What will the Chicago Bears do on Draft Day? (1 Viewer)

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

There are so many issues with the Bears that they could be a factor on draft day.

Lets start with Lance Briggs. Will he shut up and take 7.2 Million this season as the franchise player? Will he stay disgruntled and force the Bears into trading him? The Redskins are obviously interested, does this happen on draft day? Other teams that are interested Bills, Bucs...etc.

If the Bears obtain the 6th pick from the Redskin for Briggs. One of two things will happen, the Bears will draft Laron Landry or trade down.

The Bears own picks 31, 37. Will Jerry be his traditional self and trade down? Or will he trade up to get a player that he covets?

As a Bears fan my wish list would look something like this(if the Bears still have Briggs)

31-Joe Staley

37-Ben Grubbs

3rd round pick-Lorenzo Booker

What are your thoughts?

 

[RBM]

Heard Denver is interested in Briggs also.

I just hope they get younger on the o-line. Thats my top priority for Saturday

 

[3nOut]

Also...

Briggs buzz: 5 teams are interested in Bears' LB
The one team that recently has begun to make inquiries about LB Lance Briggs is Tampa Bay

 

[saintfool]

I think Briggs is moved. Consequently, their draft is shapped by the team that they broker the deal with.

They need to upgrade the QB position. I'd grab Quinn if he is there for them...

 

[ditka85]

A few things I'd like to see...

Trade Briggs. He will become a distraction holding out. You can draft his replacement this year, Beason, maybe Poz.

Don't draft Olsen. He's overated IMO. The Bears can get by with Desmond Clark for now and they have more pressing needs. Now if he falls into the 3rd round, I'd be happy to take him there.

If they end up at 1.6, the Bears have to take Landry. He would make such a difference. The guy can play either free or strong and can take over for Brown if the Bears choose to let him go. Archuleta is not the answer, he's a one trick pony. IMO the Bears D missed Brown most of all last year, more than Harris.

Hope they address OL with either 31 or 37. The line is getting old and needs an infusion of youth. Grubbs, Sears, Staley would make me happy.

 

[Kleck.]

Trade down from #31 for an additional 2nd along with getting a 2nd next year so when Tank f's up again they have a pick ready to give to the NFL.

 

[3nOut]

A few things I'd like to see...Trade Briggs. He will become a distraction holding out. You can draft his replacement this year, Beason, maybe Poz.Don't draft Olsen. He's overated IMO. The Bears can get by with Desmond Clark for now and they have more pressing needs. Now if he falls into the 3rd round, I'd be happy to take him there.If they end up at 1.6, the Bears have to take Landry. He would make such a difference. The guy can play either free or strong and can take over for Brown if the Bears choose to let him go. Archuleta is not the answer, he's a one trick pony. IMO the Bears D missed Brown most of all last year, more than Harris.Hope they address OL with either 31 or 37. The line is getting old and needs an infusion of youth. Grubbs, Sears, Staley would make me happy.

Great post (probably because I agree with you). I say go OL @ 31. SOme mocks I've seen have Staley falling, Grubbs wouldn't be bad. I also hope Beason falls to them in the second but I see him rising in many mocks and rumors are everywhere that several teams are looking at hin (Baltimore, Giants). If they can get these two I'd be very pleased. Briggs....

 

[Demons]

I heard Da Bears may trade Briggs to Washington if Adrian Peterson is still there when Washington is on the clock.

 

[Keith Lewis]

I heard Da Bears may trade Briggs to Washington if Adrian Peterson is still there when Washington is on the clock.

Benson owners would for years.

 

[Banger]

I heard Da Bears may trade Briggs to Washington if Adrian Peterson is still there when Washington is on the clock.

Benson owners would for years.

that would be funny....

 

[jbird5150]

I look for the Briggs trade to happen. I think some team is going to make a deal with the Bears the morning of the draft to get Briggs and give up their first rounder.

Which team I'm not sure. Would have bet money on Snyder and his love for the big name to come through, but it looks like there's a few other players in the market as well.

OR...

This could all be a cunning ruse by the Bears to make Snyder panic and give the Bears what they want. And yes, if the Beloved Blue And Orange are sitting at #6 and Landry is still there, I don't think they have any choice but to pick that dude up. Guy could be a real difference maker on that defense.

