2009 Chicago Bears offseason

[Guest]

I'd love Unger in the 2nd round but it sounds like that won't happen.

 

If Jason Smith falls to 18, you take him and make him your new LT. That'd be awesome.

[SpongeWorthy]

Andre is the only Smith that could potentially fall to 18 after the disastrous week he's had. Jason Smith might go #1 overall.

[Guest]

Andre is the only Smith that could potentially fall to 18 after the disastrous week he's had. Jason Smith might go #1 overall.

 

Yeah, I gotta think he's a top-10 lock. I was surprised to see him being mentioned as possibly being around the Bears pick.

[rawaction]

Andre is the only Smith that could potentially fall to 18 after the disastrous week he's had. Jason Smith might go #1 overall.

 

Yeah, I gotta think he's a top-10 lock. I was surprised to see him being mentioned as possibly being around the Bears pick.

 

I was talking about Andre.

[jersey cubs fan]

The Bears have an interesting dilemma. They clearly have a major need for OT, but do they really go after one of the top guys at 18 (Oher, maybe even Britton and now Smith)? One thing to keep in mind is that they just spent a 1st rounder on Williams. If Oher is there, he is a guy that would have gone ahead of Williams if he'd came out last year. Do the Bears pick a guy with another early pick who may be better than Williams and can easily justify being on the left side ahead of Williams? Also, you have to factor in that the OL the Bears would draft could conceivably get the same, if not more money than Williams. Do the Bears try to save some face with the Williams pick by waiting til the 2nd to go OL and getting a true RT and paying him like a RT, instead of potentially like a LT?

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but even if the new guy gets similar money to Williams, that is still dwarfed by veteran franchise tackle type money. I would love to have two young bookend tackles operating under their non-top 10 rookie contracts. I don't get your concern about moving one of them to the right side. The Bears neglected the offensive line for far too long and they absolutely must be aggressive in upgrading it. They absolutely need a tackle this year, and will need at least another guard and a center in the next couple years. I would take one of those first round tackles in a heartbeat.

[rawaction]

The Bears have an interesting dilemma. They clearly have a major need for OT, but do they really go after one of the top guys at 18 (Oher, maybe even Britton and now Smith)? One thing to keep in mind is that they just spent a 1st rounder on Williams. If Oher is there, he is a guy that would have gone ahead of Williams if he'd came out last year. Do the Bears pick a guy with another early pick who may be better than Williams and can easily justify being on the left side ahead of Williams? Also, you have to factor in that the OL the Bears would draft could conceivably get the same, if not more money than Williams. Do the Bears try to save some face with the Williams pick by waiting til the 2nd to go OL and getting a true RT and paying him like a RT, instead of potentially like a LT?

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but even if the new guy gets similar money to Williams, that is still dwarfed by veteran franchise tackle type money. I would love to have two young bookend tackles operating under their non-top 10 rookie contracts. I don't get your concern about moving one of them to the right side. The Bears neglected the offensive line for far too long and they absolutely must be aggressive in upgrading it. They absolutely need a tackle this year, and will need at least another guard and a center in the next couple years. I would take one of those first round tackles in a heartbeat.

 

Yeah, they do have to get a tackle. But do they have to get a potential franchise LT at 18 and play him at RT, where is value isn't 100% maximized? Or do they wait and get a guy that projects as only a RT (but a good one) and also get a top WR, DE, whatever in the 1st? If they go OT, they can get a top OT but not a top anything else. If they go WR or DE, they can get a top WR or DE and get a top RT, which is where they are playing the 1st round guy at anyway in the other scenario.

 

I personally would get the franchise LT again. I don't think the difference from left to right side is as big as it used to be.

[jersey cubs fan]

The Bears have an interesting dilemma. They clearly have a major need for OT, but do they really go after one of the top guys at 18 (Oher, maybe even Britton and now Smith)? One thing to keep in mind is that they just spent a 1st rounder on Williams. If Oher is there, he is a guy that would have gone ahead of Williams if he'd came out last year. Do the Bears pick a guy with another early pick who may be better than Williams and can easily justify being on the left side ahead of Williams? Also, you have to factor in that the OL the Bears would draft could conceivably get the same, if not more money than Williams. Do the Bears try to save some face with the Williams pick by waiting til the 2nd to go OL and getting a true RT and paying him like a RT, instead of potentially like a LT?

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but even if the new guy gets similar money to Williams, that is still dwarfed by veteran franchise tackle type money. I would love to have two young bookend tackles operating under their non-top 10 rookie contracts. I don't get your concern about moving one of them to the right side. The Bears neglected the offensive line for far too long and they absolutely must be aggressive in upgrading it. They absolutely need a tackle this year, and will need at least another guard and a center in the next couple years. I would take one of those first round tackles in a heartbeat.

