Alaskan Grizzly

Wait wait wait! He played for a "small school"! Ha ha... I'm sorry, I couldnt resist. In all seriousness, looks like a decent "bargain player" for the 6th round.

Well it looks like your "missing thread"was found. Anyhow, no I probably would not have picked a FB in the fourth round, unless I knew WHY he was picked. Was there other intangibles that other teams saw in him? (sounds like NE might have seen something). Perhaps all the other "higher rated" and more heavily scouted players could have had bad info (injuries, personality etc) the team disliked. Perhaps Emery is using his skills as a scout and looking for true bargain players. So far he's made a lot of bargain moves (save Campbell) so why not continue that? Think about it, these higher touted and more popular players could cost a bundle during contract negotiations. Maybe Emery wants money to see what falls out after the draft is over, when other teams have to get rid of players they can't afford so they can sign their picks? Emery can come along with his saved money and pick up a decent veteran player for position of need. Maybe this is totally "outside the box thinking" but I have no history on Emery yet other than what I've seen so far. And so far he's done pretty good. As far as me thinking that JA was a savior, not sure I really ever said that. In fact I was one that thought, late last year, that he and Martz needed to go... And they did. The one tha I get ceiticized regularly for siding with is Lovie. But that's fine, I'm still sticking by him.

I saw the one he is talking about but it isnt there anymore. Did it merge with Bradjock's about the same subject?

Well played sir. "Keep calm and Chive on!"

You're sick! Ha ha ha! I can't wait to see Terra, Jason, Bear 4evrr, or Lucky see that post. Brilliant!

Really Terra? Since when have you NOT been known to be a "Johnny Raincloud"? Or whatever you called it. This is the first draft that Emery has done and already many are willing to consider it the worst yet? We haven't seen any of these guys play yet so how could it be decided already?

I think a lot of this type of posting is those that are just waiting for an excuse to bad mouth the organization. So the team drafts a fullback (although a confusing choice) they pile on. I think it would be better to hold off on the judgement until we have an opportunity to see how this and the rest of the players pan out. After all the last I checked, none of us are in the "war room" when these choices are beig made, nor during the time leading up to it.

What's to say McClellin won't be a "freak of nature"? I think it a bit premature to assume a lot about he and the school he came from. And just for reference: Richard Dent - Tennessee State (by the way Ed "Too Tall" Jones played there too); "Mean Joe" Green - North Texas; Osi Umenyiora - Troy and Israel Idonije - Manitoba (that's in Canada). Ok maybe the last one isnt necessarily a "freak" but most would say he's a pretty decent player. And has made an adjustment to the NFL despite not having that high calibe college pedigree.

Uhm, actually I was making the comparison to the opinion of schools that were regarded as stronger (Big 10) vs those that weren't (MWC?). Of those in the "weaker" conference, New Mexico was listed (as was Boise State). Urlacher played at New Mexico and regardless of how "inferior" that conference was/is, he has had a pretty good career. As far as comparing McClellin to Urlacher specifically. I'll reserve judgement for now. Just like in 2000 if I would have compared Urlacher to either Singletary or Butkus, I would have been considered crazy.

Didn't Urlacher play at New Mexico?

Yep that's the game I was talking about. Nice work and compilation. It shows him being a pain in the arse to opposing coverage. He's going to be perfect in Chicago. The only concern I have with him is the talk about his weight starting off 2011. Apparently he came to camp heavy but was noted to be a sleek 215(?) during the Combine. Sounds like he ended the previous year injured so that could be a part of why he was heavier... either way I'm not OVERLY worried. Still a great pick!

One name comes to mind: Danieal Manning. Granted he was not a "1st round pick" but he was the Bears "first pick" in 2006. His niche' was Special Teams (listed as a DB). Didn't do bad as a ST'er in Chicago. Although it wasn't until he got to Houston before his other "talents" started to show. Anyhow, I agree in principle that the 1st round pick shouldn't be for a ST player. What's to say that when Emery said that he actually meant that the player might see action on Special Teams in addition to learning his eventual permanent role? Don't want to show your hand too early.

I like this new "glass half full" way of thinking you are showing. Now let's talk about this Lovie Smith guy.

