Chicago Bears 2012 Offseason Thread (3 Viewers)

[RBM]

Not good. Tweet from Greg Cosell:

When I talked to McClellin at #RookieDebut he said many teams saw him as 4-3 SLB. When I heard that not surprised Bears took him.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

This is a team that has consistently blown 1st round picks for decades. They need O-line help and an elite G falls to them but they select a 2nd tier DE. Call it what you want but it flat out sucks.

It sucks because why? Because you know exactly how McClellin will play? You know for a fact that DeCastro is going to be a stud in the NFL? You are 100% sure that this pick was a mistake?Could you please point me to your posts where you correctly predicted how previous draft picks were going to pan out? I remember back in 2000 when people were griping over the Bears taking an semi-sorta-OLB from a non-powerhouse school. I also remember back in 1998 Curtis Enis was a sure thing at #5 (just a few picks below another stud named Ryan Leaf). I also remember back in 2000 when the Patriots drafted Tom Brady in the 6th round. Oh wait...I don't remember that at all. Hell nobody but Tom Brady remembers that.

Sure, you can throw out names of players that were busts or late round winners. But, that doesn't have any effect on current or future draft picks. I don't know if McClellin will be a star or a bust. For that matter, I don't know what any of the players taken tonight will do. If you look back on the history of QB's taken #1 and #2 in the same draft, at least one of them will be a bust. (does that mean Luck or Griffen is going to bust? Who knows)With that said, I can only make judgement based on recent history. The Bears have a stud #1 DE in Peppers. The chance of McClellin being another stud is 50/50 at this point and time. We also know that Webb is not a stud #1 LT. But, if we were to draft one, then we have the same 50/50 chance of getting a stud. (at the very least, we would add some true LT depth to the OL. Everyone keeps saying Webb may develop into a LT, but I have two questions about this. One, what if it takes two more years for Webb to develop? Are we going to lose him in free agency, or have to pay him too much? Two, if Webb is still developing, what does it hurt to take another LT at this time and see if that player ahead of Webb for the LT position. (you could still use Webb as LT depth) Bottom line, ignoring OL problems will have a greater impact if things don't work out with Webb. The offset of adding McClellin will not be enough to overcome the problems of the OL.

I heard rumors from NFL Scouts that they think Reiff is only a Guard. I also heard he can't play LT and is only a RT. We just drafted Carimi...do we really need two RT's?Putting that into perspective, I think going DE and getting a guy they wanted is fine.

Greg Cosell tweeted this morning that Reiff was a good pick for the Lions and he believes Reiff could be a future LT.

I really respect Greg Cosell, but again it's what I heard. It's not my words.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Not good. Tweet from Greg Cosell:

When I talked to McClellin at #RookieDebut he said many teams saw him as 4-3 SLB. When I heard that not surprised Bears took him.

I would have no problem if he played SLB and 3rd down rush End.Remember that having 3 LB on the field doesn't happen often with the spread offenses. DJ Moore subs in for the SLB.

 

[KCitons]

This is a team that has consistently blown 1st round picks for decades. They need O-line help and an elite G falls to them but they select a 2nd tier DE. Call it what you want but it flat out sucks.

It sucks because why? Because you know exactly how McClellin will play? You know for a fact that DeCastro is going to be a stud in the NFL? You are 100% sure that this pick was a mistake?Could you please point me to your posts where you correctly predicted how previous draft picks were going to pan out? I remember back in 2000 when people were griping over the Bears taking an semi-sorta-OLB from a non-powerhouse school. I also remember back in 1998 Curtis Enis was a sure thing at #5 (just a few picks below another stud named Ryan Leaf). I also remember back in 2000 when the Patriots drafted Tom Brady in the 6th round. Oh wait...I don't remember that at all. Hell nobody but Tom Brady remembers that.

Sure, you can throw out names of players that were busts or late round winners. But, that doesn't have any effect on current or future draft picks. I don't know if McClellin will be a star or a bust. For that matter, I don't know what any of the players taken tonight will do. If you look back on the history of QB's taken #1 and #2 in the same draft, at least one of them will be a bust. (does that mean Luck or Griffen is going to bust? Who knows)With that said, I can only make judgement based on recent history. The Bears have a stud #1 DE in Peppers. The chance of McClellin being another stud is 50/50 at this point and time. We also know that Webb is not a stud #1 LT. But, if we were to draft one, then we have the same 50/50 chance of getting a stud. (at the very least, we would add some true LT depth to the OL. Everyone keeps saying Webb may develop into a LT, but I have two questions about this. One, what if it takes two more years for Webb to develop? Are we going to lose him in free agency, or have to pay him too much? Two, if Webb is still developing, what does it hurt to take another LT at this time and see if that player ahead of Webb for the LT position. (you could still use Webb as LT depth) Bottom line, ignoring OL problems will have a greater impact if things don't work out with Webb. The offset of adding McClellin will not be enough to overcome the problems of the OL.

