that I was on a camping trip) Last year I broke down and bought tickets on e-bay. The cheapest pair of seats for opening day ended up costing $385.00 total. (The tickets were originally around $70.00 each) This was upper bowl in the North end-zone. With the parking, concessions, and so on, I just have a helluva a time justifying spending that much money to go to a game when I could save $500.00 by watching it on TV. I agree, the fans are getting screwed, but this is only going to get worse. Considering Soldier Field is a full house every Sunday, I see no end in sight.

I disagree. We tagged Briggs and where did that gets us? There's been talk that if we had traded Briggs to Washington we'd have Landry as our safety right now, but that also means we wouldn't have Greg Olsen. If we tag Berrian, it significantly increases his value since he'll make 8 million in his first year. That's not exactly a bad deal for him. If you're a team wanting a WR do you think: a) I'll sign Bryan Johnson or Dante Sallworth for whatever the market value is, or I'll trade for Bernard Berrian, and pay him an inflated value since he's already been tagged. I'm a Berrian fan and I'd take option a in a heart-beat. Nobody will trade for him, and if we tag him we'll risk losing him next year. The tag won't happen.

How many time-outs did we call because Hester was out of position? Did you see it when they lined up at the line and Moose physically pushed Hester and pointed where he was supposed to be? Warranted or not, the knock on Hester was that he was stoopid. One of the problems we had with him in his rookie year is that we were trying to "coach him up" on punt returning. Finally we just to to hell with it. Run Forest Run!!! When he didn't have to think the results were good. Although I did love it when Hester said, "They say I'm so fast, I'm the only guy that can run through the car wash and not get wet!" I meant to comment on Brant. You are correct. We dumped him before training camp even started which was kind of a big deal.