2011 Bears Offseason thread

[Soul]

woops, I was wrong. For some reason I thought Jackson was much older then he is. he is only 28.

 

he would make some sense.

 

Love to have him. Probably lots of $$$$$$. Not sure he would be realistic.

[dew1679666265]

who would that FA WR be, James Jones? Sidney Rice? Vincent Jackson?

 

Jones drops everything, Rice will get resigned by MN, Jackson is just old. It really would be nice to have a guy like Aroushmado play more this past season to see what he would be like. alas.

 

Jones would be a good pickup – if he can catch the ball with any consistency, he has the ability to be a top WR. Jackson's only going to be 28 this year, there's no reason why he can't be very productive again.

 

Holmes/Braylon are both free agents, one may come available. TO is old, but could be productive again – or just his presence could draw some coverage from current WRs. Lance Moore is a non-elite guy who could also at least free up coverage on others a bit. Maurice Stovall, if not re-signed by Tampa, would be interesting as well. He'll only be 26 for the 2011 season and had a big year in 2009. He'd probably be a bargain type pickup who could break out.

 

And that's not counting guys like Rice/Steve Smith (NYG)/Malcolm Floyd who probably won't be available, but could be.

[minnesotacubsfan]

The big salaries the Bears will dump (or restructure for less):

 

T Harris $7,790,000

Tiniasomoa $1,501,560

Kruetz $3,133,333

Taylor $3,005,330

 

There is some money there to spend. The lesser salaries:

Garza $820,000

Daneal Manning $540,070

 

who am i missing?

[Mark Priors Calves]

manu should be cut too.

[scarey]

Can't the Bears pretty much cut Taylor with close to not salary liability? I thought that's how his contract was structured so that all his guaranteed money was this past year. Not that I think Taylor is terrible, but they can get his production from a young draftee in the 3rd or 4th round.

 

I'm wondering if Kruetz will sign a low-pay 1 or 2 year contract.

 

If those happen, I think they'll have plenty of money to spend on one impact player. If they can snap up a vet left tackle and fill their other holes in the draft, that would be pretty good. If they could also grab a Vincent Jackson, that would be fantastic.

[Banedon]

Can't the Bears pretty much cut Taylor with close to not salary liability? I thought that's how his contract was structured so that all his guaranteed money was this past year. Not that I think Taylor is terrible, but they can get his production from a young draftee in the 3rd or 4th round.

 

Taylor is most definitely terrible. Or at least, has been this season. He had a good game last week, but other than that, he's been awful.

[Soul]

Can't the Bears pretty much cut Taylor with close to not salary liability? I thought that's how his contract was structured so that all his guaranteed money was this past year. Not that I think Taylor is terrible, but they can get his production from a young draftee in the 3rd or 4th round.

 

Taylor is most definitely terrible. Or at least, has been this season. He had a good game last week, but other than that, he's been awful.

 

I would think just about any back could do what Taylor did last season. If we would have had Khalil Bell in his role, for example, I'm not seeing how any game would have turned out differently.

[UMFan83]

The Bears might pick a guard or ot high, but if you gave me decent odds (4-1 or better), I'd probably put money on their not picking any o-linemen in the first 3 rounds. Just seems to be the way Angelo operates.

[Pushfrog98]

Seeing Corey Liuget being possibly available is intriguing, but we need OL help... He could replace Harris possibly, but I'm also a U of I homer and could be overestimating how good he is.

[Soul]

It's gonna be DT, isn't it.

 

Just thinking it through. Harris is about done here, Angelo doesn't really pick OT high (when he did, it failed -- and his comments earlier in the year suggest he really doesn't believe in it).

 

WRs.......the two heavy hitters will be gone, and after that it's mushy.

 

Angelo is most comfortable picking defense.

 

I'm starting to think it will be DT, provided one is available that makes sense.

[Banedon]

It's gonna be DT, isn't it.

 

Just thinking it through. Harris is about done here, Angelo doesn't really pick OT high (when he did, it failed -- and his comments earlier in the year suggest he really doesn't believe in it).

 

WRs.......the two heavy hitters will be gone, and after that it's mushy.

 

Angelo is most comfortable picking defense.

