*☠*Official Chicago Bears 2009-2010 Thread(4-4)*☠* week 10 @49ers

[curtiscarter23]

Originally Posted by Chris Paul 3

FUNNY, but depressing at the same time! Im still waiting for somebody on t.v. to say "april fools bears fans."

 

[stringer bell 32]

Someone reads Smells like a Mascot and probably palhose9

 

[chris paul 3]

Jay Cutler Reaches Out to Plaxico Burress

According to a report by Zack Zaidman on the Score Sports Radio in Chicago, Plaxico Burress has been contacted by new Chicago Bears Quarterback Jay Cutler.

Zaidman saw Burress at the Final Four in Detroit. The former New York Giants Wide Receiver was there to support Michigan State, his alma mater. According to Zaidman, Cutler sent Burress a text message saying they could use him in Chicago.

Burress relayed that he loves Garrett's popcorn and Giordano's Pizza. He was also reportedly contacted by Donovan McNabb and former teammate Ben Roethlisberger.

After being released by the Giants, Burress was awarded $1 millon as a part of a grievance filed against the Giants last season for withholding bonuses from last season.

He would be a perfect fit on the field for the Bears. Running back Matt Forte led the Bears in receptions last season with 63. Devin Hester led the Bears with only 665 yards and Greg Olson paced the Bears with five touchdowns.

All Burress needs to do now is clear up that felony weapons charge hanging over him. There are indications is going to be able to plea the charges into a misdemeanor. That would likely reduce his prison sentence to three to four months.

Don't doubt that Burress will land somewhere. His agent is Drew Rosenhaus. Rosenhaus is also the agent for Terrell Owens. The other teams likely to make a play other than the Bears, Steelers and Eagles are the Vikings and Raiders.

With a pro bowl quarterback on their roster for the first time in a generation, now the Bears need to go get Jay Cutler a play maker. If the Bears are able to get Burress, they will a statement that they are a serious contender in the NFC.

Other big name receivers the Bears might consider include Torry Holt and Marvin Harrison. How good the Bears will be offensively might be determined on their ability to find Cutler a play maker on the outside.
http://bleacherreport.com...r-reaches-out-to-burress

 

[youngmoney]

wow, if plexiglass goes to chi-town!!!!!! should be fun to watch the norris this year. pack, vikes and bears battling it out. go pack

 

[the gr8]

Originally Posted by Chris Paul 3

Jay Cutler Reaches Out to Plaxico Burress

According to a report by Zack Zaidman on the Score Sports Radio in Chicago, Plaxico Burress has been contacted by new Chicago Bears Quarterback Jay Cutler.

Zaidman saw Burress at the Final Four in Detroit. The former New York Giants Wide Receiver was there to support Michigan State, his alma mater. According to Zaidman, Cutler sent Burress a text message saying they could use him in Chicago.

Burress relayed that he loves Garrett's popcorn and Giordano's Pizza. He was also reportedly contacted by Donovan McNabb and former teammate Ben Roethlisberger.

After being released by the Giants, Burress was awarded $1 millon as a part of a grievance filed against the Giants last season for withholding bonuses from last season.

He would be a perfect fit on the field for the Bears. Running back Matt Forte led the Bears in receptions last season with 63. Devin Hester led the Bears with only 665 yards and Greg Olson paced the Bears with five touchdowns.

All Burress needs to do now is clear up that felony weapons charge hanging over him. There are indications is going to be able to plea the charges into a misdemeanor. That would likely reduce his prison sentence to three to four months.

Don't doubt that Burress will land somewhere. His agent is Drew Rosenhaus. Rosenhaus is also the agent for Terrell Owens. The other teams likely to make a play other than the Bears, Steelers and Eagles are the Vikings and Raiders.

With a pro bowl quarterback on their roster for the first time in a generation, now the Bears need to go get Jay Cutler a play maker. If the Bears are able to get Burress, they will a statement that they are a serious contender in the NFC.

Other big name receivers the Bears might consider include Torry Holt and Marvin Harrison. How good the Bears will be offensively might be determined on their ability to find Cutler a play maker on the outside.

http://bleacherreport.com...r-reaches-out-to-burress

id love to get Plax if he dont have to serve jail time in the season or anything. He is a MAD good reciever who i still gotta lot of love forcause of his run with the Giants (after the Bears i root for NY) and he was my favorite player on that team and i think at WR we need to get a big target likehim to line up opposite side Hester who is more of a speed threat, and wed still have good targets at TE and Forte at RB. I like him a lot but i would not becomplaining at all with Holt either i just think Plax is better and he is younger but Holt is more of a good character professional guy and a leader which wecan use with all of this youth in our offense.

 

[tylerdub]

If Plaxico comes to Chicago I will never have to hear stupid crap about the Bears coming off the bus running again. That would be so awesome.

 

[chris paul 3]

 

[shun goku satsu]

Originally Posted by Chris Paul 3

when was that

Breakdown: The Bears might have the NFL's easiest schedule based on their opponents' 2008 records,

but the NFL made up for it with a tough opening stretch and a total of five high-profile games on national television. (The entire schedule is here.)

Overall, the Bears will play four of their first six games on the road -- including prime-time dates at Green Bay (Sept. 13) and Atlanta (Oct. 1. Their home opener will come against the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 20.

If the Bears can hold their own during that stretch, a task of some difficulty as they break in new quarterback Jay Cutler, they'll have a nice payoff at the end of the season. Three of their four December games will be at Soldier Field, a decided advantage given Chicago's typical weather conditions in December. Included is a Monday night matchup against Minnesota (Dec. 2 that could decide the NFC North in the season's penultimate week.

Complaint department: The Bears will have a short week in mid-November when they travel to San Francisco for a Thursday night game (Nov. 12) against the 49ers, who will be coached by former Bears linebacker Mike Singletary. But it could be worse; at least Chicago will be playing at home the previous Sunday (Nov. 8 against St. Louis).

Ready for prime time: Each year, the NFL allows three teams to have six prime-time games. Everyone else is allowed no more than five. Already, the Bears have five. They could conceivably be flexed out of one, a Nov. 22 matchup against Philadelphia, but they could also be flexed into a maximum of one more. Cutler's arrival earlier this month has made the Bears a premier NFL attraction.

Chicago Bears regular-season schedule (All times Eastern)
Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 13 at Green Bay Packers 8:20 p.m.
Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 20 PITTSBURGH STEELERS 4:15 p.m.
Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 27 at Seattle Seahawks 4:05 p.m.
Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 4 DETROIT LIONS 1:00 p.m.
Week 5: BYE WEEK
Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 18 at Atlanta Falcons 8:20 p.m.
Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 25 at Cincinnati Bengals 1:00 p.m.
Week 8: Sunday, Nov. 1 CLEVELAND BROWNS 1:00 p.m.
Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 8 ARIZONA CARDINALS 1:00 p.m.
Week 10: Thursday, Nov. 12 at San Francisco 49ers 8:20 p.m.
Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 22 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 8:20 p.m.
Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 29 at Minnesota Vikings 1:00 p.m.
Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 6 ST. LOUIS RAMS 1:00 p.m.
Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 13 GREEN BAY PACKERS 1:00 p.m.
Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 20 at Baltimore Ravens 1:00 p.m.
Week 16: Monday, Dec. 28 MINNESOTA VIKINGS 8:30 p.m. ESPN
Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 3 at Detroit Lions 1:00 p.m.
i wish our bye week was a few weeks later never like early bye weeks

 

[casperjr]

[h1][/h1]

[h1]Bears draft preview: Need No. 16 Specialists[/h1]
By Brad Biggs on April 11, 2009 1:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (29) | TrackBacks (0)

I completed an assignment for the Sporting News last week, and a portion of the file was to rank the Bears' draft needs from 1 to 19. Using the order I put together for the Sporting News, the NFL draft preview edition just hit newsstands with Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford on the cover, I'll do a daily breakdown here. For the purpose of getting every position covered before the draft begins April 25, I've combined the specialisits--kicker, punter, kick returner, punt returner and long snapper--into one category.

