jason

Yeah, it could be entirely the fact that instead of 220lb DTs there are now 300lb DTs who run like LBs from the 50s. More mass and more speed means nastier collisions. Until someone has been next to one of these behemoths and has seen how quickly a man nearing 300lbs can move, it's hard to comprehend. Being around football on a yearly basis, I get to see some of these ridiculously sized guys who move like 4-5 weight classes lower. Seeing an absolutely chiseled LB blur by like a WR is scary when considering the RBs are also like that. Remember Thomas Jones' arms? Guys today are just packing on more and more muscle but keeping the speed. Maybe in the past those huge dudes had collisions that were slower, and, physics-ly speaking, less impactful?

The highlighted portion is the exact reason for my offensive draft thread. I just don't see how anyone can truly know what these players will do in a 3-4.

Bear with me on this, but do any of you guys think this stuff is linked in any way to softer generations? Some sort of evolution, so to speak? Shake the hand of a 60-70 year old guy nowadays, and most likely he's still got some good strength. Guys back then, and really the previous generation, were stronger it seemed overall. Wiry strong. Sure, players today can bench more, but those guys back then had that "country strength" which turned into "old man strength". How and why all that happened, and why it changed, is anyone's guess, but I happen to think it has to do with three things: 1. Food - The food today just isn't the same. It doesn't nourish us the same. 2. Activity - This is more important. Kids today and within the last generation or so seem to be specialized more. They don't rough-house around because they're not allowed. Games I used to play when younger, when the objective was just to gang-tackle the kid with the ball, aren't played. Kids today don't play tag in school! I remember playing tackle football as a youngster in a field that very clearly had trash on it...I remember because I fell on some glass. Baseball (with a tennis ball) in the middle of the street. Ever hear of a 13-year old getting Tommy John surgery before the 90s? I think there is something I'm going to call "developmental toughness" that kids don't have any more. I know I got blasted more times than I can count, but I don't know if I ever had a concussion. I don't think I did. Blessed with a hard head. This same thought goes towards the tons and tons of knee injuries we see in sports today. Bigger muscles, but not everything else is strong in support. 3. Lifestyle - Obviously more sedentary than before. I'm just wondering if this is a two-sided issue where we obviously know more about the dangers of concussions today, but the players themselves just aren't the same.

Third would be just right in my opinion. I'd be very happy with that pick. I've disliked Garza as a center for some time now, regardless of what any bogus PFF stats say.

So if you pick Shelton at #7, then you intend on starting him at NT. What are you doing with Ratliff? The more and more I think about the Shelton pick, the less I like it. It throws away Ratliff, and potentially Ferguson. At the least it stunts Ferguson's development because he becomes the #3 NT, who gets zero playing time.

I'm not so sure that's not what many here have discussed. BPA in its strictest forms. Like QB for instance. I just don't see how Winston isn't the BPA, but if he falls to 7 I'm still not sure I want him. That would be a ton of money at QB, and it would destroy the locker room.

I agree that it's a need. I was just holding on to hope, like last year, that the Bears would resign Peanut. With Peanut and Jennings last year, there was no need to draft Fuller. Well, little did we know that Peanut would get hurt again and Jennings would regress so much. Insurance is always nice, but it's called insurance for a reason. You're probably right about this year though...CB is a greater need now that Peanut is pretty much gone and Jennings is now an enigma.

Did we?! I misunderstood that trade if that's what happened.

Seriously? Scherff is projected at a RT or a G, and he'd help immensely. If he lined up at RT, which is where I'd hope, you could pretty much guarantee 4+ YPC running on the right side behind him and Long. Dude is a monster, much like Long. Almost always described as a road grader. Putting those two together would be a nasty combination, and it would force defenses to overload that side on pretty much all rushing downs. Additionally, that would greatly improve the play-action game, something pretty much every Bears fan wants to see more of. I agree the defense stunk the last two years, but I just don't know how the team with new coaches and and a new scheme can adequately evaluate players without having seen them play that scheme. By the way, if the offense were much better at running the ball, it would improve time of possession, and keep that horrid defense off the field more.