I heard rumors from NFL Scouts that they think Reiff is only a Guard. I also heard he can't play LT and is only a RT. We just drafted Carimi...do we really need two RT's?Putting that into perspective, I think going DE and getting a guy they wanted is fine.

Greg Cosell tweeted this morning that Reiff was a good pick for the Lions and he believes Reiff could be a future LT.

I really respect Greg Cosell, but again it's what I heard. It's not my words.

Not trying to call you out. Just giving the other side and pointing out a possible miss at LT that was available to the Bears.

 

[KCitons]

Not good. Tweet from Greg Cosell:

When I talked to McClellin at #RookieDebut he said many teams saw him as 4-3 SLB. When I heard that not surprised Bears took him.

I would have no problem if he played SLB and 3rd down rush End.Remember that having 3 LB on the field doesn't happen often with the spread offenses. DJ Moore subs in for the SLB.

You may get your wish. Williamson tweeted this exact example:

"McClellin is real good player for #Bears...guessing SLB on early downs & replace Izzy at DE on throwing downs...a bit early, but real useful"

My only question now, where does that leave Roach and G Hayes? I know I keep beating this thing into the ground, we have 2nd and 3rd string players at every position except Left Tackle? It's baffling.

 

[flapgreen]

Having slept on it, I feel worse.Just setting in that we passed on Jones, DeCastro and Reif....stings.

We like our players.

 

[yoman]

Having slept on it, I feel worse.Just setting in that we passed on Jones, DeCastro and Reif....stings.

We like our players.

I sense a bit of sarcasm here What happened to your optimism? I will give Emery the benefit of the doubt here because I have read that many scouts thought McClellin was underrated and could be a stud. That being said, if McClellin is only average and either DeCastro or Reiff turn out to be solid LT I will consider this a major bust. I don't think we need to spend a first round draft choice on a RT or a Guard although we should definitely pick an O lineman in one of the next 2 rounds as well as a later round.

 

[ericttspikes]

Relax guys. Shea is a good pick. Guy has a nose for the ball, is a good pass rusher and is versatile. He may have gone a bit higher than the "draftniks" had projected but he's a quality player.

No kidding. I'm not familiar with the guy, but excited to see what he can do. Like the comparisons to Jared Allen, Von Miller and Clay Matthews. I see his versatility a big plus, not a negative. Not sure why people discount him because of the 4-3? Freeney did pretty damn good in that system. And now that the Colts are going to 3-4, there was talk of wanting to move him? Biggest concern I have is the concussion history. Hoping he stays healthy and gets a shot to show what he can do.

 

[Whoosah]

I am also warming up to the pick. It looks like both the Patriots and Packers were eyeing this guy also. Granted they run 3-4 defenses, but who is to say that we can't make good use out of this guy in a 4-3? If he ends up becoming a hybrid DL/LB and is used as a SLB and LE, it could definitely be a versatile player.

Granted I did want Chandler Jones, but at least this isn't your normal Angelo pick. Knowing J.A., we would have drafted a safety or cornerback.

 

[mlball77]

I don't know enough about McClellin to be upset. Personally, I thought the slide of Reiff was perfect for us, but the powers that be had other ideas. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt for now. -Hope we make the most of our next couple of picks.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

The more I watch him, the more I like him.

 

[The Dude]

I understand this is a forum and meant for people to offer their own opinions but you really have to trust that the Bears brass knows better than you - until they prove otherwise. I would have been more hyped as well if they chose Jones - that doesn't mean it was the right pick.

 

[Max Power]

I understand this is a forum and meant for people to offer their own opinions but you really have to trust that the Bears brass knows better than you - until they prove otherwise. I would have been more hyped as well if they chose Jones - that doesn't mean it was the right pick.

The Bears have had a VERY ugly draft history the last couple of years. Sure JA is gone and Emery is running the show, but I bet a lot of the same scouts are still in place. At this point, the Bears need to prove the can evaluate talent before I give them the benefit of the doubt.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

I understand this is a forum and meant for people to offer their own opinions but you really have to trust that the Bears brass knows better than you - until they prove otherwise. I would have been more hyped as well if they chose Jones - that doesn't mean it was the right pick.

I've been trying this approach for years...but in this thread people like to jump to conclusions.

