2009 Chicago Bears offseason

[jersey cubs fan]

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – The Bears on Monday signed the following undrafted free agents: UNLV guard Johan Asiata, Hampton guard Dennis Conley, Connecticut safety Dahna Deleston, Louisiana-Lafayette running back Tyrell Fenroy, Rutgers linebacker Kevin Malast, Northwesterm wide receiver Eric Peterman, Kansas linebacker Mike Rivera, California fullback Will Ta’ufo’ou and Louisville defensive back Woodny Turenne.

 

I don't know anything about him, but I'm guessing the FB has the best chance to make the team. Maybe one other guy will stick around as a practice squad player.

[RedFlash]

He can still play, but does he play up to his cap number, and is he considerably better than Davis and the new guy? Odds are it's between the last two to prove they are worthy of being the project the team keeps around, although it may be just as likely that the new guy is a practice team target right away.

 

Those are value points, but I prefer NOT to go into the season with one proven TE on the roster. I like Davis' potential, but he is still prolly a yr away---if ever---to be a big contributor, and Louis I think ultimately he will be an OL. I personally think Louis is going to outgrow TE. I mean the league has seen a lot of TE become talented offensive lineman, ie Peters, Jason.

[Soul]

I'm still OK with Dez, but not for much longer. I thought Davis was coming along nicely -- did that change? I was seriously thinking Davis could step in for Dez, starting perhaps later in the season in '09. He looked pretty good to me.

 

From what I understand Louis is a potential future OL guy. Probably longer-term future though.

[RedFlash]

I'm still OK with Dez, but not for much longer. I thought Davis was coming along nicely -- did that change? I was seriously thinking Davis could step in for Dez, starting perhaps later in the season in '09. He looked pretty good to me.

 

From what I understand Louis is a potential future OL guy. Probably longer-term future though.

 

I still like Dez and I love his blocking ability, so one more year is about all he has left with the Bears. As for Louis, I know the Bears announced him as a TE, but one has to believe it's a matter of time before he's put on the OL.

[rawaction]

I like Angelos' draft this year. Alot of the players drafted have some good scouting grades by different services. The only pick that i might be critical of is Henry Melton, all the other ones are great values according to the scouts rankings. Iglesias at #99 was sweet. DJ Moore was a nice grab too, he should compete against Manning for the nickel back right away. At least 4 of these guys should see the field this year non-special team wise; Gilbert, Iglesias, Moore and Knox(in the slot), maybe Freeman and Melton. Angelo made up for the lack of the 1 with value and depth.

 

You know who Jarron Gilbert reminds me of? Eric Swann. Remember him? A little bigger than Gilbert, but both have tremendous size and came out of small schools (very small in Swann's case) with amazing athletic ability.

 

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SwanEr00.htm

 

Swann had a pretty decent career. 2-time probowler. 3 seasons with over 7 sacks from the DT position.

 

According to one website, Gilbert was the 58th best player, got him at 60.

Iglesias was the 70th best, got him at 99.

Moore was 61st, got him at 119.

[WrigleyField 22]

I'm still OK with Dez, but not for much longer. I thought Davis was coming along nicely -- did that change? I was seriously thinking Davis could step in for Dez, starting perhaps later in the season in '09. He looked pretty good to me.

 

From what I understand Louis is a potential future OL guy. Probably longer-term future though.

 

I still like Dez and I love his blocking ability, so one more year is about all he has left with the Bears. As for Louis, I know the Bears announced him as a TE, but one has to believe it's a matter of time before he's put on the OL.

If he is the third TE, thats basically a lineman. I say he stays at TE, as long as he can catch the occasional goaline pass. Also, if he keeps his 4.6 speed thats enough that he should be athletic enough to contribute on special teams, which would be the other requirement of a third TE.

 

He could spend a year or two on the practice squad until we cut ties with Clark. Hopefully then Davis will develop into a decent #2, and Olsen will be a bonafide #1.