 

[Nookular Power]

Definitely agree with those who say the Bears should emphasize getting younger on the O-Line. Also agree with the "move Briggs" sentiment -- Briggs is really good, but they've had some success with mid-round LBs in the past (Holdman, Colvin, Briggs), and finding a replacement for Briggs should be easier than finding a stud OT. They could move Briggs to either the Bucs or Redskins (I'd say unlikely at this point, but it could happen), in which case I'd be happiest with either Joe Thomas or Levi Brown, then a guard at 37 (assuming 31 has to be part of the deal). I'd be even happier if Briggs is moved to, say, the Giants, and the Bears end up in the middle of the 1st round. Still gotta go OT first and grab Staley (if available), then OG, then S/LB. If Briggs is not traded...I'm not sure if there are viable OTs for the late 1st/early 2nd, so I'd pull for an OG and a safety. Rather, rinse, repeat for day 2 of the draft -- get another OT, OG, LB, S. The only way I'm happy with a skill pick (RB/WR/TE) is if the top OL are gone and one of the top guys (Meachum? Bowe?) drop further than expected.

 

[Christo]

A few things I'd like to see...

Trade Briggs. He will become a distraction holding out. You can draft his replacement this year, Beason, maybe Poz.

Don't draft Olsen. He's overated IMO. The Bears can get by with Desmond Clark for now and they have more pressing needs. Now if he falls into the 3rd round, I'd be happy to take him there.

If they end up at 1.6, the Bears have to take Landry. He would make such a difference. The guy can play either free or strong and can take over for Brown if the Bears choose to let him go. Archuleta is not the answer, he's a one trick pony. IMO the Bears D missed Brown most of all last year, more than Harris.

Hope they address OL with either 31 or 37. The line is getting old and needs an infusion of youth. Grubbs, Sears, Staley would make me happy.

The Bears' pass rush was impotent after Harris went down. I'd like to see them move up to 1.06 and grab Gaines Adams if he's still there. Although I'd "settle" for Landry. If they stand pat, I'd like to see them go OL with their first two picks.

 

[fatkid]

I forget the history of the Trade offer of Briggs + 31 to Washington for the 6th pick. Who killed the deal?

If the bears get the 6th, wouldn't the take Okoye? He is exactly the type of DT you need in the Cover 2. A saftey is not near as important in that defense as they usually hang back and cover deep. Kind of a waste of Landry's talents in my mind. The whole basis of hte cover 2 depends on getting a pass rush from the front 4 without blitzing, and controlling the run with the front 7. Harris and Okoye would be a dominent paring, as you can't double both of them.

 

[Hairy Snowman]

Personally, I would like to see them trade up to Washingtons pick at #6 (dumping Briggs to move up in the first and picking up a 3rd next year) and then trading out of that spot with the Falcons (For Landry) and giving up Washingtons 3rd next year and picking up the Falcons #8 and a second round pick. Leaving the Bears with the #8, #37, #39, #94, #168 and #241.

I would hope they could take Amobi Okoye at #8, Lawrence Timmons at #37 and Sidney Rice/or Lorenzo Booker at #39, Andy Alleman at #94 and who knows at #168 and #241. Maybe a RB or WR?

That would be my ideal draft.

 

[428143]

OLB/G/T with the first round pick

I'm hoping Quincy Black hears his name called in the 2nd or 3rd round.

 

[jurb26]

This could all be a cunning ruse by the Bears to make Snyder panic and give the Bears what they want.

This ruse will blow up in the Bears face when Peterson is still on the board for Wash at #6 and several other offers come pouring in and the Bears (cheap as they are) miss out.

 

[Routilla]

I think CHI will draft a RB at some point this weekend. Benson is iffy in my book. He took himself out of the SB with what was a minor knee injury, and the other AP has been a career back-up. If Benson can't handle the load they will be in trouble at RB.

 

[matuski]

If they were smart they'd get a decent RB.

 

[MU Seminole]

Slight tangent: I just moved to the South Loop from South Florida three weeks ago. I'm surprised and disappointed by the lack of Bears coverage on the local news sports segments. Yes, I know baseball just started and the Bulls are taking on the defending champs, but I was hoping for more predraft coverage.

