jason

The 5T in a 3-4 formation is traditionally lined up on the outside shoulder of an OT. Nose over some call it, meaning the DE's nose is over the OT's outside shoulder. Some schemes call on that DE to blast straight into the OT, being responsible for the B-Gap and C-Gap, which I think Garrett can do. Doing that too often would be a mismanagement of his skill-set, however. A lot of time the 5T in a 3-4 is responsible for blasting the outside edge of the OT and helping to collapse the pocket. But there seems to be a growing trend in the NFL from what I've seen (I don't have data on it), that the more athletic guys in that position are being lined up a bit wider (6T=head up with the TE & 7T=D-Gap outside the TE) and being used to simply go after the QB from as wide a position possible. This collapses the pocket, and gives the DE more momentum for contact/bull-rush, but it has - what I believe is the increase - the flexibility of using the DE and the OLB interchangeably in zone-blitz packages.

I think the general thought is that they are an atrocious team gaining (multiplying?) a reputation as league-wide joke, losing some of their fan-base support, and are in a unique position of having not only the #1 pick overall, but also another high 1st rounder. All of that creates a situation where they could reinvigorate the franchise by grabbing two blue-chips without sacrificing much.

Technically, the 5T is the edge-setter, but I understand what you're saying. Personally, I think he can play either 1 or 2-gap 5T. He can be the 2-gap 5T because of the strength you alluded to, which is only going to get better with NFL technique, coaching, and additional strength. His freak athleticism could put him at the 1-gap 5T. I think he could do well as an OLB in a 3-4, just like you. The Bears, however, currently need a 5T more, and since the 5T lines up outside the tackle, it's perfect for his skill set. I hate to even link it, but if he were drafted, I'd want to see a spike in the 6T or 7T usage like JJ Watt (similar size/skillset) has in this PFF breakdown.

Personally, I don't like it. Either they report facts or they are opinion-based. They should stick to the facts. The article would have been better if they had discussed the inadequacies the Bears had at WR due to injury, and what Rueben Randle brings to the table. Additionally, they could have delved into the reasons for his departure from previous teams.

I predict Pace doesn't buckle to the pressure of QB need, and goes with his general BPA philosophy. He's talked about BPA philosophy before, and it would serve him well. With that said, he grabs either Myles Garrett or Jonathan Allen, both of which would exponentially help the D. After that he adds a little more emphasis to QB, maybe even moving up to get the guy he wants.

Oh, Myles Garrett or Jonathan Allen are both 5T DEs in a 3-4. Make no mistake. As for what makes him special, well, what doesn't? He's a rare combination of strength, speed, size, athleticism, agility, etc. He's a He's double teamed all the time and still causes havoc. Check out some highlights or analysis (1B, 1C, 1D) and it's plainly apparent. I've even read where PFF (LOL) has all sorts of advanced metrics about pass rushing that makes a case for why he should have been considered for the Heisman. I leave you with a great highlight video:

He'd be a huge upgrade over Unrein, which would improve the DL, which would improve the pass rush, which would minimize the secondary's coverage time.

Are you serious? I've seen multiple. Hell, probably the most popular mock draft website has him in the 2nd. http://mail.walterfootball.com/draft2017_2.php

Nah, you're off. As far as I'm concerned, the Bears draft history allows us to critique the franchise heavily. And since none of our picks were made, we can't know if we would have done better. I'm convinced, however, that most on this board would have done better over the last 10+ years in the draft department. As for Bolles, I just am not fond of him. I think he's a bit overrated. For the record, the more I look at the DII TE, the more I'm intrigued. I'm also warming up to Adoree Jackson as a potential play-maker.

I'm not sure I understand what you're saying. But the sure-fire way to fire up the fan-base is to draft offense, specifically the best QB (presumably) and best RB in the first round.

You want a complaint? I really dislike your draft. Literally every single pick.

I still don't want a QB at #3, but it does destroy my man-crush dreams of getting him in the 2nd round. I compared him to Cam Newton earlier, and that game solidified the comparison in terms of a dual-threat QB who is just dominating. He's the only QB to throw for 400+ yards in a national championship game, and he's done it twice in a row. What excites me about it, however, is the thought that everyone is going to blow up Trubisky, and the draft could start QB/QB. Please gimme some of that, because Myles Garrett has been #1 all along.

I fear after that game he will no longer slip like many predicted. And that sucks because he's been my favorite all along. He's the only one I even want to consider at 3. And I still have him third on my Overall behind Garrett and Allen.

No...we traded down from 6 to 12, but we had to give up the two 4th rounders for trade value purposes, and we received two additional 2nd rounders. Also, only the first trade is for a QB. The second trade would be Cleveland, who could easily be trading up to nab any number of players (because they suck). If I were in Cleveland's shoes, I'd take a QB at #1 and do what I could to get Leonard Fournette (i.e. that trade), then sell it as an attempt to duplicate the Dallas Cowboys' success, and provide a jolt of excitement to the franchise.