 

[The Dude]

I understand this is a forum and meant for people to offer their own opinions but you really have to trust that the Bears brass knows better than you - until they prove otherwise. I would have been more hyped as well if they chose Jones - that doesn't mean it was the right pick.

The Bears have had a VERY ugly draft history the last couple of years. Sure JA is gone and Emery is running the show, but I bet a lot of the same scouts are still in place. At this point, the Bears need to prove the can evaluate talent before I give them the benefit of the doubt.

And somehow we're to expect that the people in this thread that watch a few dozen college games are smarter than the Bears staff.

 

[Max Power]

I understand this is a forum and meant for people to offer their own opinions but you really have to trust that the Bears brass knows better than you - until they prove otherwise. I would have been more hyped as well if they chose Jones - that doesn't mean it was the right pick.

The Bears have had a VERY ugly draft history the last couple of years. Sure JA is gone and Emery is running the show, but I bet a lot of the same scouts are still in place. At this point, the Bears need to prove the can evaluate talent before I give them the benefit of the doubt.

And somehow we're to expect that the people in this thread that watch a few dozen college games are smarter than the Bears staff.

I couldn't draft much worse I hope they prove me wrong.

 

[maxwelledison]

I understand this is a forum and meant for people to offer their own opinions but you really have to trust that the Bears brass knows better than you - until they prove otherwise. I would have been more hyped as well if they chose Jones - that doesn't mean it was the right pick.

I've been trying this approach for years...but in this thread people like to jump to conclusions.

Yes, the last 20 years have provided little evidence that the Bears aren't competent drafters.

 

[maxwelledison]

For the record, I like Emery and I want him to succeed. He also built up a lot of goodwill with me as I loved the Marshall move and I really liked the play for Bush (insert joke).

Edit: The Rachal and Campbell moves were smart so chalk those up to the positive column as well.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

I understand this is a forum and meant for people to offer their own opinions but you really have to trust that the Bears brass knows better than you - until they prove otherwise. I would have been more hyped as well if they chose Jones - that doesn't mean it was the right pick.

I've been trying this approach for years...but in this thread people like to jump to conclusions.

Yes, the last 20 years have provided little evidence that the Bears aren't competent drafters.

The last 20 years have 0 to do with this year. The same people that drafted Stan Thomas and Rashaan Salaam aren't around anymore.New players, new GM.

 

[maxwelledison]

Another note: I think we need to make the distinction between liking a player and liking a pick. I don't mind Shea as a player but I think the pick is terrible.

 

[maxwelledison]

I understand this is a forum and meant for people to offer their own opinions but you really have to trust that the Bears brass knows better than you - until they prove otherwise. I would have been more hyped as well if they chose Jones - that doesn't mean it was the right pick.

I've been trying this approach for years...but in this thread people like to jump to conclusions.

Yes, the last 20 years have provided little evidence that the Bears aren't competent drafters.

The last 20 years have 0 to do with this year. The same people that drafted Stan Thomas and Rashaan Salaam aren't around anymore.New players, new GM.

I think it's naive to think there aren't organizational influences other than the GM. Scouts obviously have some say as do certain suits, esp. at Halas Hall. Edit - merged two thoughts.

 

[flapgreen]

I understand this is a forum and meant for people to offer their own opinions but you really have to trust that the Bears brass knows better than you - until they prove otherwise. I would have been more hyped as well if they chose Jones - that doesn't mean it was the right pick.

The Bears have had a VERY ugly draft history the last couple of years. Sure JA is gone and Emery is running the show, but I bet a lot of the same scouts are still in place. At this point, the Bears need to prove the can evaluate talent before I give them the benefit of the doubt.

And somehow we're to expect that the people in this thread that watch a few dozen college games are smarter than the Bears staff.

This point of view is so tired. Benson does enough of this for everyone. They work on an NFL staff and know more than everyone else. We get it. Don't question your team's moves, even if most of them have been unsuccessful. I heard the same thing the last few years about Angelo. How did that work out? I din't see any of the former Angelo supporters piping up in here since he got the boot. Go on and get out of here with that bs. Why even discuss mistakes you're team has made at all, since they know more than you? Shut it down! We're wasting our time questioning personnel moves.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

I understand this is a forum and meant for people to offer their own opinions but you really have to trust that the Bears brass knows better than you - until they prove otherwise. I would have been more hyped as well if they chose Jones - that doesn't mean it was the right pick.

I've been trying this approach for years...but in this thread people like to jump to conclusions.

Yes, the last 20 years have provided little evidence that the Bears aren't competent drafters.

The last 20 years have 0 to do with this year. The same people that drafted Stan Thomas and Rashaan Salaam aren't around anymore.New players, new GM.