 

[Hairy Snowman]

Slight tangent: I just moved to the South Loop from South Florida three weeks ago. I'm surprised and disappointed by the lack of Bears coverage on the local news sports segments. Yes, I know baseball just started and the Bulls are taking on the defending champs, but I was hoping for more predraft coverage.

Just moved from the North Loop back to South Florida - get used to it! Football is like a religion here in Florida - Baseball is king during the summer in Chicago, period. Basketball is bigger since Jordan, but summer is basically baseball.Better get NFL channel and start getting friendly with your keyboard!- FBGs just became your home away from home.......

 

[Butt-Head]

I'm just hoping Ayatollah Angelo deals Briggs. Sure if Chicago loses him in a year or two after he becomes a constant distraction, the Bears would get a high compensatory pick, but his replacement can be found in the draft's first three rounds and we could get awesome value for him right now.

A key to the weekend wil be if Ian Scott comes back on a sweetheart one year deal to add back to the depth chart at DT.

I'd like for them to be able to get their hands on Staley and/or Grubbs.

Another thing to remember with the 31st pick, a lot of teams will be looking to trade up into the late first round to get the second tier QBs.

This should be a fun weekend.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

1) Blalock or Grubbs

2) Zach Miller or Jon Beason

3) Usama Young or Quincy Black (unless they take an OLB in Round One)

 

[ditka311]

People seem to forget the Bears have Dusty Dvoracek coming back this year and the Bears are high on him. He teamed up with Tommie Harris in college and the 2 were pretty damn good. Now, I know he has yet to play in the pros but it is something to keep in mind.

For some reason draft day is always a big deal but not so much this year. Probably because of their late draft pick. Either way it should be interesting

 

[Nookular Power]

People seem to forget the Bears have Dusty Dvoracek coming back this year and the Bears are high on him. He teamed up with Tommie Harris in college and the 2 were pretty damn good. Now, I know he has yet to play in the pros but it is something to keep in mind.

Agree with this one. The Bears were super high on him last camp before he got hurt -- was looking really good early. Unless they move up with the 'skins to #6 and take Okoye (who does look like a potential monster), I don't see them taking a DT high. With a healthy Harris, Dvoracek, the new guy (Adams), and perhaps a 2nd day guy for depth, they'll be alright.I see a few folks thinking the Bears draft a RB...lots of folks around here aren't very high on Benson. But obviously the Bears ARE high on him (otherwise, they don't deal TJ). They don't take a RB till day 2, if they do at all. And if they do, it's with an eye towards special teams or depth, not for a starter or any kind of regular offensive contributor.

 

[PsychoMan]

Bears seeking draft picks to create competition

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

People seem to forget the Bears have Dusty Dvoracek coming back this year and the Bears are high on him. He teamed up with Tommie Harris in college and the 2 were pretty damn good. Now, I know he has yet to play in the pros but it is something to keep in mind.

Agree with this one. The Bears were super high on him last camp before he got hurt -- was looking really good early. Unless they move up with the 'skins to #6 and take Okoye (who does look like a potential monster), I don't see them taking a DT high. With a healthy Harris, Dvoracek, the new guy (Adams), and perhaps a 2nd day guy for depth, they'll be alright.I see a few folks thinking the Bears draft a RB...lots of folks around here aren't very high on Benson. But obviously the Bears ARE high on him (otherwise, they don't deal TJ). They don't take a RB till day 2, if they do at all. And if they do, it's with an eye towards special teams or depth, not for a starter or any kind of regular offensive contributor.

They also signed Anthony Adams who started for SF Niners this past offseason, and have Garay - and could shift Idonije to DT if need be. I feel they're fine at DT even if Tank gets suspended for half the season. They'll probably take a flyer on one in the late rounds though...

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Drafting a RB before round 2 would be unneeded. The Bears invested the #4 overall pick in Benson and he will produce. Also a RB is very cheaply obtained in the NFL and less negating the value of the RB position(2 back systems).

For the guy that said the D-line is more important than Saftey needs to know what the cover 2 system is about. The CB's have the flat area zone and Saftey's split the deep half of the field...that is the last line of defense.....very important.....just think about Chris Harris trying to catch Reggie Bush in the NFC Championship game and the value of S goes up.

