[Hey, it's a free safety!]

Isnt Payne a strong safety while Steltz and Bullocks are free safeties?

Steltz is a SS is listed as a FS because we have no one else there. Add a FS in the draft and we have 2 and 2 and see what happens.

[Trade down partners?]

I am with you -- let's go out and get some players who will make an impact!! Trade 2010 1st rd + a conditional pick and Orton to Denver for Cutler.

 

Then grab the best OT and WR in rounds 1 and 2 even if we have to trade up to get them!

 

Culter + Nicks / Robiski and Oher /Britton / Beatty this would be a tremendous start.

 

The rest of our offseason should include: signing WR T Holt(if cut), FB -- L Weaver, CB -- K Lucas and go after RFA FS J Page from KC, OT O Pace (at least for a visit and exam), OT J St Claire and I would say this team is ready to come out and challange for the NFC North!

 

It may be a pipe dream but if there is even a .00001% chance of prying a QB like Culter away from DEN than that is what JA must do!

If we got Cultler it would take this years pick, If we sign Pagel we would have to give them our 2nd round pick, he is a RFA

[Trade down partners?]

If we trade down I think we only have two possible partners.

 

The Giants have 29-----------45----------60. They need a WR, OLB, and another RB add to the mix. Would they want a WR that would be there at 18 enough to give back 29 and 60 for?

 

The Patriots have 23----------34--------47 They need to add a couple of young LBs to help Mayo. Vrabel gone and Bruschi will turn 36. Would they give us 23 and 60 if Cushing or Maualuga drops to us would they pull the trigger?

[Hey, it's a free safety!]

This move sucks... I was really hoping they were considering signing Ken Lucas (released by the panthers) and finally following thru with the idea of moving tillman to FS after all we do like picking up former panthers as they like picking up former bears lol. I would feel a lot more comfortable with graham and lucas as the cb's and tillman and payne as the safety tandem then we could have used vasher as the nickel. Who knows they may still try to get him but I have a feeling they are playing a cheap year this year and are content with mediocrity which is why we still have babich on the coaching staff. Oh well this is nothing more than JA and Lovie sealing their fate at season's end. You can only blame yourself JA!

Lets face a few facts here, the only real true FSs in free agency that were any good was Atogwe/Rams and a distant second Wilson/ Texans the rest are old and SSs. Its not a big risk to bring in a body to give it a shot, I bet he beats out Stelz, and unless we bring in a high draft pick,. will have the job. We can only hope he plays well and we had a good signing. I always look to the positive side of everything and if it doesnt work out then I will bitch about it. I want bodies and hope some come thru. I want more bodies.

[Hey, it's a free safety!]

I also liked him coming out and its ironic that he gets a chance to replace another former Cornhusker. I watched the way Zack Bowman played in the one game he got a chance to play in and maybe what ever they teach at Nebraska may translate well to the Bears system.

They say the knock on him is not a good tackler, he preformed better his rookie season and seem to fall off alot last year. Maybe he had some issues with the coaches and a change of address can restart him. He was the 3rd saftey taken in the 2005 draft and was a stud in college,. maybe he can be a better player here. At least another body to take a flyer at, the more bodies the better chance of finding a diamond in the rough. I wasnt very settled with Steltz as the starter.

[Hey, it's a free safety!]

http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2009/03/be...sh_bullock.html

 

I remember liking him when he was coming out, but getting a guy from the terrible New Orleans secondary does not seem like the best move.

We got a firestorm going now, by the end of the week there will be 4 more bodies dropping to the Bears.

[QB Options: Jeff Garcia]

Last season all the close games that we lost in the 4th qtr was it because the offense or the defense not being able to hold the lead? Carolina,Tampa, and Atlanta are three games that the offense lead by Orton did enough to win the game come to mind.Why is there so much negative talk about the offense when the defense let this team down a lot. I think the Bears should consider one of the safeties at 18 also.Whether its Delmas,Cheung or Moore could all be in the mix at that pick.How about our inconsistent pass rush.Could the Bears be considering a DE? I wouldn't be surprised if they went that way.IMO they should get over their fears and draft a WR to give themselves another weapon on offense.I personally like Hakeem Nicks and think he will be a similar fit to the Bears offense as Forte was last season.

