***2013 Chicago Bears Offseason Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[sho nuff]

The point is Chicago needs playmakers...difference makers. Whether they find them in the 1st or 7th round. Tavon Austin and Tyrann Mathieu are two players that fit and are needs in Chicago.GB spent 2nd/3rd round picks on all of those players, big investments for playmakers and it's worked for them.

Sure...and those players are not enough right now even for GB.Why? Because the O and Dlines get manhandled.I don't think Chicago's WRs were the problem this year. Not to say they are stocked there...they do need some guys in there. But with Marshall and Jeffrey you have the start. No need to go WR or TE before the late 2nd or 3rd round. There are playmakers there. Then again, Ted Thompson is not walking through the door to pick them for you (his one area that he can find gems...some at CB too).Im with the others...you can think some guys will improve...but the OL needs to be addressed and addressed strongly (GB needs to do the same...don't want to just trust Bulaga and Sherrod can do it...nor trust that EDS can play center).

GB only got manhandled by the 49ers, it's because they play a different game. Just like how a lot of NFL teams went pass happy with fast players everywhere, the 49ers reversed it into a ground and pound attack. GB's lines need work though.As I indicated earlier: If Eric Fisher OT or Lane Johnson OT, I don't see a LT worthy of the 20th overall pick. It's one thing to say address Offensive Line, but it's another to reach on a player. If they wanted an interior lineman, then look to Chance Warmack G Bama...likely gone. Jonathan Cooper G UNC is worthy of the 20th pick. He's the only other option at OL. Which is why I suggested Tavon Austin in round one, then taking a lineman worthy of the pick.

To say GB only got manhandled by the 9ers shows you only watched one GB game.And I don't think people are saying to reach on a guy...but you proposed taking 2 non-OL...and LT is not the only need for the Bears OL.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Agree with Sho nuffs sentiments, fix the o-line first. And yes, Chicago has historically bad drafts while Green Bay has been awesome. Homefully Emery will change that. Aside from O-linemen fill the other gaping hole at TE, then start to work on the defensive side of the ball. Another WR would be sweet, but in a quick hitting scheme with good blocking I think Forte, Marshall, Jeffrey, Bennett, a real TE, and some tactical application of Knox/Hester* should be fine. There's not much depth after the starters, but 2014 is the offseason to address that. Give Cutler time and we'll find out if WR is still really a need and if Cutler is really a franchise QB.* Ideally Knox will return and be used as a WR #4 to stretch the field leaving Hester to returns only. But I doubt Knox will play this year so I'm assuming Hester will fill that role. Whichever takes this role should only get about offensive 15 snaps per game.

I'm hoping TE can be address via Free Agency: Jared Cook, Dustin Keller, etc. Really don't want to spend a mid first rounder on Tyler Eifert or Zach Ertz.I've ruled out Knox, but if he returns in some capacity...then i'm okay with leaving WR alone for a year.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

The point is Chicago needs playmakers...difference makers. Whether they find them in the 1st or 7th round. Tavon Austin and Tyrann Mathieu are two players that fit and are needs in Chicago.GB spent 2nd/3rd round picks on all of those players, big investments for playmakers and it's worked for them.

Sure...and those players are not enough right now even for GB.Why? Because the O and Dlines get manhandled.I don't think Chicago's WRs were the problem this year. Not to say they are stocked there...they do need some guys in there. But with Marshall and Jeffrey you have the start. No need to go WR or TE before the late 2nd or 3rd round. There are playmakers there. Then again, Ted Thompson is not walking through the door to pick them for you (his one area that he can find gems...some at CB too).Im with the others...you can think some guys will improve...but the OL needs to be addressed and addressed strongly (GB needs to do the same...don't want to just trust Bulaga and Sherrod can do it...nor trust that EDS can play center).

GB only got manhandled by the 49ers, it's because they play a different game. Just like how a lot of NFL teams went pass happy with fast players everywhere, the 49ers reversed it into a ground and pound attack. GB's lines need work though.As I indicated earlier: If Eric Fisher OT or Lane Johnson OT, I don't see a LT worthy of the 20th overall pick. It's one thing to say address Offensive Line, but it's another to reach on a player. If they wanted an interior lineman, then look to Chance Warmack G Bama...likely gone. Jonathan Cooper G UNC is worthy of the 20th pick. He's the only other option at OL. Which is why I suggested Tavon Austin in round one, then taking a lineman worthy of the pick.

To say GB only got manhandled by the 9ers shows you only watched one GB game.And I don't think people are saying to reach on a guy...but you proposed taking 2 non-OL...and LT is not the only need for the Bears OL.

Trust me, i've watched plenty of Packers games. I just think that the 49ers manhandled everybody and shouldn't be taken into account. GB is middle/lower part of the league in run defense, but not dead last...which would be manhandled. Sacks are high, but injuries/Rodgers holding onto the ball didn't help in this area. Yes GB needs help in both areas, but manhandled IMO is when a team can't stop a team no matter what. When GB completes passes at the 3rd highest rate in the NFL...it's not getting manhandled. They're also 23rd in rush per attempt, not great...but not manhandled.I think only a handful of teams in the league are not looking to upgrade the OL, it seems like a consistent problem.I think the biggest need for the Chicago OL in 2013 is center. Garza isn't quick enough to get off of double teams and/or reach the second level. He gets stalemated by Raji/Williams/Suh/Fairley and it messes up the run/pass game. If Chicago wants to address the Center position in round two that's fine.My dream scenario is Chicago obtaining at least one starting OL and two more for to compete in Free Agency, along with a TE. With Austin/Mathieu in round one and two, then OL/LB/etc.For those that aren't educated on these playersTavon Austin:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdxtZn9Z-Jc

 

[mlball77]

I fall into the camp that thinks WR is on the "nice to have" list and not the "need to have" list. Jeffery and Bennett both missed time last year, and with those two potentially healthy, teamed with Marshall, the trio is solid. Adding a little depth through FA or mid-late draft is probably needed, but that's about it, imo, particularly if the team brings in a legit receiving TE. The aforementioned trio with a guy like Cook/Keller/decent vet will give Trestman and Cutler soome good options to work with (Forte and Bush as well). That would be a nicely balanced set of skill position players on offense (and relatively deep, at least for CHI). Like several of you have said, on offense, the line should be the first priority, but that has been the case for some time now. TE after that. Defense is different, seems there could be more moving parts. The potential loss of Urlacher and the age of critical players on that side of the ball are the things that concern me.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

One issue on replacing Urlacher is what is the long term defense going to look like? If it's 4-3 or Tampa 2, i'd look at Rutgers MLB Khaseem Greene. Very athletic kid, great in coverage, creates lots of turnovers. Probably can be acquired in round 2.

 

[sho nuff]

Trust me, i've watched plenty of Packers games. I just think that the 49ers manhandled everybody and shouldn't be taken into account. GB is middle/lower part of the league in run defense, but not dead last...which would be manhandled. Sacks are high, but injuries/Rodgers holding onto the ball didn't help in this area. Yes GB needs help in both areas, but manhandled IMO is when a team can't stop a team no matter what. When GB completes passes at the 3rd highest rate in the NFL...it's not getting manhandled. They're also 23rd in rush per attempt, not great...but not manhandled.I think only a handful of teams in the league are not looking to upgrade the OL, it seems like a consistent problem.I think the biggest need for the Chicago OL in 2013 is center. Garza isn't quick enough to get off of double teams and/or reach the second level. He gets stalemated by Raji/Williams/Suh/Fairley and it messes up the run/pass game. If Chicago wants to address the Center position in round two that's fine.My dream scenario is Chicago obtaining at least one starting OL and two more for to compete in Free Agency, along with a TE. With Austin/Mathieu in round one and two, then OL/LB/etc.For those that aren't educated on these playersTavon Austin:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdxtZn9Z-Jc

If you watched more Packer games you would not make the comment that they were only manhandled by the 9ers.Giants...Seahawks...Vikings in the last week of the season.And I agree with you on if they find something in FA...then they have more of a luxury of going after these playmakers.Mathieu is interesting. I could see him being a Woodson like guy in the slot. But I think that is complete best case scenario and not as likely.

 

[twistd]

Agree with Sho nuffs sentiments, fix the o-line first. And yes, Chicago has historically bad drafts while Green Bay has been awesome. Homefully Emery will change that. Aside from O-linemen fill the other gaping hole at TE, then start to work on the defensive side of the ball. Another WR would be sweet, but in a quick hitting scheme with good blocking I think Forte, Marshall, Jeffrey, Bennett, a real TE, and some tactical application of Knox/Hester* should be fine. There's not much depth after the starters, but 2014 is the offseason to address that. Give Cutler time and we'll find out if WR is still really a need and if Cutler is really a franchise QB.* Ideally Knox will return and be used as a WR #4 to stretch the field leaving Hester to returns only. But I doubt Knox will play this year so I'm assuming Hester will fill that role. Whichever takes this role should only get about offensive 15 snaps per game.

I'm hoping TE can be address via Free Agency: Jared Cook, Dustin Keller, etc. Really don't want to spend a mid first rounder on Tyler Eifert or Zach Ertz.I've ruled out Knox, but if he returns in some capacity...then i'm okay with leaving WR alone for a year.

I'm with you on addressing TE through free agency. I think that if they draft a TE, then you really have to wait for the player to develop. If they grab someone like Keller, Cook, or Fred Davis, they improve the situation immediately. Do they try to develop Kellen Davis, or cut him loose? He was pretty awful this past year. I wouldn't mind if the Bears signed a second or third tier WR, like Brian Hartline, Emmanuel Sanders, or Brandon Gibson, someone like that. If they could sign someone like that to a reasonable contract they could address the WR position without using a draft pick this year. I agree that Knox is a long shot. I'm really worried about his long team health.

 

[GreenNGold]

I already started this thread here: http://forums.footba...Maybe mods can merge these two threads? The only thing I know, is that my only t-shirt that does not go out of style from year to year is the one that says "Da Bears Still Suck" on it! If you would like me to save you some time, I can start the 2014 Chicago Bears Offseason Thread now too!

Your 15 - 1 and done T-shirt will never go out of style either lol.

I'd much rather wear that than just being done and done year in and year out.

 

[twistd]

Coaching staff looks very good.I'm dreaming, but here are two prospects I want in Chicago:Round one- Tavon Austin WR. I outlined this before, but he's a playmaker...something Chicago needs. He can work the slot, reverses, track down passing down the seam, be a return guy. But most importantly, be a threat and take pressure off of others on offense.Round two- Tyrann Mathieu CB LSU. Chicago had issues matching up with other WRs in the slot: Randall Cobb/Percy Harvin/Ryan Broyles are talented players they have to matchup in the slot just in the division. Mathieu could be great at that and is a playmaker. He always is knocking the ball loose and creating turnovers. Tough player, who likes to tackle. Yes he has the off the field stuff, which is why he may be available in the second round. He probably won't even make it to the Bears second round pick.OL help, yes it will happen. RT can't be drafted because Jonathan Scott/Carimi deserve at least another year. LT, Webb actually finished in the positive in pass protection, if this is addressed it will be in free agency...Brandon Albert. I see Lane Johnson and Eric Fisher gone by pick 20. A couple of free agents and middle round picks. Don't forget that Aaron Kromar made pro bowl players out of 4th/5th round pick in New Orleans: Nicks, Evans, Bushrod.