[WrigleyField 22]

Here's the thing about the O-Line. We will only have 7 or 8 OLineman on the roster. 6 are virtual locks to make the roster, IMO (Pace, Williams, Shaffer, Omilaye, Beekman, Kruetz). Garza is pretty close to being a lock, and Buenning isn't a bad back up option. So you certainly couldn't invest a high pick on OL, knowing you really don't really have a spot for them. Yea, I wanted to see a 6th or 7th rounder, but at that point is there much difference between those guys and UDFA? They are possible Practice Squad material for a few years and then may make an impact down the road.

 

Looking ahead to next year, I'll want to see some OL emphasis, but there just isn't the roster spots for this season. OLine was a huge need for us, and then we went a signed 3 FA, one who is a lock to start and the other 2 who will compete for starting jobs. The available spots kind of dried up, even for a back up spot.

 

If you drafted a guy in the 3rd/4th, Garza doesn't have to be a lock. The only reason he is essentially a lock is because they have no more depth beyond him.

True.

 

However, since I'm generally pretty happy with the picks we did make in lieu of drafting an OL, I'm okay with putting it off this year. Duke Robinson did drop far though, and would have been intriguing.

 

Looking at our youth, Williams and Beekman are both somewhat recent picks and somewhat early picks. Omilaye is pretty young as well. I think as long as you bring in a guy or two next year (maybe one early and one late), we'll be in good shape in the long term and short term. I'm definitely content with our line this year, even though it is on the older side.

 

Also regarding Garza and Buenning (the two likely candidates to get the chop if we drafted a guy), neither is a huge cap strain, so its not even like you are saving yourself a huge amount. If savings are minimal, you're looking at experience. Garza has a lot of experience, and that is a good thing. Buenning has a decent amount too.

[Magnetic Curses]

we addressed our biggest need, which was, imo, the pass rush. cutler will make his receivers, i have absolutely no doubt about that, but he can't make the opposing quarterback get knocked down hard.

[RedFlash]

If he is the third TE, thats basically a lineman. I say he stays at TE, as long as he can catch the occasional goaline pass. Also, if he keeps his 4.6 speed thats enough that he should be athletic enough to contribute on special teams, which would be the other requirement of a third TE.

 

I just think Louis is just going to outgrow being a TE. If he can lose some weight and keep the 4.6 speed then sure keep him at TE, but he is supposed at 300 lbs right now, and quite frankly I don't like 300 lbs TE. I think he has potential to a better OL prospect then a TE.

 

He could spend a year or two on the practice squad until we cut ties with Clark. Hopefully then Davis will develop into a decent #2, and Olsen will be a bonafide #1.

 

I much rather released Davis and bring in a guy like Drew Bennett who has some good size (6'5 a shade under 200 lbs) and brings a solid pair of hands and a veteran to compete with what I assume will be a very young WR core with Hester/Bennett and Iglesias and perhaps even Rideau. Davis doesn't do anything that Know, Earl Bennett, or Iglesias don't already do better. Drew Bennett would bring legit size to the Bears.

[thefranchise]

If he is the third TE, thats basically a lineman. I say he stays at TE, as long as he can catch the occasional goaline pass. Also, if he keeps his 4.6 speed thats enough that he should be athletic enough to contribute on special teams, which would be the other requirement of a third TE.

 

I just think Louis is just going to outgrow being a TE. If he can lose some weight and keep the 4.6 speed then sure keep him at TE, but he is supposed at 300 lbs right now, and quite frankly I don't like 300 lbs TE. I think he has potential to a better OL prospect then a TE.

 

He could spend a year or two on the practice squad until we cut ties with Clark. Hopefully then Davis will develop into a decent #2, and Olsen will be a bonafide #1.

 

I much rather released Davis and bring in a guy like Drew Bennett who has some good size (6'5 a shade under 200 lbs) and brings a solid pair of hands and a veteran to compete with what I assume will be a very young WR core with Hester/Bennett and Iglesias and perhaps even Rideau. Davis doesn't do anything that Know, Earl Bennett, or Iglesias don't already do better. Drew Bennett would bring legit size to the Bears.