D-line is fine.....the Bears have 3 quality De's and have Harris coming back, Tank Johnson(who is a former 2nd round pick and can be good), Anthony adams (who was a starter last year) and a 3rd round pick in Dusty Dvorchek.....also resigning Ian Scott makes this not a need position.

If the Bears trade Briggs and get #6. I think they can still trade down a couple of times and obtain Reggie Nelson(who fits the Cover 2 system better than Landry because of speed) and obtain multiple 2nd and 3rd round picks.

With those multiple picks they can address the O-line, 3rd down RB, OLB, TE and then a D-lineman.

 

[Power Monster]

Benson is unpoven and has shown a lack for getting hurt. The Bears are vulnerable if he goes down and this must be addressed. Also- the Bears need a run stuffing DT. Teams learned fast that you can pound it on the Bears....

 

[Routilla]

People seem to forget the Bears have Dusty Dvoracek coming back this year and the Bears are high on him. He teamed up with Tommie Harris in college and the 2 were pretty damn good. Now, I know he has yet to play in the pros but it is something to keep in mind. For some reason draft day is always a big deal but not so much this year. Probably because of their late draft pick. Either way it should be interesting

DD is especially effective when given a baseball bat to beat people with.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Benson is unpoven and has shown a lack for getting hurt. The Bears are vulnerable if he goes down and this must be addressed. Also- the Bears need a run stuffing DT. Teams learned fast that you can pound it on the Bears....

Everyone is unproven until given the chance.What if Steven Jackson got hurt or LJ or FWP? Noone can predict injuries and Benson's have been minor(no acl and he has only missed 4 games).As for Run stuffing DT.....the Bears scheme is quick, gap penetrating DT's not run stuffing. The Bears used to stuff the run with Ted Washington and Keith Traylor.....now they hit the RB in the backfield.

 

[PsychoMan]

Everyone is unproven until given the chance.What if Steven Jackson got hurt or LJ or FWP? Noone can predict injuries and Benson's have been minor(no acl and he has only missed 4 games).As for Run stuffing DT.....the Bears scheme is quick, gap penetrating DT's not run stuffing. The Bears used to stuff the run with Ted Washington and Keith Traylor.....now they hit the RB in the backfield.

I admit that everything that's happened thus far with Benson scares me a bit, but I still agree with BWLTW here ... he is unproven because he hasn't been given the chance to start. I still believe he can be a very good back, and apparently the Bears do too. I think it's way too early to write him off.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Everyone is unproven until given the chance.What if Steven Jackson got hurt or LJ or FWP? Noone can predict injuries and Benson's have been minor(no acl and he has only missed 4 games).As for Run stuffing DT.....the Bears scheme is quick, gap penetrating DT's not run stuffing. The Bears used to stuff the run with Ted Washington and Keith Traylor.....now they hit the RB in the backfield.

I admit that everything that's happened thus far with Benson scares me a bit, but I still agree with BWLTW here ... he is unproven because he hasn't been given the chance to start. I still believe he can be a very good back, and apparently the Bears do too. I think it's way too early to write him off.

I think the main area for concern is the offensive line. Everyone on the line, except garza, is over the age of 30 and Fred Miller and Ruben Brown only have one or two years left. That screams problems or injuries. Getting a double dose of OL on the first day of the draft would be amazing to this team.However, since the Bears are "making there run" currently, they could just draft players that would contribute next season to improve there chances to win a super bowl. Players such as Greg Olsen, Laron Landry, and Lorenzo Booker.On the contrary, the Bears are a very young team(other than OL) and will have a 5 year window and can afford to draft OL to lengthen that window out.

 

[Power Monster]

Benson is unpoven and has shown a lack for getting hurt. The Bears are vulnerable if he goes down and this must be addressed. Also- the Bears need a run stuffing DT. Teams learned fast that you can pound it on the Bears....

Everyone is unproven until given the chance.What if Steven Jackson got hurt or LJ or FWP? Noone can predict injuries and Benson's have been minor(no acl and he has only missed 4 games).As for Run stuffing DT.....the Bears scheme is quick, gap penetrating DT's not run stuffing. The Bears used to stuff the run with Ted Washington and Keith Traylor.....now they hit the RB in the backfield.

