The Bears Offseason Thread

[Butterscup1679666578]

Don't know if this has been posted yet, but the Bears signed Leak:

 

 

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/ufblog/entries/2007/04/29/chris_leak_to_chicago_bears.html

 

I hate Leak.

[CDBears1259]

Don't know if this has been posted yet, but the Bears signed Leak:

 

 

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/ufblog/entries/2007/04/29/chris_leak_to_chicago_bears.html

 

I hate Leak.

 

WTH is up with the Bears and their love affair with UoF QBs? I don't get it. Eh, this one doesn't really matter to me. He'll likely be practice squad fodder.

[Soul]

Don't know if this has been posted yet, but the Bears signed Leak:

 

 

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/ufblog/entries/2007/04/29/chris_leak_to_chicago_bears.html

 

I hate Leak.

 

Most interesting quote:

 

“His agents had a bunch of offers, and he chose Chicago,” Curtis Leak said. “It’s a real good situation.”

 

LOL, 2 years ago we couldn't get a QB to want to sniff at the Bears because it was such a terrible situation to go in to. My how things change with a SB appearance.

[jersey cubs fan]

Very mixed emotions on this draft. Going into it, I had a lot of faith in Angelo based on his track record. I wasn't in love with Olsen, but he's a good pick, can't knock it. A few guys I wanted in the 31/37 area were drafted before the Bears picked. I think the trade they made was great. But I'm pissed they ignored the offensive line issue until the middle round, getting just a guard. They need tackles desperately, and a 7th rounder is probably not going to cut it.

 

They drafted some of the positions I wanted to see, including linebacker and change of pace back. I wanted them to take a flyer on a QB late in the draft, and can't really complain about Leak there. But the overload of d-backs seems excessive, even if they had an eye on restocking their special teams with those guys. And it seems just about everybody but Olsen and Beekman were overdrafts.

 

I realize Angelo has done well here, and as somebody else noted, the Bears don't focus as much on getting guys in the right slots for the pick as they do how that person fits with the team. But even still, I can't help but think they left a lot of value on the table, and didn't put enough emphasis on their biggest need, offensive lineman.

 

If that line slips at all this year, the offense is going to take a major step back.

[Soul]

Here's the breakdown of the Bears OLine age-wise:

 

RT: Freddy Miller, 34

G: Roberto Garza, 28

G: Ruben Brown, 35

G: Terence Metcalf, 29

C: Olin Kreutz, 29 (amazing, I would have thought Kreutz was older)

LT: John Tait, 32

 

T: John St. Clair, 29

 

 

So I imagine Beeks will be the backfill for Ruben Brown, stepping into that 3rd G role after he retires and eventually be a starter (his pedigree is excellent....many think he was a steal in the 4th round).

 

As for Tackle, I think Tait can go a couple more years. Not sure about Freddy Miller -- he's a RT, so hopefully that'll buy him a couple more years.

 

Next year I think we'd better spend that 1st rounder on the best Tackle available.

Edited April 30, 2007 by Soul

[jersey cubs fan]

Here's the breakdown of the Bears OLine age-wise:

 

RT: Freddy Miller, 34

G: Roberto Garza, 28

G: Ruben Brown, 35

G: Terence Metcalf, 29

C: Olin Kreutz, 29 (amazing, I would have though Kreutz was older)

LT: John Tait, 32

 

T: John St. Clair, 29

 

 

So I imagine Beeks will be the backfill for Ruben Brown, stepping into that 3rd G role after he retires and eventually be a starter (his pedigree is excellent....many think he was a steal in the 4th round).

 

As for Tackle, I think Tait can go a couple more years. Not sure about Freddy Miller -- he's a RT, so hopefully that'll buy him a couple more years.

 

Next year I think we'd better spend that 1st rounder on the best Tackle available.

 

Miller was near retirement when the Bears convinced him to stay in the league. Brown had to be convinced to stay this year. They don't have a single decent lineman in his mid 20's.

 

St. Clair is a turnstile.

 

An injury to either tackle, and this line will falter. An injury to Kreutz and the line crumbles. This team has been extremely lucky to be as healthy as it has been on the line the past two years. Sure, proper conditioning and quality strength work can help prevent injuries, so it's not all based on luck. But the health of offensive lineman is always in doubt. They needed a tackle this year. Next year's first rounder won't be nearly good enough to get the best tackle out there, and probably not somebody who could start in 2008 either. They needed to start developing guys a couple years ago, but they've ignored the offensive line in the past few drafts, and are pressing their luck.

[CDBears1259]

I would have liked to see a little more effort to get another O-lineman, but I won't get too upset about it right now. Keep in mind that there will likely be some offseason acquisitions. I think that might be a good time to address the OL. I'd like to see them make an effort for one of the best guards in the game in Alan Faneca.

[jersey cubs fan]

I would have liked to see a little more effort to get another O-lineman, but I won't get too upset about it right now. Keep in mind that there will likely be some offseason acquisitions. I think that might be a good time to address the OL. I'd like to see them make an effort for one of the best guards in the game in Alan Faneca.

