2011 Bears Offseason thread

[JonJayCutler]

I'm so happy Angelo did nothing to address our WR/G/C/LB positions. Oh wait, drafting another Steltz didn't help our CB quandry either.

 

 

 

This team is going to get smashed in 2012. Fire Angelo please.

 

So he deserves no credit for basically knocking the first two picks out of the park? Carimi speaks for himself, and everything I've read about Paea suggests he has the potential to be elite, especially with a guy like Marinelli working with him. The Conte pick was a bit of a reach but he reportedly has one of the higher ceilings in this year's safety class. The QB pick was disappointing, but it's one pick. They just drafted a LB.

 

Let's wait until FA is over before we call out Angelo. Sign a WR and G and we're good to go.

[Mark Priors Calves]

Lombardi and La Confora on the NFL Network were earlier talking about the lockout preventing teams from signing FA non-draftees. The UFL and CFL will be more appealing for guys to sign with because it's a guarantee rather than waiting for the lockout to end and teams to sign those non-draftees.

[UMFan83]

I'm not a fan at all of the QB, but people were talking about drafting BPA after the 4th round, so the BPA was apparently a QB and people hate it.

[Soul]

Best player available really means whoever that fans thinks is best.

 

It's subjective, and therefore meaningless.

[Flames24Rulz]

Lombardi and La Confora on the NFL Network were earlier talking about the lockout preventing teams from signing FA non-draftees. The UFL and CFL will be more appealing for guys to sign with because it's a guarantee rather than waiting for the lockout to end and teams to sign those non-draftees.

 

Sort of off topic, but Lombardi and La Canfora are a huge downgrade from Schefter. I didn't realize how big of a downgrade that actually was until I saw their coverage on NFLN.

 

They should've offered Schefter a blank check to keep him at NFLN when they had the chance.

[SpongeWorthy]

When people say BPA they mean someone that will actually see the field

[Flames24Rulz]

Ted Thompson drafts are beautiful.

[rawaction]

Lombardi and La Confora on the NFL Network were earlier talking about the lockout preventing teams from signing FA non-draftees. The UFL and CFL will be more appealing for guys to sign with because it's a guarantee rather than waiting for the lockout to end and teams to sign those non-draftees.

 

Sort of off topic, but Lombardi and La Canfora are a huge downgrade from Schefter. I didn't realize how big of a downgrade that actually was until I saw their coverage on NFLN.

 

They should've offered Schefter a blank check to keep him at NFLN when they had the chance.

 

To be fair, Schefter was kind of weak on NFLN. He's really stepped up his game in getting inside info since moving to ESPN.

[Guest]

When people say BPA they mean someone that will actually see the field

 

Exactly.

[rawaction]

I'm ok with the draft. Carimi was a best case scenario type pick. And Paea is a steal in the 2nd, though I don't think I would have made the trade up to get him. I would have taken my chances that he'd fall or be fine with Nevis or McClain. Overall, the draft turned out almost exactly how I figured it would. I didn't know Carimi would be there at 29 or that Paea would be on the board in reasonable trade up range. But I knew they were going OL and DT with the first 2 picks. I also knew Enderle would be picked (though I thought in the 6th). I also knew they would take a LB (thought in the 5th), as only Briggs and Urlacher are currently under contract at the position. And the Bears always pick safeties. But I was figuring the Bears would try to go UP from the 6 picks they had rather than down. I thought a trade down was a strong possibility with the Bears picking up an extra 3rd or 4th rounder. So, that's where I thought they would get another OL and either a WR or CB (figured not both).

 

Really need to spend big money on a G still, whenever they are allowed to. Need to bring in a legit WR to make Knox the 2, Bennett and Hester the 3 and 4. And guys like Bowman and Joshua Moore better really step up at CB next year, because I don't see lightning striking with Tim Jennings again.

[UMFan83]

Ted Thompson drafts are beautiful.

 

What an odd comment for a Bears draft thread.

[Guest]

Ted Thompson drafts are beautiful.

 

What an odd comment for a Bears draft thread.

 

Sadly, it's true. I for one welcome our new insect overlords.

[Flames24Rulz]

Total brainfart from me. Thought I was in the NFL Draft thread. I'm not that big of an [expletive].

[Soul]

I'm ok with the draft. Carimi was a best case scenario type pick. And Paea is a steal in the 2nd, though I don't think I would have made the trade up to get him. I would have taken my chances that he'd fall or be fine with Nevis or McClain. Overall, the draft turned out almost exactly how I figured it would. I didn't know Carimi would be there at 29 or that Paea would be on the board in reasonable trade up range. But I knew they were going OL and DT with the first 2 picks. I also knew Enderle would be picked (though I thought in the 6th). I also knew they would take a LB (thought in the 5th), as only Briggs and Urlacher are currently under contract at the position. And the Bears always pick safeties. But I was figuring the Bears would try to go UP from the 6 picks they had rather than down. I thought a trade down was a strong possibility with the Bears picking up an extra 3rd or 4th rounder. So, that's where I thought they would get another OL and either a WR or CB (figured not both).