As much as I agree that the Bears need another WR, I think that is a luxury that the Bears probably can't afford. The line is the first priority. If the Bears were to get Albert, I would be thrilled. But I find it hard to imagine that the Chiefs allow him to get away. If the Bears could sign Albert they could possibly put him in as the LT. Webb might be able to compete with Scott for the RT spot. Webb is never going to be a competent LT. Hopefully his skills would translate to RT. Carimi needs to be moved to guard. He may be a complete bust, but they need to see if he can play guard. These are the rankings of the Bears o-linemen by Pro Football Focus. These are players who played at least 25% of the snaps at this position:Garza-30th out of 36Webb-47th out of 80Scott-63 out of 80Carimi-74 out of 80Louis-47 out of 81Spencer-50 out of 81Rachal-75 out of 81Contrast with the rankings of the SF line:Godwin-10 of 36Staley-1 of 80Davis-11 of 80Boone-3 of 81Iupati-5 of 81This should demonstrate that the Bears need to upgrade the entire o-line talent pool. They have no offensive linemen that are even average at their position. So to imagine that the Bears can hope that Kromer can fix this line, without a major upgrade in talent, is fantasy. That is the same story we heard when Tice was hired. He was this o-line genius who could overcome the lack of talent. It didn't work. And if you handcuff Kromer with the same pitiful group of o-linemen we will be having this same conversation next year. I think they really need to focus on getting at least two more linemen in the draft, and another in free agency. I would like to see at least two, maybe three, new starters on the line. They aren't going to jump up to a top 10 unit in a year, but they need to at least get in to range of the average.

I don't think comparing Chicago's OL(one of the worst in the league) to the 49ers the best in the league is in our best interests. In order to make that happen and let players develop it could take up to 5 years. 49ers used 3 first round picks, it took time to develop them, etc. In 5 years Cutler will be mid 30's and Marshall will be nearing the end. Peppers will be retired along with Briggs and Tillman.Point being Chicago's window is small with the age of the defense. Drafting an OL in the first round may or may not be an upgrade(depending on if they reach), but addressing some players that can come in right away is advantageous.

Here is why I was comparing the SF line with the Bears, the Niners have tremendous talent on the line. They have invested some high draft picks, but across the board their line is very, very good. In my mind their offensive line is one of the keys to why the Niners are going to the Super Bowl. The Bears are almost devoid of talent in this area. They are not just bad as a unit, there is very little talent there to develop. What I got from what you said earlier is that Carimi/Scott deserve another chance at RT, and Webb improved at LT. You seem to be counting on Kromer to develop this group. What I think is you are asking Kromer to make chicken salad out of chicken ####. There is almost nothing in this group of o-linemen. The Bears need a major upgrade in talent. Maybe Kromer can get something out of Louis, Webb and Carimi. They are young, and could develop. But we haven't seen all that much so far to indicate they are talent just waiting for the right coach to turn a switch for them to flourish. I think Carimi should be moved to guard, and if they could find a LT, Webb should be tried at right tackle. But, the point is, going in to the season with this same group of guys is a recipe for disaster. Last year Emery apparently believed Lovie and Tice, and imagined they could makes something decent out of this group. That was a mistake. Emery did nothing to address this issue in the draft. The only move he made was to sign Rachal, and he was useless. That isn't going to get it done. Emery didn't seem to grasp the seriousness of the problem. I hope he does now. I don't want the Bears to reach for an o-lineman in the first round if the value isn't there, but I would like to see at least two of the first five selections be o-line. In the last four years the Bears have invested more picks in safeties than they have in offensive linemen. That makes no sense. You are saying offensive linemen take time to develop, and they do. But if you don't start investing picks now, and trying to stockpile talent, in five years they will have the same problem they do now. To make this group even an average o-line Kromer would need to be a miracle worker. He needs help with an infusion of talent. Give him something to work with.

 

[RBM]

I already started this thread here: http://forums.footba...Maybe mods can merge these two threads? The only thing I know, is that my only t-shirt that does not go out of style from year to year is the one that says "Da Bears Still Suck" on it! If you would like me to save you some time, I can start the 2014 Chicago Bears Offseason Thread now too!

Your 15 - 1 and done T-shirt will never go out of style either lol.

I'd much rather wear that than just being done and done year in and year out.

A loser is still just a loser.

 

[KCitons]

Coaching staff looks very good.I'm dreaming, but here are two prospects I want in Chicago:Round one- Tavon Austin WR. I outlined this before, but he's a playmaker...something Chicago needs. He can work the slot, reverses, track down passing down the seam, be a return guy. But most importantly, be a threat and take pressure off of others on offense.Round two- Tyrann Mathieu CB LSU. Chicago had issues matching up with other WRs in the slot: Randall Cobb/Percy Harvin/Ryan Broyles are talented players they have to matchup in the slot just in the division. Mathieu could be great at that and is a playmaker. He always is knocking the ball loose and creating turnovers. Tough player, who likes to tackle. Yes he has the off the field stuff, which is why he may be available in the second round. He probably won't even make it to the Bears second round pick.OL help, yes it will happen. RT can't be drafted because Jonathan Scott/Carimi deserve at least another year. LT, Webb actually finished in the positive in pass protection, if this is addressed it will be in free agency...Brandon Albert. I see Lane Johnson and Eric Fisher gone by pick 20. A couple of free agents and middle round picks. Don't forget that Aaron Kromar made pro bowl players out of 4th/5th round pick in New Orleans: Nicks, Evans, Bushrod.

As much as I agree that the Bears need another WR, I think that is a luxury that the Bears probably can't afford. The line is the first priority. If the Bears were to get Albert, I would be thrilled. But I find it hard to imagine that the Chiefs allow him to get away. If the Bears could sign Albert they could possibly put him in as the LT. Webb might be able to compete with Scott for the RT spot. Webb is never going to be a competent LT. Hopefully his skills would translate to RT. Carimi needs to be moved to guard. He may be a complete bust, but they need to see if he can play guard. These are the rankings of the Bears o-linemen by Pro Football Focus. These are players who played at least 25% of the snaps at this position:Garza-30th out of 36Webb-47th out of 80Scott-63 out of 80Carimi-74 out of 80Louis-47 out of 81Spencer-50 out of 81Rachal-75 out of 81Contrast with the rankings of the SF line:Godwin-10 of 36Staley-1 of 80Davis-11 of 80Boone-3 of 81Iupati-5 of 81This should demonstrate that the Bears need to upgrade the entire o-line talent pool. They have no offensive linemen that are even average at their position. So to imagine that the Bears can hope that Kromer can fix this line, without a major upgrade in talent, is fantasy. That is the same story we heard when Tice was hired. He was this o-line genius who could overcome the lack of talent. It didn't work. And if you handcuff Kromer with the same pitiful group of o-linemen we will be having this same conversation next year. I think they really need to focus on getting at least two more linemen in the draft, and another in free agency. I would like to see at least two, maybe three, new starters on the line. They aren't going to jump up to a top 10 unit in a year, but they need to at least get in to range of the average.

I don't think comparing Chicago's OL(one of the worst in the league) to the 49ers the best in the league is in our best interests. In order to make that happen and let players develop it could take up to 5 years. 49ers used 3 first round picks, it took time to develop them, etc. In 5 years Cutler will be mid 30's and Marshall will be nearing the end. Peppers will be retired along with Briggs and Tillman.Point being Chicago's window is small with the age of the defense. Drafting an OL in the first round may or may not be an upgrade(depending on if they reach), but addressing some players that can come in right away is advantageous.

Here is why I was comparing the SF line with the Bears, the Niners have tremendous talent on the line. They have invested some high draft picks, but across the board their line is very, very good. In my mind their offensive line is one of the keys to why the Niners are going to the Super Bowl. The Bears are almost devoid of talent in this area. They are not just bad as a unit, there is very little talent there to develop. What I got from what you said earlier is that Carimi/Scott deserve another chance at RT, and Webb improved at LT. You seem to be counting on Kromer to develop this group. What I think is you are asking Kromer to make chicken salad out of chicken ####. There is almost nothing in this group of o-linemen. The Bears need a major upgrade in talent. Maybe Kromer can get something out of Louis, Webb and Carimi. They are young, and could develop. But we haven't seen all that much so far to indicate they are talent just waiting for the right coach to turn a switch for them to flourish. I think Carimi should be moved to guard, and if they could find a LT, Webb should be tried at right tackle. But, the point is, going in to the season with this same group of guys is a recipe for disaster. Last year Emery apparently believed Lovie and Tice, and imagined they could makes something decent out of this group. That was a mistake. Emery did nothing to address this issue in the draft. The only move he made was to sign Rachal, and he was useless. That isn't going to get it done. Emery didn't seem to grasp the seriousness of the problem. I hope he does now. I don't want the Bears to reach for an o-lineman in the first round if the value isn't there, but I would like to see at least two of the first five selections be o-line. In the last four years the Bears have invested more picks in safeties than they have in offensive linemen. That makes no sense. You are saying offensive linemen take time to develop, and they do. But if you don't start investing picks now, and trying to stockpile talent, in five years they will have the same problem they do now. To make this group even an average o-line Kromer would need to be a miracle worker. He needs help with an infusion of talent. Give him something to work with.

Making chicken salad out of chicken ####, is exactly what the 49ers did with Goodwin and Boone. Both of those players were headed for early retirement until someone found a way to coach them properly. Why is changing teams that much different than changing coaching staffs?Again, I'm not saying there are 6 pro bowl Offensive Linemen on the Bears roster, but let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater.

 

[Statcruncher]

I already started this thread here: http://forums.footba...Maybe mods can merge these two threads? The only thing I know, is that my only t-shirt that does not go out of style from year to year is the one that says "Da Bears Still Suck" on it! If you would like me to save you some time, I can start the 2014 Chicago Bears Offseason Thread now too!

Your 15 - 1 and done T-shirt will never go out of style either lol.

I'd much rather wear that than just being done and done year in and year out.

Only 5 teams in NFL history have ended the regular season 15-1. Only one of those couldn't win a playoff game. Wear that shirt with pride, you guys made history!

 

[RBM]

Coaching staff looks very good.I'm dreaming, but here are two prospects I want in Chicago:Round one- Tavon Austin WR. I outlined this before, but he's a playmaker...something Chicago needs. He can work the slot, reverses, track down passing down the seam, be a return guy. But most importantly, be a threat and take pressure off of others on offense.Round two- Tyrann Mathieu CB LSU. Chicago had issues matching up with other WRs in the slot: Randall Cobb/Percy Harvin/Ryan Broyles are talented players they have to matchup in the slot just in the division. Mathieu could be great at that and is a playmaker. He always is knocking the ball loose and creating turnovers. Tough player, who likes to tackle. Yes he has the off the field stuff, which is why he may be available in the second round. He probably won't even make it to the Bears second round pick.OL help, yes it will happen. RT can't be drafted because Jonathan Scott/Carimi deserve at least another year. LT, Webb actually finished in the positive in pass protection, if this is addressed it will be in free agency...Brandon Albert. I see Lane Johnson and Eric Fisher gone by pick 20. A couple of free agents and middle round picks. Don't forget that Aaron Kromar made pro bowl players out of 4th/5th round pick in New Orleans: Nicks, Evans, Bushrod.

As much as I agree that the Bears need another WR, I think that is a luxury that the Bears probably can't afford. The line is the first priority. If the Bears were to get Albert, I would be thrilled. But I find it hard to imagine that the Chiefs allow him to get away. If the Bears could sign Albert they could possibly put him in as the LT. Webb might be able to compete with Scott for the RT spot. Webb is never going to be a competent LT. Hopefully his skills would translate to RT. Carimi needs to be moved to guard. He may be a complete bust, but they need to see if he can play guard. These are the rankings of the Bears o-linemen by Pro Football Focus. These are players who played at least 25% of the snaps at this position:Garza-30th out of 36Webb-47th out of 80Scott-63 out of 80Carimi-74 out of 80Louis-47 out of 81Spencer-50 out of 81Rachal-75 out of 81Contrast with the rankings of the SF line:Godwin-10 of 36Staley-1 of 80Davis-11 of 80Boone-3 of 81Iupati-5 of 81This should demonstrate that the Bears need to upgrade the entire o-line talent pool. They have no offensive linemen that are even average at their position. So to imagine that the Bears can hope that Kromer can fix this line, without a major upgrade in talent, is fantasy. That is the same story we heard when Tice was hired. He was this o-line genius who could overcome the lack of talent. It didn't work. And if you handcuff Kromer with the same pitiful group of o-linemen we will be having this same conversation next year. I think they really need to focus on getting at least two more linemen in the draft, and another in free agency. I would like to see at least two, maybe three, new starters on the line. They aren't going to jump up to a top 10 unit in a year, but they need to at least get in to range of the average.