Unless his name is Dominic Rhodes. The Colts just ran rough shod over the Bears and there were other teams that did the same. I will agree to disagree with you on Benson. If I am the GM and I see that he has gone down twice in the past two seasons I am making sure that I have someone that can step in. Hub on the Score talking it up that the team needs WR and TE....

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Benson is unpoven and has shown a lack for getting hurt. The Bears are vulnerable if he goes down and this must be addressed. Also- the Bears need a run stuffing DT. Teams learned fast that you can pound it on the Bears....

Everyone is unproven until given the chance.What if Steven Jackson got hurt or LJ or FWP? Noone can predict injuries and Benson's have been minor(no acl and he has only missed 4 games).As for Run stuffing DT.....the Bears scheme is quick, gap penetrating DT's not run stuffing. The Bears used to stuff the run with Ted Washington and Keith Traylor.....now they hit the RB in the backfield.

Unless his name is Dominic Rhodes. The Colts just ran rough shod over the Bears and there were other teams that did the same. I will agree to disagree with you on Benson. If I am the GM and I see that he has gone down twice in the past two seasons I am making sure that I have someone that can step in. Hub on the Score talking it up that the team needs WR and TE....

Hub....I usually don't mind him....but I like our WR's.....Moose, Berrian, and Bradley(who I think could be a stud)....they can draft one....but on day 2

 

[boubucarow]

If they stay at #31 and #37 expecting a resolution with Briggs on the Bears, I would guess they will draft one OT and either Harrell, Grubbs, Blalock, or best WR available. So if Staley somehow lasts to #31, he is a Bear and Harrell would be #2 on that list.

If Briggs is a goner, similar things will happen but Timmons, Posluszny, and Beason come into play as well if they drop down. If they move up in the first round, I see Okoye, Staley, Levi Brown, or possibly a OLB as the target.

I also think that if Harrell and Staley are gone at #31 and either the Bears don't grade Ugoh or Harris that high or they expect them to be there later, they will probably trade down such as last year.

Overall, they will improve their offensive line depth and the linebacker depth. I could see a corner in the mid rounds since Tillman and/or Vasher could be gone next year. A pass rushing DE or a TE could sneak into the mid rounds as well. A running back in the mid rounds is also possible.

 

[Nookular Power]

Unless his name is Dominic Rhodes. The Colts just ran rough shod over the Bears and there were other teams that did the same.

The Colts ran rough shod over the Bears in the 2nd half -- after holding the ball for 2/3 of the game because the Bears' offense couldn't generate a 1st down. The collapse of the defense in the Super Bowl was all Rex (with a little bit of Rivera's inability to adjust to Manning accepting the short stuff). The other games where the Bears' run defense bombed (if I recall correctly) were games with both Harris and Tank Johnson out. To give up lots of run yards when your top 2 DTs are gone doesn't scream "weakness" to me -- they're a top run D, and will remain so, so long as Harris comes back healthy. The Bears need depth at DT, but it's not a priority.

I will agree to disagree with you on Benson. If I am the GM and I see that he has gone down twice in the past two seasons I am making sure that I have someone that can step in. Hub on the Score talking it up that the team needs WR and TE....

The need at OL is so much greater than the need at WR or TE. As was mentioned before, when 4/5 of your starting line is over 30, you're playing chicken with time unless you've got young guys in the pipeline. It's not the sexy way to go, but it's the way to keep the team strong.

 

[ericttspikes]

I'm hoping Quincy Black hears his name called in the 2nd or 3rd round.

 

[flapgreen]

Everyone is unproven until given the chance.What if Steven Jackson got hurt or LJ or FWP? Noone can predict injuries and Benson's have been minor(no acl and he has only missed 4 games).As for Run stuffing DT.....the Bears scheme is quick, gap penetrating DT's not run stuffing. The Bears used to stuff the run with Ted Washington and Keith Traylor.....now they hit the RB in the backfield.

I admit that everything that's happened thus far with Benson scares me a bit, but I still agree with BWLTW here ... he is unproven because he hasn't been given the chance to start. I still believe he can be a very good back, and apparently the Bears do too. I think it's way too early to write him off.