 

I'm starting to think it will be DT, provided one is available that makes sense.

 

Also, there's not really any OT's in the first round that will be worth the pick...it'd be a reach.

[minnesotacubsfan]

Angelo wont be the one drafting, will he? Didnt Phillips bring in someone else?

[Keener98]

Angelo wont be the one drafting, will he? Didnt Phillips bring in someone else?

 

They brought in a new head Scouting guy I believe, but Angelo is still the GM and will have the call in the draft.

[Soul]

There will be input from new people, but I fully expect Angelo's philosophy to still be evident in the picks.

 

All this being said, it's really early yet. Lots will happen in between now & the actual picks.

[Banedon]

There will be input from new people, but I fully expect Angelo's philosophy to still be evident in the picks.

 

All this being said, it's really early yet. Lots will happen in between now & the actual picks.

 

Or not. If there's a lockout, there might not be any free agency prior to the draft, which will obviously make a big difference in how all teams draft.

[minnesotacubsfan]

http://www.suntimes.com/3468147-417/knee-cutler-jay-mcl-smith.html

 

so what does this mean for his recovery?

[Keener98]

http://www.suntimes.com/3468147-417/knee-cutler-jay-mcl-smith.html

 

so what does this mean for his recovery?

 

Depends on the severity I believe. Some MCL injuries don't require a surgery, while others do. Really won't know a time frame till they find out what grade of MCL injury.

[Guest]

Seeing Corey Liuget being possibly available is intriguing, but we need OL help... He could replace Harris possibly, but I'm also a U of I homer and could be overestimating how good he is.

 

Liugett at 30 would be fantastic value but I'd hate to see the offense ignored in the first round.

[UMFan83]

Yeah DT will be a priority for the Bears. I would be stunned if Tommie Harris isn't cut this offseason. It seems like a no brainer move for the Bears. Now if there was no cap, I'd be against the move, but there will be so I more or less think he'll be gone.

 

Here are the positions we could stand to upgrade on:

 

WR: We could technically make it to a SB with this WR corps, but I think it would help Jay and the offense out immensely if we could get a bigger experienced WR for Jay to fling the ball up for grabs when nothing else is there for him. Better than throwing it up for grabs to Knox. Doesn't have to be a pro bowler, but lets face it, a majority of big WRs that can go up and get it are usually in that type of skill level.

 

O-line: All over. Kreutz is a UFA but I can't see either side leaving this relationship even though he's clearly on the decline and randomly forgot how to snap the ball during the 2nd half. Williams is fine enough for now. Webb showed promise so I'd look at keeping him unless a viable upgrade is there. Unfortunately, unless you want to let Williams try his hand at LT next year, that would be a place we could upgrade. Get Omiyale outta here. Cutler is never going to get any respect in the press and by the idiot fans unless the o-line blocks well for him. If they don't, you will continue to see an inconsistent offense.

 

RB, TE, QB are fine right now.

 

On defense, we don't need as much short term help but we do need some long term planning here. In 3 years the only starts I expect to see still starting on this team are Peppers and Briggs. Peanut, Urlacher and Harris might also be starting but its not in stone. Adams, Pisa, Jennings and Tommie are people that can be upgraded. Idonije is probably too old to count on starting 3 years from now. And Daniel Manning is probably going to leave via FA this offseason unless Lovie's mancrush on him wins out. So we're looking at anywhere from 6-9 defensive positions that need to turn over in the next 3 years. We do have a few in house options at some of the positions. I know the Bears are high on Joshua Moore at CB, and I think its likely he will be starting at CB next year in Jennings spot. I am a big fan of Corey Wootten and I think/hope the management is and would think he could be starting at DE opposite Peppers in the near future, possibly as soon as next year. And Nick Roach doesn't have a ton of upside over Pisa, but is clearly good enough to hold the fort down at OLB alongside Urlacher and Briggs. So I guess ideally we're looking at a depth chart like this in 3 years.

 

                Harris-New Guy

             Briggs-Urlacher-Roach

Tilman   Peppers-New Guy-New Guy-Wootten   Moore

 

But I'm almost positive that I'm missing a guy or two on our roster that management hopes to fill a role on defense. But anyways, on defense our biggest priority should be DT, with FS and probably CB also needs.