I am a draftnik and lately have been seeing Nicks getting picked higher and higher on the draft boards. 18th isnt out of the question of taking him to high anymore. I see him going higher than DHB and Harvin.

[Metcalf Released]

Not surprising.He had plenty of opportunities to gain a starting position and never really came close.His suspension last season led me to believe that his days were numbered.

Does anybody know what he was being paid, I dont think he was redone of the cheap.

[Should we consider Eben Britton in the 1st?]

If he drops to us I'd be all for taking him. Sure, he's got osme problems, but he also has the talent and has shown it in the college game.

Does anybody read Sporting News Today online, its free and has interesting reading. There is an article on OTs in this years draft and they rate Oher as the 7th best tackle. They have Beatty and Britton as the 4th and 5th best tackles with at #3 Smith a potenial bust with his lackluster attitude. The article was put together by some former nfl scouts, so they have some expertice in the draft.

[QB Options: Jeff Garcia]

We don't run 5-7 step drops. We overwhelmingly use 3 step drops.

We dont have the proper personal to run the true WCO but we use a form of it. Montana had Roger Craig who led had just as many yards receiving as he did rushing. The 3 step drop, short throws, throwing to the backs, TEs, its as close as you get. Alexander in Seatle during there hayday, had lots of receptions beside leading the league in rushing.

[Should we just trade for Holt?]

Why man, why! Why must you consistently post little truths that make me want projectile vomit. Wait... Better now. My answer is YES. I have always thought the world of Holt. Give him 2 years 14 mil and screw JA's practice sqaud fodder.

Everybody explain to me if he is released, why would he want to come here? Poor passing game, outdoor weather, not going to be high bidder. He will have several bidders that will offer more in a better place than here.

[QB Options: Jeff Garcia]

Pass, it'd be a waste of money. Garcia can only play in the WCO, especially at this point in his career. I really wouldn't like him as a backup either.

 

There'd be virtually no upside with a move like this. At least with someone like Leftwich there is some upside with signing him.

We run the west coast offense. Short throws, throwing out of the backfield, TEs are in the game plan, and get off the bus running. He would be a seasoned QB for a short term. I think he would fit right in and not cost alot.

[Pace released]

He's play 23 games in 3 years, and 14 of those came last year. Like DBDB said, if we lose out on St Clair, Pace wouldn't be a bad option depending on the price.

Let us all remember we Got Rueben Brown at the end of his career and he had two good years. Pace probably wont be picked up till after the draft. He has been to injured and will want to much. He need to be humbled with a wait to be picked up.

[Will one of the good WRs be available in the 2nd?!]

It depends on what you consider a "good receiver". In my book, the WR cut off is after Robiskie, leaving you with Crabtree, Maclin, Heyward-Bey, Britt, Nicks, Harvin, and Robiskie (although I'm willing to consider Derrick Williams). We know with some certainty that Crabtree will go early. I also think that Harvin replecates too much of what Hester does, so he doesn't really interest me. I think that if the Bears want one of those WRs, they need to either take one in the first or trade up in the second, because those are the WRs I trust to be able to come in and contribute, which is what the Bears need, because if you don't you end up (like I did in the mock draft results I recently posted) with all those WRs gone. Now, certainly, a lot can happen between now and then. The best thing that can happen may be that the WRs stay relatively the same, but players at other positions start shooting up into the last half of the 1st/early 2nd to push the WRs down. But, again, at this point you can't really count on that.

I AGREE WITH EVERYTHING YOU SAID. Crabtree will be gone and Harvin not desirable for us. I also think DHB wont be a stud. He had average stats for such great measurables, think Troy Williamson

[Holt article from the Sun Times]

I didn't realize that the Rams need to decide one way or another to keep him by March 17th. Before I'd thought all this Holt speculation was based purely on, "IF the Rams decide to release Holt . . . "

 

I'd love to see Holt in a Bear's uniform. That being said, if we didn't pursue Housh, why would we pursue Holt? You have to figure the 5 year 40 million $$$ contract Seattle paid TJ will be the starting point for what Holt is asking.

ESPN reported that if released that the Titans, Giants, and Jets are interested, so that means he will be getting something like a 2 year 15 million deal. We wont be in the mix at that price.

[Bears vist GT on there pro day and looked at?]