I'm writing him off. He sucks.

 

[Keith Lewis]

Benson had two carries in the superbowl, anyone remember what happened on both plays? Not exacly Jordan-esque.

 

[flapgreen]

Benson had two carries in the superbowl, anyone remember what happened on both plays? Not exacly Jordan-esque.

But how can you say that? He never had a chance in the Super Bowl. It's not his fault he got hurt. It's not his fault he got hurt the season before either. Give the guy a few more chances. He can dooooo it.

 

[Power Monster]

Unless his name is Dominic Rhodes. The Colts just ran rough shod over the Bears and there were other teams that did the same.

The Colts ran rough shod over the Bears in the 2nd half -- after holding the ball for 2/3 of the game because the Bears' offense couldn't generate a 1st down. The collapse of the defense in the Super Bowl was all Rex (with a little bit of Rivera's inability to adjust to Manning accepting the short stuff). The other games where the Bears' run defense bombed (if I recall correctly) were games with both Harris and Tank Johnson out. To give up lots of run yards when your top 2 DTs are gone doesn't scream "weakness" to me -- they're a top run D, and will remain so, so long as Harris comes back healthy. The Bears need depth at DT, but it's not a priority.

I will agree to disagree with you on Benson. If I am the GM and I see that he has gone down twice in the past two seasons I am making sure that I have someone that can step in. Hub on the Score talking it up that the team needs WR and TE....

The need at OL is so much greater than the need at WR or TE. As was mentioned before, when 4/5 of your starting line is over 30, you're playing chicken with time unless you've got young guys in the pipeline. It's not the sexy way to go, but it's the way to keep the team strong.

It does not concern you that Tank might not even see the field next year? That TH has to come back from his injury? I am putting my trust in the Bears to have another solid draft. They have been taking players that are very good and most (outside of Tank) of these players are solid people and that is crucial. These are the players that ran on the Bears last year:T. Barber 141R. Brown 157F. Gore 111A. Green 110C. Taylor 99Rhodes 113SA 108Not bad but that SB meltdown was the defense and the Ronnie Brown numbers was just a lousy game all around. I understand that the offense was not moving the chains but if we needed to plug a hole we did not have the players there and now we have a guy about to get suspended and another guy rehabbing. I am not at all concerned about the TE position. I think that we need a WR for certain but this can be addressed in perhaps the second or third rounds. If we can get a top draft choice with the Briggs move I am still inclined to think that we should get the LB, DT and the OL help with those three picks and then grab at RB and or WR. Ahhhh it is just fun to kick it around but we will be OK. Remember most SB losers have had struggles the following year so I think that 2007 will be a slight rebuilding process. We have question marks on both sides of the ball but the ST is looking solid and I think that we need to see who is better from Griese and Rex.

 

[gump]

Any word on Briggs being rumored to the Redskins?

 

[Nookular Power]

Unless his name is Dominic Rhodes. The Colts just ran rough shod over the Bears and there were other teams that did the same.

The Colts ran rough shod over the Bears in the 2nd half -- after holding the ball for 2/3 of the game because the Bears' offense couldn't generate a 1st down. The collapse of the defense in the Super Bowl was all Rex (with a little bit of Rivera's inability to adjust to Manning accepting the short stuff). The other games where the Bears' run defense bombed (if I recall correctly) were games with both Harris and Tank Johnson out. To give up lots of run yards when your top 2 DTs are gone doesn't scream "weakness" to me -- they're a top run D, and will remain so, so long as Harris comes back healthy. The Bears need depth at DT, but it's not a priority.

I will agree to disagree with you on Benson. If I am the GM and I see that he has gone down twice in the past two seasons I am making sure that I have someone that can step in. Hub on the Score talking it up that the team needs WR and TE....

The need at OL is so much greater than the need at WR or TE. As was mentioned before, when 4/5 of your starting line is over 30, you're playing chicken with time unless you've got young guys in the pipeline. It's not the sexy way to go, but it's the way to keep the team strong.