 

He's not a free agent is he? I thought he was just having a little tiff with the Steelers. If he goes anywhere he probably ends up in Arizona with his ex-coach.

[CDBears1259]

I would have liked to see a little more effort to get another O-lineman, but I won't get too upset about it right now. Keep in mind that there will likely be some offseason acquisitions. I think that might be a good time to address the OL. I'd like to see them make an effort for one of the best guards in the game in Alan Faneca.

 

He's not a free agent is he? I thought he was just having a little tiff with the Steelers. If he goes anywhere he probably ends up in Arizona with his ex-coach.

 

No, I don't think he is a FA. And you're right, he has a strong relationship with his former coach, but as you know $$$ talks. Oh that and it's the Cardinals.

[Soul]

Here's the breakdown of the Bears OLine age-wise:

 

RT: Freddy Miller, 34

G: Roberto Garza, 28

G: Ruben Brown, 35

G: Terence Metcalf, 29

C: Olin Kreutz, 29 (amazing, I would have though Kreutz was older)

LT: John Tait, 32

 

T: John St. Clair, 29

 

 

So I imagine Beeks will be the backfill for Ruben Brown, stepping into that 3rd G role after he retires and eventually be a starter (his pedigree is excellent....many think he was a steal in the 4th round).

 

As for Tackle, I think Tait can go a couple more years. Not sure about Freddy Miller -- he's a RT, so hopefully that'll buy him a couple more years.

 

Next year I think we'd better spend that 1st rounder on the best Tackle available.

 

Miller was near retirement when the Bears convinced him to stay in the league. Brown had to be convinced to stay this year. They don't have a single decent lineman in his mid 20's.

 

St. Clair is a turnstile.

 

An injury to either tackle, and this line will falter. An injury to Kreutz and the line crumbles. This team has been extremely lucky to be as healthy as it has been on the line the past two years. Sure, proper conditioning and quality strength work can help prevent injuries, so it's not all based on luck. But the health of offensive lineman is always in doubt. They needed a tackle this year. Next year's first rounder won't be nearly good enough to get the best tackle out there, and probably not somebody who could start in 2008 either. They needed to start developing guys a couple years ago, but they've ignored the offensive line in the past few drafts, and are pressing their luck.

 

I agree an injury to Tait and we're in trouble, but I don't think we'll falter nearly as much if Fred goes down.

 

I agree we should have drafted T higher this time around. Now we'll either have to spend more $$$$ to bring in someone, or push the luck.

 

On Kreutz: he rarely goes down, but I suppose it could happen. The point is though they've been counting on him to stay healthy for years & years and it's worked out. We could use that kind of luck on the rest of our roster.

[Soul]

I would have liked to see a little more effort to get another O-lineman, but I won't get too upset about it right now. Keep in mind that there will likely be some offseason acquisitions. I think that might be a good time to address the OL. I'd like to see them make an effort for one of the best guards in the game in Alan Faneca.

 

He's not a free agent is he? I thought he was just having a little tiff with the Steelers. If he goes anywhere he probably ends up in Arizona with his ex-coach.

 

No, I don't think he is a FA. And you're right, he has a strong relationship with his former coach, but as you know $$$ talks. Oh that and it's the Cardinals.

 

We're in much worse shape @ T than G though depth-wise. We've got 3 pretty good G for this year, and another coming in. It's really about T now.

[Chocolate Milk]

I agree with Goony that I would have liked to see another Lineman taken. I think Beekman was a good pick. Look for the Bears to monitor roster cuts closely for WR's and OLmen. Apparently, the Bears were hoping to take Anthony Gonzales in the second round and when he wasn't there, they decided to trade down. So, as it turns out, the Bears got two 3rds and a 5th for Thomas Jones.

 

What happened to the Guard the Bears drafted last year in the 6th, Tyler Reed? Never really heard anything about him last year. I wonder if he can play.

[CDBears1259]

I would have liked to see a little more effort to get another O-lineman, but I won't get too upset about it right now. Keep in mind that there will likely be some offseason acquisitions. I think that might be a good time to address the OL. I'd like to see them make an effort for one of the best guards in the game in Alan Faneca.

 

He's not a free agent is he? I thought he was just having a little tiff with the Steelers. If he goes anywhere he probably ends up in Arizona with his ex-coach.

 

No, I don't think he is a FA. And you're right, he has a strong relationship with his former coach, but as you know $$$ talks. Oh that and it's the Cardinals.

 

We're in much worse shape @ T than G though depth-wise. We've got 3 pretty good G for this year, and another coming in. It's really about T now.

I certainly realized the depth situation at G vs. T, but since Brown was pointed out, I thought I'd address it.

[Soul]

I agree with Goony that I would have liked to see another Lineman taken. I think Beekman was a good pick. Look for the Bears to monitor roster cuts closely for WR's and OLmen. Apparently, the Bears were hoping to take Anthony Gonzales in the second round and when he wasn't there, they decided to trade down. So, as it turns out, the Bears got two 3rds and a 5th for Thomas Jones.