We'll begin with need No. 16 today and work our way up to the draft, having to double up on one day.

Need No. 16--Specialists

Players on roster

K Robbie Gould (signed through 2013)
P Brad Maynard (2010)
KR Danieal Manning (2009)
PR Devin Hester (2013)
LS Pat Mannelly (2010)

Need

What the Bears really need here is for Hester to return to form after a bad slump in the return game in 2008. He averaged just 6.2 yards per punt return and had a long of 25. You've heard the Bears say two things this offseason and I am not sure if they are contradictory remarks or not. They've said they believe Hester can become a No. 1 receiver and they have said they may cut back on his time on offense just a little in order for him to regain his form as a return man. I'm not sure if both can be accomplished, we'll have to wait and see. Certainly wide receiver Earl Bennett is capable of returning punts. He had a touchdown last preseason at Seattle. Gould had a solid season as did Maynard, who set a franchise record with 40 punts inside the 20-yard line. Mannelly remains one of the best at his craft as he heads toward his 12th season. Manning led the league in kickoff returns last season and could be a target for a contract extension here at some point. It might not happen until the fall but it's worth keeping an eye on.

Who the Bears have been looking at

It's unknown what specific players the Bears could be targeting to participate in training camp. The team was represented earlier this week at a kicking combine in Reno, Nev. There are a handful of special teams scouting combines on the West Coast and the Bears have have hit all of them looking for help. With training camp rosters being limited last season, the Bears went to just one additional specialist, an extra punter. I'd expect that to happen again unless special teams coordinator Dave Toub can find someone who can do both--punt and kick. The Bears like to take it easy with Maynard, who has been hampered by hamstring and back issues in the past, and that makes sense.
Coming Sunday: Quarterback.

[h1]Bears draft preview: Need No. 15 Quarterback[/h1]
By Brad Biggs on April 12, 2009 2:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (22) | TrackBacks (0)

Need No. 15--Quarterback

Players on roster

QB Jay Cutler (signed through 2011)
QB Brett Basanez (2010)
QB Caleb Hanie (2010)

Need

The Bears have worked for years to solve the backup quarterback position, bringing in the likes of Chris Chandler, Brian Griese and Jeff Blake in recent years. That hasn't been a problem. It's been finding the starter that has been an issue and general manager Jerry Angelo finally did that by dealing for Cutler. Hanie has impressed many in the organization since his arrival nearly a year ago and Basanez was intriguing enough for the Bears to make a move for him in February. They'll be able to proceed with what they have if they are comfortable. There really are not many interesting veteran options still available. Once again, the Bears could consider going with two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. It's something they nearly did last year before deciding to keep a spot for Hanie. But that's a decision for this summer.

Who the Bears have been looking at

The Bears have shown some interest in Ohio State's Todd Boeckman, who could be a late-round pick of an undrafted free agent. They may have some interest in Alabama's John Parker Wilson. Angelo talked for years about the idea of drafting a quarterback once a year in the quest to consistently be developing one. It's what Ron Wolf had great success with in Green Bay where the Packers turned out Mark Brunell, Matt Hasselbeck and Aaron Brooks. The Packers consistently drafted quarterbacks in the late rounds and basically waited to see what stuck. Considering the Bears' needs, and their shortage of picks after the Cutler deal, they could be content to work to develop Hanie this year.
Coming Monday: Tight ends.


[h1][/h1]

[h1]Bears draft preview: Need No. 14 Tight end[/h1]
By Brad Biggs on April 13, 2009 7:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBacks (0)

Need No. 14--Tight end

Players on roster

TE Desmond Clark (signed through 2010)
TE Greg Olsen (2011)
TE Kellen Davis (2011)
TE Fontel Mines (2010)

Need

After looking over the ranking list I submitted to the Sporting News, I'd probably move tight end up a slot or two if I had it to do over again. But it's certainly not an area of major concern. What the Bears could use is a more skilled in-line blocker for the run game. The loss of special teams ace Brendon Ayanbadejo in free agency a year ago was well chronicled but just as significant was the departure of John Gilmore. The offense didn't come up with a replacement for Gilmore and it showed at times in the running game. Matt Forte had a terrific rookie season and there's good reason for optimism moving forward with him. Let's remember the Bears ranked 24th in the league in rushing. Gilmore would not have pushed them into the top half of the league, but he might have helped in short yardage.

Forte gained 36 yards on 18 rushes when it was third-and-two or less. On fourth-and-two or less, he carried seven times for 12 yards. Davis never advanced as a blocker to get a crack in any situations other than jumbo sets. Olsen could be ready for a breakout season as a receiver but will never be a major asset in the running game. Clark has made himself into a solid blocker but is on the downside of his career. Mines is someone who has stuck around for two seasons but hasn't gotten much of a chance as the Bears have done a good job of staying healthy at what is considered the most injured position in the league. Given what could be a greater reliance on the pass with the addition of Jay Cutler, finding a blocking tight end might not rank real high in the Bears' draft room. One of the facts the Bears used in rationalizing Gilmore's exit when they chose not to up their offer was that there were times when he was only getting a handful of snaps a game.

Who the Bears have been looking at

The Bears put North Carolina's Richard Quinn through a private workout in Chapel Hill, N.C., and they brought in Iowa's Brandon Myers on an official visit to Halas Hall. Quinn would be an ideal fit as an eventual replacement to Clark. He's a physical blocker, is passionate about the game and has upside as a receiver in the passing game. Quinn barely got involved in the passing game in school but could improve with more opportunities. He might come off the board as early as the third or fourth rounds and that could be before the Bears want to pull the trigger for help at this position. Myers is either a late-round pick or an undrafted free agent. The Bears may also be interested in North Carolina State's Anthony Hill and Fresno State's Bear Pascoe would be an ideal fit and not just because of his first name.

Coming Tuesday: Running back.