I don't think comparing Chicago's OL(one of the worst in the league) to the 49ers the best in the league is in our best interests. In order to make that happen and let players develop it could take up to 5 years. 49ers used 3 first round picks, it took time to develop them, etc. In 5 years Cutler will be mid 30's and Marshall will be nearing the end. Peppers will be retired along with Briggs and Tillman.Point being Chicago's window is small with the age of the defense. Drafting an OL in the first round may or may not be an upgrade(depending on if they reach), but addressing some players that can come in right away is advantageous.

Here is why I was comparing the SF line with the Bears, the Niners have tremendous talent on the line. They have invested some high draft picks, but across the board their line is very, very good. In my mind their offensive line is one of the keys to why the Niners are going to the Super Bowl. The Bears are almost devoid of talent in this area. They are not just bad as a unit, there is very little talent there to develop. What I got from what you said earlier is that Carimi/Scott deserve another chance at RT, and Webb improved at LT. You seem to be counting on Kromer to develop this group. What I think is you are asking Kromer to make chicken salad out of chicken ####. There is almost nothing in this group of o-linemen. The Bears need a major upgrade in talent. Maybe Kromer can get something out of Louis, Webb and Carimi. They are young, and could develop. But we haven't seen all that much so far to indicate they are talent just waiting for the right coach to turn a switch for them to flourish. I think Carimi should be moved to guard, and if they could find a LT, Webb should be tried at right tackle. But, the point is, going in to the season with this same group of guys is a recipe for disaster. Last year Emery apparently believed Lovie and Tice, and imagined they could makes something decent out of this group. That was a mistake. Emery did nothing to address this issue in the draft. The only move he made was to sign Rachal, and he was useless. That isn't going to get it done. Emery didn't seem to grasp the seriousness of the problem. I hope he does now. I don't want the Bears to reach for an o-lineman in the first round if the value isn't there, but I would like to see at least two of the first five selections be o-line. In the last four years the Bears have invested more picks in safeties than they have in offensive linemen. That makes no sense. You are saying offensive linemen take time to develop, and they do. But if you don't start investing picks now, and trying to stockpile talent, in five years they will have the same problem they do now. To make this group even an average o-line Kromer would need to be a miracle worker. He needs help with an infusion of talent. Give him something to work with.

Making chicken salad out of chicken ####, is exactly what the 49ers did with Goodwin and Boone. Both of those players were headed for early retirement until someone found a way to coach them properly. Why is changing teams that much different than changing coaching staffs?Again, I'm not saying there are 6 pro bowl Offensive Linemen on the Bears roster, but let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Well he did say let's keep trying with Louis, Webb, and Gabe. But we're still going to have to add talent as well.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Coaching staff looks very good.I'm dreaming, but here are two prospects I want in Chicago:Round one- Tavon Austin WR. I outlined this before, but he's a playmaker...something Chicago needs. He can work the slot, reverses, track down passing down the seam, be a return guy. But most importantly, be a threat and take pressure off of others on offense.Round two- Tyrann Mathieu CB LSU. Chicago had issues matching up with other WRs in the slot: Randall Cobb/Percy Harvin/Ryan Broyles are talented players they have to matchup in the slot just in the division. Mathieu could be great at that and is a playmaker. He always is knocking the ball loose and creating turnovers. Tough player, who likes to tackle. Yes he has the off the field stuff, which is why he may be available in the second round. He probably won't even make it to the Bears second round pick.OL help, yes it will happen. RT can't be drafted because Jonathan Scott/Carimi deserve at least another year. LT, Webb actually finished in the positive in pass protection, if this is addressed it will be in free agency...Brandon Albert. I see Lane Johnson and Eric Fisher gone by pick 20. A couple of free agents and middle round picks. Don't forget that Aaron Kromar made pro bowl players out of 4th/5th round pick in New Orleans: Nicks, Evans, Bushrod.

As much as I agree that the Bears need another WR, I think that is a luxury that the Bears probably can't afford. The line is the first priority. If the Bears were to get Albert, I would be thrilled. But I find it hard to imagine that the Chiefs allow him to get away. If the Bears could sign Albert they could possibly put him in as the LT. Webb might be able to compete with Scott for the RT spot. Webb is never going to be a competent LT. Hopefully his skills would translate to RT. Carimi needs to be moved to guard. He may be a complete bust, but they need to see if he can play guard. These are the rankings of the Bears o-linemen by Pro Football Focus. These are players who played at least 25% of the snaps at this position:Garza-30th out of 36Webb-47th out of 80Scott-63 out of 80Carimi-74 out of 80Louis-47 out of 81Spencer-50 out of 81Rachal-75 out of 81Contrast with the rankings of the SF line:Godwin-10 of 36Staley-1 of 80Davis-11 of 80Boone-3 of 81Iupati-5 of 81This should demonstrate that the Bears need to upgrade the entire o-line talent pool. They have no offensive linemen that are even average at their position. So to imagine that the Bears can hope that Kromer can fix this line, without a major upgrade in talent, is fantasy. That is the same story we heard when Tice was hired. He was this o-line genius who could overcome the lack of talent. It didn't work. And if you handcuff Kromer with the same pitiful group of o-linemen we will be having this same conversation next year. I think they really need to focus on getting at least two more linemen in the draft, and another in free agency. I would like to see at least two, maybe three, new starters on the line. They aren't going to jump up to a top 10 unit in a year, but they need to at least get in to range of the average.

I don't think comparing Chicago's OL(one of the worst in the league) to the 49ers the best in the league is in our best interests. In order to make that happen and let players develop it could take up to 5 years. 49ers used 3 first round picks, it took time to develop them, etc. In 5 years Cutler will be mid 30's and Marshall will be nearing the end. Peppers will be retired along with Briggs and Tillman.Point being Chicago's window is small with the age of the defense. Drafting an OL in the first round may or may not be an upgrade(depending on if they reach), but addressing some players that can come in right away is advantageous.

Here is why I was comparing the SF line with the Bears, the Niners have tremendous talent on the line. They have invested some high draft picks, but across the board their line is very, very good. In my mind their offensive line is one of the keys to why the Niners are going to the Super Bowl. The Bears are almost devoid of talent in this area. They are not just bad as a unit, there is very little talent there to develop. What I got from what you said earlier is that Carimi/Scott deserve another chance at RT, and Webb improved at LT. You seem to be counting on Kromer to develop this group. What I think is you are asking Kromer to make chicken salad out of chicken ####. There is almost nothing in this group of o-linemen. The Bears need a major upgrade in talent. Maybe Kromer can get something out of Louis, Webb and Carimi. They are young, and could develop. But we haven't seen all that much so far to indicate they are talent just waiting for the right coach to turn a switch for them to flourish. I think Carimi should be moved to guard, and if they could find a LT, Webb should be tried at right tackle. But, the point is, going in to the season with this same group of guys is a recipe for disaster. Last year Emery apparently believed Lovie and Tice, and imagined they could makes something decent out of this group. That was a mistake. Emery did nothing to address this issue in the draft. The only move he made was to sign Rachal, and he was useless. That isn't going to get it done. Emery didn't seem to grasp the seriousness of the problem. I hope he does now. I don't want the Bears to reach for an o-lineman in the first round if the value isn't there, but I would like to see at least two of the first five selections be o-line. In the last four years the Bears have invested more picks in safeties than they have in offensive linemen. That makes no sense. You are saying offensive linemen take time to develop, and they do. But if you don't start investing picks now, and trying to stockpile talent, in five years they will have the same problem they do now. To make this group even an average o-line Kromer would need to be a miracle worker. He needs help with an infusion of talent. Give him something to work with.

First of all good post and I enjoy a good discussion.I do agree, the Bears need to acquire more talent on the Offensive Line. But here is something i'm confused on. The Bears spent a first round pick on Gabe Carimi to be the RT of the future. He was injured his rookie year and struggled in pass protection in year two, although he was a good run blocker. But you're already writing him off as a bust and kicking him in to Guard. The Bears went out and spent a high draft pick on a player at a position of need(trying to make chicken salad), but you're already giving up on him at his natural position? That's the issue I have a problem with. Carimi and Scott have enough talent/played well enough to earn another chance at RT in 2013.LT- Webb improved at LT, but at this point I'm not comfortable with him being the only LT. If Kromer thinks he has a shot at LT, fine...but bring in some competition. Free Agents: Ryan Clady Denver, Jake Long Miami, Brandon Albert Kansas City. Clady will get tagged. Long didn't play well the last two years and Albert's natural position is Guard. These guys will cost huge dollars. Draft: Luke Joeckel Texas A&M, Eric Fisher Central Michigan, Lane Johnson Oklahoma, Kyle Long Oregon. Joeckel/Fisher will be top 10 picks, Fisher has looked great during Senior Bowl week. Johnson is a former QB and athletic enough in pass protection. He's a little light and won't be the best run blocker off the bat...may be gone before pick 20. Kyle Long isn't worthy of a first round pick and needs more development, might be getting looks mainly due to his brother Jake Long.OG- Lance Louis is coming off of a knee injury, if he's making good progress...than resign him. Edwin Williams looks like a promising player at either Guard or Center. James Brown, not sure on him yet.Free Agents: Andy Levitre Buffalo, Brandon Moore NYJ. Levitre is one of the better pass protection guards in the NFL and will command some good money to obtain. Moore is 33.Draft: Chance Warmack Alabama, Jonathan Cooper UNC, Barrett Jones Alabama, Dallas Thomas Tennessee.Warmack is an amazing prospect and likely gone by pick 20. Cooper is a very good guard prospect and is a candidate for Chicago's selection. Jones can play any position on the line, but most likely a second round pick. Thomas is also versatile, but also a second round pick.C- Roberto Garza has to go. He's old and not very productive(I have all-22 and didn't like what I saw from Garza).Free Agents: Not much out there.Draft: Barrett Jones Alabama, Travis Frederick Wisconsin. Both second/third round players.RT- Like I said before, I believe this position shouldn't be addressed due to Carimi/Scott.Free Agents- Andre Smith Cinci, Gosder Cherilius Detroit, Jermon Bushrod New Orleans, Draft: DJ Fluker AlabamaTo address the offensive line, I see Lane Johnson/Jonathan Cooper staring at the Bears for pick 20. If Chicago moves up, then Fisher/Warmack come into play. If they move back, then Barrett Jones/Dallas Thomas/Kyle Long/Fluker all could be options in late 1st/2nd/3rd.

 

[KCitons]

Coaching staff looks very good.I'm dreaming, but here are two prospects I want in Chicago:Round one- Tavon Austin WR. I outlined this before, but he's a playmaker...something Chicago needs. He can work the slot, reverses, track down passing down the seam, be a return guy. But most importantly, be a threat and take pressure off of others on offense.Round two- Tyrann Mathieu CB LSU. Chicago had issues matching up with other WRs in the slot: Randall Cobb/Percy Harvin/Ryan Broyles are talented players they have to matchup in the slot just in the division. Mathieu could be great at that and is a playmaker. He always is knocking the ball loose and creating turnovers. Tough player, who likes to tackle. Yes he has the off the field stuff, which is why he may be available in the second round. He probably won't even make it to the Bears second round pick.OL help, yes it will happen. RT can't be drafted because Jonathan Scott/Carimi deserve at least another year. LT, Webb actually finished in the positive in pass protection, if this is addressed it will be in free agency...Brandon Albert. I see Lane Johnson and Eric Fisher gone by pick 20. A couple of free agents and middle round picks. Don't forget that Aaron Kromar made pro bowl players out of 4th/5th round pick in New Orleans: Nicks, Evans, Bushrod.