 

For this draft, I'd focus on Tackles, DTs and WRs in that order, unless there is an obvious BPA.

[rawaction]

This free agent class of offensive linemen is actually pretty strong, if it happens (CBA).

 

Mankins, Nicks, Joseph, and Dahl are 4 of the top 6 OGs in the league. Ryan Kalil is a top 5 C and is a FA, and there is also Chris Spencer (SEA) and Chris Chester (BAL), who were both recent 2nd round picks in their pre-prime years. The OT class isn't as strong, the one guy that will probably be available that I do like is Willie Colon from the Steelers who may be a better fit at RG.

 

I would really try to sign James Jones. Just like last year, when free agency starts, I would throw money at Jones. They did it with a division rival's player last year (Chester Taylor) and I think they can do it again. Jones is a very good WR that can play every spot. Hands is an issue but lack of concentration due to lack of reps is a theory. Like Taylor, he is an asset to his current team, but is he going to start? Driver is almost done, but I don't think he goes anywhere yet. And if he comes back, along with Jermichael Finley, does James Jones re-sign there to fight with Jordy Nelson (who got more PT yesterday) to be the 4th target again? Or does he take the money to be the unquestioned #1?

 

The following players should be gone:

UFAs- Kreutz, Collins, Dez Clark, Rashied Davis, Tinoisamoa, Bullocks.

CUT- Tommie Harris, Marcus Harrison, Hunter Hillenmeyer, Brad Maynard (may actually be a FA, but I can't confirm), Garza (if you bring in a combo of 3 OL between FA and draft), Aromashodu, Khalil Bell, Manumaleuna

 

I would re-sign FAs: Manning, Roach, Anthony Adams.

 

I keep Chester Taylor and hope they find a way to use him better next year.

 

With a WR (Jones) and let's assume 1 OL in free agency, I'd draft 2 offensive linemen (in the first 4 rounds at worst), DT (probably 1st w/ Liuget), a CB (if can get one in the first 2-3 rounds), and add some depth at LB, TE, RB, or safety.

 

No point in drafting a CB or WR after the 3rd, because the Bears already have a buttload of mid-round talent at those positions with no elite talent.

[minnesotacubsfan]

I think Pisa is more valuable toe the run defense then people give him credit for. Far more then Roach.

 

as for the DT's, Toaena will be around. I see them dumping Harrison (or practice squad) and possibly resigning Harris to a incentive contract. But they should def draft for a new one. A stud like the Illinois or North Carolina DT's in the 1st or 2nd makes sense if a stud tackle isnt available.

[Guest]

UMF, I'd add G to your draft needs of OT, DT and WR.

[rawaction]

Yeah DT will be a priority for the Bears. I would be stunned if Tommie Harris isn't cut this offseason. It seems like a no brainer move for the Bears. Now if there was no cap, I'd be against the move, but there will be so I more or less think he'll be gone.

 

Here are the positions we could stand to upgrade on:

 

WR: We could technically make it to a SB with this WR corps, but I think it would help Jay and the offense out immensely if we could get a bigger experienced WR for Jay to fling the ball up for grabs when nothing else is there for him. Better than throwing it up for grabs to Knox. Doesn't have to be a pro bowler, but lets face it, a majority of big WRs that can go up and get it are usually in that type of skill level.

 

O-line: All over. Kreutz is a UFA but I can't see either side leaving this relationship even though he's clearly on the decline and randomly forgot how to snap the ball during the 2nd half. Williams is fine enough for now. Webb showed promise so I'd look at keeping him unless a viable upgrade is there. Unfortunately, unless you want to let Williams try his hand at LT next year, that would be a place we could upgrade. Get Omiyale outta here. Cutler is never going to get any respect in the press and by the idiot fans unless the o-line blocks well for him. If they don't, you will continue to see an inconsistent offense.

 

RB, TE, QB are fine right now.