[h1][/h1]

[h1]Bears draft preview: Need No. 13 Running back[/h1]
By Brad Biggs on April 14, 2009 6:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBacks (0)

Need No. 13--Running back

Players on roster

RB Matt Forte (signed through 2011)
RB Kevin Jones (2010)
RB Garrett Wolfe (2010)
RB Adrian Peterson (2009)

Need

As we wrote Monday, we probably would have moved this down the list a notch or two if we had it to do over again. No draft additions here are going to have a very easy time making the roster, not with Wolfe in place as a guy offensive coordinator Ron Turner needs to work more to get involved before the Bears can actually make a determination as to what they have. Jones figures to be the primary backup, however, after the Bears prevented him from signing with Buffalo by reeling him in with a $3.5 million, two-year contract. Jones disappeared at times last season, so much so that he was inactive on gameday, but never stopped working. It's a credit to him that he went to coach Lovie Smith and asked to be used on special teams, a role he relished and did well in. Jones got excited talking about playing special teams as a freshman at Virginia Tech where Frank Beamer is considered one of the best coaches in the country.

Forte was solid as a rookie and should get the opportunity to find more daylight with Jay Cutler at quarterback. The Bears are hoping a revamped line makes a difference also. Peterson is a crafty veteran who didn't get a lot of time on offense last season and didn't perform as well on special teams as he has in the past. He'll have to perform well in training camp to ensure a roster spot. Not every team keeps four running backs and the Bears would likely be in a position where they could only keep one fullback again in Jason McKie if they go with four backs. So keep an eye on Peterson, who is entering the final year of his contract.

Who the Bears have been looking at

We have not identified any players the Bears have been keeping tabs on at this position. A back will likely be signed for training camp.
Coming Wednesday: Center.


[h1][/h1]

[h1]Bears draft preview: Need No. 12 Center[/h1]
By Brad Biggs on April 15, 2009 6:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (15) | TrackBacks (0)

Need No. 12--Center

Players on roster

C Olin Kreutz (signed through 2010)
G/C Josh Beekman (2010)

Need

The 12-year veteran Kreutz has not been voted to the Pro Bowl since the 2006 season when he was named first team All-Pro. He will turn 32 in June and has a lot of mileage on him having started 102 consecutive games. He's missed just one game since 2001. Kreutz might not be a dominant player at the position any longer but it will be interesting to see how he looks this season with a new quarterback and new cast around him on the offensive line. There are expected to be three new starters. If Jay Cutler performs well and running back Matt Forte excels, well, reviews of Kreutz's play are obviously going to be favorable. That's how it goes a lot of times for interior linemen.

He still has the quickness to reach the second level and has a strong hand punch but can struggle at times against big nose tackles. The plan is for him to at least finish out his contract so the need isn't very pressing here, especially when you consider the Bears are at least considering Beekman as the eventual replacement. Beekman has some experience playing center at Boston College, has worked in a backup role here already and he's expected to be forced out at left guard by Frank Omiyale. Kreutz remains a leader on the line and in the locker room. The question will be what to do when he's done. Carrying a backup center isn't the easiest thing to do when it comes to roster flexibility. Teams like to have a swing tackle and a reserve guard who also has the ability to play center in a pinch. Not only can Beekman fill that role, so can Dan Buenning, who got work at center in practice for a good part of last season. This is Buenning's first offseason with the club and it will be interesting to see how backup time is divided at center. The guess is Beekman gets a lot of it but we'll see.

Who the Bears have been looking at

We have not identified any players the Bears have been keeping tabs on at this position. Finding a young tackle and perhaps adding a guard likely rank as higher priorities.
Coming Thursday: Fullback.

[h1]Bears draft preview: Need No. 11 Fullback[/h1]
By Brad Biggs on April 16, 2009 8:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

Need No. 11--Fullback

Players on roster

FB Jason McKie (signed through 2011)
FB Jason Davis (2009)

Need

The Bears went to more double tight-end sets in 2008 with Desmond Clark and Greg Olson and the result was less playing time for Jason McKie, who missed five games with a quad injury. The expectation with the arrival of quarterback Jay Cutler is that the Bears will continue as is or perhaps use the position even less. It seems fullbacks are less involved every year when you look across the landscape of the league. McKie was a dependable outlet in short-yardage and goalline situations until his usage became predictable. The Bears consider McKie to be an above-average fullback and he has some value for them on special teams.

The biggest debate here may be what could turn into a roster battle between Davis and running backs Adrian Peterson and Garrett Wolfe. Given Wolfe's value on special teams last season, that could quickly become a battle between Davis and Peterson for one of the final 53 spots. The Bears began last season with four running backs and one fullback, bringing Davis in on their practice squad before he was eventually promoted. A lot of teams carry just three running backs on their 53. McKie is back to full strength from what was a pretty good quad muscle pull. He's been pretty durable appearing in 42 games over the last three seasons. Given how little the Bears are expected to use the position, it wouldn't be a surprise if they go with just one fullback. But Peterson will have to show more entering the final year of his contract.

Who the Bears have been looking at

We have not identified any players the Bears have been keeping tabs on at this position. College scouting director Greg Gabriel attended the Syracuse pro day where Tony Fiammetta was on display. He's the consensus No. 1 fullback in this draft but will likely come off the board in the middle rounds and considering the Bears' needs, their offense and their track record with the position in the draft, selecting Fiammetta seems unlikely.

Coming Friday morning: Guard.
Coming Friday afternoon: Outside linebacker.

 

[casperjr]

[h1][/h1]

[h1]It's Time for the Chicago Bears To Go for Broke[/h1]
by Victor Ferenzi (Contributor)
2
774 reads

Opinion

April 16, 2009

The Bears made a major move this offseason acquiring quarterback Jay Cutler. They also provided their new quarterback with protection by going out and getting three offensive linemen. Now it is time for Jerry Angelo to go for broke and get Jay Cutler someone to throw to.

Ken Whisenhunt announced today that although the Cardinals are still pursuing a long-term contract with Anquan Boldin, they would listen to trade offers.

According to numerous sources, the New York Giants have all but finished a deal for Braylon Edwards. And there are similar rumors floating around about the Eagles involving Chad Johnson. (Sorry, I just can't bring myself to call a grown man "Ocho-Cinco.")

A talent like Boldin will draw a lot of interest across the league, but with the two biggest competitors potentially off the market, where do the Bears stand?

Speculation about what the Cardinals are looking for has centered on a first and third round pick, but could the Bears still put together a package?

As Bears fans, what would you be willing to give up? A second round pick this year and next? A second round pick this year, and next year's second and third? What about this year's second and fifth and next year's second and third? Does it really matter?

[h5]Author Poll[/h5]
What should the Bears do to get Anquan Boldin?

• Whatever is necesarry
• All the draft picks they want, just none of our starters
• They should try, but don't give up too many draft picks
• Nothing, I don't want him

vote to see results


The Bears have spent far too many draft picks searching for someone special. Wouldn't it be advantageous to spend whatever it takes in order to make this team special?

The Cardinals are in need of a running back and a linebacker. Brian Urlacher, with his age and contract, may be more valuable to us on the team than in a trade, since we may not be able to get full value.
Lance Briggs should be untouchable, however, any combination of our other linebackers and draft picks is okay with me. Throw in Kevin Jones as well if that is what it takes.

People get very caught up with the value of draft picks, yet far too often they end up damaging the cap more than they help the team. Forget about the Bears' questionable picks over recent years and take a look around the league.

Detroit drafted a ton of players on day one who are either no longer in the league, no longer on the team, or not getting any playing time.