As much as I agree that the Bears need another WR, I think that is a luxury that the Bears probably can't afford. The line is the first priority. If the Bears were to get Albert, I would be thrilled. But I find it hard to imagine that the Chiefs allow him to get away. If the Bears could sign Albert they could possibly put him in as the LT. Webb might be able to compete with Scott for the RT spot. Webb is never going to be a competent LT. Hopefully his skills would translate to RT. Carimi needs to be moved to guard. He may be a complete bust, but they need to see if he can play guard. These are the rankings of the Bears o-linemen by Pro Football Focus. These are players who played at least 25% of the snaps at this position:Garza-30th out of 36Webb-47th out of 80Scott-63 out of 80Carimi-74 out of 80Louis-47 out of 81Spencer-50 out of 81Rachal-75 out of 81Contrast with the rankings of the SF line:Godwin-10 of 36Staley-1 of 80Davis-11 of 80Boone-3 of 81Iupati-5 of 81This should demonstrate that the Bears need to upgrade the entire o-line talent pool. They have no offensive linemen that are even average at their position. So to imagine that the Bears can hope that Kromer can fix this line, without a major upgrade in talent, is fantasy. That is the same story we heard when Tice was hired. He was this o-line genius who could overcome the lack of talent. It didn't work. And if you handcuff Kromer with the same pitiful group of o-linemen we will be having this same conversation next year. I think they really need to focus on getting at least two more linemen in the draft, and another in free agency. I would like to see at least two, maybe three, new starters on the line. They aren't going to jump up to a top 10 unit in a year, but they need to at least get in to range of the average.

I don't think comparing Chicago's OL(one of the worst in the league) to the 49ers the best in the league is in our best interests. In order to make that happen and let players develop it could take up to 5 years. 49ers used 3 first round picks, it took time to develop them, etc. In 5 years Cutler will be mid 30's and Marshall will be nearing the end. Peppers will be retired along with Briggs and Tillman.Point being Chicago's window is small with the age of the defense. Drafting an OL in the first round may or may not be an upgrade(depending on if they reach), but addressing some players that can come in right away is advantageous.

Here is why I was comparing the SF line with the Bears, the Niners have tremendous talent on the line. They have invested some high draft picks, but across the board their line is very, very good. In my mind their offensive line is one of the keys to why the Niners are going to the Super Bowl. The Bears are almost devoid of talent in this area. They are not just bad as a unit, there is very little talent there to develop. What I got from what you said earlier is that Carimi/Scott deserve another chance at RT, and Webb improved at LT. You seem to be counting on Kromer to develop this group. What I think is you are asking Kromer to make chicken salad out of chicken ####. There is almost nothing in this group of o-linemen. The Bears need a major upgrade in talent. Maybe Kromer can get something out of Louis, Webb and Carimi. They are young, and could develop. But we haven't seen all that much so far to indicate they are talent just waiting for the right coach to turn a switch for them to flourish. I think Carimi should be moved to guard, and if they could find a LT, Webb should be tried at right tackle. But, the point is, going in to the season with this same group of guys is a recipe for disaster. Last year Emery apparently believed Lovie and Tice, and imagined they could makes something decent out of this group. That was a mistake. Emery did nothing to address this issue in the draft. The only move he made was to sign Rachal, and he was useless. That isn't going to get it done. Emery didn't seem to grasp the seriousness of the problem. I hope he does now. I don't want the Bears to reach for an o-lineman in the first round if the value isn't there, but I would like to see at least two of the first five selections be o-line. In the last four years the Bears have invested more picks in safeties than they have in offensive linemen. That makes no sense. You are saying offensive linemen take time to develop, and they do. But if you don't start investing picks now, and trying to stockpile talent, in five years they will have the same problem they do now. To make this group even an average o-line Kromer would need to be a miracle worker. He needs help with an infusion of talent. Give him something to work with.

Making chicken salad out of chicken ####, is exactly what the 49ers did with Goodwin and Boone. Both of those players were headed for early retirement until someone found a way to coach them properly. Why is changing teams that much different than changing coaching staffs?Again, I'm not saying there are 6 pro bowl Offensive Linemen on the Bears roster, but let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Well he did say let's keep trying with Louis, Webb, and Gabe. But we're still going to have to add talent as well.

OK, I reread his post. He does say that about Louis, Webb and Gabe. I think the arguments here are that some fans automatically think the first 2 draft picks should go to OL. No matter what. But, I also feel that guys like Spencer and Rachal were high draft picks, why can't they be successful? They have the physical talents.By comparison, I don't see Devin Hester being cut by the Bears, signing with another team, and then becoming a #1 WR. But, I could see Spencer or Rachal being cut, signed and become a full time starter with another team.

 

[twistd]

Coaching staff looks very good.I'm dreaming, but here are two prospects I want in Chicago:Round one- Tavon Austin WR. I outlined this before, but he's a playmaker...something Chicago needs. He can work the slot, reverses, track down passing down the seam, be a return guy. But most importantly, be a threat and take pressure off of others on offense.Round two- Tyrann Mathieu CB LSU. Chicago had issues matching up with other WRs in the slot: Randall Cobb/Percy Harvin/Ryan Broyles are talented players they have to matchup in the slot just in the division. Mathieu could be great at that and is a playmaker. He always is knocking the ball loose and creating turnovers. Tough player, who likes to tackle. Yes he has the off the field stuff, which is why he may be available in the second round. He probably won't even make it to the Bears second round pick.OL help, yes it will happen. RT can't be drafted because Jonathan Scott/Carimi deserve at least another year. LT, Webb actually finished in the positive in pass protection, if this is addressed it will be in free agency...Brandon Albert. I see Lane Johnson and Eric Fisher gone by pick 20. A couple of free agents and middle round picks. Don't forget that Aaron Kromar made pro bowl players out of 4th/5th round pick in New Orleans: Nicks, Evans, Bushrod.

As much as I agree that the Bears need another WR, I think that is a luxury that the Bears probably can't afford. The line is the first priority. If the Bears were to get Albert, I would be thrilled. But I find it hard to imagine that the Chiefs allow him to get away. If the Bears could sign Albert they could possibly put him in as the LT. Webb might be able to compete with Scott for the RT spot. Webb is never going to be a competent LT. Hopefully his skills would translate to RT. Carimi needs to be moved to guard. He may be a complete bust, but they need to see if he can play guard. These are the rankings of the Bears o-linemen by Pro Football Focus. These are players who played at least 25% of the snaps at this position:Garza-30th out of 36Webb-47th out of 80Scott-63 out of 80Carimi-74 out of 80Louis-47 out of 81Spencer-50 out of 81Rachal-75 out of 81Contrast with the rankings of the SF line:Godwin-10 of 36Staley-1 of 80Davis-11 of 80Boone-3 of 81Iupati-5 of 81This should demonstrate that the Bears need to upgrade the entire o-line talent pool. They have no offensive linemen that are even average at their position. So to imagine that the Bears can hope that Kromer can fix this line, without a major upgrade in talent, is fantasy. That is the same story we heard when Tice was hired. He was this o-line genius who could overcome the lack of talent. It didn't work. And if you handcuff Kromer with the same pitiful group of o-linemen we will be having this same conversation next year. I think they really need to focus on getting at least two more linemen in the draft, and another in free agency. I would like to see at least two, maybe three, new starters on the line. They aren't going to jump up to a top 10 unit in a year, but they need to at least get in to range of the average.

I don't think comparing Chicago's OL(one of the worst in the league) to the 49ers the best in the league is in our best interests. In order to make that happen and let players develop it could take up to 5 years. 49ers used 3 first round picks, it took time to develop them, etc. In 5 years Cutler will be mid 30's and Marshall will be nearing the end. Peppers will be retired along with Briggs and Tillman.Point being Chicago's window is small with the age of the defense. Drafting an OL in the first round may or may not be an upgrade(depending on if they reach), but addressing some players that can come in right away is advantageous.

Here is why I was comparing the SF line with the Bears, the Niners have tremendous talent on the line. They have invested some high draft picks, but across the board their line is very, very good. In my mind their offensive line is one of the keys to why the Niners are going to the Super Bowl. The Bears are almost devoid of talent in this area. They are not just bad as a unit, there is very little talent there to develop. What I got from what you said earlier is that Carimi/Scott deserve another chance at RT, and Webb improved at LT. You seem to be counting on Kromer to develop this group. What I think is you are asking Kromer to make chicken salad out of chicken ####. There is almost nothing in this group of o-linemen. The Bears need a major upgrade in talent. Maybe Kromer can get something out of Louis, Webb and Carimi. They are young, and could develop. But we haven't seen all that much so far to indicate they are talent just waiting for the right coach to turn a switch for them to flourish. I think Carimi should be moved to guard, and if they could find a LT, Webb should be tried at right tackle. But, the point is, going in to the season with this same group of guys is a recipe for disaster. Last year Emery apparently believed Lovie and Tice, and imagined they could makes something decent out of this group. That was a mistake. Emery did nothing to address this issue in the draft. The only move he made was to sign Rachal, and he was useless. That isn't going to get it done. Emery didn't seem to grasp the seriousness of the problem. I hope he does now. I don't want the Bears to reach for an o-lineman in the first round if the value isn't there, but I would like to see at least two of the first five selections be o-line. In the last four years the Bears have invested more picks in safeties than they have in offensive linemen. That makes no sense. You are saying offensive linemen take time to develop, and they do. But if you don't start investing picks now, and trying to stockpile talent, in five years they will have the same problem they do now. To make this group even an average o-line Kromer would need to be a miracle worker. He needs help with an infusion of talent. Give him something to work with.

First of all good post and I enjoy a good discussion.I do agree, the Bears need to acquire more talent on the Offensive Line. But here is something i'm confused on. The Bears spent a first round pick on Gabe Carimi to be the RT of the future. He was injured his rookie year and struggled in pass protection in year two, although he was a good run blocker. But you're already writing him off as a bust and kicking him in to Guard. The Bears went out and spent a high draft pick on a player at a position of need(trying to make chicken salad), but you're already giving up on him at his natural position? That's the issue I have a problem with. Carimi and Scott have enough talent/played well enough to earn another chance at RT in 2013.LT- Webb improved at LT, but at this point I'm not comfortable with him being the only LT. If Kromer thinks he has a shot at LT, fine...but bring in some competition. Free Agents: Ryan Clady Denver, Jake Long Miami, Brandon Albert Kansas City. Clady will get tagged. Long didn't play well the last two years and Albert's natural position is Guard. These guys will cost huge dollars. Draft: Luke Joeckel Texas A&M, Eric Fisher Central Michigan, Lane Johnson Oklahoma, Kyle Long Oregon. Joeckel/Fisher will be top 10 picks, Fisher has looked great during Senior Bowl week. Johnson is a former QB and athletic enough in pass protection. He's a little light and won't be the best run blocker off the bat...may be gone before pick 20. Kyle Long isn't worthy of a first round pick and needs more development, might be getting looks mainly due to his brother Jake Long.OG- Lance Louis is coming off of a knee injury, if he's making good progress...than resign him. Edwin Williams looks like a promising player at either Guard or Center. James Brown, not sure on him yet.Free Agents: Andy Levitre Buffalo, Brandon Moore NYJ. Levitre is one of the better pass protection guards in the NFL and will command some good money to obtain. Moore is 33.Draft: Chance Warmack Alabama, Jonathan Cooper UNC, Barrett Jones Alabama, Dallas Thomas Tennessee.Warmack is an amazing prospect and likely gone by pick 20. Cooper is a very good guard prospect and is a candidate for Chicago's selection. Jones can play any position on the line, but most likely a second round pick. Thomas is also versatile, but also a second round pick.C- Roberto Garza has to go. He's old and not very productive(I have all-22 and didn't like what I saw from Garza).Free Agents: Not much out there.Draft: Barrett Jones Alabama, Travis Frederick Wisconsin. Both second/third round players.RT- Like I said before, I believe this position shouldn't be addressed due to Carimi/Scott.Free Agents- Andre Smith Cinci, Gosder Cherilius Detroit, Jermon Bushrod New Orleans, Draft: DJ Fluker AlabamaTo address the offensive line, I see Lane Johnson/Jonathan Cooper staring at the Bears for pick 20. If Chicago moves up, then Fisher/Warmack come into play. If they move back, then Barrett Jones/Dallas Thomas/Kyle Long/Fluker all could be options in late 1st/2nd/3rd.