 

On defense, we don't need as much short term help but we do need some long term planning here. In 3 years the only starts I expect to see still starting on this team are Peppers and Briggs. Peanut, Urlacher and Harris might also be starting but its not in stone. Adams, Pisa, Jennings and Tommie are people that can be upgraded. Idonije is probably too old to count on starting 3 years from now. And Daniel Manning is probably going to leave via FA this offseason unless Lovie's mancrush on him wins out. So we're looking at anywhere from 6-9 defensive positions that need to turn over in the next 3 years. We do have a few in house options at some of the positions. I know the Bears are high on Joshua Moore at CB, and I think its likely he will be starting at CB next year in Jennings spot. I am a big fan of Corey Wootten and I think/hope the management is and would think he could be starting at DE opposite Peppers in the near future, possibly as soon as next year. And Nick Roach doesn't have a ton of upside over Pisa, but is clearly good enough to hold the fort down at OLB alongside Urlacher and Briggs. So I guess ideally we're looking at a depth chart like this in 3 years.

 

                Harris-New Guy

             Briggs-Urlacher-Roach

Tilman   Peppers-New Guy-New Guy-Wootten   Moore

 

But I'm almost positive that I'm missing a guy or two on our roster that management hopes to fill a role on defense. But anyways, on defense our biggest priority should be DT, with FS and probably CB also needs.

 

For this draft, I'd focus on Tackles, DTs and WRs in that order, unless there is an obvious BPA.

 

Major Wright at S. And 3 years is a long time in football. You probably won't see Peppers or Urlacher in 3 years. Also, Chris Harris and Roach aren't good enough that they can't be upgraded in 3 years if the rest of the positions around them are solidified.

[Keener98]

The Bears really need to upgrade at CB also, because Tim Jennings is garbage.

[ConstableRabbit]

Yeah DT will be a priority for the Bears. I would be stunned if Tommie Harris isn't cut this offseason. It seems like a no brainer move for the Bears. Now if there was no cap, I'd be against the move, but there will be so I more or less think he'll be gone.

 

Here are the positions we could stand to upgrade on:

 

WR: We could technically make it to a SB with this WR corps, but I think it would help Jay and the offense out immensely if we could get a bigger experienced WR for Jay to fling the ball up for grabs when nothing else is there for him. Better than throwing it up for grabs to Knox. Doesn't have to be a pro bowler, but lets face it, a majority of big WRs that can go up and get it are usually in that type of skill level.

 

O-line: All over. Kreutz is a UFA but I can't see either side leaving this relationship even though he's clearly on the decline and randomly forgot how to snap the ball during the 2nd half. Williams is fine enough for now. Webb showed promise so I'd look at keeping him unless a viable upgrade is there. Unfortunately, unless you want to let Williams try his hand at LT next year, that would be a place we could upgrade. Get Omiyale outta here. Cutler is never going to get any respect in the press and by the idiot fans unless the o-line blocks well for him. If they don't, you will continue to see an inconsistent offense.

 

RB, TE, QB are fine right now.

 

On defense, we don't need as much short term help but we do need some long term planning here. In 3 years the only starts I expect to see still starting on this team are Peppers and Briggs. Peanut, Urlacher and Harris might also be starting but its not in stone. Adams, Pisa, Jennings and Tommie are people that can be upgraded. Idonije is probably too old to count on starting 3 years from now. And Daniel Manning is probably going to leave via FA this offseason unless Lovie's mancrush on him wins out. So we're looking at anywhere from 6-9 defensive positions that need to turn over in the next 3 years. We do have a few in house options at some of the positions. I know the Bears are high on Joshua Moore at CB, and I think its likely he will be starting at CB next year in Jennings spot. I am a big fan of Corey Wootten and I think/hope the management is and would think he could be starting at DE opposite Peppers in the near future, possibly as soon as next year. And Nick Roach doesn't have a ton of upside over Pisa, but is clearly good enough to hold the fort down at OLB alongside Urlacher and Briggs. So I guess ideally we're looking at a depth chart like this in 3 years.

 

                Harris-New Guy

             Briggs-Urlacher-Roach

Tilman   Peppers-New Guy-New Guy-Wootten   Moore

 

But I'm almost positive that I'm missing a guy or two on our roster that management hopes to fill a role on defense. But anyways, on defense our biggest priority should be DT, with FS and probably CB also needs.

 

For this draft, I'd focus on Tackles, DTs and WRs in that order, unless there is an obvious BPA.

 

Wootton