Cleveland has already dealt Kellen Winslow Jr., and is about to deal Braylon Edwards. Cleveland is even getting ready to deal Brady Quinn to San Francisco after trading away a first round pick just to move up to get him.

Why do the 49ers want Quinn? Their first round pick Alex Smith hasn't performed.

Look at half of the league's 2005 draft picks. 2005 may be the worst draft ever. The point is that you don't win games with picks, you win with talent. Draft picks often don't pay off, but they always get paid.

What are you willing to give up, Chicago?

The time is now for Chicago to win. I would gladly mortgage the future of our draft for the future of our team, and I would step over my own mother to hear "Cutler to Boldin for the touchdown, the Bears have just won Super Bowl XLIV."

this man speaks the truth and nothing but the truth

 

[casperjr]

[h1][/h1]

[h1]Bears draft preview: Need No. 10 Guard[/h1]
By Brad Biggs on April 17, 2009 7:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBacks (0)

Need No. 10--Guard

Players on roster

RG Roberto Garza (signed through 2011)
LG Frank Omiyale (2012)
G/C Josh Beekman (2010)
G Dan Buenning (2009)
G Tyler Reed (2010)

Need

One of the goals the Bears set out to fill this offseason was to add some more size to the interior of the line. That was accomplished by a series of moves, the first of which was signing Omiyale to a $11.5 million, four-year contract on the first day of free agency. Omiyale spent all of one day at guard in minicamp before being moved outside when the coaching staff appeared to be frustrated with the makeup of the roster. Maybe that's what happens from time to time when you run a minicamp in mid-March. At any rate, Omiyale can move back inside now that Orlando Pace has been signed to play left tackle and Kevin Shaffer has traded places with John St. Clair.

That will likely lead to Beekman becoming the understudy to Olin Kreutz at center. Garza, who has made 48 consecutive starts at right guard, is expected to remain in his position although offensive coordinator Ron Turner said in minicamp that Buenning, who is entering the final year of his contract, would be in position to push him. Getting a younger player to develop isn't a bad idea but Omiyale is young and comes with low mileage and there is a much greater need at offensive tackle where Pace is viewed as a one- or two-year solution. Reed has spent most of the last three seasons on the practice squad.

Who the Bears have been looking at

The Bears brought in Eastern Michigan's T.J. Lang for a pre-draft visit and he was a left tackle in school that projects as a right tackle or guard. He's been gaining traction on draft boards all spring and could easily be selected in the third round meaning he might not be a candidate for the Bears. The team has shown interest in Missouri Western's Roger Allen, a powerful Division II prospect who will likely be selected in the final three rounds. Most of the candidates the team has looked at are possible late-round picks or undrafted free agents--San Diego State's Lance Louis, Oregon's Mark Lewis, Hampton's Dennis Conley, Penn State's Rich Ohrnberger and Montana State's Louis Saucedo.
Coming this afternoon: Outside linebacker.

[h1]Bears draft preview: Need No. 9 Outside linebacker[/h1]
By Brad Biggs on April 17, 2009 1:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

Need No. 9--Outside linebacker

Players on roster

WLB Lance Briggs (signed through 2013)
SLB Nick Roach (2009*)
SLB Hunter Hillenmeyer (2011)
OLB Jamar Williams (2009)
OLB Joey LaRocque (2011)

* Roach will be a restricted free agent after 2009 so the Bears will still have rights to sign him.

Need

The Bears have arguably the best weak-side linebacker in the game in Briggs and he remains in his prime after being selected to the Pro Bowl for the fourth consecutive year. He's the most consistent defender in the front seven and should remain in that role for at least a few seasons. It will be interesting to see what happens on the strong side where Roach and Hillenmeyer figure to compete. There were concerns about Roach's durability and those were only reinforced last season when he missed two games. Hillenmeyer is coming off a season in which he was dinged as well.

Between the two of them they should hold the position down. At some point, a decision will have to be made on Roach, who will be a restricted free agent next offseason. The Bears will need to decide whether to pursue him for an extension or decide what level they would want to tender him at. So it's an important season for his future. Williams and LaRocque were steady special teams performers last season, nothing special, and they will have to work to retain their spots on the roster. Williams was the heir apparent to Briggs and how if he's going to start he'll likely have to do it in another uniform. We listed outside linebacker in the top 10 as far as needs because this is one of the positions that special teams coordinator Dave Toub uses to stock his depth chart. Lovie Smith looks for undersized players who can run in his defensive scheme and those traits serve Toub well also.

Who the Bears have been looking at

The Bears went to Wisconsin to take a look at Badgers linebacker DeAndre Levy, who would fit in well and projects as a mid-round selection. They also like TCU's Stephen Hodge, who is a distant relative of Smith. Hodge played safety in school but many teams, including the Bears, project him as a will linebacker. Cincinnati's Corey Smith is an undersized guy who might be on the radar. The team has had private workouts or brought the following players in: Notre Dame's Maurice Crum Jr., Murray State's Nathan Williams and San Diego State's Russell Allen. They project as late-round picks or priority free agents.

Coming Saturday: Inside linebacker.

 

[antbanks81]

I am so excited! The Bulls and Blackhawks in the playoffs and the Bears have a real QB!
CHI TOWN BABY!

 

[the gr8]

I would wanna see the Bears go after Boldin or Plax.

Boldin may be more attractive right now but i dont know if we have the draft picks left to trade for him after Cutler and i dont think we should give up a guylike Urlacher and $@#+ with our teams chemistry to aquire Boldin considering he has character issues and is only a WR. The only time i would even haveconsidered giving up Urlacher is to trade for a franchise QB cause that is the most important position but we already got that without doing so and i would notdo that for a WR with character issues in Boldin as much as i like how hard he plays and how much i would want him. Urlaches is pretty much the QB of our D andthere would be no point of $@#+%*% around with our defense right when we are finally getting our offense back together.

Plax i think would be ideal. Im a big Plax fan considering other than the Bears is am a NY fan and i $@#+%*% hate everything there is to do with Boston soneedless to say i was a big Giant supporter in that playoff run and Plax was my favorite target. and he would be an ideal big time possesion WR target to pairopposite side the young smaller and speedier merging WR in Hester. With capable slot guys in Rashied Davis and Earl Bennett and probably the best TE combo inthe league in Clark and Olsen AND possbly the best recieving back in the league in Hester all meshed with a young franchise QB ith a rocket arm in Cutler thatis a passing attack that cannot be %#!!%# around with after we have consistently had the worst passing attack in the league.... but than again it would be abummer if Plax would have to deal with prison time during the season so i guess wed have to wait on that. But on a positive note he is a FA so we dont have totrade anyone to acquire him. I guess if Prison gets in the way we can always take Holt, he is still good and would be better with Cutler throwing to him and heis a standout guy and a team leader which is good for our young offense. Not to mention he has a good relationship with Lovi from their St. Louis days as wellas Orlando Pace and he reportedly was working with Hester on is route running when they were at the Pro Bowl together so he would be a big help to Hestersdevelopment. I think Plax could bring more to the table right now and would fit in perfectly with us but i would not complin one bit if we signed Holt insteadif we didnt want to give up too much in a trade for Q or deal with prison related issues with Plax.

