The Bears Offseason Thread

[goonys evil twin]

ESPN analysts project the Bears 1st round pick:

 

- Todd McShay: Greg Olsen, TE from Miami (FL)

- Mel Kiper: Arron Sears, OL from Tennessee

 

Don't really understand the McShay projection.

 

People need to get over the TE fascination. The Bears TE group is fine. There are only a handful (maybe 5?) really good TE in football. Unless you get one of those, there's no reason to be spending 1st round picks on them. Every year there's 2-3 guys who are considered can't miss TE who are picked early and flame out.

 

 

Clark/Heap/Crumpler/Gates/Gonzalez/Whitten/Shockey/Winslow(

 

So and no, goony, the Bears TE core is not fine. I like Desmond Clark, so he is solid, but Gilmore/Reid are practice squad caliber TE. So yeah, count me as one who believe the Bears offense would be better, if they had an IMPACT TE on the team. TEs are having bigger impacts on Offense in today's game, then ever before, and if the Bears continue to "ignore" the problem, it's going to hurt the offense. Not to mention neither Bradley/Berrian have established themselves as "true threats" consistantly. So, until then, I like to give Grossman, or whoever will be the QB in 2007 as many OFFENSIVE weapons as possible.

 

Ignoring the TE is a problem, because sooner or later you will have to replace Clark. So to get Olsen/Miller or Chandler this yr, would go a long ways to help the offense.

 

So goony, it's not a "TE fascination", it's fact. If the Bears miss out on a TE in this yr's draft, then perhaps Angelo is "asleep at the wheel."

 

I heard the same crap last year and the Bears went from a bottom of the barrel scoring team to top of the league. Blahblahblah.

 

Clark is perfectly fine.

How many teams have better backup TE's than the Bears, and how does that make a difference?

[Banedon]

Clark/Heap/Crumpler/Gates/Gonzalez/Whitten/Shockey/Winslow(

 

So and no, goony, the Bears TE core is not fine. I like Desmond Clark, so he is solid, but Gilmore/Reid are practice squad caliber TE. So yeah, count me as one who believe the Bears offense would be better, if they had an IMPACT TE on the team. TEs are having bigger impacts on Offense in today's game, then ever before, and if the Bears continue to "ignore" the problem, it's going to hurt the offense. Not to mention neither Bradley/Berrian have established themselves as "true threats" consistantly. So, until then, I like to give Grossman, or whoever will be the QB in 2007 as many OFFENSIVE weapons as possible.

 

Ignoring the TE is a problem, because sooner or later you will have to replace Clark. So to get Olsen/Miller or Chandler this yr, would go a long ways to help the offense.

 

So goony, it's not a "TE fascination", it's fact. If the Bears miss out on a TE in this yr's draft, then perhaps Angelo is "asleep at the wheel."

 

There are a lot of areas with greater need...TE should not be a priority.

[CubColtPacer]

ESPN analysts project the Bears 1st round pick:

 

- Todd McShay: Greg Olsen, TE from Miami (FL)

- Mel Kiper: Arron Sears, OL from Tennessee

 

Don't really understand the McShay projection.

 

People need to get over the TE fascination. The Bears TE group is fine. There are only a handful (maybe 5?) really good TE in football. Unless you get one of those, there's no reason to be spending 1st round picks on them. Every year there's 2-3 guys who are considered can't miss TE who are picked early and flame out.

 

 

Clark/Heap/Crumpler/Gates/Gonzalez/Whitten/Shockey/Winslow(

 

So and no, goony, the Bears TE core is not fine. I like Desmond Clark, so he is solid, but Gilmore/Reid are practice squad caliber TE. So yeah, count me as one who believe the Bears offense would be better, if they had an IMPACT TE on the team. TEs are having bigger impacts on Offense in today's game, then ever before, and if the Bears continue to "ignore" the problem, it's going to hurt the offense. Not to mention neither Bradley/Berrian have established themselves as "true threats" consistantly. So, until then, I like to give Grossman, or whoever will be the QB in 2007 as many OFFENSIVE weapons as possible.

 

Ignoring the TE is a problem, because sooner or later you will have to replace Clark. So to get Olsen/Miller or Chandler this yr, would go a long ways to help the offense.

 

So goony, it's not a "TE fascination", it's fact. If the Bears miss out on a TE in this yr's draft, then perhaps Angelo is "asleep at the wheel."

 

I heard the same crap last year and the Bears went from a bottom of the barrel scoring team to top of the league. Blahblahblah.

 

Clark is perfectly fine.

How many teams have better backup TE's than the Bears, and how does that make a difference?

 

Actually, several names just on that list have better backup (or 2nd) TE's than the Bears. Dallas, SD, Colts come to mind (along with the Patriots and Titans to name a couple that are not on that list)-2 tight end sets can be very productive. I actually think running 2 tight ends more would be very good for Grossman-it allows the Bears to still run the ball effectively while having an extra middle of the field outlet for him.