 

I think they're gonna make him more like an H back. Can you imagine a 300 pound man in the backfield who runs a 4.6? He's gonna clear the way for Forte hopefully.

[Soul]

Also regarding Garza and Buenning (the two likely candidates to get the chop if we drafted a guy), neither is a huge cap strain, so its not even like you are saving yourself a huge amount. If savings are minimal, you're looking at experience. Garza has a lot of experience, and that is a good thing. Buenning has a decent amount too.

 

The sooner we can rid ourselves of Garza, the better IMO.

[jersey cubs fan]

we addressed our biggest need, which was, imo, the pass rush. cutler will make his receivers, i have absolutely no doubt about that, but he can't make the opposing quarterback get knocked down hard.

 

I question how much they addressed it. They got another tackle who may be a poor man's Tommie Harris, but the Bears already have a poor man's Tommie Harris, Tommie Harris. The end is a total project who is very unlikely to be a significant force this year. If they are going to have improved pass rush, it's going to be with Marinelli getting more out of the 3 established ends.

[gflore34]

we addressed our biggest need, which was, imo, the pass rush. cutler will make his receivers, i have absolutely no doubt about that, but he can't make the opposing quarterback get knocked down hard.

 

I question how much they addressed it. They got another tackle who may be a poor man's Tommie Harris, but the Bears already have a poor man's Tommie Harris, Tommie Harris. The end is a total project who is very unlikely to be a significant force this year. If they are going to have improved pass rush, it's going to be with Marinelli getting more out of the 3 established ends.

 

I don't believe Marinelli' coaching is going to make any difference, they couldn't get to to the QB last year, I don't believe they will this season either.

[Magnetic Curses]

we addressed our biggest need, which was, imo, the pass rush. cutler will make his receivers, i have absolutely no doubt about that, but he can't make the opposing quarterback get knocked down hard.

 

I question how much they addressed it. They got another tackle who may be a poor man's Tommie Harris, but the Bears already have a poor man's Tommie Harris, Tommie Harris. The end is a total project who is very unlikely to be a significant force this year. If they are going to have improved pass rush, it's going to be with Marinelli getting more out of the 3 established ends.

 

we'll see. i think gilbert will be more of a force this year than you do. it's not like he's this raw athlete that has never seen a football field before. as i said, he had 22 tackles for loss last year and as soul has suggested, he has very good technique, he's explosive and uses his arms well. in addition to having good technique, he's also a pretty strong guy in both his lower and upper body.

[jersey cubs fan]

we addressed our biggest need, which was, imo, the pass rush. cutler will make his receivers, i have absolutely no doubt about that, but he can't make the opposing quarterback get knocked down hard.

 

I question how much they addressed it. They got another tackle who may be a poor man's Tommie Harris, but the Bears already have a poor man's Tommie Harris, Tommie Harris. The end is a total project who is very unlikely to be a significant force this year. If they are going to have improved pass rush, it's going to be with Marinelli getting more out of the 3 established ends.

 

we'll see. i think gilbert will be more of a force this year than you do. it's not like he's this raw athlete that has never seen a football field before. as i said, he had 22 tackles for loss last year and as soul has suggested, he has very good technique, he's explosive and uses his arms well. in addition to having good technique, he's also a pretty strong guy in both his lower and upper body.

 

That's nice, but he's still just a backup to Harris.

[Soul]

we addressed our biggest need, which was, imo, the pass rush. cutler will make his receivers, i have absolutely no doubt about that, but he can't make the opposing quarterback get knocked down hard.

 

I question how much they addressed it. They got another tackle who may be a poor man's Tommie Harris, but the Bears already have a poor man's Tommie Harris, Tommie Harris. The end is a total project who is very unlikely to be a significant force this year. If they are going to have improved pass rush, it's going to be with Marinelli getting more out of the 3 established ends.

 

we'll see. i think gilbert will be more of a force this year than you do. it's not like he's this raw athlete that has never seen a football field before. as i said, he had 22 tackles for loss last year and as soul has suggested, he has very good technique, he's explosive and uses his arms well. in addition to having good technique, he's also a pretty strong guy in both his lower and upper body.