 

[casperjr]

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[h1]Bears draft preview: Need No. 8 Inside linebacker[/h1]
By Brad Biggs on April 18, 2009 7:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (11) | TrackBacks (0)

Need No. 9--Inside linebacker

Players on roster

MLB Brian Urlacher (signed through 2012)
SLB/MLB Hunter Hillenmeyer (2011)

Need

The word is Urlacher has spent much of his offseason around Halas Hall working to ensure he will be in top shape when business gets going. That has never been an issue for him though. Urlacher always is in terrific shape. That's just the kind of worker he is in the gym. It will be interesting to see what level he can play at with Bob Babich returning to coach linebackers and Lovie Smith overseeing the defense.

Will Urlacher's role change somewhat? Will he be in position to make more plays than he has the past two seasons? Hillenmeyer is a capable backup who knows the scheme and might be best suited on the inside. But if the Bears are looking to the future, they'll need to address this position at some point and Lance Briggs figures to have more time left as an elite player than Urlacher.

Who the Bears have been looking at

The Bears like to say that their positions are interchangeable at linebacker even if the job descriptions are somewhat different. So we'll run down the names we listed at outside linebacker--Wisconsin's DeAndre Levy, TCU's Stephen Hodge, Notre Dame's Maurice Crum Jr., Murray State's Nathan Williams and San Diego State's Russell Allen.

Coming Sunday: Strong safety.



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[h1]Bears draft preview: Need No. 7 Strong safety[/h1]
By Brad Biggs on April 19, 2009 9:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Need No. 7--Strong safety

Players on roster

SS Kevin Payne (signed through 2010)
S Craig Steltz (2011)
S Glenn Earl (2009)

Need

Make no mistake about it, this is a big season for Payne. Entering the third year of his contract, he has the opportunity to play so well that the Bears will be motivated to talk extension with him at this time next year. If he doesn't play well, the Bears could be exploring new options come 2010. Payne played well at strong safety last season, which is where he started the year before a change was made to benefit departed veteran Mike Brown. Payne had double-digit tackles, including a season-high 15 on Oct. 19 vs. Minnesota--in six of the first 10 games before the move. Payne was out of position at free safety and the idea that the positions are interchangeable is a stretch. There are some durability concerns with him. He missed most of his rookie season with a broken arm that required surgery. He had shoulder surgery after this past season.

Steltz is being promoted as an option at free safety but he doesn't have the range to play that position. He could fit in at strong safety and will likely be Payne's backup. Earl could also figure at free safety but he might be the backup at nickel when training camp opens. The belief is that Payne will regain control of the position and succeed. Free safety is a much more pressing need. But as we wrote about outside linebackers, this is a core position for special teams coordinator Dave Toub and the Bears will always be on the lookout in the later rounds of the draft for players who can contribute.

Who the Bears have been looking at

Most of the possibilities the team has looked at are late-round possibilities or potential undrafted free agents. Oregon State's Al Afalava and Penn State's Anthony Scirrotto came to Halas Hall for pre-draft visits. The club put Ohio's Mike Mitchell through a private workout. He could project as a free safety also. The Bears also put Troy's Sherrod Martin through a private workout and he definitely projects as a free safety. Some clubs are looking at Martin as a cornerback. The Bears are also believed to be interested in New Mexico's Glover Quin and Arizona State's Troy Nolan. They also project as free safeties.
Coming Sunday: Defensive tackle.

the gr8 you have it switched around plax is the one with a problem boldin is the cooler head

 

[the gr8]

the gr8 you have it switched around plax is the one with a problem boldin is the cooler head
Yeah i agree with that. All i was saying is Plax may be worth the risk considering he is a Free Agent an he is so talented and we wouldnt have togive up anything to get him. Boldin is also very talented probably even more so than Plax with a little bit of a cooler head AND prison wont be an issue withhim, the only thing is he would be rather costly to get in a trade and we really dont have the picks to get him after Cutler and i wouyld not be down to giveup some key defensive starters and +%%# around with this defense to acquire a WR right when we start to fix our offensive issues.

I mean we all know how MLB is sooo important to Lovies system and will probably bne even more so this year with Lovie as the new play caller, asd althoughUrlacher is getting older who in the NFL do you think could hold down the Bears' MLB spot better than Urlacher? He is still one of the fastest at theposition, he lays bruising hits, and his awareness is unmatched. If we traded him and didnt get anything in return no matter how many defensive stars we havethe defense would fall apart around an unproven MLB. Urlacher is the QB of the defense and there is no way we should give him up for Q right when we start tofigure out our offensive issues. I mean sure the D has been weak the past 2 or so years but i blame that on being on the field so much cause of our #%#%%!offense and #%#%%! play calling by Babich after Rivera left. IMO under Lovie this season and with an improved offense the D can revert back to its 06 form whenthey ran %%+* cause our offense had Tommy Jones which was just enough to give our defense some rest. After TJ left our offense has been miserable causing the Dto be out there too long. They can be better this year i know that. So why would we *+@% that up to get a WR? The only time i would have considered giving upUrlacher is for a franchise QB because that is the most important position but after that no one is as important as Urlacher. Wouldnt it suck when right whenwe finally get a nice offense together our D becomes as bad as our offense has been in the past? IMO there are a bunch of high quality WRs in Free Agency a fewwith Pro Bowl credentials and Hester can line up wide as well, and i would rather sign one of the Free Agent WRs than trading some key players to aquire oneeven if Q may be a little better.

 

[casperjr]

Originally Posted by THE GR8

the gr8 you have it switched around plax is the one with a problem boldin is the cooler head

Yeah i agree with that. All i was saying is Plax may be worth the risk considering he is a Free Agent an he is so talented and we wouldnt have to give up anything to get him. Boldin is also very talented probably even more so than Plax with a little bit of a cooler head AND prison wont be an issue with him, the only thing is he would be rather costly to get in a trade and we really dont have the picks to get him after Cutler and i wouyld not be down to give up some key defensive starters and !$#* around with this defense to acquire a WR right when we start to fix our offensive issues.

aww ok i got you now i completely agree with that i thought you was saying plax>boldin as far as personality

yea the cost of boldin is to much for us to pay at the moment but plax is in no shape to be picked up cuz its like a 99% chance he gets jail time

but if he some how get off with no time i would love to see him picked up

really thought we would make a move on holt but guess they felt he wasnt that much of a improvement over watwe already had.......

i wish we could have got him just so he could teach hester how to run better routes

 

[the gr8]

Originally Posted by CasperJr

Originally Posted by THE GR8

the gr8 you have it switched around plax is the one with a problem boldin is the cooler head

Yeah i agree with that. All i was saying is Plax may be worth the risk considering he is a Free Agent an he is so talented and we wouldnt have to give up anything to get him. Boldin is also very talented probably even more so than Plax with a little bit of a cooler head AND prison wont be an issue with him, the only thing is he would be rather costly to get in a trade and we really dont have the picks to get him after Cutler and i wouyld not be down to give up some key defensive starters and !$#* around with this defense to acquire a WR right when we start to fix our offensive issues.

aww ok i got you now i completely agree with that i thought you was saying plax>boldin as far as personality

yea the cost of boldin is to much for us to pay at the moment but plax is in no shape to be picked up cuz its like a 99% chance he gets jail time

but if he some how get off with no time i would love to see him picked up

really thought we would make a move on holt but guess they felt he wasnt that much of a improvement over watwe already had.......

i wish we could have got him just so he could teach hester how to run better routes


call me slow... but did someone sign Tory Holt?