 

What happened to the Guard the Bears drafted last year in the 6th, Tyler Reed? Never really heard anything about him last year. I wonder if he can play.

 

ESPN still has him listed on our roster.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Yeah, I was hoping for a G and a T (and hoping the G could slide over to C in a pinch). The 7th rounder probably will end up playing G in the NFL (*if* he plays in the NFL), so the Bears didn't even address T. That definitely was the most disappointing thing for me.

[Soul]

Yeah, I was hoping for a G and a T (and hoping the G could slide over to C in a pinch). The 7th rounder probably will end up playing G in the NFL (*if* he plays in the NFL), so the Bears didn't even address T. That definitely was the most disappointing thing for me.

 

Me too.

 

I'm just gonna say it, even though I realize he's a 7th rounder and will probably wash out. Aaron Brant was picked by some draftniks to go higher:

 

Name: Aaron Brant

Height: 6'7

Weight: 320

Position: T

College: Iowa State

Birthdate:

Hometown:

 

NFL Scouting Report

 

Good size ... Played RT in 2006, but could also project to guard ... Caught one pass for one yard in 2005 ... Dominating blocker ... Ranked by some sites as a mid-round prospect ... Strong ... Entered the 2006 season with 34 consecutive starts ... Two-time all-Big XII honorable mention ... Preseason second team all-Big XII

 

Pro Day Results

 

40yd dash - 5.31 / 5.35 ... Vertical - 29.5 ... Long jump - 9'1" ... Short shuttle - 4.96 ... 3 cone - 7.87 ... Bench press - 20

 

Retrieved from "http://www.rookiepedia.com/index.php?title=Aaron_Brant"

 

Maybe he's better than St. Clair in a couple years. We desperately need a top T now, and obviously this guy isn't it.

[jersey cubs fan]

Oh, ok. There's Israel, he makes 5...but one is a rookie.

 

I don't see the value in trading one of the DEs (and I'd definitely trade Ogun over AB) at this point.

 

I'm not sure what that means. But I do see the point in trading a DE, if you get value. Brown and Wale are both disappointments. I wouldn't have a problem if either one was traded, assuming they get something like a 2008 3rd round pick or better. It would be a benefit both for cap space reasons, as well as maintaining the influx of talent in the future.

 

If they do somehow end up dealing Briggs along with an end, that could potentially bring in a windfall of young talent.

 

I don't have a problem with them keeping both guys either, as it could help to give those vets competition (even if Anderson's emergence didn't seem to light a spark in either guy).

 

Now that the draft is over, it's time to focus on bringing in some depth (hopefully offensive lineman) via cap casualty type free agents.

[Soriano12]

Too bad the Bear/Giants game isn't until after the trading dealine, because Alex Brown's trade value is always at an all time high after playing the Giants.

[Banedon]

Someone at SI better pick the Lions to win the division again this year or I'll be disappointed:

 

8. I think the Lions might be exceptional on offense this year. Imagine a three-wide set with Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson split wide, with Mike Furrey, the 2006 NFC receptions leaders with 98, in the slot.

 

Is scary how close they'll come to putting up 45.

[Soriano12]

With Kevin Jones health in doubt, that Oline, and Kitna the turnover machine, I can't see Calvin Johnson making much of an impact. CJ is talented, but they should have traded down or just selected Joe Thomas.

 

Mind you the rest of their draft was just brutal. Cheers Millen.

[Soriano12]

Dr Z's Bear hate continues..and gives the Bears draft a "D"

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/dr_z/04/29/draft.report.card/4.html

 

Nevermind we scored the highest ranked TE in round 1 and the 3rd ranked guard in round 4.

 

What a pathetic, sad, little old man.

[Soul]

Dr Z's Bear hate continues..and gives the Bears draft a "D"

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/dr_z/04/29/draft.report.card/4.html

 

Nevermind we scored the highest ranked TE in round 1 and the 3rd ranked guard in round 4.

 

What a pathetic, sad, little old man.

 

After Lovie slammed the SI reporters last playoffs, I think you can expect an unprecedented level of hatred coming from them this year.

[Banedon]

Dr Z's Bear hate continues..and gives the Bears draft a "D"

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/dr_z/04/29/draft.report.card/4.html

 

Nevermind we scored the highest ranked TE in round 1 and the 3rd ranked guard in round 4.

 

What a pathetic, sad, little old man.

 

The SI favorite Lions got a B.

[Soriano12]

He gave the Dolphins a "B" as well...classic. I wish I could get paid to write such garbage.

[Soul]

He have the Dolphins a "B" as well...classic. I wish I could get paid to write such garbage.

 

Strange the different impressions people have of the draft.

 

I don't recall the Bears ranking much higher than C in the past few years, but alas, in the final analysis, the Bears have wound up having some of the best drafts of any team out there.

 

The Lions and Cardinals almost always rate high, then all those great players they draft fail and it turns out they 'drafted' poorly. I think alot of this is what happens from here on out: good teams turn their players into productive components. Bad teams like the Cardinals could turn a crop of all-pros into a cavalcade of bums.