I'm against it because I don't believe in true BPA. True BPA causes GMs to pick WR three years in a row or QB two years in a row. That's just dumb. Having said that, I believe in BPA plus need. Positions of need are plentiful on the Bears, and WR is one of few where we have solid starters at all spots. Same reason why I'd hate a first round TE or RB. We need OT, C, ILB, FS, SS, and probably a few other positions (CB, DE, QB) more.

I think the post I just made is going to upset you if you expect better run to pass ratio. That just doesn't appear to be what Fox and Gase do.

Last year the offense was below average and the defense was horrible. Going into the draft it seems that anything right now is possible. I'm seeing DB, WR, DE, LB, S, everything possible. Since they're switching to a 3-4, it's difficult to know what any of the guys on the roster can/will do. -The number of potential OLB/ILB combos is borderline obscene. -I happen to think the front three will be figured out between Houston, Ferguson, Ratliff, Sutton, and Allen, especially since Ratliff has been specifically mentioned as being important in plans. -Still need plenty of defensive backfield help. With all that said, here's what Fox has done the last ten years on offense, and what he did while with Gase: 2014 - Pass/Rush ~70%/~30%, RBBC ~65%/~35%, Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Wes Welker, Tight End 2013 - Pass/Rush ~75%/~25%, RBBC ~65%/~35%, Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, Wes Welker, Tight End Fox "without" Gase: 2012 - Pass/Rush ~75%/~25%, RBBC ~45%/~30%/~20%, Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, Tight End, Brandon Stokely 2011 - Pass/Rush ~45%/~55%, RBBC ~50%/~25%/~15%, Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas, Tight End, Brandon Lloyd Fox without Gase (CAR): 2010 - Pass/Rush ~55%/~45%, RBBC ~50%/~30%/~20%, Steve Smith, Running Back, Brandon Lafell, David Gettis 2009 - Pass/Rush ~55%/~45%, RBBC ~50%/~50%, Steve Smith, Muhsin Muhammed, Running Back, Tight End 2008 - Pass/Rush ~55%/~45%, RBBC ~65%/~35%, Steve Smith, Muhsin Muhammed, Running Back, Tight End 2007 - Pass/Rush ~60%/~40%, RBBC ~55%/~45%, Steve Smith, Tight End, Wide Receiver, Wide Receiver 2006 - Pass/Rush ~65%/~35%, RBBC ~65%/~35%, Steve Smith, Keyshawn Johnson, Running Back, Running Back 2005 - Pass/Rush ~65%/~35%, RBBC ~55%/~35%/~10%, Steve Smith, Running Back, Wide Receiver, Wide Receiver FACTS: 1. He definitely favors passing to running. The only year without more passing was the odd Tebow/Orton year. 2. He definitely believes in RBBC, and never has a RB get 75% of the yards like Forte did last year. 3. He appears to be more in favor of the traditional split end/slot combination. One possession guy, and one big play guy. OPINIONS: 1. Cutler was sacked a lot last year. Maybe not as bad as before, and certainly not as bad as JAX last year, but bottom half of the league. I think this means OL gets attention (hence the OG pick up and the look at FA Centers) since the decision was made to stick with Cutler. 2. I think this means we can expect Forte to get less carries and Carey to see an increase. 3. I think this pretty clearly looks like, aside from extra locker room issues, a justification for letting Marshall go. And it's also probably why Eddie Royal got signed. DRAFT REPERCUSSIONS: 1. I wouldn't be surprised to see a tackle and/or center taken in the first four rounds. Imagine my joy at that scenario. 2. We probably won't be adding a RB with Forte, Carey, and Perry on the roster. 3. Depth at WR isn't great, even if he has his main pieces. I could see a mid round WR picked. MOCK DRAFT: The pick between Fowler, Gregory, Ray, and Beasley DE/OLB looks likely, but I'm going with the theory above that the D is an unknown. 1. Brandon Scherff, OL, Iowa - Immediate starter, massive upgrade. Sets up Long's move outside, or replaces Mills straight up at RT. 2. BCBA - Honestly, there appears to be a lot of stud CB talent this year, and waiting until the third is risky. Grab the guy you like here. 3. Hronis Grassu, C, Oregon - Stud. Sits for one year, starts the next...if not sooner. 4. Hau'Oli Kikaha, DE/OLB, Washington - The fact that everyone expects someone like this for the Bears at some point in the 2015 draft makes it seem a bit inevitable. 5. Derron Smith, FS, Fresno State or Kurtis Drummond, S, Michigan State - Both ballhawks at FS. 6. BQBA prospect - Sean Mannion, Oregon State perhaps? 7. Terry Williams, NT, East Carolina - 6'1", 353lbs, has his own zip code. I'm not sure why this guy is rated so low. He is a sleeper.