 

[casperjr]

Originally Posted by THE GR8

Originally Posted by CasperJr

Originally Posted by THE GR8

the gr8 you have it switched around plax is the one with a problem boldin is the cooler head

Yeah i agree with that. All i was saying is Plax may be worth the risk considering he is a Free Agent an he is so talented and we wouldnt have to give up anything to get him. Boldin is also very talented probably even more so than Plax with a little bit of a cooler head AND prison wont be an issue with him, the only thing is he would be rather costly to get in a trade and we really dont have the picks to get him after Cutler and i wouyld not be down to give up some key defensive starters and !$#* around with this defense to acquire a WR right when we start to fix our offensive issues.

aww ok i got you now i completely agree with that i thought you was saying plax>boldin as far as personality

yea the cost of boldin is to much for us to pay at the moment but plax is in no shape to be picked up cuz its like a 99% chance he gets jail time

but if he some how get off with no time i would love to see him picked up

really thought we would make a move on holt but guess they felt he wasnt that much of a improvement over watwe already had.......

i wish we could have got him just so he could teach hester how to run better routes

call me slow... but did someone sign Tory Holt?

idk last i heard was the jars was close to getting him havent seen nothing else about it so i just assumed they got him

 

[arstyle27]

Why in the bloody hell haven't we signed a quality experienced receiver yet? I mean, seriously Angelo, you can't bring us cake and then not give usplates, forks, napkins, or milk.

 

[casperjr]

Originally Posted by arstyle27

Why in the bloody hell haven't we signed a quality experienced receiver yet? I mean, seriously Angelo, you can't bring us cake and then not give us plates, forks, napkins, or milk.

you cant expect a man to change over night...........but i agree



[h1][/h1]

[h1]Bears draft preview: Need No. 6 Defensive tackle[/h1]
By Brad Biggs on April 20, 2009 6:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Need No. 6--Defensive tackle

Players on roster

DT Tommie Harris (signed through 2012)
NT Anthony Adams (2010)
DT Marcus Harrison (2011)
NT Dusty Dvoracek (2009)
DT Matt Toeaina (2009)
DE/DT Israel Idonije (2009)

Need

If Jerry Angelo and Lovie Smith have a hobby, it's collecting defensive linemen and defensive backs. Harris is the key here and is as important to the success of the defense as a whole as Smith is as the new play caller. There was a buzz about Harris not finishing the minicamp last month but what's important--virtually meaningless drills in mid-March or a game in September? When Dan Hampton was still a dominating force in the middle of the Bears' defense, he'd miss practice time with knee issues. The Bears knew exactly where Harris was from a health standpoint when they signed him to a $40 million, four-year extension last summer, a deal that for practical purposes will total $34 million over four years.

There has not been a knee surprise since. What the club is more concerned about with Harris--more than his left knee--is what is going on in his head. Harris was suspended for one game last season for conduct detrimental to the team. Smith said at the combine in February that when the staff finished reviewing the season, Harris had performed better than he had been given credit for in an up-and-down season. We're not certain how his play really changed seven weeks after the season ended, but that has to be a good thing, right? Harris needs to be right because he's the key to the front seven and he plays the position--under tackle--that is so difficult to fill. He'd look a lot better, of course, if the team started generating any kind of consistent pass rush from the ends. The Bears are not going to find another Harris in this draft. There are some good supporting parts around him. Harrison was impressive at times during his rookie season and needs to take the next step. Adams really stepped forward in the final third of the season after Smith had taken control of the defense from Bob Babich. Adams should be the starter when the season begins in front of Dvoracek, who wears down as the season progresses and has not been able to stay healthy. Dvoracek is entering the final year of his contract and counting on him is too risky considering he's finished on injured reserve for three straight seasons. He's a high-motor performer but gets pushed around too much. Toeaina barely saw any action and Idonije has been moved back to end, the Danieal Manning of the line as the coaches cannot decided where to put him. He's still a possibility to move down inside in a pinch. But the club needs to add some depth here with an eye toward the future. If Angelo has someone on his board with a good grade, grabbing a tackle in the middle rounds would not be a surprise.

Who the Bears have been looking at

New line coach Rod Marinelli put Northwestern's John Gill through a private workout and that is the only tackle we have been able to link the Bears to at this point. Gill is an athletic performer. He was considered a better prospect before his senior season but still should get selected at some point. Missouri's Zygi Hood would be a perfect fit for the scheme and Smith has seen him play in person but he should be off the board before the team selects in the second round.
Coming Tuesday: Cornerback.
the higher we get the more i

thisdude points are on point he have the top 5 coming up

 

[koolbarbone]

I would not want to go after Plax considering that there is a chance he doesn't play next year.

I can't see any way to get Boldin without sacrificing the longterm direction of the team, it would just require more than we can afford to give up to gethim.

Defense and wide receiver in the draft and we are money.

 

[casperjr]

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[h1]Bears draft preview: Need No. 5 Cornerback[/h1]
By Brad Biggs on April 21, 2009 7:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBacks (0)

Need No. 5--Cornerback

Players on roster

CB Charles Tillman (signed through 2013)
CB Nathan Vasher (2012)
CB Corey Graham (2010)
CB Trumaine McBride (2010)
CB Marcus Hamilton (2009)
CB Rudy Burgess (2010)
CB Danieal Manning (2009)
CB Zack Bowman (2011)

Need

If things go the way the Bears are hoping with new secondary coach Jon Hoke, this will be a position of strength with the players already on the depth chart. Tillman is still recovering from shoulder surgery in January and his health must be watched. The belief is he will be fine. He's always been such a rugged addition to the run defense that you wonder if his second shoulder surgery as a pro will affect the way he plays. Vasher went into Lovie Smith's doghouse last season but he was running with the starters in minicamp. That was because Tillman and McBride were both out rehabilitating injuries. Vasher is intent on fighting his way back into a starting role and he looked to be in good position. It looks like he'll get more of an opportunity than last year's cast off in the secondary, Ricky Manning Jr., and Vasher has earned that right.

Graham will be battling him for the starting job on the right side and while he impressed at times in 2008, he must take another step. We list Manning with this bunch because he is the nickel cornerback even though the club lists him as a free safety on the roster. We also list Bowman, who has been switched (maybe not permanently) to free safety. But other than Tillman, Graham and Manning, nothing here is a lock for 2009. No defense will turn away a cornerback that can play and the Bears lean heavily on this position in special teams. Ultimately, Tillman might wind up moving inside to free safety but that is not going to happen this season and until there is a bona fide top corner to take his place, that's not a move that will be made. The Bears have other needs but this is always a position where depth is important. Just consider how Tillman and Vasher dealt with injuries last season. McBride and Hamilton figure to be in position to vie for backup jobs and roles on special teams. Burgess is a project who the club initially tried at wide receiver when he was signed last fall.