I didn't say anything about a "hybrid defense" just hybrid players. And just because they haven't, doesn't mean they won't. Like I pointed out before, the Giants have tinkered with the idea of faster players on the front line and they have been pretty successful. What if they did try Peppers out at standing up, just to see how much quicker he could be? It's not past the point of probable.

Brian Bear, You're way too hung up on this "OLB" and "3-4" vs "4-3" scheme. A lot of teams are looking for players that can fit that OLB/DE hybrid. Take NY Giants as an example. They have a 4-3 basic defense with a front four combination of DE/OLB crashing the opposing line. Mathias Kiwanuka was drafted by the Giants as a DE but is now considered an OLB. Heck even last year in Chicago, Peppers played interior line a few times here and there. I think it is a great idea at looking to bring in a player with "LB speed" to help in the front four rush. After all, the effectiveness of the Cover 2 is predicated by the front four pressure.

This is a HUGE reason why I can't stand mock drafts. It is so much hype and opinion that proves out to be "much ado about nothing". That being said, I don't think it fair to judge without really knowing much about the guy. I think some might have been skeptical when this guy was picked, after all he was a Safety for a large part of his College career: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dspro...&genpos=olb And just for comparison: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1274370 Most places I have read say that this guy was going to get picked somewhere in the 1st round. Some say high mid, some say low mid first round. He's now a Bear and there's no doubt he will contribute to a team looking to get back to the Super Bowl.

I know it's a bit off the wall but what if??? Saw today that Mike Wallace does not intend to sign his tender with Pittsburgh. How about a trade with Forte? The Steelers need an RB and the Bears need another "flashy" WR opposite Marshall and me thinks Wallace would fit the bill. Just sayin.

If ONLY the Bears had thrown that last game against Minnesota!!!! Ha!! Couldnt resist. I think it ludicrous to even entertain the thought. Anyhow, as much a proponent I am to NOT drafting an OLman in the first round, I might consider an exception with a player like Kalil. I think it mostly has to do with pedigree, since his brother has at least been somewhat successful if not at least consistent. However, the price that would be paid to secure a player like him would be too much, both in picks and money. So again I'd have to say no thanks.

Uhm... Maybe you missed the part I included about the San Fran line not being that good, despite having THREE first rounders and two second rounders (when Rachal was a starter). Some perspective.... http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2012/03/30/is...e-probably-not/

Not sure what it is but for some reason I keep thinking about Safety (possible MLB) Taylor Mays the Bears were looking at a year or two ago. I remember you and I both thinking that would have been a good pick up. I have the same "feel good" about this acquisition.

I can't help but point out (again) that both Williams and Carimi were first round picks...picked up early in their respective drafts. They have both yet to prove themselves in their "drafted" position. And for what it's worth, I saw another poster on another site mention how horrible the San Fran oline was. Apparently they rated down near where the Bears did in "allowed sacks". And they had three first rounders and two second rounders (including Rachal). Again my opinion continues to be that OL man is not the solution ( or guarantee) at 1st round.

Thank you Brian. I have to agree. So far what we do know is that he is in fact a veteran player. He was drafted a "high second round" back a few years ago. He's 26 and he came by way of relative inexpensive 1 year deal. What we don't know is how he will compare to the current Guards (OLmen) on staff.

Im still of the opinion that the Bears need to consider a "skill set" player for the first round. I watched some video on Michael Floyd and thought maybe he was overrated...at first. Things I saw were big and slow, but he catches nearly everything thrown his way. And another positive (earlier paired with a negative) but BIG. 6'2" 220 lbs big. So I thought to myself as I watched these vids and got to thinking, " who does he remind me of?". Calvin Johnson. Although Calvin is bigger, 6'5" 240, he and Floyd have very similar route running, catching and leaping abilities. Not the breakaway speed some might want but then you're talking about smaller receivers. Something the team has plenty of. So all things being what they are I think Floyd would definitely be a great add for the Bears first pick.

I dunno. One name pops up when I read "Pro Bowl" talent and then there are questions about the players true ability.... Brandon Meriweather . Two time Pro Bowler but where is he now? Not that he has character issues just doesn't seem able to sustain his Pro Bowl level play.