The Bears may have spent a first round pick on Carimi, but he and Scott are just not getting the job done at RT. Scott is a journeyman more suited to a back up role. As you said, Carimi is a good run blocker. He is rated as the 9th best run blocker in the league. Only four of the players rated better than him are RTs. So as a run blocker he is the 5th best RT in the league. But as a pass blocker he is awful. As a pass blocker there are only two players rated worse than him, and both of those are LTs. So Carimi is the worst rated RT, for pass blocking, in the league. You cannot put him back out there at RT and hope he gets better. It is too much of a risk to your QB. If you move him to guard, you take advantage of his run blocking, and let him develop as a pass blocker. At guard he will still have to pass block, but it is not as crucial as the RT spot. If he develops in that capacity, then maybe next year you consider moving him back to tackle. Or if you have an injury you consider playing him at tackle. Right now he is too much of a liability as a pass blocker to leave him as a starter at RT.Grudgingly, I must admit that Webb has improved. In 2010 he was rated as the 77th OT out of 78. In 2011 he moved up to 65 out of 76. In 2012 he was 47th out of 80. He was rated as 25th out of LTs. If he could have a similar improvement in 2013 he would move in to the middle of the pack. However, I agree with you, they need to bring in competition, and someone to provide depth. If the Bears got lucky, and could sign Clady or Albert, I would do it in a heartbeat. I'd plug either in as LT, move Webb to RT, and Carimi to guard. Then you have improved three spots in one fell swoop. But I agree with you that Clady will get tagged, and I believe Albert will be tagged too. So, realistically, those two aren't an option. Interestingly, Jake Long isn't rated any higher than Webb at LT. No point in paying him a lot of money if he isn't significantly better than the guy you have. More likely scenario is you keep Webb and draft a LT, not necessarily a first round guy, but someone who has potential. I agree completely about Garza. Garza should be a back up at this stage of his career. There isn't much in free agency at center. I'd prefer to see the Bears draft a center. Perhaps either Jones or Frederick would be a significant improvement. I would say the best option for the Bears is to sign a RT in free agency. I'd love to see Andre Smith, Vollmer, Loadholt, or Cherilius signed. They would be expensive, but not as expensive as the LTs. If you sign one of them you move Carimi to guard. Carimi can develop as a pass blocker and he does provide some depth. Draft a solid center that can compete for the starting job right away. And draft a tackle to develop and provide depth at the LT spot. You really hope that Webb, Louis, Edwin Williams and Carimi all continue to develop. But with this plan you create some competition, and some depth. This isn't going to push the Bears in to top 10 as an offensive line, but it might move them out of the bottom 5. For now, the best we can hope for is middle of the pack.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Coaching staff looks very good.I'm dreaming, but here are two prospects I want in Chicago:Round one- Tavon Austin WR. I outlined this before, but he's a playmaker...something Chicago needs. He can work the slot, reverses, track down passing down the seam, be a return guy. But most importantly, be a threat and take pressure off of others on offense.Round two- Tyrann Mathieu CB LSU. Chicago had issues matching up with other WRs in the slot: Randall Cobb/Percy Harvin/Ryan Broyles are talented players they have to matchup in the slot just in the division. Mathieu could be great at that and is a playmaker. He always is knocking the ball loose and creating turnovers. Tough player, who likes to tackle. Yes he has the off the field stuff, which is why he may be available in the second round. He probably won't even make it to the Bears second round pick.OL help, yes it will happen. RT can't be drafted because Jonathan Scott/Carimi deserve at least another year. LT, Webb actually finished in the positive in pass protection, if this is addressed it will be in free agency...Brandon Albert. I see Lane Johnson and Eric Fisher gone by pick 20. A couple of free agents and middle round picks. Don't forget that Aaron Kromar made pro bowl players out of 4th/5th round pick in New Orleans: Nicks, Evans, Bushrod.

As much as I agree that the Bears need another WR, I think that is a luxury that the Bears probably can't afford. The line is the first priority. If the Bears were to get Albert, I would be thrilled. But I find it hard to imagine that the Chiefs allow him to get away. If the Bears could sign Albert they could possibly put him in as the LT. Webb might be able to compete with Scott for the RT spot. Webb is never going to be a competent LT. Hopefully his skills would translate to RT. Carimi needs to be moved to guard. He may be a complete bust, but they need to see if he can play guard. These are the rankings of the Bears o-linemen by Pro Football Focus. These are players who played at least 25% of the snaps at this position:Garza-30th out of 36Webb-47th out of 80Scott-63 out of 80Carimi-74 out of 80Louis-47 out of 81Spencer-50 out of 81Rachal-75 out of 81Contrast with the rankings of the SF line:Godwin-10 of 36Staley-1 of 80Davis-11 of 80Boone-3 of 81Iupati-5 of 81This should demonstrate that the Bears need to upgrade the entire o-line talent pool. They have no offensive linemen that are even average at their position. So to imagine that the Bears can hope that Kromer can fix this line, without a major upgrade in talent, is fantasy. That is the same story we heard when Tice was hired. He was this o-line genius who could overcome the lack of talent. It didn't work. And if you handcuff Kromer with the same pitiful group of o-linemen we will be having this same conversation next year. I think they really need to focus on getting at least two more linemen in the draft, and another in free agency. I would like to see at least two, maybe three, new starters on the line. They aren't going to jump up to a top 10 unit in a year, but they need to at least get in to range of the average.

I don't think comparing Chicago's OL(one of the worst in the league) to the 49ers the best in the league is in our best interests. In order to make that happen and let players develop it could take up to 5 years. 49ers used 3 first round picks, it took time to develop them, etc. In 5 years Cutler will be mid 30's and Marshall will be nearing the end. Peppers will be retired along with Briggs and Tillman.Point being Chicago's window is small with the age of the defense. Drafting an OL in the first round may or may not be an upgrade(depending on if they reach), but addressing some players that can come in right away is advantageous.

Here is why I was comparing the SF line with the Bears, the Niners have tremendous talent on the line. They have invested some high draft picks, but across the board their line is very, very good. In my mind their offensive line is one of the keys to why the Niners are going to the Super Bowl. The Bears are almost devoid of talent in this area. They are not just bad as a unit, there is very little talent there to develop. What I got from what you said earlier is that Carimi/Scott deserve another chance at RT, and Webb improved at LT. You seem to be counting on Kromer to develop this group. What I think is you are asking Kromer to make chicken salad out of chicken ####. There is almost nothing in this group of o-linemen. The Bears need a major upgrade in talent. Maybe Kromer can get something out of Louis, Webb and Carimi. They are young, and could develop. But we haven't seen all that much so far to indicate they are talent just waiting for the right coach to turn a switch for them to flourish. I think Carimi should be moved to guard, and if they could find a LT, Webb should be tried at right tackle. But, the point is, going in to the season with this same group of guys is a recipe for disaster. Last year Emery apparently believed Lovie and Tice, and imagined they could makes something decent out of this group. That was a mistake. Emery did nothing to address this issue in the draft. The only move he made was to sign Rachal, and he was useless. That isn't going to get it done. Emery didn't seem to grasp the seriousness of the problem. I hope he does now. I don't want the Bears to reach for an o-lineman in the first round if the value isn't there, but I would like to see at least two of the first five selections be o-line. In the last four years the Bears have invested more picks in safeties than they have in offensive linemen. That makes no sense. You are saying offensive linemen take time to develop, and they do. But if you don't start investing picks now, and trying to stockpile talent, in five years they will have the same problem they do now. To make this group even an average o-line Kromer would need to be a miracle worker. He needs help with an infusion of talent. Give him something to work with.

First of all good post and I enjoy a good discussion.I do agree, the Bears need to acquire more talent on the Offensive Line. But here is something i'm confused on. The Bears spent a first round pick on Gabe Carimi to be the RT of the future. He was injured his rookie year and struggled in pass protection in year two, although he was a good run blocker. But you're already writing him off as a bust and kicking him in to Guard. The Bears went out and spent a high draft pick on a player at a position of need(trying to make chicken salad), but you're already giving up on him at his natural position? That's the issue I have a problem with. Carimi and Scott have enough talent/played well enough to earn another chance at RT in 2013.LT- Webb improved at LT, but at this point I'm not comfortable with him being the only LT. If Kromer thinks he has a shot at LT, fine...but bring in some competition. Free Agents: Ryan Clady Denver, Jake Long Miami, Brandon Albert Kansas City. Clady will get tagged. Long didn't play well the last two years and Albert's natural position is Guard. These guys will cost huge dollars. Draft: Luke Joeckel Texas A&M, Eric Fisher Central Michigan, Lane Johnson Oklahoma, Kyle Long Oregon. Joeckel/Fisher will be top 10 picks, Fisher has looked great during Senior Bowl week. Johnson is a former QB and athletic enough in pass protection. He's a little light and won't be the best run blocker off the bat...may be gone before pick 20. Kyle Long isn't worthy of a first round pick and needs more development, might be getting looks mainly due to his brother Jake Long.OG- Lance Louis is coming off of a knee injury, if he's making good progress...than resign him. Edwin Williams looks like a promising player at either Guard or Center. James Brown, not sure on him yet.Free Agents: Andy Levitre Buffalo, Brandon Moore NYJ. Levitre is one of the better pass protection guards in the NFL and will command some good money to obtain. Moore is 33.Draft: Chance Warmack Alabama, Jonathan Cooper UNC, Barrett Jones Alabama, Dallas Thomas Tennessee.Warmack is an amazing prospect and likely gone by pick 20. Cooper is a very good guard prospect and is a candidate for Chicago's selection. Jones can play any position on the line, but most likely a second round pick. Thomas is also versatile, but also a second round pick.C- Roberto Garza has to go. He's old and not very productive(I have all-22 and didn't like what I saw from Garza).Free Agents: Not much out there.Draft: Barrett Jones Alabama, Travis Frederick Wisconsin. Both second/third round players.RT- Like I said before, I believe this position shouldn't be addressed due to Carimi/Scott.Free Agents- Andre Smith Cinci, Gosder Cherilius Detroit, Jermon Bushrod New Orleans, Draft: DJ Fluker AlabamaTo address the offensive line, I see Lane Johnson/Jonathan Cooper staring at the Bears for pick 20. If Chicago moves up, then Fisher/Warmack come into play. If they move back, then Barrett Jones/Dallas Thomas/Kyle Long/Fluker all could be options in late 1st/2nd/3rd.

The Bears may have spent a first round pick on Carimi, but he and Scott are just not getting the job done at RT. Scott is a journeyman more suited to a back up role. As you said, Carimi is a good run blocker. He is rated as the 9th best run blocker in the league. Only four of the players rated better than him are RTs. So as a run blocker he is the 5th best RT in the league. But as a pass blocker he is awful. As a pass blocker there are only two players rated worse than him, and both of those are LTs. So Carimi is the worst rated RT, for pass blocking, in the league. You cannot put him back out there at RT and hope he gets better. It is too much of a risk to your QB. If you move him to guard, you take advantage of his run blocking, and let him develop as a pass blocker. At guard he will still have to pass block, but it is not as crucial as the RT spot. If he develops in that capacity, then maybe next year you consider moving him back to tackle. Or if you have an injury you consider playing him at tackle. Right now he is too much of a liability as a pass blocker to leave him as a starter at RT.Grudgingly, I must admit that Webb has improved. In 2010 he was rated as the 77th OT out of 78. In 2011 he moved up to 65 out of 76. In 2012 he was 47th out of 80. He was rated as 25th out of LTs. If he could have a similar improvement in 2013 he would move in to the middle of the pack. However, I agree with you, they need to bring in competition, and someone to provide depth. If the Bears got lucky, and could sign Clady or Albert, I would do it in a heartbeat. I'd plug either in as LT, move Webb to RT, and Carimi to guard. Then you have improved three spots in one fell swoop. But I agree with you that Clady will get tagged, and I believe Albert will be tagged too. So, realistically, those two aren't an option. Interestingly, Jake Long isn't rated any higher than Webb at LT. No point in paying him a lot of money if he isn't significantly better than the guy you have. More likely scenario is you keep Webb and draft a LT, not necessarily a first round guy, but someone who has potential. I agree completely about Garza. Garza should be a back up at this stage of his career. There isn't much in free agency at center. I'd prefer to see the Bears draft a center. Perhaps either Jones or Frederick would be a significant improvement. I would say the best option for the Bears is to sign a RT in free agency. I'd love to see Andre Smith, Vollmer, Loadholt, or Cherilius signed. They would be expensive, but not as expensive as the LTs. If you sign one of them you move Carimi to guard. Carimi can develop as a pass blocker and he does provide some depth. Draft a solid center that can compete for the starting job right away. And draft a tackle to develop and provide depth at the LT spot. You really hope that Webb, Louis, Edwin Williams and Carimi all continue to develop. But with this plan you create some competition, and some depth. This isn't going to push the Bears in to top 10 as an offensive line, but it might move them out of the bottom 5. For now, the best we can hope for is middle of the pack.