The more and more mocks I do, the more I believe the value in the draft is in the second and third rounds. I think the talent really falls after the 3rd round overall. There may be some winners here and there, but the 2nd round will be loaded, and the 3rd will still be pretty nice. Would you be willing to wheel and deal a ton to get multiple second and/or third rounders but end up with less picks in total? Bears' picks: 1.3 = 2200 2.36 = 540 3.67 = 255 4.100 = 100 4.106 = 82 5.131 = 41 7.195 = 13.4 -Bears trade down with NYJ to #6 (1600) who absolutely have to get a QB. Bears acquire the NYJ 2nd rounder 2.39 (510) and a 7th rounder 7.196 (13). -Bears trade down with CLE to #12 (1200) who want to make a big impact after their brutal year. Bears acquire CLE 2.33 (580) and lose their two fourth rounders. Final Bears' picks: 1.12 - Jabril Peppers, S, Michigan 2.33 - Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson 2.36 - Desmond King, CB, Iowa 2.39 - Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin 5.131 - BPA 7.195 - BPA Would you be happy about something like that?

I know we don't all agree, but nearly every expert says this draft sucks for QBs. I'm sure as the time comes nearer, there will be some QBs moving up because of the need, but I don't think it suits our team well to go in that direction. Here's the plan: 1. Big board: Myles Garrett, Jonathan Allen. If they go 1-2, I'll be sick. 2. Deshaun Watson. If he doesn't fall, go with King, CB, Iowa or whichever BPA CB is available. 3. If Watson was there in round 2, go for BPA Safety. If he was not there, Chad Kelly is the pick. 4. Assuming QB has been acquired, go OT & TE in whichever order. TE is deep in this draft, and one of the talented guys will drop. 5. BPA at position of need 7. BPA at position of need I truly believe the Bears, barring injury, would have a dominating D with a front-3 of Hicks, Goldman, Garrett/Allen. And I think Watson is the best QB in the draft. IMO, Chad Kelly will be one of the mid-round guys who do well in the NFL. He already torched a team filled with NFL talent when he put up huge stats against Alabama this year. The that DE/QB combo secured, the Bears are on the way to success.

I like Adams, but I don't want a S in the first round unless the Bears trade way back. That position is deep in the draft this year, and it would make more sense for the team's needs to make picks elsewhere.

I'll give you one I have liked ever since I saw him: Kenny Golladay, WR, NIU He's got a great size, strength, speed, combo. Pretty good hands in general, and has the capability from time to time of the amazing. When he played against Ohio State he had a few really nice plays and displays of his ability. One crazy catch for you:

I hope you're right. And I hope it's the #1 and #2 pick.

But when you mention that situation, it goes a long way towards the clout the GM has with the organization. Do you think Pace has the same clout with the Bears as Polian had with the Colts? As for Moss, I wanted him BADLY. I said so on the old webway monsters message board, or the one before that. Even at 4. I hated the Enis pick. Still do. I vividly recall laughing when the Titans grabbed Dyson before Moss. Having said all that, the Bears had Erik Kramer, Steve Stenstrom, and Moses freaking Moreno at QB that year. No way Moss puts up similar numbers in his rookie year, much less during his rookie contract.

I'm not the one who compared Polian drafting Manning to the Bears' current situation. As for Leaf, who knows? I'm a believer of the concept that we can never know what would happen if player A, drafted by Team A, got drafted by Team B. For instance, Randy Moss never starts his career the same way if he's drafted by the Bears.

Abso-freaking-lutely. Cam Newton's JR year: Passing (2800yds, 30TDs, 7INTs), Rushing (1400yds,20TDs), Total (~4200yds, 50TDs) Deshaun Waton's SR year: Passing (4100yds, 38TDs, 17INTs), Rushing (500yds, 8TDs), Total (~4600yds, 46TDs) Looks pretty damn similar to me, and Deshaun Watson had a BETTER Junior year! Deshaun Waton's JR year: Passing (4100yds, 35TDs, 13INTs), Rushing (1100yds, 12TDs), Total (~5200yds, 47TDs) Also, keep in mind that Cam Newton had issues coming out of college. People said his mechanics were sloppy and he wasn't asked to make progression reads. Auburn's offense was read #1, then run because you're a crazy/great athlete. Then of course there is the fact he only played one year of DI ball. And that doesn't even get into the off-the-field issues. What have people said about Watson: 1) Iffy accuracy at times? All three years he played at Clemson his accuracy was better than Cam Newton's Jr. year. 2) Hasn't had to make NFL progression reads? Sure. But he's made three years' worth of throws that prove his ability. Watson absolutely deserves to be compared with Newton.

Exactly.

The bolded part is the issue. All three main QBs have serious question marks, if not outright flaws. The confidence level is not high enough for #3.

There are two HUGE differences between that situation and the one in Chicago. First, Pace can't hold Polian's jock strap. that was at the 1st or 2nd year of Polian's reign as Indy's GM, in a time where GMs and HCs got a little more breathing room to make mistakes. Oh, and on top of that, the little fact that Polian had gone to the conference championships in 5 of the previous 8 seasons, with 3 Super Bowls in that same time, one team based primarily on offense, and the other based primarily on defense. He commanded respect, and his decisions were without debate. He was not getting fired if Peyton Manning had two straight 3-13 seasons. Second, none of the QBs are even considered to be on Peyton Manning's level. Nearly everyone considered Peyton Manning a can't miss prospect with virtually zero flaws. He was a legacy who had every possible skill and intangible going for him. People may have been wrong about whether Ryan Leaf was going to be better than Manning, but virtually nobody thought Manning was going to flop. All predicted him as a future pro-bowler who absolutely ripped the NCAA apart, and should have won the Heisman. Ownership may buy in to the idea of a QB, but if it were as easy as you state, every HC in trouble and with a QB issue would just say, "Hey, we have to draft a QB in the first, and it'll take at least a season before he's ready to start," thereby ensuring the HC of at least one more year.