<_ the bears were at georgia techs pro day and showed great interest in johnson on here we talk about ot they very well could draft a de with first pick if someone is there like. what do you think that>

[Even in offseason, It's a marathon not a sprint...]

Even in offseason, it's a marathon not a sprint

 

I was surprised the Bears were not listed as one of the five teams who have been very quiet in FA. Instead it centered on GBP, MIN, SDC, KCC & ATL. Still, it is interesting that the article sort of supports JA's approach to FA. I have no doubt our needs will be addressed. There are a good number of players who will be signing on the cheap who will be good additions. JA like many are just unwilling to overpay for a FA that once he gets his fat check will disappear. Once we have our March mini camp (when is it?) and evaluate our team, see who we pick up in the draft, we will make the necessary moves. Also let's not forget how many players are cut loose by teams later on in the summer.

It may not come at the pace the fans like, but if we make some moves before the draft that helps then that is all that matters.

[New Mock 3-8-09]

Either Britt or Nicks will. I'm just guessing it will be Britt.

 

Dvoracek isn't very good/might get cut/is always hurt, Adams is old, and Harris is inconsistent. So yes, DT is a bigger need then people give it credit for.

 

Williams isn't even 250 pounds, while Hunt is 260 already.

 

That 7th I have is a guess that we'll get a compensation 7th for either Gilmore or Ayanbedejo.

Since this all a guessing game anyways, I am a big draft nut and doubt if either of those two get out of the first round. By the way they are my two favorite receivers in this draft. My fear is Robiscke will be gone to.

I agree Droracek isnt very good but Adams is 28 until June, I would say that is prime for a NFL player. We have a savior for a new coach and will expedt him to pick up Harris and Dvoraceks game, plus Toeaina has looked good when he has played. We also need to add 2 FSs, 1 DE, 2 OLs, 2 WRs, 1OLB, a possible CB, and QB before we address the DT position. We arent very active in FAgency and dont have enough draft picks to get what we need. There is no way we are taking a DT in the first 4 rounds. Plus Hill ran a 5.2 at the combine, and at 329 not Lovies style of player.

Hunt is 6/2 260, and Williams 6/5 252, so a bigger frame to add weight too, but a mute point, there both ranked around the 14 th at there position and probably wont amount to anything anyways.

[New Mock 3-8-09]

1. Eben Britton, OT, Arizona

---IMO, he fits our scheme perfectly. St Clair still hasn't re-signed and is bad in the run game.

2. Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers

---A possession WR who is a perfect compliment to Hester.

3. Sammie Lee Hill, DT, Stillman

---A massive NT who knows how to get to the QB.

3. Phillip Hunt, DE, Houston

---Has a nose for the QB.

4. Troy Nolan, FS, Arizona State

---Big safety who has a nose for the ball and knows what to do when he gets the ball (3 TD's this past year).

5. Louis Vazquez, OG, Texas Tech

---He could go earlier, but Vazquez had a great combine with, I believe, the most reps of anyone.

6. Austin Collie, WR, BYU

---Reminds me of current Packers' WR Jordy Nelson when he was coming out last year.

7. Londen Fryar, CB, Western Michigan

---CB depth.

 

Thoughts?

(admin- please change date to 3-8-09)

Britt wont be there at 2. Why a DT with the 3rd pick, not an area of need? I would rather take Brandon Williams/Texas Tech than Hunt, 3" taller and has identical stats against better talent. We dont have a 7th round pick

[Will one of the good WRs be available in the 2nd?!]

Looking at the end of the first round, there are several teams that might go WR...and that could cause a run on WRs that screws the Bears out of at least an option to take a second-tier WR with their second pick.

 

TB - They really need a WR badly.

Detroit - All jokes aside, they STILL need another WR. Someone to compliment Calvin

Philly- How many years will they need weapons for McNabb?

Minny-Berrian is their #1, but Rice and Wade aren't that impressive.

NE - Nope. They're good.

Atlanta - Need a compliment to Roddy White, and Jenkins isn't that great

Miami - Ginn is still not great...need more weapons

Baltimore - Always a need

Indianapolis - Marvin's gone

Philly - It will be shocking if they don't take a WR with one of their first rounders.

NY Giants - Are they worried about Plaxico still?

Tennessee - Their #1 WR is Justin Gage. Nuf said.

Arizona - They're stacked.

Pitt - Not bad.