I think it's naive to think there aren't organizational influences other than the GM. Scouts obviously have some say as do certain suits, esp. at Halas Hall. Edit - merged two thoughts.

It's also ignorant to think that just because something happened in the past with person A that will happen with person B...even though they are different people at different times.

 

[flapgreen]

Another note: I think we need to make the distinction between liking a player and liking a pick. I don't mind Shea as a player but I think the pick is terrible.

If he puts on 15 pounds and grows 3 inches, I like the pick.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Now getting to your point that you like Shea the player but not the pick.

I think he fits as a pass rusher, LE, can play Sam, and ST. Is he going to be JPP? No, but he will be a 8-15 sack guy year in and out. But also play in many other facets of D/ST.

Was it too high for him? Maybe, but NE sure did trade up after he left to grab Chandler Jones. I heard they were hott on McClellin's trail.

I thought the only good pass rushers in this draft were Mercilus, Irvin, McClellin. We got one of them.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Another note: I think we need to make the distinction between liking a player and liking a pick. I don't mind Shea as a player but I think the pick is terrible.

If he puts on 15 pounds and grows 3 inches, I like the pick.

He's the same size as Mercilus...is he too small?

 

[flapgreen]

I understand this is a forum and meant for people to offer their own opinions but you really have to trust that the Bears brass knows better than you - until they prove otherwise. I would have been more hyped as well if they chose Jones - that doesn't mean it was the right pick.

I've been trying this approach for years...but in this thread people like to jump to conclusions.

Most of the conclusions that we have "jumped" to over the last few years have come true. What does that mean? Did we just get lucky in seeing the deficiencies on this team 2 years before they addressed them? You weren't the one to say it this time, but not being on an NFL staff doesn't mean we're all clueless. The rest of the league has shared the same POV about the Bears.Who knows if this Shea dude will be good, but he was far down the line in needs on this team. Not many could argue otherwise very well, except a few Bears fans on here who use the argument that the Bears staff knows more than we do because we're not scouts.

 

[flapgreen]

Another note: I think we need to make the distinction between liking a player and liking a pick. I don't mind Shea as a player but I think the pick is terrible.

If he puts on 15 pounds and grows 3 inches, I like the pick.

He's the same size as Mercilus...is he too small?

Who are we talking about, Shea or Mercilus?

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Another note: I think we need to make the distinction between liking a player and liking a pick. I don't mind Shea as a player but I think the pick is terrible.

If he puts on 15 pounds and grows 3 inches, I like the pick.

He's the same size as Mercilus...is he too small?

Who are we talking about, Shea or Mercilus?

I'll spell it out. Shea McClellin 6'3 3/8 260Whitney Mercilus 6'3 5/8 261Melvin Ingram 6'1 1/2 264Chandler Jones 6'5 3/8 266

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

I understand this is a forum and meant for people to offer their own opinions but you really have to trust that the Bears brass knows better than you - until they prove otherwise. I would have been more hyped as well if they chose Jones - that doesn't mean it was the right pick.

I've been trying this approach for years...but in this thread people like to jump to conclusions.

Most of the conclusions that we have "jumped" to over the last few years have come true.

What conclusions have you made?Tell me some future ones as well because I WILL keep track of them.

 

[flapgreen]

Now getting to your point that you like Shea the player but not the pick.I think he fits as a pass rusher, LE, can play Sam, and ST. Is he going to be JPP? No, but he will be a 8-15 sack guy year in and out. But also play in many other facets of D/ST.Was it too high for him? Maybe, but NE sure did trade up after he left to grab Chandler Jones. I heard they were hott on McClellin's trail.I thought the only good pass rushers in this draft were Mercilus, Irvin, McClellin. We got one of them.

15 sacks? You are the most delusional person on Earth. As it appears now, he will be playing SLB on first 2 downs, and DE on third. How does that translate to 15 sacks? Everyone on here knows that I wanted an OL. I'm not even going to discuss OL on here anymore because it pisses me off too much. With that said, I never said drafting DE in the first was a bad idea. However, of the guys available, Jones was the obvious pick, not a hybrid in between guy. Jones is taller, has a much wider wing span, and has the highest ceiling. Many would argue that SLB is the least important position on the defense. Now, we drafted one in the first round, instead of a pure DE. Pretty lame, but not surprising. Here's hoping tonight goes better.Need a wr and ol in the next 2 rounds. I'll save my assessment of our draft until the end.

 

[Statcruncher]

I understand this is a forum and meant for people to offer their own opinions but you really have to trust that the Bears brass knows better than you - until they prove otherwise. I would have been more hyped as well if they chose Jones - that doesn't mean it was the right pick.