[cubweiser03]

If Briggs is signed long term no need to try and build depth in the first round. Ive read some good things about Sears and it sounds like he is versatile too. If Steinbach is signed im a little less interested in him, they can build OL depth in the 2nd-4th round. DT isnt very interesting this draft outside of Branch. TE seems very likely. Olson is a very interesting prospect who could come in and have an immediate impact. Im not a fan of awarding huge contracts to a TE and a late first round pick isnt a huge risk and the Bears would still have him for 5 years.

 

Last year i didnt want TE because i thought Clark was good. He didnt look impressive because Orton was the Qb. Orton was all about outs and curls. He didnt risk throwing the ball over the middle to get Dez involved.

 

If Steinbach is not signed Sears or the guard from Texas would probably top my list then Olson.

[Butterscup1679666578]

ESPN analysts project the Bears 1st round pick:

 

- Todd McShay: Greg Olsen, TE from Miami (FL)

- Mel Kiper: Arron Sears, OL from Tennessee

 

Don't really understand the McShay projection. He seemed like more of a pass-catching TE, and Desmond Clark proved his worth this year.

 

I would love Sears on this team.

[Jon]

According to ChicagoSports.com, special teams coordinator Dave Toub has been re-signed to a three-year contract extension.

[goonys evil twin]

According to ChicagoSports.com, special teams coordinator Dave Toub has been re-signed to a three-year contract extension.

 

I haven't heard a thing about Lovie, have you?

[Soul]

Nothing. Complete silence on Lovie.

[dew1679666265]

ESPN analysts project the Bears 1st round pick:

 

- Todd McShay: Greg Olsen, TE from Miami (FL)

- Mel Kiper: Arron Sears, OL from Tennessee

 

Don't really understand the McShay projection. He seemed like more of a pass-catching TE, and Desmond Clark proved his worth this year.

 

I would love Sears on this team.

 

The best thing about Sears is, while at Tennessee, he played a decent amount of time at every o-line position except center (mainly because it's been easily our stronget position on the line). I've heard he's likely to be a guard in the NFL, but have no doubt he could eventually become whatever you needed him to be.

He'll be a great pick for whoever takes him.

[Banedon]

Don Banks have the Bears taking Zach Miller TE. But says to keep an eye on Aaron Sears as a possibility.

 

He has the Colts taking Paul Posluszny...I wouldn't mind taking him...insurance in case Briggs walks, or maybe could compete with Hillenmeyer...

[Chocolate Milk]

Don Banks have the Bears taking Zach Miller TE. But says to keep an eye on Aaron Sears as a possibility.

 

He has the Colts taking Paul Posluszny...I wouldn't mind taking him...insurance in case Briggs walks, or maybe could compete with Hillenmeyer...

 

I wouldn't mind Posluszny either.

 

The Bears do need some TE depth but I doubt they will grab it in the first round.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Don Banks have the Bears taking Zach Miller TE. But says to keep an eye on Aaron Sears as a possibility.

 

He has the Colts taking Paul Posluszny...I wouldn't mind taking him...insurance in case Briggs walks, or maybe could compete with Hillenmeyer...

 

By draft day, the Bears should know if Briggs is gone or back (though if he's franchised, you might still need an LB to replace Briggs after a year).

 

I wouldn't pick a LB in the first round to replace HH just because HH isn't on the field as much as the other two LBs and the first rounder could be better off looking at S or OL. Don't get me wrong, I really like Posluszny and think he'd be a great fit on the offense, I just think there are bigger needs than LB if Briggs is back (same thing in regards to TE).

[Banedon]

Don Banks have the Bears taking Zach Miller TE. But says to keep an eye on Aaron Sears as a possibility.

 

He has the Colts taking Paul Posluszny...I wouldn't mind taking him...insurance in case Briggs walks, or maybe could compete with Hillenmeyer...

 

By draft day, the Bears should know if Briggs is gone or back (though if he's franchised, you might still need an LB to replace Briggs after a year).

 

I wouldn't pick a LB in the first round to replace HH just because HH isn't on the field as much as the other two LBs and the first rounder could be better off looking at S or OL. Don't get me wrong, I really like Posluszny and think he'd be a great fit on the offense, I just think there are bigger needs than LB if Briggs is back (same thing in regards to TE).

 

Poslunszny for QB? :lol:

 

I agree there are bigger needs. But if Angelo thinks he can fill those needs with quality players in later rounds, I wouldn't mind if he went this route.

[Chocolate Milk]

Thought on Michael Griffin? Or trading up for Reggie Nelson or LaRon Landry (unlikely)?

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Thought on Michael Griffin? Or trading up for Reggie Nelson or LaRon Landry (unlikely)?

 

I like Griffin and love Landry. I can't see JA trading up but I think Landry would be a great fit for the Bears' D (don't know as much as Nelson but Jerry seems to like former Gators).

 

I fully expect JA to trade down. :shrug:

[UMFan83]

Bears franchised Briggs...