 

Really need to spend big money on a G still, whenever they are allowed to. Need to bring in a legit WR to make Knox the 2, Bennett and Hester the 3 and 4. And guys like Bowman and Joshua Moore better really step up at CB next year, because I don't see lightning striking with Tim Jennings again.

 

If we can actually hit on our top 2 picks, that would be unusual, and I think enough to make this a successful draft.

 

And I think there's a solid chance of that happening. So I'm not unhappy. I'm not overjoyed beyond Carimi -- but I'm good for right now.

[Guest]

I'm happy. The QB is an odd pick, but when your line is so bad that it increases the likelihood you can go through 3 QB's in a single game, I suppose it's not a horrible idea to have an extra one laying around.

 

They weren't going to get an NFL starting Guard or WR in the 4th round and beyond, so the focus on those positions of need is better suited for free agency anyway.

[minnesotacubsfan]

Total brainfart from me. Thought I was in the NFL Draft thread. I'm not that big of an [expletive].

 

yes master

[SpongeWorthy]

I'm happy. The QB is an odd pick, but when your line is so bad that it increases the likelihood you can go through 3 QB's in a single game, I suppose it's not a horrible idea to have an extra one laying around.

 

They weren't going to get an NFL starting Guard or WR in the 4th round and beyond, so the focus on those positions of need is better suited for free agency anyway.

 

Huh? Starters come from the 4th round and beyond every single year.

[Guest]

I'm happy. The QB is an odd pick, but when your line is so bad that it increases the likelihood you can go through 3 QB's in a single game, I suppose it's not a horrible idea to have an extra one laying around.

 

They weren't going to get an NFL starting Guard or WR in the 4th round and beyond, so the focus on those positions of need is better suited for free agency anyway.

 

Huh? Starters come from the 4th round and beyond every single year.

 

To believe that the Bears can draft an immediate impact starting NFL caliber Guard and Wide Receiver is not realistic, which is what the Bears need. Not some project player who might develop into a starter a year or two from now.

[WrigleyField 22]

I'm happy. The QB is an odd pick, but when your line is so bad that it increases the likelihood you can go through 3 QB's in a single game, I suppose it's not a horrible idea to have an extra one laying around.

 

They weren't going to get an NFL starting Guard or WR in the 4th round and beyond, so the focus on those positions of need is better suited for free agency anyway.

 

Huh? Starters come from the 4th round and beyond every single year.

Not likely one who would start this year though. We already have plenty of developmental guys at WR, another one isn't necessary. We need someone who is going to step in as a #1 right away. Free agency is our best bet.

 

Guard we also have some developmental options. A Free Agent to step in there would be nice as well, then leaving the other guard spot long term to be fought for with who we have.

 

I think you can make a strong argument against the QB pick, but LB depth became a big need for us in the past year or so. I'm glad they picked one.

 

Part of the problem is they just didn't have many picks to add depth. I would have loved a CB, OL, WR, and DL but with our FA binge we didn't have compensatory picks, and Jerry actually traded up this year and lost picks, when we're accustomed to him trading down and gaining picks.

 

Also, I'm counting Harvey Unga as a part of this draft class since we lost our 7th to get him.

[Guest]

An argument can certainly be made that you decrease the likelihood of filling the Guard position if you don't draft anyone at all at that position, and I would have preferred that they do draft someone there, but I'm pretty confident that they will find someone to fill the position through free agency that has a much better chance of actually starting.

 

Same can be said of WR. The Bears landed Johnny Knox in the 5th round. How many 5th round WR's ended up being as successful?

 

The Bears can't afford to roll the dice at either of these positions. They MUST fill these positions with starting caliber players if they want to improve this team.

[JonJayCutler]

The Bears landed Johnny Knox in the 5th round. How many 5th round WR's ended up being as successful?

 

Not many, and Knox is a #3 WR at best. The best anyone can hope for in the later rounds is a Marques Colston (7th round) or a Miles Austin (Undrafted), but guys like that are extremely rare.

 

Let's not forget about Andy Fantuz. At 6'4" he would easily be the Bears tallest WR, therefore if he's any good at all he'll probably make the roster. I'd like to bring in someone like Sidney Rice anyway though.

[SpongeWorthy]

Knox can be a great #2 but when he has to be the man against tough CBs who are trying hard he looks real bad.

 

The WRs performances last year against GB were horrifying. Couldn't get separation at all.

[JonJayCutler]

The main thing holding back Knox is his route running and those inexplicable plays where he seems to have no idea what play has been called.

[SpongeWorthy]

He also doesn't fight for under thrown balls ever

[Banedon]

He also doesn't fight for under thrown balls ever

 

That's my biggets gripe with him. He doesn't fight for the ball, or play defender on a bad ball.