I think we're both on the same page in regards to the offensive line. (Only disagreement is at RT)Most fans think Webb was garbage last year because of the first GB game when Mathews torched him, but he improved a lot down the stretch. Discussing this with another Bears fan last night, I think the best move for Chicago is to trade down in the first round(hopefully acquire a 2nd and/or 3rd round picks). I wouldn't even mind if they moved out of the first in a trade down again for a 2 and 3. Having 4-6 picks in the first 3 rounds>>>having 2 picks in the first three rounds. This will create that competition element you were discussing. The Bears could then draft 3 OL: lets say Kyle Long, Travis Frederick, and Larry Warford. Maybe go after my two dream guys: Tavon Austin, Tyrann Mathieu. Get a LB such as: Khaseem Greene. Here's where they're mocked in Walterfootball.com's mock: Mathieu pick 93, Frederick pick 90, Khaseem Greene 81, Kyle Long pick 50, Larry Warford pick 60, Tavon Austin pick 29...so it's possible.

 

[twistd]

This is kind of interesting. PFF has Kellen Davis ranked as the 18th TE. His strength is run blocking. He is ranked 14th as a run blocker. He is ranked 33rd in pass receiving. He is ranked 30th in pass blocking. Davis is ranked slightly higher than Spaeth as a run blocker, and a lot higher than Spaeth as a pass blocker. Although both are bad as pass blockers. Davis is 33rd, Spaeth is 53rd. It still surprises me. I thought the strength Davis had was his athleticism as a pass catcher, even though we didn't see much of that this season. I'd prefer that they address TE with a free agent, Bennett, Fred Davis or Jared Cook. I don't know what the market will be like.

 

[Statcruncher]

That's the problem with both of those Chicago TE's, they suck. The best run blocking TE we have is basically middle of the pack average. The best pass blocker wouldn't be a 1st string starter in the NFL, and neither one is a receiving threat. There is absolutely no reason to spend over 2 million per player to bring them back. Cut them both and fill through draft/free agency/practice squad. When it comes to the Bears my homer glasses cause me to overlook alot of things, but on this topic it appears I was correct:

People keep saying Spaeth over Olsen is going to make a difference in blocking. I made a post a few pages back with a Pro Football Focus Tight End Blocking Efficiency link that appears to blow that theory out of the water.

PASS BLOCKING EFFICEINCY (2010 only)

Brandon Manumaleuna was rated the #1 worst pass blocking TE.

Matt Spaeth was rated the #4 worst pass blocking TE.

Greg Olsen was rated lower than the #15 best and higher than the #15 worst pass blocking TE. (not specifically listed)

PASS BLOCKING EFFICIENCY (2008 through 2010)

Brandon Manumaleuna was rated the #1 worst pass blocking TE.

Matt Spaeth was rated the #7 worst pass blocking TE.

Greg Olsen was rated the #4 worst pass blocking TE.

Manny had a track record as a bad blocking TE before the Bears paid him $7 mill to bring his no-blocking skills to the Windy City.

The Bears shipped out the better blocker and light years ahead receiver Olsen because they don't want to pay him next year.

The Bears signed Spaeth specifically for his blocking prowess, even though he was the 4th worst blocking TE in 2010.



Honestly it's like Bears management is run by Packers fans.

Our cheap backup tight end isn't as good as the one the one we just traded for a 3rd round pick. So what? Kellen davis will be the starting te for the bears. From the sounds of it, he may be almost as good in the pass game as olsen was, but a better blocker.

They traded Olsen because he was more of a skill player, not the solid blocking TE that Martz's offensive scheme needs. I hated to see Olsen go but I understand the need to have the correct personnel for the scheme. After searching to fill the important blocking TE slot they settled on Spaeth. They were willing to sacrifice receiving for a blocking upgrade, but it appears all they did was give up receiving without upgrading the blocking. Last year Spaeth was rated a worse pass blocking TE than Olsen, and over the last 3 years their pass blocking efficiency is about identical.

Remember those decisions were made by the same masterminds that actively sought out, signed, and payed the league's worst pass blocking TE Manumaleuna 7 million dollars. So now Lovie and Martz are pumping up Kellen Davis? Sorry, but I'm going to wait for Davis to prove himself on the field. One thing he has going for him is that with basically the same offensive line from last year Cutler will have to unload on short routes often.

The "so what?" is this: They know they have needs to fill and they don't do it. They needed a blocking TE and got one that was worse than the one they let go. They clearly needed multiple upgrades on the o-line and instead they might actually be worse than last year. I've never seen such a disparity in evaluating/obtaining talent, for the most part the offensive moves suck and the defensive moves are great.

but the te they signed wasnt signed to be the primary te. He will play in 2 te sets and maybe a little extra (barring injury). I havent heard the.coaching staff say.much about davis. The beat writers are the ones I hear pimping him. We'll see how it works out.

Spaeth was signed because the Bears he's supposed to be a good blocker. He's not. Neither was Manny. It concerns me that they seem to be swinging and missing on such a simple position as blocking TE. Especially when the O-line needs all the help they can get. As for Kellen Davis these didn't come from the press:"He's blocked well and he has the ability to do everything we want our tight end to do," said coach Lovie Smith. "He's got speed to get down [the field]. He's running good routes. He can catch the football. We expect plays like that from him." (talking about 2 long catches in practice)

"Kellen [Davis, the starting tight end] has stepped to the forefront and established himself not just as a blocker, but also a pretty dynamic receiver in practice. There are some things coming out of this that you get pretty excited about." - Mike Martz

I'm not saying Kellen isn't good, I just don't believe a word out of the Bears mouths.

 

[RBM]

MOBILE, Ala. — During a season in which Brandon Marshall set multiple franchise receiving records, the Bears' passing game was missing two key components.Beyond a tight end to occupy the middle third of the field, a serious need for Marc Trestman's new coaching staff, the Bears could use a wide receiver who can be a vertical threat. Johnny Knox went out in December 2011 with a spinal cord injury and hasn't been replaced. Devin Hester hasn't come close to filling the void.That missing vertical element — Knox averaged 19.6 yards per reception in 2011 — made it easier for defenses to contain Marshall and rookie Alshon Jeffery and limited the offense's explosiveness. This isn't a top priority but it's something the Bears likely will address and they know they cannot count on Knox, who can be retained for this season if the Bears choose because his contract rolls over after he spent the entire 2012 season on the reserve/physically unable to perform list. The Bears could elect to evaluate him in the offseason and then take him to training camp to see if he can make the team.But the offense cannot bank on anything from Knox and there will be options in the draft. The idea is to find a budget bargain who can get on top of safeties and force them to turn and run. That would give quarterback Jay Cutler chances to take shots down the field.When Trestman was the Raiders' offensive coordinator, Jerry Porter filled that role with Tim Brown and Jerry Rice primary targets. A vertical threat opens up throwing lanes for intermediate routes like the deep dig and deep curl. It would create more opportunities for Marshall, Jeffery and a tight end, if the Bears had one.Texas wide receiver Marquise Goodwin is the fastest wide receiver here for the Senior Bowl and says he plans to smoke the competition at the NFL scouting combine. How fast does he predict he will be in the 40?"Faster than everybody else," Goodwin said. "Thank you very much."Goodwin, an Olympic long jumper and a four-time All-American in track and field, has been timed at 10.24 seconds in the 100-yard dash. He has met with the Bears and projects as a mid-round pick unless someone, and it just takes one team, falls in love with his speed. He's a little like Raiders wide receiver Jacoby Ford, a track star at Clemson, who starred here in 2010 before becoming a fourth-round pick. But one scout said he liked Goodwin's natural football skills better after he caught 26 passes for 340 yards and three touchdowns as a senior for the Longhorns."Teams are asking me the typical questions," Goodwin said. "Am I going to be a football player or am I going to run track? I'm 100 percent football."Oregon State wide receiver Markus Wheaton has turned heads this week with his speed, quickness and catching ability but he could be a second-round pick and be gone before the Bears are ready to supplement the position. Louisiana Tech's Quinton Patton also is making a push up draft boards and likely will be a high pick."I hope I run a 4.45," said Patton, who is more than fast enough to fill the Bears' needs. "I can do it all even if I am not playing slot or outside. Special teams, I can do that. Literally anything."bmbiggs@tribune.comTwitter @BradBiggs

 

[3nOut]

Do you think Hartline, who I think is a UFA, fits the role of a speedster that can stretch the field? I think he may be a decent acquisition. As for TE, Cook, Keller, Or Pitta (although I think he's an RFA) could be good options. I might even toy with the idea of signing... Now don't laugh... Tebow at TE, as long as he understands that's he won't be playing QB unless it's an emergency. The Bears can actually save a roster spot for another position that way. Didn't Trestman and Tebow have some kind of connection somewhere? I think he may have prepared Tebow for the combine or something lie that.Don't know much about OL around the league other than knowing that we could use a couple. AnynFAs this year worth going after?If they can fill these needs during Free Agency, the Bears can then focus on making the D younger (especially at LB )before its too late. And at least one more OL for depth and the future.

 

[flapgreen]

I don't get the love for Cook. I live in Nashville and have tohear the guy complain all of the time. He drops a lot of passes as well. I haven't looked at the cap situation much, but I know they won't have the cash to go after multiple big names. Cook is overvalued and won't be worth the cash imo. Didn't we just draft Rodriguez to be a te? I think they should go after an OL in free agency and do the rest through the draft. Unfortunately, the years of first round busts are catching up with us. I know the jury is still out on Carimi and Shea, but they haven't helped up much so far. That's a killer. Hitting on draft picks is more important than ever with the rookie wage scale. You can't build a great team through free agency now.The talk about already moving Carimi to guard makes no sense to me either. We drafted him two years ago and we're already giving up on him at RT. I don't agree with that. It's not like he was dominant at guard. You give him one more year at RT. If it doesn't turn out, you move on. Paying big money for a RT at this point would be a bad idea.

 

[flapgreen]

I can't believe the the talk of giving Webb yet another year as a starter. How many years should this guy get? He will never be more than an average LT, in the best case scenario. It's a deep draft in OL. Now is the time to get one.I couldn't be any more disappointed with Carimi. I was pumped when they took this gu

 

[Whoosah]

I never understood the fascination of Webb. I was always against him being a starter. Why?I dunno about you, but I would never have one of the most important offensive players on the field be a SEVENTH ROUND DRAFT PICK! I understand that you can find some diamonds in those late picks, but seriously, this is the Bears we're talking here. In any case, I think we should get a future starting LT and go from there.

I can't believe the the talk of giving Webb yet another year as a starter. How many years should this guy get? He will never be more than an average LT, in the best case scenario. It's a deep draft in OL. Now is the time to get one.I couldn't be any more disappointed with Carimi. I was pumped when they took this gu

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

I never understood the fascination of Webb. I was always against him being a starter. Why?I dunno about you, but I would never have one of the most important offensive players on the field be a SEVENTH ROUND DRAFT PICK! I understand that you can find some diamonds in those late picks, but seriously, this is the Bears we're talking here. In any case, I think we should get a future starting LT and go from there.

