Re: The Chicago Bears Offseason Thread

[Guest]

As of now, the Bears signed the following free agents:

 

CB Trey Brown, UCLA

WR Curtis Hamilton, Western Kentucky

QB Nick Hill, Southern Illinois

PK Shane Longest, St. Xavier

 

They also invited RB Chris Markey (UCLA) to mini-camp.

[tfarks]

I like the way Angelo drafted over the weekend. We got a franchise LT and what could become our starting RB in no time. Since RBs usually have the best impact among rookies we may have gotten some great value for what is considered a bit of a reach. Bennett looks to be a good fit, It looks like Turner's plan is to use Hester and Bradley as our deep threats with a whole bunch of slot type receivers (Booker, Bennett, Davis) for the mid range passing game and a good look at 2 TE sets considering we have 3 formidable options there. I believe our red zone offense will improve by leaps and bounds this year with Olsen, Davis, Bennett and Monk. Our improved pass blocking should allow us to resemble an offense this year, provided Grossman takes advantage of his last chance or Neckbeard takes the reigns and delivers.

 

Our defense will once again be our strength, yeah big surprise. We now have a lot of depth, especially at the S position which has been killing us with injuries followed by lesser production. Angelo used multiple draft picks to pick guys with big upside that had their draft position slide due to various reasons - injuries, character issues, etc. If one of those guys produce thats a steal (Harrison, Monk, Bowman). I look for Steltz to find his way into the starting role, at least in an active rotation. Hopefully Payne comes back from his injury well and sticks back there. Our DT rotation should be solid if Dusty stays healthy and there are no concerns about our corners and linebackers.

 

There is plenty of competition in camp and a whole bunch of potential for the defense, since they were all drafted after the 2nd round by Angelo I feel incredibly confident they will produce and become starters in the future. With our defense coming back again the spotlight of concern shines on our offense. With what appears to be an improved line, especially if Beekman claims a starting job, we may be looking at a pretty adequate OL. Lets just hope Turner finds a way to utilize the weapons we have. Bennett has some great production in college, I think he should translate well into the pro offense. Hester should allow us to stretch the defense and our RB depth should allow us to find one who works. If this OL holds up I think we make some noise and find a way into the playoffs. Of course we all have to keep our fingers crossed that our QB play is adequate. I'm thinking we're at 9-7 with a good chance for 10-11 wins.

[Guest]

As of now, the Bears signed the following free agents:

 

CB Trey Brown, UCLA

WR Curtis Hamilton, Western Kentucky

QB Nick Hill, Southern Illinois

PK Shane Longest, St. Xavier

 

They also invited RB Chris Markey (UCLA) to mini-camp.

 

Add QB Caleb Hanie, Colorado State. Brad Biggs is saying the Bears are zeroing in on Illinois FB Russ Weil.

[Butterscup1679666578]

As of now, the Bears signed the following free agents:

 

CB Trey Brown, UCLA

WR Curtis Hamilton, Western Kentucky

QB Nick Hill, Southern Illinois

PK Shane Longest, St. Xavier

 

They also invited RB Chris Markey (UCLA) to mini-camp.

 

Add QB Caleb Hanie, Colorado State. Brad Biggs is saying the Bears are zeroing in on Illinois FB Russ Weil.

 

Wow, Weil was our starting FB my junior year in HS. That'd be awesome if the Bears landed him.

[Balsa]

I give the Bears a B.

 

Now if any of those 7th round or UFA guys stick, it'll go to B+, but we'll see.

[Banedon]

Gooney, you're gonna love Peter King's analysis of the Bears draft.

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/peter_king/04/27/mmqb.draft/1.html

 

Lemme give you the short version.

 

"Rex sucks. The Bears didn't get a QB. The Bears draft therefore sucked."

[minnesotacubsfan]

I like the way ........ I'm thinking we're at 9-7 with a good chance for 10-11 wins.

 

I would take 9-7. I think Angelo missed by not taking another OG, and I REALLY question the Steltz pick becuase of that. There were some value guards to be had at that pick. but all in all, I agree, I am starting to like the way he drafted, need with top picks, and value for depth after that. Bowman, Monk, and Harrison all are intriging, and Davis ESPECIALLY. 3 pass oriented TE's. who woulda thunk it would happen in Chicago???

[Guest]

I hear you on the guards, minnie. But I'd like to see Beekman take the next step up and with his competition for the starting lineup, I think it's do-able.

 

I didn't think I could be happy without two linemen in the first four rounds but I actually am.

[CuseCubFan69]

Gooney, you're gonna love Peter King's analysis of the Bears draft.

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/peter_king/04/27/mmqb.draft/1.html

 

Lemme give you the short version.

 

"Rex sucks. The Bears didn't get a QB. The Bears draft therefore sucked."

 

Is Zimmerman still alive? I always disliked that dude.

 

You guys need an offensive line or a QB that can run like Vick.

[minnesotacubsfan]

I hear you on the guards, minnie. But I'd like to see Beekman take the next step up and with his competition for the starting lineup, I think it's do-able.

 

I didn't think I could be happy without two linemen in the first four rounds but I actually am.