The Bears have had a VERY ugly draft history the last couple of years. Sure JA is gone and Emery is running the show, but I bet a lot of the same scouts are still in place. At this point, the Bears need to prove the can evaluate talent before I give them the benefit of the doubt.

Dude, Angelo is gone. Yes, he blindly ignored areas of weakness and was perennially ineffective at putting needed talent on the roster. Yes, he trained the Chicago fan base to cower and expect the worst of any situation. Do yourself a favor and send your well-earned feelings of distrust, bitterness, and disgust packing along with him.Most people have moved on and are now in the Emery era. Angelo's past failures and methods have zero relevance to Emery's decisions. To treat Emery with the same suspect and criticism that Angelo earned over years of failure is ridiculous. If you're going to beat a dead horse at least have the courtesy to let it die first. It will probably still be difficult to evaluate Emery's performance 2 years from now, let alone less than 100 days into his tenure.

 

[The Tick]

I understand this is a forum and meant for people to offer their own opinions but you really have to trust that the Bears brass knows better than you - until they prove otherwise. I would have been more hyped as well if they chose Jones - that doesn't mean it was the right pick.

I've been trying this approach for years...but in this thread people like to jump to conclusions.

Most of the conclusions that we have "jumped" to over the last few years have come true. What does that mean? Did we just get lucky in seeing the deficiencies on this team 2 years before they addressed them? You weren't the one to say it this time, but not being on an NFL staff doesn't mean we're all clueless. The rest of the league has shared the same POV about the Bears.Who knows if this Shea dude will be good, but he was far down the line in needs on this team. Not many could argue otherwise very well, except a few Bears fans on here who use the argument that the Bears staff knows more than we do because we're not scouts.

I'm not sure i'm thrilled with this pick either, but i'm not sure what you mean by "far down the line in needs". Our top needs were DL and OL, they worked this guy out with our Dline coach, plan to play him at DE to rush the passer, and so to me that seems to fit one of our top two needs. You can argue that OL was a greater need, but I don't see how you can argue this wasn't one of our needs.

 

[The Tick]

Now getting to your point that you like Shea the player but not the pick.I think he fits as a pass rusher, LE, can play Sam, and ST. Is he going to be JPP? No, but he will be a 8-15 sack guy year in and out. But also play in many other facets of D/ST.Was it too high for him? Maybe, but NE sure did trade up after he left to grab Chandler Jones. I heard they were hott on McClellin's trail.I thought the only good pass rushers in this draft were Mercilus, Irvin, McClellin. We got one of them.

15 sacks? You are the most delusional person on Earth. As it appears now, he will be playing SLB on first 2 downs, and DE on third. How does that translate to 15 sacks? Everyone on here knows that I wanted an OL. I'm not even going to discuss OL on here anymore because it pisses me off too much. With that said, I never said drafting DE in the first was a bad idea. However, of the guys available, Jones was the obvious pick, not a hybrid in between guy. Jones is taller, has a much wider wing span, and has the highest ceiling. Many would argue that SLB is the least important position on the defense. Now, we drafted one in the first round, instead of a pure DE. Pretty lame, but not surprising. Here's hoping tonight goes better.Need a wr and ol in the next 2 rounds. I'll save my assessment of our draft until the end.

OK, I see that you are arguing that this guy is a LB, not a DE. That's not what the Bears are saying they want to play him as, but I guess Game 1 next year will show us where he actually ends up playing. If they really play this guy at LB, yeah, i'd be pissed, but everything they are saying says they want to play him at DE.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Your selection of Shea McLellin was damn fine.

I also think the Steelers had him ranked atop their board as an all around LB and football player.

He can rush. He can play OLB and he can play ILB. He is a true football player, not just a LB.

I have no doubt that the Patriots and Packers both coveted him as well.

And I understand your team wanting/needing a DeCastro/Reiff type of player. But the draft isn't over yet.

 

[flapgreen]

I understand this is a forum and meant for people to offer their own opinions but you really have to trust that the Bears brass knows better than you - until they prove otherwise. I would have been more hyped as well if they chose Jones - that doesn't mean it was the right pick.

I've been trying this approach for years...but in this thread people like to jump to conclusions.

Most of the conclusions that we have "jumped" to over the last few years have come true.

What conclusions have you made?Tell me some future ones as well because I WILL keep track of them.

oh boy... You know all of the ones I've made over the last few seasons. Let's let those go. I don't feel like bringing up every time you were dead wrong, and I was right. Let the past be the past.Btw, how did Wright end up doing? I missed the 2nd half. Did Jefferey go yet? Don't the other organizations read your analysis? Wait, I forgot that they know more than you, since they are employed on an NFL team. I should've known...