I can't believe the the talk of giving Webb yet another year as a starter. How many years should this guy get? He will never be more than an average LT, in the best case scenario. It's a deep draft in OL. Now is the time to get one.I couldn't be any more disappointed with Carimi. I was pumped when they took this gu

This isn't a matter of Phil Emery or us saying "I don't think we need a better LT" or "We should use our picks/money on bigger needs" It's a supply/demand. The Dolphins spent the #1 overall pick and signed him to a 5 year 57 million with 30 million guaranteed. He played similar to J. Webb. Chicago pays Webb 4 years 1.8 million. He makes 575K this season. Webb was the 25th LT in the NFL in 2012. If he improves a little and is in the high teens...that's great production for 575K. Or would you guys rather drop tons of money for Jake Long who hasn't looked great the last two seasons? Or would you trade up in the draft to get Joeckel/Fisher/Lane Johnson(only players I deem capable of starting in year 1)? I think Chicago has too many holes to trade up.

 

[Christo]

I never understood the fascination of Webb. I was always against him being a starter. Why?I dunno about you, but I would never have one of the most important offensive players on the field be a SEVENTH ROUND DRAFT PICK! I understand that you can find some diamonds in those late picks, but seriously, this is the Bears we're talking here. In any case, I think we should get a future starting LT and go from there.

I can't believe the the talk of giving Webb yet another year as a starter. How many years should this guy get? He will never be more than an average LT, in the best case scenario. It's a deep draft in OL. Now is the time to get one.I couldn't be any more disappointed with Carimi. I was pumped when they took this gu

This isn't a matter of Phil Emery or us saying "I don't think we need a better LT" or "We should use our picks/money on bigger needs" It's a supply/demand. The Dolphins spent the #1 overall pick and signed him to a 5 year 57 million with 30 million guaranteed. He played similar to J. Webb. Chicago pays Webb 4 years 1.8 million. He makes 575K this season. Webb was the 25th LT in the NFL in 2012. If he improves a little and is in the high teens...that's great production for 575K. Or would you guys rather drop tons of money for Jake Long who hasn't looked great the last two seasons? Or would you trade up in the draft to get Joeckel/Fisher/Lane Johnson(only players I deem capable of starting in year 1)? I think Chicago has too many holes to trade up.

I think Lane Johnson is the perfect guy for them to target @ 20.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

I never understood the fascination of Webb. I was always against him being a starter. Why?I dunno about you, but I would never have one of the most important offensive players on the field be a SEVENTH ROUND DRAFT PICK! I understand that you can find some diamonds in those late picks, but seriously, this is the Bears we're talking here. In any case, I think we should get a future starting LT and go from there.

I can't believe the the talk of giving Webb yet another year as a starter. How many years should this guy get? He will never be more than an average LT, in the best case scenario. It's a deep draft in OL. Now is the time to get one.I couldn't be any more disappointed with Carimi. I was pumped when they took this gu

This isn't a matter of Phil Emery or us saying "I don't think we need a better LT" or "We should use our picks/money on bigger needs" It's a supply/demand. The Dolphins spent the #1 overall pick and signed him to a 5 year 57 million with 30 million guaranteed. He played similar to J. Webb. Chicago pays Webb 4 years 1.8 million. He makes 575K this season. Webb was the 25th LT in the NFL in 2012. If he improves a little and is in the high teens...that's great production for 575K. Or would you guys rather drop tons of money for Jake Long who hasn't looked great the last two seasons? Or would you trade up in the draft to get Joeckel/Fisher/Lane Johnson(only players I deem capable of starting in year 1)? I think Chicago has too many holes to trade up.

I think Lane Johnson is the perfect guy for them to target @ 20.

Former QB, has a nasty streak, just needs to bulk up and improve in the run game. I agree that he would be a great fit for Chicago, I just don't think he lasts until pick 20.

 

[3nOut]

Do you think Trestman looks up North to Canada to find any OL? Anyone worthwhile there? He has insight to who the best players there are.

 

[candymanvandyfan]

Larry Warford is going to make some team happy they drafted him.

 

[whitem0nkey]

Do you think Trestman looks up North to Canada to find any OL? Anyone worthwhile there? He has insight to who the best players there are.

i hope not.

 

[twistd]

I don't get the love for Cook. I live in Nashville and have tohear the guy complain all of the time. He drops a lot of passes as well. I haven't looked at the cap situation much, but I know they won't have the cash to go after multiple big names. Cook is overvalued and won't be worth the cash imo. Didn't we just draft Rodriguez to be a te? I think they should go after an OL in free agency and do the rest through the draft. Unfortunately, the years of first round busts are catching up with us. I know the jury is still out on Carimi and Shea, but they haven't helped up much so far. That's a killer. Hitting on draft picks is more important than ever with the rookie wage scale. You can't build a great team through free agency now.The talk about already moving Carimi to guard makes no sense to me either. We drafted him two years ago and we're already giving up on him at RT. I don't agree with that. It's not like he was dominant at guard. You give him one more year at RT. If it doesn't turn out, you move on. Paying big money for a RT at this point would be a bad idea.

The reason I want to see Carimi moved to guard is because he was the worst pass blocking RT in the league. He is an awful pass blocker. But he is a good run blocker. If you move him to guard then you can take advantage of his run blocking, and hide his weak pass blocking skills to some degree. If he improves his pass blocking then he could win that RT job back. Right now he is a liability there. Leaving him at RT is going to get Cutler killed.

 

[whitem0nkey]

Bears free agency preview: OTJeff Dickerson

Above average NFL offensive tackles are hard to find, which is why teams will generally re-sign or tag those players to prevent losing them in free agency. But it can happen. The Chicago Bears were able to dramatically upgrade their offensive line prior to the 2004 and 2005 seasons when the club inked free agent tackles John Tait and Fred Miller. With offensive tackle an obvious need for the Bears heading into 2013, here is a look at 10 of the top projected free agents at the position, in no particular order: " Ryan Clady, Denver Broncos: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler chuckled when a reporter brought up Clady near the end of the regular season. Without question, Cutler would be thrilled if the Bears could find a way to sign his old Broncos teammate Clady, easily one of the best offensive tackles in the game. The 26-year-old, three-time Pro Bowl left tackle rejected a five-year, $50 million deal from the Broncos last summer that included a reported $28 million in guarantees. If the two parties can't reach an agreement this time around, Denver could always apply the franchise tag. But if Clady ever reaches the open market, the Bears, or any other NFL team in need of help at OT, would be foolish not to pursue to him, even though it will cost a ton of money. " Sebastian Vollmer, New England Patriots: There wasn't a lot of buzz surrounding Vollmer coming out of the University of Houston in 2009, but that didn't stop the Patriots from selecting the 6-foot-8 tackle in the second round, despite the fact he wasn't even invited to the NFL Combine. Vollmer has steadily grown into one of the best right tackles in the game. However, Vollmer has dealt with back issues, which is always a concern when it comes to investing a sizeable amount of money into a player in free agency. " Will Beatty, New York Giants: Beatty dealt with a couple of injuries his first few years in the league, but the former second-round pick is now considered a solid left tackle with experience playing on both the left and right side of the line. About to turn 28-years old in March, Beatty is sure to generate plenty of interest in free agency if he decides to leave the Giants. " Branden Albert, Kansas City Chiefs: Albert has stated publicly he wants to stay in Kansas City, but a lot can happen whenever an NFL franchise goes through a regime change like the one taking place in the Chiefs organization. If Albert is available, the Bears should have all the necessary information to make an informed decision given the fact general manager Phil Emery spent three years in the Kansas City with Albert. " Gosder Cherilus, Detroit Lions: Although he's been a polarizing figure over the years in Detroit, Cherilus started 71 games for the Lions, missing just five games in five years due to injuries. Detroit is reportedly considering letting Cherilus depart via free agency, and if that happens, he probably won't be out of work for very long. " Sam Baker, Atlanta Falcons: Another tackle drafted in the first round in 2008 after the Bears selected Chris Williams at No. 14 overall (Albert, Cherilus), Baker lost his starting job in 2011 due to a bad back but rebounded nicely this year for the NFC runner-up Falcons. Baker's back problems are a concern, but he would probably still be viewed as an upgrade over what the Bears currently have on their roster. " Andre Smith, Cincinnati Bengals: Smith got off to a rough start in the NFL due to a lengthy holdout, weight problems and a bad shirtless photo taken while he ran the 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, but the right tackle has settled down (with the exception of being arrested this month for carrying a loaded weapon in an airport) the last two years to become the player the Bengals envisioned they were getting with the No. 6 overall pick of the 2009 NFL draft. Smith is one of the better right tackles in the game and could get the franchise tag, all jokes aside. " Phil Loadholt, Minnesota Vikings: Loadholt has started 63 of 64 regular season games for the Vikings since they grabbed him in the second round of the 2009 draft. A monster at 6-8, 347 pounds, Loadholt has improved as a pass protector while using his massive frame to open up holes for Adrian Peterson in the ground game. Peterson said publicly he plans to speak with the Vikings about re-signing Loadholt. That's a pretty impressive endorsement. " Jake Long, Miami Dolphins: Long used to be considered the best left tackle in the league, but the reviews have not been very positive lately. Long's 2012 season ended in December due to a triceps injury. It's unclear what Miami intends to do with Long, who is probably expecting another lucrative contract. But is he worth it? " Jermon Bushrod, New Orleans Saints: Maybe new Bears offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Aaron Kromer will push for the Bears to sign the 28-year-old left tackle. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Bushrod suffered from occasional false-start issues, but he is still considered a quality tackle who spent the last several years protecting the blindside of Saints quarterback Drew Brees. An important job to say the least.

 

[whitem0nkey]

our thread needs more ★ in the title

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

our thread needs more ★ in the title

I take requests

 

[twistd]

Bears free agency preview: OTJeff Dickerson

Above average NFL offensive tackles are hard to find, which is why teams will generally re-sign or tag those players to prevent losing them in free agency. But it can happen. The Chicago Bears were able to dramatically upgrade their offensive line prior to the 2004 and 2005 seasons when the club inked free agent tackles John Tait and Fred Miller. With offensive tackle an obvious need for the Bears heading into 2013, here is a look at 10 of the top projected free agents at the position, in no particular order: " Ryan Clady, Denver Broncos: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler chuckled when a reporter brought up Clady near the end of the regular season. Without question, Cutler would be thrilled if the Bears could find a way to sign his old Broncos teammate Clady, easily one of the best offensive tackles in the game. The 26-year-old, three-time Pro Bowl left tackle rejected a five-year, $50 million deal from the Broncos last summer that included a reported $28 million in guarantees. If the two parties can't reach an agreement this time around, Denver could always apply the franchise tag. But if Clady ever reaches the open market, the Bears, or any other NFL team in need of help at OT, would be foolish not to pursue to him, even though it will cost a ton of money. " Sebastian Vollmer, New England Patriots: There wasn't a lot of buzz surrounding Vollmer coming out of the University of Houston in 2009, but that didn't stop the Patriots from selecting the 6-foot-8 tackle in the second round, despite the fact he wasn't even invited to the NFL Combine. Vollmer has steadily grown into one of the best right tackles in the game. However, Vollmer has dealt with back issues, which is always a concern when it comes to investing a sizeable amount of money into a player in free agency. " Will Beatty, New York Giants: Beatty dealt with a couple of injuries his first few years in the league, but the former second-round pick is now considered a solid left tackle with experience playing on both the left and right side of the line. About to turn 28-years old in March, Beatty is sure to generate plenty of interest in free agency if he decides to leave the Giants. " Branden Albert, Kansas City Chiefs: Albert has stated publicly he wants to stay in Kansas City, but a lot can happen whenever an NFL franchise goes through a regime change like the one taking place in the Chiefs organization. If Albert is available, the Bears should have all the necessary information to make an informed decision given the fact general manager Phil Emery spent three years in the Kansas City with Albert. " Gosder Cherilus, Detroit Lions: Although he's been a polarizing figure over the years in Detroit, Cherilus started 71 games for the Lions, missing just five games in five years due to injuries. Detroit is reportedly considering letting Cherilus depart via free agency, and if that happens, he probably won't be out of work for very long. " Sam Baker, Atlanta Falcons: Another tackle drafted in the first round in 2008 after the Bears selected Chris Williams at No. 14 overall (Albert, Cherilus), Baker lost his starting job in 2011 due to a bad back but rebounded nicely this year for the NFC runner-up Falcons. Baker's back problems are a concern, but he would probably still be viewed as an upgrade over what the Bears currently have on their roster. " Andre Smith, Cincinnati Bengals: Smith got off to a rough start in the NFL due to a lengthy holdout, weight problems and a bad shirtless photo taken while he ran the 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, but the right tackle has settled down (with the exception of being arrested this month for carrying a loaded weapon in an airport) the last two years to become the player the Bengals envisioned they were getting with the No. 6 overall pick of the 2009 NFL draft. Smith is one of the better right tackles in the game and could get the franchise tag, all jokes aside. " Phil Loadholt, Minnesota Vikings: Loadholt has started 63 of 64 regular season games for the Vikings since they grabbed him in the second round of the 2009 draft. A monster at 6-8, 347 pounds, Loadholt has improved as a pass protector while using his massive frame to open up holes for Adrian Peterson in the ground game. Peterson said publicly he plans to speak with the Vikings about re-signing Loadholt. That's a pretty impressive endorsement. " Jake Long, Miami Dolphins: Long used to be considered the best left tackle in the league, but the reviews have not been very positive lately. Long's 2012 season ended in December due to a triceps injury. It's unclear what Miami intends to do with Long, who is probably expecting another lucrative contract. But is he worth it? " Jermon Bushrod, New Orleans Saints: Maybe new Bears offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Aaron Kromer will push for the Bears to sign the 28-year-old left tackle. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Bushrod suffered from occasional false-start issues, but he is still considered a quality tackle who spent the last several years protecting the blindside of Saints quarterback Drew Brees. An important job to say the least.