 

Yeah, they do have to get a tackle. But do they have to get a potential franchise LT at 18 and play him at RT, where is value isn't 100% maximized? Or do they wait and get a guy that projects as only a RT (but a good one) and also get a top WR, DE, whatever in the 1st? If they go OT, they can get a top OT but not a top anything else. If they go WR or DE, they can get a top WR or DE and get a top RT, which is where they are playing the 1st round guy at anyway in the other scenario.

 

I personally would get the franchise LT again. I don't think the difference from left to right side is as big as it used to be.

 

Well then we are in agreement. I don't think the Bears will be able to 100% maximize the value of a WR, given their QB and OC issues. I'd be fine with DE, but with three capable players on the roster, it's simply not as big of a need as offensive line. Personally I'm not convinced Williams is a franchise LT. He was drafted last year A) because better guys were already gone and B) he was considered the most ready to start in the NFL. It's not like he was the best of the bunch. He might be the one whose best position ultimately is on the right side.

[rawaction]

The Bears have an interesting dilemma. They clearly have a major need for OT, but do they really go after one of the top guys at 18 (Oher, maybe even Britton and now Smith)? One thing to keep in mind is that they just spent a 1st rounder on Williams. If Oher is there, he is a guy that would have gone ahead of Williams if he'd came out last year. Do the Bears pick a guy with another early pick who may be better than Williams and can easily justify being on the left side ahead of Williams? Also, you have to factor in that the OL the Bears would draft could conceivably get the same, if not more money than Williams. Do the Bears try to save some face with the Williams pick by waiting til the 2nd to go OL and getting a true RT and paying him like a RT, instead of potentially like a LT?

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but even if the new guy gets similar money to Williams, that is still dwarfed by veteran franchise tackle type money. I would love to have two young bookend tackles operating under their non-top 10 rookie contracts. I don't get your concern about moving one of them to the right side. The Bears neglected the offensive line for far too long and they absolutely must be aggressive in upgrading it. They absolutely need a tackle this year, and will need at least another guard and a center in the next couple years. I would take one of those first round tackles in a heartbeat.

 

Yeah, they do have to get a tackle. But do they have to get a potential franchise LT at 18 and play him at RT, where is value isn't 100% maximized? Or do they wait and get a guy that projects as only a RT (but a good one) and also get a top WR, DE, whatever in the 1st? If they go OT, they can get a top OT but not a top anything else. If they go WR or DE, they can get a top WR or DE and get a top RT, which is where they are playing the 1st round guy at anyway in the other scenario.

 

I personally would get the franchise LT again. I don't think the difference from left to right side is as big as it used to be.

 

Well then we are in agreement. I don't think the Bears will be able to 100% maximize the value of a WR, given their QB and OC issues. I'd be fine with DE, but with three capable players on the roster, it's simply not as big of a need as offensive line. Personally I'm not convinced Williams is a franchise LT. He was drafted last year A) because better guys were already gone and B) he was considered the most ready to start in the NFL. It's not like he was the best of the bunch. He might be the one whose best position ultimately is on the right side.

 

True. My reasoning for asking the question was that the Bears have already seemingly etched Williams' name in stone at LT. I think the goal should have been to get a LT and put Williams on the right side to start. I do think he'll be decent though. He won't be the best OL in the world, but he won't embarrass himself on the left side like St. Clair did at various times last year.

[cubweiser03]

Williams graded out really well as a LT because his pass blocking skills and footwork. A guy like Jake Long or Columbo who maybe didnt have the best footwork or limited because of their size, girth could at least move to the right because of their run blocking skills, does Williams have that versatility, he seems like a LT only by the reports ive read. If there is a guy in this draft who can play LT and RT id be all for moving THAT guy to RT, in this market RTs are getting paid a lot and at 18 its still good value playing the guy at RT.

 

Seems like a lot of the reports written about the DE in this class are guys who translate better in the 3-4 defense.

 

Stacy Andrews seems like an interesting target this offseason. He's young, good and the Bears have money to spend. Throw some money at him and see if it sticks.

[rawaction]

Word is, the Bears have made St. Clair a 3-year offer. No numbers, but rumored to be about 3-5Mil/year.

[Butterscup1679666578]

lol what

 

It's embarrassing how badly this team is run.

[tfarks]

Word is, the Bears have made St. Clair a 3-year offer. No numbers, but rumored to be about 3-5Mil/year.

 

Oh God No. At least if he comes back he will be at RT and not left. I hope.

[Balsa]

Word is, the Bears have made St. Clair a 3-year offer. No numbers, but rumored to be about 3-5Mil/year.

:scratch:

 

That seems like too much for too long.

[Guest]

You've got to be kidding me.

 

Bring back Qasim Mitchell while you're at it.