 

[flapgreen]

I understand this is a forum and meant for people to offer their own opinions but you really have to trust that the Bears brass knows better than you - until they prove otherwise. I would have been more hyped as well if they chose Jones - that doesn't mean it was the right pick.

The Bears have had a VERY ugly draft history the last couple of years. Sure JA is gone and Emery is running the show, but I bet a lot of the same scouts are still in place. At this point, the Bears need to prove the can evaluate talent before I give them the benefit of the doubt.

Dude, Angelo is gone. Yes, he blindly ignored areas of weakness and was perennially ineffective at putting needed talent on the roster. Yes, he trained the Chicago fan base to cower and expect the worst of any situation. Do yourself a favor and send your well-earned feelings of distrust, bitterness, and disgust packing along with him.Most people have moved on and are now in the Emery era. Angelo's past failures and methods have zero relevance to Emery's decisions. To treat Emery with the same suspect and criticism that Angelo earned over years of failure is ridiculous. If you're going to beat a dead horse at least have the courtesy to let it die first. It will probably still be difficult to evaluate Emery's performance 2 years from now, let alone less than 100 days into his tenure.

You may be right.

 

[mlball77]

Your selection of Shea McLellin was damn fine.I also think the Steelers had him ranked atop their board as an all around LB and football player.He can rush. He can play OLB and he can play ILB. He is a true football player, not just a LB.I have no doubt that the Patriots and Packers both coveted him as well. And I understand your team wanting/needing a DeCastro/Reiff type of player. But the draft isn't over yet.

Thanks for this.I was/am admittedly a bit surprised/confused by the pick, but it is a positive sign to hear that some of the well-run organizations you mentioned possibly had McClellin in their cross-hairs. And like I said before, I'm willing to give Emery the benefit of the doubt for now.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Now getting to your point that you like Shea the player but not the pick.I think he fits as a pass rusher, LE, can play Sam, and ST. Is he going to be JPP? No, but he will be a 8-15 sack guy year in and out. But also play in many other facets of D/ST.Was it too high for him? Maybe, but NE sure did trade up after he left to grab Chandler Jones. I heard they were hott on McClellin's trail.I thought the only good pass rushers in this draft were Mercilus, Irvin, McClellin. We got one of them.

15 sacks? You are the most delusional person on Earth. As it appears now, he will be playing SLB on first 2 downs, and DE on third. How does that translate to 15 sacks? Everyone on here knows that I wanted an OL. I'm not even going to discuss OL on here anymore because it pisses me off too much. With that said, I never said drafting DE in the first was a bad idea. However, of the guys available, Jones was the obvious pick, not a hybrid in between guy. Jones is taller, has a much wider wing span, and has the highest ceiling. Many would argue that SLB is the least important position on the defense. Now, we drafted one in the first round, instead of a pure DE. Pretty lame, but not surprising. Here's hoping tonight goes better.Need a wr and ol in the next 2 rounds. I'll save my assessment of our draft until the end.

Jones is taller with longer arms, but he's also slower and not as quick as McClellin.Sacks in college:Jones=10.5 sacks, 1 INTMcClellin=20.5 sacks, 4 INTsSacks last 2 years:Jones=8.5McClellin=16.5But i'm delusional

 

[Max Power]

I understand this is a forum and meant for people to offer their own opinions but you really have to trust that the Bears brass knows better than you - until they prove otherwise. I would have been more hyped as well if they chose Jones - that doesn't mean it was the right pick.

The Bears have had a VERY ugly draft history the last couple of years. Sure JA is gone and Emery is running the show, but I bet a lot of the same scouts are still in place. At this point, the Bears need to prove the can evaluate talent before I give them the benefit of the doubt.

Dude, Angelo is gone. Yes, he blindly ignored areas of weakness and was perennially ineffective at putting needed talent on the roster. Yes, he trained the Chicago fan base to cower and expect the worst of any situation. Do yourself a favor and send your well-earned feelings of distrust, bitterness, and disgust packing along with him.Most people have moved on and are now in the Emery era. Angelo's past failures and methods have zero relevance to Emery's decisions. To treat Emery with the same suspect and criticism that Angelo earned over years of failure is ridiculous. If you're going to beat a dead horse at least have the courtesy to let it die first. It will probably still be difficult to evaluate Emery's performance 2 years from now, let alone less than 100 days into his tenure.

I'm ready to give Emery a fair shake, but when his initial draft pick as the Bears GM doesn't seem to fill a need, I have to question the line of thinking here. It's similar to the JA years. Just because JA is gone, doesn't mean the talent evaluators are different.Bears drafted a guy better suited to play a 3-4 OLB and will stick him at DE in a 4-3. There were better fits for DE IMO.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

I understand this is a forum and meant for people to offer their own opinions but you really have to trust that the Bears brass knows better than you - until they prove otherwise. I would have been more hyped as well if they chose Jones - that doesn't mean it was the right pick.

