Alaskan Grizzly

Like it too, or at least most of it. Cooper - yes (like that he and Groh have a connection. Coincidently I keep hearing that Groh is a pretty popular guy. This isn't thr first time I've heard him talked about in a positive light. Sounds like he's a chip off the old block. Maybe why he was one of a few that managed to stay with Chicago during the transition.) Waynes - hell yes. Having he and Fuller at CB with veterans TJ and Rolle helping out that would be a pretty sweet defnsive backfield. And at the corners you'd be set for years to come. Mariotta - if there is a trade worthy deal maybe but still wouldn't mind seeing him as the pick. Although his name wasn't mentioned I still think Gregory could be a sensible choice (despite the drug issue during the combine). Or still high on Beasley, although the need for one of these guys isn't what it once was.

Of supplant Cutler and make him the highest paid backup.

The more this plays out I actually would be ok with them picking Mariotta in the first. I'm not personally a fan of his right now, but given the opportunity to spend one year watching and learning from whoever is the starter I can't see how he couldn't end up being a good player in later years. I'm concerned with his transition from the style of offense he ran at Oregon to an NFL style offense. I keep hearing great things especially about his leadership and other un-teachable talents that makes me think he would be a great pickup.

Absolutely right. I'll agree 100% with most of this. Despite the fact of being "ruined" he was handsomely compensated for it last year although last year's production wasn't worthy of that payout. And as Cracker pointed out, Rodgers has had similar circumstances with better results. For that matter so too has Eli Manning. The below article is essentially the same as what Cracker posted save the first half. That section addresses the potential 'QB competition' going into next season. John Fox repeated some of what he said earlier this season right after re-signing Clausen to his contract and more or less confirming they were going to continue on with Cutler. http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpos...amp;src=desktop

I'll give him props if indeed he (Jay) did agree to this. This is actually a leadership type of move. Where you recognize the team needs help in building up its resources and only have so much money to use. By doing this its a clear signal, if indeed substantiated, that Jay has the team's interests (not his own) in the forefront. Good for him. I'll be interested in hearing more.

Presumably I'm going to guess that you're considering Gurley. One thing to think about is that Peterson had his share of injury history when he played for Oklahoma. Hasn't had much issue since.

Out of curiosity, how many of these guys made it to the Pro Bowl with their original team vs their second or third team? And of this list how many ended up being alternate PB picks? This being important because now that the Pro Bowl is played in between the Super Bowl many 1st selections are bowing out, especially if their team is in the Super Bowl. Or because they are injured. I mean when you have someone like Andy Dalton playing in the Pro Bowl you have to ask.

You know, I'd actually agree with this too. Funny thing though is that it doesn't have to be a first rounder that does it. Looking back at recent history one of those players was Devin Hester. He literally changed a couple games on his own (Giants, Arizona and St Louis in '06 to name a few) and he was drafted not only in the second round but as a CB. More recently a player that comes to mind, who "makes a difference", would be Forte who was drafted also in the second round. Of course if you count negative 'difference makers' you could consider Cutler who was drafted in the first round.

I wouldn't say absolutely no to Shelton, but not the first pick. I'm more of the opinion that 1st round picks should be used on skill players (QB - except Wintson, RB, CB, Safety, WR). Although I would be good with a few of the prospective OLB/DE candidates. Beasley and Gregory are definite standouts this year.

Anything that involves the Bears drafting Winston is a nightmare waiting to happen. And personally wouldn't be happy with either Shelton or an OLman in the 1st.

Funny how Gurley seems to be making more and more press for the Bears. With all the supposed talent already on O and the strong need for help on the D, never thought he'd be considered. But cool, if that is what they need he's a good one. Grasu is someone that Jason recently endorsed. And he likes him some OLmen so perhaps there is somthing to it(?). And the Bears could use a good young Center who knows the Guard position. What's more, he and Kyle played together although briefly but that's a plus. Gotta say I like the Bonner kid from Pueblo. I saw a cool article on him not too long ago. He's a tall drink of water from a DII school that's done pretty well. Can you say Joe Flacco? I'd definitely like to see him on the Bears.

I find if intriguing that Felix Jones is on the list who had some promise, although short-lived with Dallas. And now they (Dallas) just signed his former backfield companion from Arkansas Darren McFadden. They both did real well while at Arkansas, not so since. And an interesting find in Michael Sam being only one year removed from entering the NFL. He hadn't been able to find a home with the Rams (who drafted him in the 7th round last year) or Dallas. Could he potentially be a stand up OLB or better suited as a true DE in a 3-4?