Who the Bears have been looking at

The Bears brought in West Virginia's Ellis Lankster for a pre-draft visit after college scouting director Greg Gabriel attended the Mountaineers' pro day. They also put Troy's Sherrod Martin through a private workout. However, it's believed they are looking at him as a free safety. Hoke went to Los Angeles to attend Hawaii's pro day with a plan to look at Ryan Mouton.
Coming Wednesday: Defensive end.
and the jags hot holt for 3 years

 

[casperjr]

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[h1]Bears draft preview: Need No. 4 Defensive end[/h1]
By Brad Biggs on April 22, 2009 7:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (16) | TrackBacks (0)

Need No. 4--Defensive end

Players on roster

DE Alex Brown (signed through 2011)
DE Adewale Ogunleye (2009)
DE Mark Anderson (2009)
DE Israel Idonije (2009)
DE Ervin Baldwin (2011)
DE Joe Clermond (2010)

Need

If the 2010 draft was three days away, you could be looking at the No. 1 need for the club. The plan is for new defensive line coach Rod Marinelli to have a major impact on the players he's inheriting. That won't do the Bears a lot of good if three of the top four ends are elsewhere after this season. Marinelli believes he has a player who is ready to take a big step in Brown, and that would be worth seeing. You could make a case he has been the most consistent player on the defense over the last several seasons, even during the ill-planned 2007 season when Lovie Smith and Bob Babich put Anderson where he was least effective, in the starting lineup. Brown is a solid two-way player and if Marinelli can have an impact on his pass-rushing ability, right end will not be a need spot for another few years. But as Smith says, you can never have enough players who can pressure the quarterback.

Ogunleye figures to be primed for a big season. The last time he had the hint of a deal hanging in front of him, he was spectacular in recording 15 sacks with Miami in 2003. If healthy, there's no reason to believe Ogunleye cannot reach 12 sacks in 2009. He's reached double-digits just once with the Bears, getting 10 in 2005. He leads the team with 35 1/2 since arriving in 2004. He will turn 32 in August and with another big season he could set himself up for another pay day, although it's unlikely he'll be in position to cash in like he did when the Dolphins shipped him here. Anderson is the mystery player for Marinelli. After his 12-sack rookie season in 2006, he's failed to be a consistent rusher off the edge. Stats are not the only indicator. Anderson just hasn't been the same guy. He's still young and healthy enough to regain his form and if he does, perhaps the Bears target him for a contract extension. Of course, they'd have the right to place the franchise tag on him but that can be a super-expensive proposition at the position. Look no further than Julius Peppers for evidence. The versatile Idonije has shed weight to move back outside and will be a solid contributor. Baldwin will have to distinguish himself to make the roster and Clermond figures to be a camp body right now. As general manager Jerry Angelo pointed out Tuesday, the Bears have no problem going into 2009 the way their line is constituted right now. "When we have our talks throughout we have to cover all of our bases,'' Angelo said. "[Defensive end] has come up. We do like our defensive line. If we did nothing to our defensive line this year we feel good going into '09 that we're going to have a pretty good front just with our present players. But that does come into equation and we'll see on draft day. We've done all of the defensive linemen like we do every year. I've always said it, we treat them like quarterbacks and if the right one is there at the right round, we'll pull the trigger.''

Who the Bears have been looking at

The Bears brought a couple of interesting prospects for the later rounds in to Halas Hall for official visits--Texas' Henry Melton and Rutgers' Jamaal Westerman. Melton is a former fullback who outgrew that position. He's very raw but has some great tools to work with and could be the kind of project that excites the Bears as a late-round option. Westerman is undersized, like the Bears like them here, and is explosive off the ball.
Coming Thursday: Free safety.


[h1][/h1]

[h1]Bears draft preview: Need No. 3 Offensive tackle[/h1]
By Brad Biggs on April 23, 2009 8:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBacks (0)

Need No. 3--Offensive tackle

Players on roster

LT Orlando Pace (signed through 2011)
RT Chris Williams (2012)
OT Kevin Shaffer (2011)
OT Cody Balogh (2010)

Need

The order we have been using for the Bears' needs comes from the file we produced for the Sporting News. That order was changed after the Jay Cutler trade and signing of Orlando Pace, and while we updated the list for the magazine, we were going off the old one. We wrote Wednesday that free safeties were next, and that's changed. So, you can easily determine that free safety and wide receiver are the two positions remaining. We apologizing for any confusion. On with the breakdown and explanation of need. General manager Jerry Angelo said on Tuesday that drafting a lineman, not just a tackle, would put the Bears in the unfamiliar position of having to carry nine linemen on the 53-man roster. The team already has eight veterans in place--Pace, Williams, Shaffer, Frank Omiyale, Olin Kreutz, Roberto Garza, Josh Beekman and Dan Buenning. A team can carry a ninth lineman but that spot would have to come from somewhere else--a third quarterback or a fifth running back (tailbacks and fullbacks combined) would have to be sacrificed, as an example.

A ninth offensive lineman would also cut into the numbers that special teams coordinator Dave Toub has to work with in his group. It might be a sacrifice worth making if a tackle falls all the way to the Bears at No. 49. Oklahoma's Phil Loadholt would be very difficult to pass on but one scout said not only his Loadholt unlikely to make that drop, he believes he will go at the end of the first round. Why would a tackle make sense? Remember what a jam the Bears got themselves into by failing to draft a tackle in the first six rounds for five consecutive years? They believe they're set for the future with Williams, and the hope is Pace buys them not one but two years. Certainly Shaffer is an able backup. But if Angelo takes care of the position here, he might not have to worry about it again. He also pointed out Tuesday that the Bears are better at tackle than they ever have been with four players with experience at left tackle. That counts Omiyale, the free-agent pickup who we have listed at guard because he is expected to take over between Pace and Kreutz at left guard. Angelo also mentioned a change in philosophy. Previously, the Bears looked for guards with the ability to play center. They have three of those in Beekman, Buenning and Garza. Now, the profile the team is using is one that searches for tackles who can also play guard. That's probably a reflection of the stated desire to get more size and bulk up front. The Bears have had far more success constructing the offensive line through free agency than any other way but a young building block is needed to eventually pair with Williams. If the Bears pass, it shows the confidence they have in Pace, who is in terrific shape right now. But it only delays the need to fill a longstanding need. A month ago, tackle was still the No. 1 need even after Shaffer had been added. Picking up Pace didn't push it that far down the list.

Who the Bears have been looking at

The Bears started out with line coach Harry Hiestand taking a look at many of the top prospects, including Loadholt and Arizona's Eben Britton. Earlier this week, Hiestand went to Ball State to put Robert Brewster through a workout. Brewster played right tackle there and some believe he will be a guard in the NFL. The team also hosted Eastern Michigan's T.J. Lang for an official visit. Lang played left tackle in the MAC and will be a right tackle or guard in the NFL. He's gotten a lot of buzz the last month.
Coming Friday: Free safety.