 

 

I guess my thought on O-lineman are you draft them early, middle and late until the positions are solid, and then you stock pile. It might be abit Parcellian, but this last year royally proved the point. If Beekman can step up, fine, but I dont want to wait for anyone, I would rather have a few to compete.

[Handlebar McSkullet]

I hear you on the guards, minnie. But I'd like to see Beekman take the next step up and with his competition for the starting lineup, I think it's do-able.

 

I didn't think I could be happy without two linemen in the first four rounds but I actually am.

 

 

I guess my thought on O-lineman are you draft them early, middle and late until the positions are solid, and then you stock pile. It might be abit Parcellian, but this last year royally proved the point. If Beekman can step up, fine, but I dont want to wait for anyone, I would rather have a few to compete.

 

Minnie, I heard that they wanted pitt guard mike mcglynn but he was taken a pick before us. they thought that chester adams had a 4th round grade and expect him to make the team. I just wanted bodies, and I think every lineman will make the team. oh and by the way.... i love that the bears didnt pick a qb absolutely love it. i hate espn, sports illustrated who i believe started the rex grossman hate fest, and jay marriotti. none of the qbs except for matt ryan or ready to play right away. now i love the forte pick and earl bennett was perfect, I love marcus monk, he is exactly the type of player that comes in and makes a difference. every pick was made for value and helped a need (forte was a tad bit of reach). great draft.

[jersey cubs fan]

Gooney, you're gonna love Peter King's analysis of the Bears draft.

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/peter_king/04/27/mmqb.draft/1.html

 

Lemme give you the short version.

 

"Rex sucks. The Bears didn't get a QB. The Bears draft therefore sucked."

 

Not the least bit surprising.

 

I don't have much of an opinion on the draft. It seems to me Jerry went a little safe early, then took big chances on injury/legal issue guys who could be very good. I was not in love with any of the QB options, but I would have liked to see him get somebody like Dixon or Woodson late. These undrafted free agents sound nice, and somebody, I believe Kiper, was really talking them up on the radio this morning. However, they are still undrafted free agents and very unlikely to have any impact in the NFL.

 

Forte sounds like a decent guy to run in a tandem with a more explosive RB, something the Bears don't have. It's hard to predict which RBs will break out in the NFL, so I can't pass judgement on the guy.

 

Williams is fine. But it's just so disappointing that Angelo put himself in the position where he was forced to draft LT, and not just LT, but the guy most likely to be able to start this year. Offensive line was such a glaring need for a long time. I don't buy for a second all the nonsense about the age suddenly catching up to the line. They were okay in 2005, started 2006 well, but really fell off as the season went along. They should have been signing free agents and drafting linemen the past two offseasons, and not in a position where they had no choice but to draft a guy in the first this year. Likewise, they should be drafting QBs much more frequently, to keep the pipeline full.

 

The rest of the draft sounds like a bunch of special teams contributors. The safety might push Archuleta out the door, but that's not much of an accomplishment.

 

I believe this draft will determine Angelo and Lovie's future employment with the Bears. If they don't bounce back with a solid season by 2009, they could both be gone before 2010. And this draft class will go a long way toward determining if either of the next two seasons are going to be successful.

[jersey cubs fan]

How does King justify saying Henne absolutely should have been a first round QB? I saw a lot of Henne the past two years and was completely unimpressed. I don't like QB's that jump up the draft boards after the season.

[CuseCubFan69]

How does King justify saying Henne absolutely should have been a first round QB? I saw a lot of Henne the past two years and was completely unimpressed. I don't like QB's that jump up the draft boards after the season.

 

All I saw of Henne was a not so bright, throw the ball up for grabs/olly opp kind of QB.

[cubweiser03]

I love the Chris Williams pick, franchise LT here we come. Bennett seems like a solid slot reciever which i think the Bears needed. Harrison was good pick too and that rounds this young talented DT rotation. If all his problems were weed and E then i aint too worried. At first i questioned the Bowman pick, but after ive read 2 seperate sources say this dude has first round talent, 2 seperate knee injuries and lack of playing time caused him to not get drafted as high as his talent suggests, this sounds a good flier to me. If Bowman has a great camp maybe the Bears can trade Manning Jr. and get a late round pick ala Chris Harris...who knows. I like the Davis pick as a TE too, they needed a 3rd TE and he is pretty athletic and can get down the field. Monk has a shot to make the 53 no doubt. If Chester Adams doesnt make the 53 he and Baldwin make interesting pratice squad guys. Barton seems like a guy you put on the practice squad and convert to a RG.

[Guest]

Updated free agent signing list for the Bears:

 

OT Cody Balogh, Montana

CB Trey Brown, UCLA

DE Joe Clermond, Pittsburgh

DT David Faaeteete, Oregon

WR Curtis Hamilton, Western Kentucky

QB Caleb Hanie, Colorado State

QB Nick Hill, Southern Illinois

PK Shane Longest, St. Xavier

CB Leslie Majors, Indiana

DE Nick Osborn, San Diego State

[Butterscup1679666578]

From Biggs' blog:

 

The Bears released a list of undrafted free agents theu have signed to contracts:

 

OT Cody Balogh Montana

DB Trey Brown UCLA

DE Joe Clemond Pitt

DT David Faaeteete Oregon

WR Curtis Hamilton Western Kentucky

QB Caleb Hanie Colorado State

QB Nick Hill Southern Illinois

K Shane Longest St. Xavier

CB Leslie Majors Indiana

DE Nick Osborn San Diego State

 

We will have more on this soon.