 

That's nice, but he's still just a backup to Harris.

 

He's the Tommy replacement plan, methinks.

 

I think the Bears are realizing Tommie Harris won't be the player he once was. But if he has a valid backup who can do the things he does and do them well, it could work out to their benefit by keeping both guys rested, and very little dropoff in performance.

 

I'm thinking more like '10 for Gilbert to be a more regular part of the rotation. '09 -- probably spot duty, as he learns.

 

He's going to be fun to watch develop though.

 

I view Melton as more of a project. Good measurables, but then why didn't it translate to production @ Texas? He probably needs a lot of work on his technique.

[WrigleyField 22]

If he is the third TE, thats basically a lineman. I say he stays at TE, as long as he can catch the occasional goaline pass. Also, if he keeps his 4.6 speed thats enough that he should be athletic enough to contribute on special teams, which would be the other requirement of a third TE.

 

I just think Louis is just going to outgrow being a TE. If he can lose some weight and keep the 4.6 speed then sure keep him at TE, but he is supposed at 300 lbs right now, and quite frankly I don't like 300 lbs TE. I think he has potential to a better OL prospect then a TE.

 

He could spend a year or two on the practice squad until we cut ties with Clark. Hopefully then Davis will develop into a decent #2, and Olsen will be a bonafide #1.

 

I much rather released Davis and bring in a guy like Drew Bennett who has some good size (6'5 a shade under 200 lbs) and brings a solid pair of hands and a veteran to compete with what I assume will be a very young WR core with Hester/Bennett and Iglesias and perhaps even Rideau. Davis doesn't do anything that Know, Earl Bennett, or Iglesias don't already do better. Drew Bennett would bring legit size to the Bears.

 

I think we're talking about different Davis's. I mean Kellen. Sounds like you are talking about Rashied. I have no problem letting Rashied go if we replace him with a decent vet.

[WrigleyField 22]

 

That's nice, but he's still just a backup to Harris.

Back up to an injury prone starter on a DLine that rotates bodies a lot. He'll see some time, and hopefully he'll be productive in the time he gets.

[jersey cubs fan]

 

That's nice, but he's still just a backup to Harris.

Back up to an injury prone starter on a DLine that rotates bodies a lot. He'll see some time, and hopefully he'll be productive in the time he gets.

 

Yes, he'll see some time, replacing Harris, but that doesn't translate to improved pass rush to me.

[WrigleyField 22]

Well that just depends on how talented you think he is I guess.

 

I think new personnel (and a lot of competition), and a good coach can get improvement out of the DLine. If we do improve it will be a combination of both things.

 

There are 10 guys on the DLine who could legitimately compete for a roster spot, let alone the 6-8 who will be fighting for starting spots. That kind of competition, along with a good coach is bound to create some results.

[jersey cubs fan]

Well that just depends on how talented you think he is I guess.

 

I think he is very talented, but that he won't significantly improve the Bears pass rush this year.

[WrigleyField 22]

If you think he is talented than he should improve the Bears pash rush this year. The only way he wouldn't is if everyone else on the line regresses more. Or more specifically if Harris is a non factor.

[jersey cubs fan]

If you think he is talented than he should improve the Bears pash rush this year. The only way he wouldn't is if everyone else on the line regresses more. Or more specifically if Harris is a non factor.

 

Why? Why can't I think he's talented and has a good chance of helping the team eventually but doubt he'll significantly improve the pass rush this year? That's some rather tight parameters you are demanding.

[minnesotacubsfan]

I doubt Gilbert significantly improves the Bears pass rush, but to brush him off as Harris's waterboy is completely stupid

[WrigleyField 22]

If he is talented, that translates into immediate impact IMO. If a player doesn't figure to factor in this year, I'd call that potential, not talent.

 

Now I'm not saying he's gonna immediately live up to his full talent, but he has enough talent to make some impact, particularly is the added rest for Harris can help Harris. Also if he demands any amount of attention, it creates a ripple effect to the other more talented lineman.