[h1][/h1]

[h1]Bears draft preview: Need No. 2 Free safety[/h1]
By Brad Biggs on April 24, 2009 7:23 AM | Permalink | Comments ( | TrackBacks (0)

Need No. 2--Free safety

Players on roster

FS Josh Bullocks (signed through 2009)
S Craig Steltz (2011)
S Glenn Earl (2009)
S/CB Danieal Manning (2009)
S/CB Zack Bowman (2011)

Need

The Bears thought they were selecting an athletic safety with the skills to man the position for some time when they used their first pick in 2006 on Manning. He's started 28 games at the position and that has been enough for them to determine he's not a fit for them there. The most athletic member of the secondary gets caught out of position too often and part of the problem has its roots in the coaching staff's desire to move him all over the defensive backfield. The Bears are content now leaving him at nickel cornerback where he started last year and excelled after coach Lovie Smith took over the position. Smith is adding that position to his growing list of job titles and that is probably a good thing. It's too bad because Manning has proven to be durable and that is one trait the team has not been able to find at safety. Bullocks figures to be the man for the job right now. A former second-round pick, he had a nice rookie season in New Orleans but from there the progress stalled. The hope is that new surroundings will make a difference for him, and he looked good in minicamp, but the easiest way to judge a team's faith in a player is by his contract. Bullocks has a modest one-year deal.

Steltz is out of position at free safety even if the Bears say he can play the position. He's got the smarts to be in the right spot but lacks the range to cover deep like the team needs. Remember, this was one of the worst pass defenses in the league last season. Putting a slow-footed guy at free safety isn't going to help matters even if the biggest issue lied with the inability to generate a pass rush. Earl is another veteran option who came for the minimum. He could be considered behind Manning at nickel. Bowman was shifted to free safety out of necessity before Bullocks and Earl came on the scene. It's not known if that change is permanent and when you talk about durability issues at the position, Bowman is certainly a guy that will be difficult to count on given his history at Nebraska and the fact that he got knocked out after one game last year. This is a pressing need. The team feels like it has a decent strong safety in Kevin Payne. He's a thumper in the box and was out of position at free safety when tried there last season. Payne might not be flashy but he's gotten better at wrapping up instead of going for the knockout and will work fine. He's had injuries himself, recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, and a durable partner is a must. Bullocks will likely be in competition with a rookie for the starting job and Smith has shown no hesitation throwing rookies into the fire at the position. If the club passes on a wide receiver with its first pick, a logical choice would be for a safety here.

Who the Bears have been looking at

Defensive backs coach Jon Hoke has conducted private workouts with Troy's Sherrod Martin, who could be considered as a free safety but played cornerback in school. He also went to Ohio to work out Mike Mitchell, who might be versatile enough to play both positions. Martin is viewed as a second-round possibility but more likely a third rounder. Mitchell is a late-round option. The Bears also brought in Oregon State's Al Afalava and Penn State's Anthony Scirrotto on visits. They're strictly strong safeties who could be priority free agents and players that get a good look on special teams. The Bears are putting a premium on size at this position, part of the player profile general manager Jerry Angelo talked about this week. They believe a more sturdy safety will perhaps minimize the chance for injury at a position where durability is becoming increasingly harder to find. That means Missouri's William Moore and Oregon's Patrick Chung could be on the radar here and warrant consideration in the second round with the Bears' pick at No. 49. New Mexico's Glover Quin and Arizona State's Troy Nolan are late-round options.
Coming Saturday: Wide receiver.

 

[casperjr]

just too add on too that boldin is now going for for a 2nd and a player

 

[casperjr]

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[h1]Bears draft preview: Need No. 1 Wide receiver[/h1]
By Brad Biggs on April 25, 2009 8:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (0)

Need No. 1--WIde receiver

Players on roster

WR Devin Hester (signed through 20013)
WR Earl Bennett (2011)
WR Rashied Davis (2010)
WR Brandon Rideau (2009)
WR John Broussard (2010)
WR Devin Aromashodu (2010)

Need

Let's see if we can get this straight. Prior to the trade for quarterback Jay Cutler just more than three weeks ago, general manager Jerry Angelo said the Bears had talked themselves into drafting a wide receiver in the first round with the 18th overall selection. Angelo thought there was a good chance the Bears could land a "blue'' receiver in that spot, meaning a guy who has a chance to be an elite performer. The Bears needed to upgrade their receiver corps and Angelo was willing to take the plunge after drafting only one wideout in the first round in the combined tenures of his time with the Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kyle Orton needed the help and it was on the way. OK. What exactly has changed?

Well, Angelo is no longer armed with a first-round pick. Orton is no longer the quarterback in need of wide receivers now that he's in Denver with Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal. Now, Angelo has Cutler and that right there might make it more important to improve the receivers considering there could be a subtle shift toward the passing game in the playbook. While offensive coordinator Ron Turner said earlier this week that Hester was looked "spectacular'' in the voluntary offseason program, most believe it's a stretch to think he'll develop into a true No. 1 receiver. Across from him, the Bears are propping up Bennett as a legitimate starting option when his next NFL reception will be his first. Perhaps management and the coaching staff alike have acknowledged that Davis was miscast last season as a starter on the outside when he belongs in the slot. They didn't do him or the offense as a whole any favors playing him out of position. The real issue here is if Bennett doesn't work out the Bears are in serious trouble. When you chart the development of another former Bears' third-round pick at wide receiver, Bernard Berrian didn't take off until his third season. Can the Bears place all of their hope on Bennett without getting a mature, as-NFL-ready-as-possible receiver as soon as possible in this draft? Angelo and college scouting director Greg Gabriel can talk circles around you about the value of the pick and not reaching and players at other positions having substantially better grades. Great. What about Bennett? What about Davis? What about last season is so hard to remember? You can construct a compelling case at another of other positions. We're tried to do that right here when discussing free safety, offensive tackle, defensive and and you can even make a good argument about defensive tackle. But a final analysis is going to lead you one place, right back to wide receiver. One other thing--the Bears need to take a better look at Rideau and Broussard this summer. Rideau was the garbage time star of preseason a year ago and Broussard has added almost 15 pounds and made several impressive plays in minicamp.

Who the Bears have been looking at

The Bears hit the road to do work on the guys they were considering in the first round--North Carolina's Hakeem Nicks and Rutgers' Kenny Britt--and then started looking elsewhere. There is still a chance one of these guys could fall, but seeing them fall all of the way to No. 49 would be a real surprise. There will be a frenzied run on receivers. Whether it gets going in earnest at the end of the first round or beginning of the second round remains to be seen. Wide receivers coach Darryl Drake started April with visits to put Oklahoma's Juaquin Iglesias and Georgia's Mohamed Massaquoi through private workouts. The Bears also got together with Ohio State's Brian Robiskie and Ole Miss' Mike Wallace. Robiskie and Massaquoi would both be appealing at No. 49 and don't rule out Iglesias. Chances are the Bears will use two of their eight picks on receivers. The team is known to have brought in at least three wideouts on official visits--Louisiana-Lafayette's Jason Chery, Kent State's Julian Edelman and Pitt's Derek Kinder. Edelman was also put through a private workout and is a possible wildcat quarterback. Kinder is the most interesting in terms of being a prospect. He projects possibly like a Berrian type. Here is the latest updated list we have on the private workouts and official visits the Bears had the last six weeks or so.
Coming this afternoon: The NFL draft.