I've been trying this approach for years...but in this thread people like to jump to conclusions.

Most of the conclusions that we have "jumped" to over the last few years have come true.

What conclusions have you made?Tell me some future ones as well because I WILL keep track of them.

oh boy... You know all of the ones I've made over the last few seasons. Let's let those go. I don't feel like bringing up every time you were dead wrong, and I was right. Let the past be the past.Btw, how did Wright end up doing? I missed the 2nd half. Did Jefferey go yet? Don't the other organizations read your analysis? Wait, I forgot that they know more than you, since they are employed on an NFL team. I should've known...

Of course you don't point them out, but I will start keeping track, don't worry. Starting with McClellin sacks vs Chandler Jones.I thought Jeffery was a better fit for Chicago than another midget. You disagree?

 

[Max Power]

Your selection of Shea McLellin was damn fine.I also think the Steelers had him ranked atop their board as an all around LB and football player.He can rush. He can play OLB and he can play ILB. He is a true football player, not just a LB.I have no doubt that the Patriots and Packers both coveted him as well. And I understand your team wanting/needing a DeCastro/Reiff type of player. But the draft isn't over yet.

He does look like a solid football player. My biggest concern is that he doesn't fit the Bears defensive scheme very well.Look at all the teams who had him rated high on their boards... Packers, NE, Pitt. What do they have in common? 3-4

 

[Limp Ditka]

Really surprised the Bears aren't getting bashed for this pick from the graders. That's the only thing keeping me from being upset.

What matters is what he does on the field, but at this time, it feels like they got combined.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Your selection of Shea McLellin was damn fine.I also think the Steelers had him ranked atop their board as an all around LB and football player.He can rush. He can play OLB and he can play ILB. He is a true football player, not just a LB.I have no doubt that the Patriots and Packers both coveted him as well. And I understand your team wanting/needing a DeCastro/Reiff type of player. But the draft isn't over yet.

He does look like a solid football player. My biggest concern is that he doesn't fit the Bears defensive scheme very well.Look at all the teams who had him rated high on their boards... Packers, NE, Pitt. What do they have in common? 3-4

I can agree with that. His slotting is just as odd as the Jets taking Couples for a 3-4.The difference is... true football players produce. Shea appears to be just that.He is the kind of guy that would add 10 pounds of muscle in the next two years if asked. Or will play SLB/MLB at 255, if need be.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Your selection of Shea McLellin was damn fine.I also think the Steelers had him ranked atop their board as an all around LB and football player.He can rush. He can play OLB and he can play ILB. He is a true football player, not just a LB.I have no doubt that the Patriots and Packers both coveted him as well. And I understand your team wanting/needing a DeCastro/Reiff type of player. But the draft isn't over yet.

He does look like a solid football player. My biggest concern is that he doesn't fit the Bears defensive scheme very well.Look at all the teams who had him rated high on their boards... Packers, NE, Pitt. What do they have in common? 3-4

I understand that point, but what other DE did you want? The only other one with size is Jones and he's 2 inches taller with a few more pounds. I would think that would make him a worse run defender.Chicago has 3 giant DE's-6'7 287, 6'6 275, 6'6 270...they need a smaller edge rusher.If you heard Phil Emery's press conference today he mentions that after Bruce Irvin, Melvin Ingram came off the board it made this pick easier...aka they wanted a smaller edge rusher.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Either way lets discuss round 2

Michael C. Wright just tweeted that Bears scouts were intrigued by Brian Quick.

This goes along with my theory that they need a taller WR.

Best available WRs(my list): Jeffery, Randle, Criner, Sanu, S. Hill, M. Jones, Childs, Broyles, McNutt, Givens, Quick.

Best OL available:

C. Glenn, A. Silatolu, J. Martin, P. Konz, M. Adams, B. Massie

Best DL available:

C. Upshaw, D. Still, A. Ta'amu, V. Curry, A. Branch, J. Worthy, K. Reyes, J. Crick, M. Martin

Best LB Available: L. David, B. Wagner, M. Kendricks, Z. Brown, M. Johnson\

Only TE worthy in round 2 is Fleener.

My dream scenario in rounds 2-4:

2-Peter Konz(then cut Garza)

3-Juron Criner

4-Mike Martin

 

[flapgreen]

I understand this is a forum and meant for people to offer their own opinions but you really have to trust that the Bears brass knows better than you - until they prove otherwise. I would have been more hyped as well if they chose Jones - that doesn't mean it was the right pick.