Dead on. As many here know, I officiate football at various levels from pee-wee to college. What I heard from high school leaders was that 2014 was the first year in football's history, with the possible exception of the time it almost got outlawed as a sport, that the enrollment decreased. What I heard from the higher level guys in the NFL is that the head needs to absolutely be taken out of the hitting portion of the game or it may not survive.

Say it with me, Hroniss Grasu. Well, attempt to say it with me...because I don't have a clue how to say it.

Wow. I hate, hate, hate it. WR in the first? No. Another OLB? No. Hate it.

In a heart beat.

Not a need. Period. Gotta see what's in the cupboard before buying more groceries.

Um. Three years. After that though? Lovie was 8-10 during the regular season vs. GB, and 8-11 overall. Only 3 division championships in 9 seasons. I'd say overall, he didn't do what he said he'd do. Which, along with his aversion to offense, is the reason he got fired.

3 technique DTs are known more for their ability to burst into the gap than they are for taking on OL 1 on 1. I can see Allen and Young doing quite well in that role, especially someone like Allen who has a complete pass rushing skill set. Hell, he's only 15-20 pounds away from Henry Melton who was considered great for a few years in Chicago.

Understatement of the year. Going from Tucker to Forrest Gump is a good upgrade. To Fangio? Astronomical.

Lovie was in Chicago from 2004-2012. Tait, Brown, and Jones all arrived in 2004. Fairly certain Lovie had little to do with these moves as a rookie coach, especially considering his disdain for OL. But if you're going to try and give credit to Lovie for picking up Thomas Jones, which I agree was a good move, then be sure to give him credit for unnecessarily drafting Cedric Benson. Garza came the following year, and since he was OL, I'm sure it was a move pushed on Lovie. As for Hester, keep in mind he was drafted to play cornerback after the retirement of Jerry Azumah. Given Lovie's propensity for drafting underwhelming CB talent, this probably was his pick. Given that Hester sucked at CB enough that I don't recall him getting much PT, recall that Lovie was the one who wanted to move Hester to WR. A #1 WR at that. I'd say that was a moderately successful effort, but he sure as hell wasn't a #1. It's a good thing he turned into the best return man in history. But that was probably Lovie's thoughts all along, right? Forte? Eh...good pick all around. I'd say great leader, really good DC, average HC, and bad GM.

I'd be pissed if the draft played out like that and they made those picks. Better start... 1-Beasley, OLB Clemson 2-DGB, WR Oklahoma 3-IEO, CB Oregon 4-Petty, QB Baylor

Cutler for the #1 pick?! I'd be game. And then trade back. Pace needs to make that offer. THAT would be building for the future. One losing year for a dynasty?

So Lovie is basically just trying to sign the former Bears players. What a moron. Chris Conte Isaiah Frey Henry Melton Evan Rodriguez Major Wright I wouldn't be shocked to see Briggs going to TB soon.

Love the Eddie Royal signing. He's a perfect compliment to Alshon, and the type of WR we needed last year. Give me a guy who can get open all day over a guy who runs poor routes but has physical traits. You just can't guard those pinball guys. Best route runner I ever saw was Marvin Harrison; you couldn't tell what he was going to do or which way he was going to cut. Every.single.route looked the exact same. I wouldn't mind seeing another slot-type guy signed. I wonder what Wes Welker and his concussions would require for a signing?