[Soul]

WUT

:banghead:

[Banedon]

"John St. Clair was big for us even before John Tait retires," Smith said. "He was consistent each week [last season]. Of course we'd like for him to remain a member of our team."

 

Consistently a turnstyle?

[gflore34]

Angelo isn't really this stubborn or blind, is he?

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-24-haugh-onbears-chicagofeb24,0,985641.column

 

"Better" coaching is not going to help Alex Brown, Tommie Harris and Wale get to the QB more often in '09.

[Soul]

So far this offseason has been alot of malarkey.

[biittner77]

Word is, the Bears have made St. Clair a 3-year offer. No numbers, but rumored to be about 3-5Mil/year.

 

Oh God No. At least if he comes back he will be at RT and not left. I hope.

 

Keep in mind that years on an NFL contract are not meaningful since they're not guaranteed. 3 years allows them to stretch out the signing bonus and gives them some flexibility in case, God help us, they want to keep St. Clair past this season.

 

St. Clair might be serviceable at RT. Can he really be much worse than Tait? Of course getting better at a position would be nice but with many other needs it's better the Bears take the best available and make it work than reach for an OL.

[jersey cubs fan]

Word is, the Bears have made St. Clair a 3-year offer. No numbers, but rumored to be about 3-5Mil/year.

 

Oh God No. At least if he comes back he will be at RT and not left. I hope.

 

Keep in mind that years on an NFL contract are not meaningful since they're not guaranteed. 3 years allows them to stretch out the signing bonus and gives them some flexibility in case, God help us, they want to keep St. Clair past this season.

 

St. Clair might be serviceable at RT. Can he really be much worse than Tait? Of course getting better at a position would be nice but with many other needs it's better the Bears take the best available and make it work than reach for an OL.

 

He might also be moved to guard.

[jersey cubs fan]

Angelo isn't really this stubborn or blind, is he?

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-24-haugh-onbears-chicagofeb24,0,985641.column

 

"Better" coaching is not going to help Alex Brown, Tommie Harris and Wale get to the QB more often in '09.

 

This was the most talented team in the NFC in 2006. But time flies in the NFL and Angelo is nuts if he thinks the talent is there now to win. The offense cannot succeed without an influx of talent, and the defense is no longer good enough to win on its own. The wasted draft picks the past few years have caught up to them quickly, and they absolutely must find 2, and maybe 3, immediate upgrades either through the draft or free agency.

[biittner77]

Angelo isn't really this stubborn or blind, is he?

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-24-haugh-onbears-chicagofeb24,0,985641.column

 

"Better" coaching is not going to help Alex Brown, Tommie Harris and Wale get to the QB more often in '09.

 

This was the most talented team in the NFC in 2006. But time flies in the NFL and Angelo is nuts if he thinks the talent is there now to win. The offense cannot succeed without an influx of talent, and the defense is no longer good enough to win on its own. The wasted draft picks the past few years have caught up to them quickly, and they absolutely must find 2, and maybe 3, immediate upgrades either through the draft or free agency.

 

Though if the Bears had beaten Atlanta and Houston as they should have, they make the playoffs. Those losses can very readily be pinned on poor coaching. In that sense he's right although the goal should be more than just to make the playoffs and see what happens.

 

The other thing to keep in mind is that it isn't as though they are going to not draft any players or that they are fine with what they have. This speech was really more a matter of don't get your hopes up GM speak. That way he's covered if he has another crappy draft.

[Soul]

Angelo isn't really this stubborn or blind, is he?

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-24-haugh-onbears-chicagofeb24,0,985641.column

 

"Better" coaching is not going to help Alex Brown, Tommie Harris and Wale get to the QB more often in '09.

 

This was the most talented team in the NFC in 2006. But time flies in the NFL and Angelo is nuts if he thinks the talent is there now to win. The offense cannot succeed without an influx of talent, and the defense is no longer good enough to win on its own. The wasted draft picks the past few years have caught up to them quickly, and they absolutely must find 2, and maybe 3, immediate upgrades either through the draft or free agency.

 

Though if the Bears had beaten Atlanta and Houston as they should have, they make the playoffs. Those losses can very readily be pinned on poor coaching. In that sense he's right although the goal should be more than just to make the playoffs and see what happens.

 

The other thing to keep in mind is that it isn't as though they are going to not draft any players or that they are fine with what they have. This speech was really more a matter of don't get your hopes up GM speak. That way he's covered if he has another crappy draft.

 

What really covers Angelo is the fact that he's signed up for a few years and the McCaskeys would probably rather not have to deal with the hiring process for another GM any time soon.

 

He needs to have a good draft though. GM's eventually get run out of town if they keep having poor drafts.

[Rusch33]

Cross Haynesworth off the list as he's headed to Washington when free agent opens.

[Soul]

Based on Angelo's recent comments I think you could have crossed Haynesworth off the list immediately anyway.