I've been trying this approach for years...but in this thread people like to jump to conclusions.

Most of the conclusions that we have "jumped" to over the last few years have come true.

What conclusions have you made?Tell me some future ones as well because I WILL keep track of them.

oh boy... You know all of the ones I've made over the last few seasons. Let's let those go. I don't feel like bringing up every time you were dead wrong, and I was right. Let the past be the past.Btw, how did Wright end up doing? I missed the 2nd half. Did Jefferey go yet? Don't the other organizations read your analysis? Wait, I forgot that they know more than you, since they are employed on an NFL team. I should've known...

Of course you don't point them out, but I will start keeping track, don't worry. Starting with McClellin sacks vs Chandler Jones.I thought Jeffery was a better fit for Chicago than another midget. You disagree?

I'll go along with that.I never argued should take Wright or Jefferey, just that Jeffery was an idiot. If it came down to talent alone, Jeffrey would be top 15.

 

[Max Power]

Your selection of Shea McLellin was damn fine.I also think the Steelers had him ranked atop their board as an all around LB and football player.He can rush. He can play OLB and he can play ILB. He is a true football player, not just a LB.I have no doubt that the Patriots and Packers both coveted him as well. And I understand your team wanting/needing a DeCastro/Reiff type of player. But the draft isn't over yet.

He does look like a solid football player. My biggest concern is that he doesn't fit the Bears defensive scheme very well.Look at all the teams who had him rated high on their boards... Packers, NE, Pitt. What do they have in common? 3-4

I understand that point, but what other DE did you want? The only other one with size is Jones and he's 2 inches taller with a few more pounds. I would think that would make him a worse run defender.Chicago has 3 giant DE's-6'7 287, 6'6 275, 6'6 270...they need a smaller edge rusher.If you heard Phil Emery's press conference today he mentions that after Bruce Irvin, Melvin Ingram came off the board it made this pick easier...aka they wanted a smaller edge rusher.

I would have slept better if they picked Mercilus or Jones. But I'm happy to have Shea, just concerned that Emery could be more of the same...He could go a long way in my book tonight by taking some quality players at need positions. I'm guessing a WR in RD2 and OT in rd3. I can deal with a CB if someone good is on the board.

 

[Max Power]

Either way lets discuss round 2Michael C. Wright just tweeted that Bears scouts were intrigued by Brian Quick. This goes along with my theory that they need a taller WR.Best available WRs(my list): Jeffery, Randle, Criner, Sanu, S. Hill, M. Jones, Childs, Broyles, McNutt, Givens, Quick.Best OL available:C. Glenn, A. Silatolu, J. Martin, P. Konz, M. Adams, B. MassieBest DL available:C. Upshaw, D. Still, A. Ta'amu, V. Curry, A. Branch, J. Worthy, K. Reyes, J. Crick, M. MartinBest LB Available: L. David, B. Wagner, M. Kendricks, Z. Brown, M. Johnson\Only TE worthy in round 2 is Fleener.My dream scenario in rounds 2-4:2-Peter Konz(then cut Garza)3-Juron Criner 4-Mike Martin

I love the Idea of Fleener, but I think he will be gone.I'd like Jeffery or Randle in RD2 if they go WR. This assumes Hill is already off the board. Criner/Sanu/Childs/Quick are good rd round picks. Konz, Martin, Glenn or Adams would be good second rd picks.

 

[RBM]

Now getting to your point that you like Shea the player but not the pick.I think he fits as a pass rusher, LE, can play Sam, and ST. Is he going to be JPP? No, but he will be a 8-15 sack guy year in and out. But also play in many other facets of D/ST.Was it too high for him? Maybe, but NE sure did trade up after he left to grab Chandler Jones. I heard they were hott on McClellin's trail.I thought the only good pass rushers in this draft were Mercilus, Irvin, McClellin. We got one of them.

15 sacks? You are the most delusional person on Earth. As it appears now, he will be playing SLB on first 2 downs, and DE on third. How does that translate to 15 sacks? Everyone on here knows that I wanted an OL. I'm not even going to discuss OL on here anymore because it pisses me off too much. With that said, I never said drafting DE in the first was a bad idea. However, of the guys available, Jones was the obvious pick, not a hybrid in between guy. Jones is taller, has a much wider wing span, and has the highest ceiling. Many would argue that SLB is the least important position on the defense. Now, we drafted one in the first round, instead of a pure DE. Pretty lame, but not surprising. Here's hoping tonight goes better.Need a wr and ol in the next 2 rounds. I'll save my assessment of our draft until the end.