I don't think I would want Long. He is asking for $10 million a year. I don't think he is worth it. I would love to see the Bears sign any of these guys. I think Clady and Andre Smith will get the tag. I would be curious if the Bears are really serious about the free agent tackles, or if they are more interested in the guys they could get in the draft.

 

[RBM]

Guys with the talent and age of Long do not become available often. I'm not letting one down year get in the way of a top LT. Give him whatever he wants.

 

[Statcruncher]

I'm not sold on Long either. 2011 wasn't an amazing year and maybe injuries are the sole reason for his disappointing play this year. Maybe he returns to a high level of play, maybe he doesn't. All I know is he was about as effective as Webb this year, and Webb made roughly $10 million less than Long in 2012. Not saying Webb is the solution, but he's a 7th round project that has improved every year that is dirt cheap.Not a big fan of trading up, but in order for Chicago to avoid overpaying in free agency I think they have to somehow pull 2 O-line starters out of the draft. Bringing in young talent on cheap rookie contracts for Kromer to develop is the best way to improve the Bears biggest weakness. It would also help avoid another big stumbling block, getting into cap hell by throwing too much money at FA's to fill gaps left by lack of talent. Hopefully Chicago now has the management, scouting, and coaching systems in place to draft and develop talent in-house.

 

[twistd]

Interesting thing about Long is here is his ranking over the last five years:2008 10th overall 6th at LT2009 2nd overall 2nd at LT2010 2nd overall 2nd at LT2011 21st overall 14th at LT2012 46th overall 26th at LTHe was drafted in 2008. So he is only 27 years old. He should have a lot of good years left, but injuries derailed his season both in 2011 and 2012. He finished the year on IR the last two years. He has been banged up every year, with these last two years being the most significant. But he was incredibly dominant in 2008-2010. He probably wants Joe Thomas money, which was 7 years for $84 millions and Thomas got $44 million guaranteed. That is a lot of coin for the guy. If you pay him that much money you need to feel he will be your stud at LT for the next six or seven years. I don't know if Long can stay healthy enough to do that. I think he is probably too much of a risk for the Bears to go after him.

 

[Limp Ditka]

Thanks for raising ticket prices.....again:finger:

 

[Statcruncher]

Bears increase ticket prices

Bears increase ticket prices by 4.2 percent, on average Posted by Mike Florio on February 6, 2013, 3:20 PM EST The Bears won 10 games, but the Bears didn't make it to the playoffs.When fans consider the team's 2013 ticket prices, the team now led by a former CFL coach would appreciate if you focus on the former.The team has announced that prices are up by an average of 4.2 percent. For 90 percent of the seats, increases range from $3 to $10 per ticket. (American not Canadian. Eh.)Only some United Club seats will remain flat, but those range from $265 to $540 per game.Yes, per game.The good news is that season ticket holders will save $25 per game ticket in comparison to the individual game price.

There is alot of optimism and the Bears have the smallest seating capacity in the NFL. If you want to feel better just remember the Jets have the highest ticket prices.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

Hey my CTA pass already went up $14.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Guys with the talent and age of Long do not become available often. I'm not letting one down year get in the way of a top LT. Give him whatever he wants.

The fact that Long will be available at this juncture of his career seems to be a significant red flag, in my opinion. A back injury and and torn biceps in 2011, a torn triceps in 2012, coupled with the fact that his performance has declined each of the last two seasons suggests to me that he would not be worth the big money he is asking. Perhaps the fact that there are potentially a good number of tackles available on the market will bring his price down to something more worth the risk. But if he wants Joe Thomas money, the Bears should let another team give it to him.

 

[3nOut]

Per kffl

Bears | Manti Te'o as first-round pick? Sun, 10 Feb 2013 18:06:54 -0800One NFL draft analyst believes the Chicago Bears will select Notre Dame LB Manti Te'o with the 20th pick of the 2013 NFL Draft. The well-publicized hoax story involving Te'o and a person he thought was his girlfriend is not expected to play a leading role in his draft status. If Te'o runs a 40-yard draft at the NFL scouting combine later this month, that might hold a bigger key to his status.Read more: http://www.kffl.com/hotw/NFL?page=0#ixzz2KYY5W1Ij

 

[flapgreen]

 

[flapgreen]

Guys with the talent and age of Long do not become available often. I'm not letting one down year get in the way of a top LT. Give him whatever he wants.

The fact that Long will be available at this juncture of his career seems to be a significant red flag, in my opinion. A back injury and and torn biceps in 2011, a torn triceps in 2012, coupled with the fact that his performance has declined each of the last two seasons suggests to me that he would not be worth the big money he is asking. Perhaps the fact that there are potentially a good number of tackles available on the market will bring his price down to something more worth the risk. But if he wants Joe Thomas money, the Bears should let another team give it to him.

If he wasn't a risk, the Fins wouldn't let him walk either. Albert seems like a better option and cheaper. I doubt the Ravens allow Ellerbe to walk, but he would be my first choice in free agency.

 

[Statcruncher]

Johnny Knox's contract terminated

It wasn't so long ago that Johnny Knox was the leading wide receiver on a team in the NFC Championship. Now, his NFL future is in doubt.The Chicago Bears terminated Knox's contract Tuesday, ending his four-year run with the team. Knox has not stepped on the field since having surgery for a serious back injury in December 2011. It's unclear when or if he'll play football again.Knox's rookie contract naturally ended after 2012, but the Bears had the option to retain Knox since he didn't take a snap last year. They chose to give him his freedom.When healthy, Knox was a home-run hitter. His 16.6 yards per reception was seventh best in the NFL from 2009-2011. He made the Pro Bowl as a rookie kick returner. Knox is a reminder that all NFL players are one hit away from a life-changing injury. We hope to see him back on the field in 2013.

I was hoping Johnny would come back and be the deep threat, but part of me is glad I won't have to hold my breath everytime he gets hit. I hope he can live a normal life. He had some flaws, but I enjoyed watching him. A great 5th round find.

 

[mlball77]

I wish Knox the best. Wonder if another team gives him a shot or if his career is effectively over?

 

[Statcruncher]

Hard to tell. The article doesn't say whether the contract termination was instigated by Knox or Chicago. Maybe Knox told the Bears he was done playing football. Maybe Chicago decided they didn't want to risk a player getting paralyzed. I don't know, I just hope it all works out for Johnny.

 

[RBM]

Dear lord here we go again INDIANAPOLIS—The obvious is not so obvious in the post-Lovie Smith era.Just three weeks into the 2012 season — about the time Jay Cutler was chewing out J’Marcus Webb, Chilo Rachal was replacing Chris Spencer, Gabe Carimi was still recovering from major knee surgery and Cutler was shaking off seven sacks against the Packers — the Bears’ offensive line problems were so acute and self-evident that it was a foregone conclusion general manager Phil Emery would take an offensive lineman with the Bears’ first-round pick in the 2013 NFL draft. Every mock draft said so. Every Bears fan said so. Even common sense said so.But that scenario has changed since Emery fired Lovie Smith and hired Marc Trestman. As the NFL Scouting Combine commences this week at Lucas Oil Stadium, an offensive tackle still is high on the priority list. But a replacement for Brian Urlacher is gaining momentum. And a 21st century tight end for Trestman’s 21st century offense is almost certain to tempt Emery at No. 20 of the first round of the April 25 draft.ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. has the Bears taking Alabama offensive tackle D.J. Fluker. His colleague Todd McShay has them taking Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o. Among the other players pegged for the Bears at No. 20 in the pre-Combine mock drafts are Oklahoma tackle Lane Johnson and North Carolina guard Jonathan Cooper. But also Stanford tight end Zach Ertz, Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert and LSU linebacker Kevin Minter. Georgia linebacker Alec Ogletree — a potential superstar with a drug suspension and DUI on his resume — is in play for the Bears.Emery responded to criticism that he ignored the offensive line in free agency and the draft in 2012 with a detailed explanation of his thought process that led to him choosing defensive end Shea McClellin with the 19th overall pick and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery with the 50th pick. It was a refreshing spate of candor. But lost in all the detail was a slight miscalculation: ‘‘We felt good about our guard play,’’ Emery said during that press conference a day after he fired Smith. ‘‘We certainly had enough, between our starters and backups, for the interior play.’’Not really. Spencer, who had never played left guard in the NFL, was replaced by Rachal in Week 3. Rachal was replaced by Spencer in Week 12. Edwin Williams replaced an injured Spencer a week later and the Bears finished the season with undrafted (but touted) free agent James Brown starting the final three weeks.McClellin and Jeffery (whom the Bears moved up five spots to draft) showed enough promise as rookies to support Emery’s decisions to draft them. But it’s just as arguable the Bears would have been better off with an interior lineman — Stanford guard David DeCastro at No. 20; or Wisconsin center Peter Konz or Iowa State tackle Kelechi Osemele at No. 50.DeCastro, a top-10 rated guard chosen 24th by the Pittsburgh Steelers, suffered a knee injury as a rookie but returned late in the season and still looks like a 10-year starter in the NFL. Konz, the 55th overall pick, started at right guard for the NFC finalist Atlanta Falcons. Osemele, the 60th overall pick, started at left guard for the Super Bowl champion Ravens.Can the Bears afford to ignore the offensive line again? It’s unlikely, but don’t discount the possibility that the Bears might not trip over themselves trying to get an automatic starter.In Trestman’s first season in Montreal in 2008, he upgraded the Alouettes’ offensive line without adding any linemen to his roster. The Alouettes improved from a CFL-worst 68 sacks allowed in 2007 to a CFL-best 22 in 2008. They improved from 4.7 yards per rushing attempt in 2007 to 6.3 in 2008. Trestman’s starting tackles that season had been backups in 2007.Furthermore, new offensive line coach Aaron Kromer has a history of maximizing talent with New Orleans. The Saints won the Super Bowl after the 2009 season with an offensive line that included a second-round pick, two fourth-round picks and two fifth-round picks. Each of them made the Pro Bowl under Kromer.Can he work that kind of magic here?‘‘We sure hope so,’’ Kromer said. ‘‘You really try to play to their strengths. What do they do well? What kind of run-blocking is best for them. What kind of pass protection schemes are best for them? And just know what they can do and use it to your advantage. When it’s all said and done, it’s how well they play together.’’

 

[Statcruncher]

Jeez dude, other than speculation by media people who are starving for attention where does anyone who is actually in the Chicago Bears organization say they'd be happy to start 2013 with the same line? Even if they did, there's a history of Trestman's offensive scheme's ability to greatly mask some problems as evidenced by the Alouettes sack numbers turnaround.I swear some of you people are just hoping to be outraged.