 

So, that's 10 teams that need a WR. We could see a good four or five hit the end of the first round.

That would be very possible that the top 7 receivers are gone before we get to pick in the second round. We cant control what other people do, just put together a plan and hope it works. We have so many holes to fill if we dont get one of the top receivers we will just fill a different hole early. I dont think you can fill all your holes in one offseason just fill as many as possible, and hope a later round WR becomes a suprize.

[What if the Bears signed two FA WRs?]

Sign both forget Davis...

If your going to have a pipe dream, trade for Boldin. We might be lucky to sign one old wr, but we would never sign two. Holt has more left, If Manning wasnt throwing to his favorite target, you would know he player last year. Hes a saint in Indy, they would never let him go unless he had nothing left.

[Players I hope we're still looking at]

I like to think we're not going to wait until after the draft to just sign players off the scrap-heap. Here's some guys who are still available I hope like hell we're thinking about trying to sign:

 

Byron Leftwich: What the heck happened to him anyway? He was supposed to be the best free agent quarterback available, and I haven't even heard a rumor about him other then he might resign with Pittsburgh. He's proven he's a good back-up and he'd definitely keep Orton on his toes.

 

Khalif Barnes: At 26 years old, he could be our starting RT for the next 6 years. I'd like to sign him AND St. Clair.

 

Jared Page: At 6-0, 220 lbs, he's considered a big free safety. That's exactly what the Bears need. He is a restricted free agent for Kansas City, but I wonder how much immediate cap space they have left after the Cassell deal? We stole Tait from the Chiefs when he was restricted . . .

 

D.J. Hackett: He's extremely injury prone, but ESPN has him rated very high and I love what they had to say about him:

 

Hackett has excellent size and above-average straight-line speed. His long stride can be deceptive and allow him to get behind a secondary. He can use his long frame and excellent catching radius to get over defenders and catch in traffic. He has become a legitimate red-zone threat. He has excellent hand-eye coordination and consistently plucks the ball away from his frame. He shows a decent burst out of breaks and can separate from defenders with his cutting skills. He still needs work on his route running, but is learning how to set up defenders and avoid telegraphing his intentions. He lacks great top-end speed and won't blow by many defenders on go routes. His durability is questionable. Hackett started to come into his own in 2007, but he missed most of the season's first half and four games late because of ankle injuries. In four NFL seasons, he has yet to play a full 16-game schedule.

Those are players that still could help, the only problem is Page would cost a 2nd pick if we sign him. Also some other WRs that might be able to help us is like Furry who could replace Davis. Curry/Oak is still there, Porter/Jags, if he can be gotten cheap. Kwamie Harris/OT from Oakland(played well before he fell on his face last year), Weaver/FB/Seahawks young and better than what we have there, Bodden/CB/Lions rated high or McFadden/CB/Pitts grab one of them and move Graham to FS.

[Results of a Mock Draft I Participated In]

I like the Sanchez pick but I'd have taken Loadholt in Rd 2 and I like picking up Moore in the 3rd.

I dont mind the QB pick in the first round, the only problem is I want our first 3 or 4 picks to make instant contributions , and he isnt a first year phenom; but dont the road a good valve. Also I would have took Loadholt on the 2nd pick, DT isnt a big need and that player is like the 96sh ranked player for a 49th pick. Moore is a great pick in the 3rh round, and Murphy not bad at the 4 th spot.

 

I would have took: 1) Nicks

 

2) Loadholt

 

3)Moore

 

4) Brandon Williams/DE/Texas Tech

 

We address 4 areas of need for the next year, other wise if they admit there are rebuilding, do the QB thing.

[Worst case scenario for WR]

I think DHB isnt going to have a good career in the NFL. Look at his production his last year. I think he is a Troy Williamson type, speed but lacks other traits. I think you have to have a track record at being productive, and then it still is a crap shoot.

I screwed my attchment up.

[Worst case scenario for WR]

IMHO the best case serino is this one

 

1. Sign Holt

2. Draft Macklin/DHB

3. Hester

4. Bennett

5. Rideau/davis

6.Aromnshodu

 

With DavisAromnshodu getting cut

I think DHB isnt going to have a good career in the NFL. Look at his production his last year. I think he is a Troy Williamson type, speed but lacks other traits. I think you have to have a track record at being productive, and then it still is a crap shoot.