 

EDIT: damn you Raisin!

[andrew9991]

Anybody pick up Ali Highsmith yet? I know he had a terrible combine, but to go undrafted???? I'd like to see the Bears take a flyer on him.

[cubweiser03]

How does King justify saying Henne absolutely should have been a first round QB? I saw a lot of Henne the past two years and was completely unimpressed. I don't like QB's that jump up the draft boards after the season.

Henne was considered a late 1st-late 2nd round prospect last year, he thought about leaving early (like Brohm) but decided to return along with Jake Long. This year his PR stock dropped because of his inconsitant playing time with his knee injury and shoulder injury. His stock came back to where it should of been. Henne and Brohm were always neck and neck even coming out of HS. At times he can get too confident in his arm strength but the dude can make all the necessary NFL throws. He throws great outs. He's not that mobile, id compare him to Rex, but at the same time he is less of a gunslinger than Rex. Michigans offense held him back from putting up crazy #s, but Parcells likes the same boring offense.

 

Maybe not an absolutely 1st round QB, but I would of drafted him in front of the other winged helmet QB thats for sure.

[jersey cubs fan]

How does King justify saying Henne absolutely should have been a first round QB? I saw a lot of Henne the past two years and was completely unimpressed. I don't like QB's that jump up the draft boards after the season.

Henne was considered a late 1st-late 2nd round prospect last year, he thought about leaving early (like Brohm) but decided to return along with Jake Long. This year his PR stock dropped because of his inconsitant playing time with his knee injury and shoulder injury. His stock came back to where it should of been. Henne and Brohm were always neck and neck even coming out of HS. At times he can get too confident in his arm strength but the dude can make all the necessary NFL throws. He throws great outs. He's not that mobile, id compare him to Rex, but at the same time he is less of a gunslinger than Rex. Michigans offense held him back from putting up crazy #s, but Parcells likes the same boring offense.

 

Maybe not an absolutely 1st round QB, but I would of drafted him in front of the other winged helmet QB thats for sure.

 

The injury excuse didn't mean much to me. He played like crap when he did play. Stupid decision after stupid decision.

[Banedon]

The injury excuse didn't mean much to me. He played like crap when he did play. Stupid decision after stupid decision.

 

So you're saying King wanted us to get a QB that makes stupid decisions to replace our starting QB that makes stupid decisions?

 

King is the only one I've seen that's down on the Bears draft. I've seen mostly B's and B+'s from most media outlets. He's the leader of the anti-Grossman bandwagon.

[cubweiser03]

How does King justify saying Henne absolutely should have been a first round QB? I saw a lot of Henne the past two years and was completely unimpressed. I don't like QB's that jump up the draft boards after the season.

Henne was considered a late 1st-late 2nd round prospect last year, he thought about leaving early (like Brohm) but decided to return along with Jake Long. This year his PR stock dropped because of his inconsitant playing time with his knee injury and shoulder injury. His stock came back to where it should of been. Henne and Brohm were always neck and neck even coming out of HS. At times he can get too confident in his arm strength but the dude can make all the necessary NFL throws. He throws great outs. He's not that mobile, id compare him to Rex, but at the same time he is less of a gunslinger than Rex. Michigans offense held him back from putting up crazy #s, but Parcells likes the same boring offense.

 

Maybe not an absolutely 1st round QB, but I would of drafted him in front of the other winged helmet QB thats for sure.

 

The injury excuse didn't mean much to me. He played like crap when he did play. Stupid decision after stupid decision.

Pretty much every college qb is going to make some bad decisions. By the numbers Henne isnt extraordinarily dumb.

[RedFlash]

Anybody pick up Ali Highsmith yet? I know he had a terrible combine, but to go undrafted???? I'd like to see the Bears take a flyer on him.

 

I believe Arizona Cardinals got him.

[jersey cubs fan]

The injury excuse didn't mean much to me. He played like crap when he did play. Stupid decision after stupid decision.

 

So you're saying King wanted us to get a QB that makes stupid decisions to replace our starting QB that makes stupid decisions?

 

King is the only one I've seen that's down on the Bears draft. I've seen mostly B's and B+'s from most media outlets. He's the leader of the anti-Grossman bandwagon.

 

To be honest, I was disappointed they didn't draft a QB. But they weren't drafting one in the first (I do not understand why so many mocks had them doing so), and they weren't getting anybody who was going to start in 2008. I'm a firm believer in the draft a QB every year theory. Stockpile those guys as often as possible. You never know when a 4th rounder will pick up on things and become a valuable starter down the road, or even trade bait.

[RedFlash]

http://potencial.wordpress.com/2008/04/27/udfa-tracker/

 

A good site to keep up with UDFA....