 

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=3079

 

Determined to keep one of the NFL’s top defenses intact, the Bears on Friday designated Lance Briggs as their franchise player, guaranteeing him a one-year contract for $7.2 million, the average of the top five highest paid linebackers in the league. The 6-1, 240-pounder was due to become an unrestricted free agent March 2.

[Handlebar McSkullet]

From Pro Football Talk.... this is downright disgraceful

 

BEARS LOW-BALLED LOVIE

 

A league source tells us that the Bears have offered coach Lovie Smith an extension worth less than $3.2 million per year.

 

And we're told that the low-ball offer was made since the Super Bowl.

 

Though we'd love to be so underpaid, the number is a slap in the face to a guy who took his team to the Super Bowl in his third year on the job.

 

Our advice to Lovie? Coach out your lame-duck season and head to the highest bidder.

[Handlebar McSkullet]

From Pro Football Talk.... this is downright disgraceful

 

BEARS LOW-BALLED LOVIE

 

A league source tells us that the Bears have offered coach Lovie Smith an extension worth less than $3.2 million per year.

 

And we're told that the low-ball offer was made since the Super Bowl.

 

Though we'd love to be so underpaid, the number is a slap in the face to a guy who took his team to the Super Bowl in his third year on the job.

 

Our advice to Lovie? Coach out your lame-duck season and head to the highest bidder.

 

Also from Pro Football Talk.... and if this is true good for the Bears Players because I honestly believe that not giving Smith a Fair Market Value contract is a slap in the face of the coach, the players, and the fans considering the bears are in the top 3 in profits.

 

MUTINY BREWING IN CHICAGO

 

Keep a close eye on the situation in Chicago, where the Bears have still not given coach Lovie Smith a new contract, and where there is no evidence that significant discussions between the team and the Super Bowl coach aimed at extending the deal that expires after the 2007 have begun in earnest.

 

A source with knowledge of the situation tells us that some members of the team have agreed among themselves to refuse to do any contract extensions or restructurings until Smith gets rewarded for the team's performance on his watch.

 

And there's also an intention among some of the players to be candid with the free agents whom the Bears plan to target in March, with some current Bears players ready and willing to tell any new recruits not to count on Smith being around in 2008.

 

We think the team should move very quickly to lock Lovie up for the next four or five years, at $4 million or so per season. That's fair value for a guy who has one Super Bowl appearance and three years of total head-coaching experience.

 

The sticking point could be that the Bears hope Smith will have reduced expectations because the team lost in the Super Bowl. Then again, the guy who lost Super Bowl XL ended up with an extension that reportedly pays him $7.5 million to $8.5 million per year.

 

Smith would have had more leverage if he'd tried to do a new deal in the dead week before Super Bowl preparations, since there was a much better overall feeling in the air about the Bears and their coach before the team put on a so-so at best performance in the February 4 loss to the Colts. But Smith gambled that the Bears would win the Super Bowl, which might have put him in line for a deal worth more than $5 million per season.

[Outshined_One]

Was it PFT's Chicago Mole who reported this?

 

If so, did he overhear it in an airport bar where he saw someone who looked suspiciously like Jerry Angelo talking on his cell phone to Ted Phillips about how much he wishes he signed Nick Saban?

[Guest]

I would wait and hear another source backing up PFT claim the Bears made a "slap in the face" offer to Lovie Smith. All we have is heresay.

 

I realize McCaskey/Bears have historically been cheap, but even them knows that you can't undercut your HC in negotiations after leading your franchise to the Super Bowl, and made your franchise a BOATLOAD of money.

 

Something will get done, and this "slap in the face" offer will be nothing more then a rumor, started by a guy trying to get pub.

[Guest]

 

The Bears do need some TE depth but I doubt they will grab it in the first round.

 

I do to. Alot of people here are UNDERESTIMATING the value of a TE. I want the Bears to take Olsen or Miller in the first rd, but if the Bears take Sears in the first rd, and able to grab Scott Chandler in the 2nd, I could live with that.

 

But absolutely under no circumstance, should the Bears go into next season, with friggin John Gilmore and Gabe Reid as your "BACKUP TEs." Under no circumstance, whatsoever.

[Chocolate Milk]

PFT is a terrible source.

[Chocolate Milk]

Anyone have a place where you can download some Bears highlight videos? All the ones on YouTube are all garbage since they took down all of Jon's (Jon is nucubs right?). Thanks in advance.

[TB_11]

McShay's previous projection of the Bears picking Olsen was made before the Super Bowl. His most recent projection had the Bears picking up Paul Poluszny from PSU, but that seemed to be contingent on the Bears not re-signing Briggs.

[Magnetic Curses]

McShay's previous projection of the Bears picking Olsen was made before the Super Bowl. His most recent projection had the Bears picking up Paul Poluszny from PSU, but that seemed to be contingent on the Bears not re-signing Briggs.

 

best case scenario, briggs signs a huge deal with another team, we pick posluszny and get the picks.

 

i love briggs and think he should be re-signed, but a chance to replace him with a talent like pos while getting a couple first rounders would be pretty sweet.