Excellent points and exactly something I was thinking. I went one further and considered Borland maybe a trend for players to come? Those that get to the elite level, make their money in one or two years then retire because they were concerned of future health concerns? Can't say as I blame them. Wouldn't you? I know when its all said and done I'll have retired from two careers and won't equal anything some of these guys will make in one or two years. That being said a lot goes into this way of thinking. As a society we are much more informed (not smarter) than we were in the past. Discussions like 'heads up football' and 'concussion protocol' were not brought up in the past because, like some of you mentioned, the science wasn't there. The research hadn't been conducted nor the information shared at lightning speed like it is now with the Internet. I was literally knocked out a few times in life (football and otherwise) and wonder, like Mongo and you, where would I be now if I grew up playing video games and a relatively sheltered life instead of playing sports, throwing sticks and dirt clods and living life as a kid growing up? I remember when I went to boot camp in the late '80's we were treated more like the guys on "Full Metal Jacket" (the first half) than what I hear goes on nowadays. My dad drove a car 20-30 miles to the nearest hospital after breaking his back once when I was a kid, a friend of mine's dad used to get so many hernias (he was a logger/homesteader here in Alaska) that he would literally push it back in and go back to work. The generations are definitely 'softening' over the years. Sadly I'm softer than I was when I was younger but pale in comparison when measured to the generations before me. The other day and in relation to this story, I heard someone ask how this could eventually effect the NFL. Could it eventually put it out of business like we know it today? Had you asked me about 10-20 years ago I'd say absolutely not. Nowadays I'm not as sure.

Nah, he'll end up with Chip Kelley. Come to think of it I'm surprised that Chip hasn't made a deal for Kyle Long yet.

And FWIW, I think if Allen decides to do so he'd benefit from being more upright than down in a stance. Much like Peppers did in GB last year. With Allen's speed and length (and age) I think he'd find he would benefit from doing this.

Agreed. From what I'm hearing Cooper would be hard to pass on if available. Since Pace is a fan of BPA the best player may be what we see.

I meant Shaq Thompson. Not sure why I put Ferguson. - derp

All in all I will agree with you pretty much on point. And with regards to the bolded, Gase would be considered a miracle worker so yes he would deserve a shot at a HC job. Maybe he could take Jay with him?

Perhaps you missed that meme that someone sent out a few days ago that shows Cutler throwing down the previous plays on paper? Man was that funny!!! And just to put a spin on the 'intelligence' of Emery, he was the same one that didn't want to keep Urlacher around...and we saw how the defense crumbled shortly afterwards. Coincidence? Perhaps. Look, I have no major issue with his ability or not as a leader. I personally don't see it but as he would say "don't care". All I really want for him to do is produce on the field. He's had a good number of years to prove that he can "lead" on the field and so far has fallen short. I have no question in my mind he's smart enough to dissect the plays on the field and probably scrutinizes each play almost as well as Peyton does. Its when he's on the field and under pressure where he starts to stink it up. Maybe he'll be able to do better with Gase working with him. My question will be how will he act once he commits that first, second, third...turnover? Historically he's been a bit lackluster.

Can't say I don't like it. Cooper is pretty highly regarded. Still would like to have anohter young and Fast LB like Gregory or Beasley. Still hope somehow they can grab Ferguson someway.

You missed the QB comparison. Why is that? ?. Although you could say there are some similarities to Ossweiler and Jimmy right?

Ha ha ha... It's laughable you're right. Especially if you actually believe for a minute they wouldn't pull Cutler the first time he screws up. I'm convinced it will be sooner than later. And Clausen will be first in line, at least for now, to take control.

"Well I think I've seen maturity and growth". "So I've seen a guy that's matured. I watched his one start and a lot of preseason snaps he was involved in and I've seen him grow as a quarterback." and "Obviously, he was a guy that we felt good enough about re-signing, and I'm excited to watch his growth moving forward." All seem relatively positive to me. As I said before the fact that they resigned him AND made these comments before they committed to Cutler is telling. The 'commitment' itself seemed a bit impish but if for nothing else puts Cutler on notice. And yes you're right, the missing part is any glowing endorsement other than to say, we are going to continue with Cutler. I truly think there will be an actual competition when it comes to camp. And if necessary and they like what they see in Clausen, very well may decide to sit Cutler. Which is just fine.

So is it noteworthy that Coach Fox has openly commented on Clausen and both he and Pace committed to re-signing him before they would comment at all on keeping Cutler? I say perhaps. It's definitley worth speculations. http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpos...amp;src=desktop

Well despite it all, he was fired after a 10-6 season. And where have we gone since? Look I know you'd much rather bash Lovie as much as I do Cutler, but the fact of the matter is we've moved on. Well except for Cutler. But we're in a whole new era now going places we've never been (first veteran coach hired in decades, a 3-4 defense etc) let bygones be bygones.