It does not concern you that Tank might not even see the field next year? That TH has to come back from his injury? I am putting my trust in the Bears to have another solid draft. They have been taking players that are very good and most (outside of Tank) of these players are solid people and that is crucial. These are the players that ran on the Bears last year:T. Barber 141R. Brown 157F. Gore 111A. Green 110C. Taylor 99Rhodes 113SA 108Not bad but that SB meltdown was the defense and the Ronnie Brown numbers was just a lousy game all around. I understand that the offense was not moving the chains but if we needed to plug a hole we did not have the players there and now we have a guy about to get suspended and another guy rehabbing. I am not at all concerned about the TE position. I think that we need a WR for certain but this can be addressed in perhaps the second or third rounds. If we can get a top draft choice with the Briggs move I am still inclined to think that we should get the LB, DT and the OL help with those three picks and then grab at RB and or WR. Ahhhh it is just fun to kick it around but we will be OK. Remember most SB losers have had struggles the following year so I think that 2007 will be a slight rebuilding process. We have question marks on both sides of the ball but the ST is looking solid and I think that we need to see who is better from Griese and Rex.

First, I'm with you in your confidence in the Bears putting together a good draft. Count me as one Bears fan *incredibly* happy that both Angelo and Smith will be around for a while. They know talent, and Smith puts them in position to succeed. I won't ##### if they disagree with me on prioritizing the OL -- they've earned that much.Second, if guys are going to go off on your run-D, that's not a bad list. Yet in spite of the good individual games put up against the Bears, they finished #6 in the league in rushing yards allowed, and tied for second in the league with only 7 rushing TDs allowed.It does concern me that Tank won't see the field for much of next year -- I'm expecting at least 1/2 a season suspension, maybe more. Given that Pacman got a year with no convictions, and that Henry (1) never saw jail time (is this right?) and (2) had already been suspended, yet got 8 games...Tank will get AT LEAST 8 games off, maybe more. Guys returning from injury are always a concern...but reports are good for both Harris and Dvoracek. At this point, I'd argue that the Bears need a safety net -- depth -- at DT more than they need a long-term starter solution. I think the Adams pick-up was a good one, and in part addresses that. They DO need long-term solutions at both OT and OG.The next question is, which concern is greater -- the threat of decline or injury on an aging OL, or the threat of repeat injury/suspension on the DL? I guess I'm just more worried about the age of the OL, but like I said, I won't complain if the Bears agree with you and make a first-day DT pick-up.So, if Briggs is traded and the Bears keep 3 picks in the top 40, I'd like to see 2 of them spent on the OL. Then LB/S/DT. I don't really know what kind of hands AP has...the main reason to grab a RB would be if they don't think either Benson or AP can handle 3rd-and-long consistently. Well, that and depth/special teams. They probably take someone on day 2. I agree that TE is not so big a concern...I like Clark, and outside of the true studs at the position, how many are really worth high picks? Also with you on the WR need -- probably want someone, though not early (unless a real stud drops in your lap).

 

[Power Monster]

^Great post- I like that. I think we are on the same page w the excption of the RB. I just look at how other teams are now keeping two RBs in place. I was wondering how these guys would be on the Bears:

Michael Bush or

John Cornish

I do see your point on the OL but it seems that we have gotten better ROI with free agancy here but I agree it will need to be addressed and the main reason why is we need CB to have a great start and build confidence. I hear that this Bush guy can be had in the second and he has a load of talent to play just RB. Should be a solid draft either way....

 

[flapgreen]

Whatever they do is fine with me. I trust them. I #####ed and moaned like crazy after last years draft and ended up being dead wrong. I'm sure they'll do fine.

btw, Benson sucks balls.

 

[ericttspikes]

I do see your point on the OL but it seems that we have gotten better ROI with free agancy here

I completely agree here. I'd rather the Bears seek out established NFL OL talent than pay big bucks to a rookie. I suppose if a OL is there and he's the best talent on the board you take him, but I would hate to see the Bears target that position above others.

 

[PsychoMan]

if they would have traded briggs to the skins ... brady quinn, adrian peterson, laron landry etc are available ... makes me wonder if its worth it to hold onto briggs if hes gonna be unhappy and leave after next yr anyway ...

 

[jbird5150]

Holy smokes...could Quinn fall all the way to us?

There's a looooong list of picks that really don't need him.

 

[flapgreen]

Dude is crying in his own private room. I'm not sure I'd want him.