Bears Offseason Thread (Trestman new HC, pg 37)

[Magnetic Curses]

i think the linebackers the bears picked are all either pretty decent in coverage and/or good rushing the passer.

[rawaction]

we are not talking about hunter hillenmeyer trying to play the WILL, we're talking about a talented rookie playing the SAM, and while it may not be where his abilities are best used, the Bears already have a pretty damn good weak side linebacker so he's going to have to wait. while he's waiting, they can get him on the field by playing him at a less-challenging position.

 

this idea that they have to have some slow-footed, oafish, non-playmaker on the strong-side is what i didn't understand.

 

They probably don't, so long as Greene can take on TE's, RB's and in some cases Guards.

That's my reasoning for saying he may be stuck on the weakside. I never said anything remotely close to that you need slow guys at SLB. But Greene doesn't have a history of taking on blocks. Whereas Bostic does. I think Bostic can play all 3 lb spots but not Greene due to his inability to get thru traffic ss well.

 

Now that may not be that big of a deal since the league is so pass happy, but its still something some teams value and Lovie definitely did.

[WrigleyField 22]

Walterfootball's summary is very similar. Seems like mostly everyone likes what the Bears did, they just think they reached a bit in the first round.

 

2013 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Chicago's draft class very much mirrors the Giants'. Like Justin Pugh at 19, Kyle Long was a reach at 20, but again, it wasn't nearly as bad as what the Cowboys would do 11 selections later. And like New York, the Bears would recover and draft solid talents who filled positions of need.

 

The Bears did a good job of bolstering their linebacking corps. Jon Bostic will be the heir apparent to Brian Urlacher, while Khaseem Greene, a major steal at No. 117, will be an effective player on the outside in the future.

 

Excluding Greene, my favorite pick of Chicago's was Cornelius Washington at No. 188. Many considered him a mid second-day prospect, so to obtain him in Round 6 as a potential future replacement for Julius Peppers was phenomenal. The next pick, Marquess Wilson (No. 236), provides tons of upside. He quit on his football team at Washington State, but that may not have been entirely his fault. He has the potential to be a solid weapon for Jay Cutler down the road.

 

Overall, I'm a fan of what Chicago did, save for its first-round choice. As I did with the Giants, I'm rewarding this front office with a solid "B".

 

My only problem with the linebacker selections is they are linebackers. Those guys just aren't that vital in the pass happy world we live in. But the selections were pretty good and both guys should be able to contribute. The emphasis on guards and linebackers in the upper half is a little disappointing, giving the hierarchy of impact on either side of the ball. They had to restock the offensive line though, and hopefully they don't turn Angelo and ignore the line for the next 8 drafts. The line should at least be stable. Although I think people are being far too optimistic when it comes to talking about Long in 2013. The guy has barely played the position at all, and outside of franchise tackles, linemen typically do not start as rookies. He has a hell of a lot to learn and not much time to do it. It's not like he's some receiver you can throw in for half a dozen plays to see what he can do, he's either playing every down or sitting. I have to think he'll be sitting for a while.

 

Emery loves himself some measurables, which is fine in football but also can lead to significant underperformance. I would prefer a little more emphasis on players who make their mark on tape during the season rather than in shorts when the season is long past. Lovie's emphasis on lighter fast guys led to quality special teams play and an opportunistic bend but don't break style of defense. But it also probably played a role in an offense that could not do things like short yardage runs. Emery's desire for bigger physical freaks is probably meant for a defense that does more taking it to the opposition and maybe an offense that can score from the 1.

 

Anywho, I think I like the 6th and 7th round selections best of all, as guys with the best chance to make special plays, albeit in limited roles. Trestman is more of a spread the love kind of coach than a hardass, so he might be able to get more out of Wilson, and hopefully keeps Marshall in-line as well. But I don't know if the Bears are going to want to extend Marshall and keep him past 2014, so next draft the needs are probably going to be more on the skill position needs than this one.

Obviously Long has very limited game tape. Its not underperformed, so much as lack of any evidence. He's the guy with lack of credit as opposed to bad credit. Washington is definitely an under- performer. All the other guys, going back to last year as well I don't think I'd classify as underperformers. They all seem to have game tape to go with the measurables (at least relative to the round they are picked in, save Long, who again though isn't really an underperformer as much as a total mystery)

 

I was worried about Emery's talk of measurables early on, but after two drafts, he seems to have a reasonable balance and hopefully won't go after combine performers like Stephen Hill last year or Zavier Gooden this year; guys who's main accomplishments are running in a straight line for 40 yards and meeting some type if height/weight threshold. The 40 thing is a big one too IMO. Fans and Al Davis get wrapped up in that one measure, but all-encompassing athleticism is much more important when ysing measurables.

 

I still hope he is thorough enough to not totally exclude guys who lack the combine numbers, but can investigate where the tape and measurables don't match up.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GammonsPocketTweets]

On the Score this Morning, they mentioned Matt Bowen got some text from scouts that Long was consistently goofing off at his pro day. Of course it could be BS, but I don't think Bowen would put it out there if it wasn't credible. I still think the pick sucks and I'm not backing off that. There are too many unknowns, from his off the field concerns, to his limited playing time in college to justify him being drafted @ 20.

[Wilson A2000]

Trestman just tweeted that he wants to meet Tebow in the same hotel room that he met Cutler in and see if any 'magic' can happen

[Banedon]

Trestman just tweeted that he wants to meet Tebow in the same hotel room that he met Cutler in and see if any 'magic' can happen

 

Trestman doesn't have a twitter.

[jersey cubs fan]

So I know it'll never happen but I really wouldn't have a problem with Tebow as the Bears backup. I mean, the point of a backup is to have a guy who can come in and not lose the game on his own, or be a developing prospect. Tebow's prospect status is done, but I think you can win a game with him out there, doing his Tebowy thing once or twice a season if your starter is unavailable. I think the distraction nonsense is more talk and really just an annoyance to fans, rather than the team. It was a horrible situation for the Jets because Sanchez was so mediocre and they had just signed him to an unwarranted extension. He/they fell apart because Sanchez isn't any good, not because of distractions. The Cutler/Bears situation is different. He's better than Sanchez and he's in a show us situation for his contract. You have Trestman pour all he's got into Cutler and just have Tebow holding clipboards until the moment arises when you need him for a game, and then gameplan for his style one week.

 

I don't see that as any worse than having some other hack do his poor man's Jay Cutler impersonation and fail miserably at it.

[Banedon]

I don't think Tebow will play as a QB again. I think there might be a team willing to take him on in a different role, but I think his QB days are finished.

[Wilson A2000]

Tebow is better than most 3rd string QBs in this league. Teams don't want him cause of the hooplah. They saw what happened with the Jets. Not worth it. But if I were the Bears I'd get him as a TE. It's probably the only way he stays in the league.

[rawaction]

So I know it'll never happen but I really wouldn't have a problem with Tebow as the Bears backup. I mean, the point of a backup is to have a guy who can come in and not lose the game on his own, or be a developing prospect. Tebow's prospect status is done, but I think you can win a game with him out there, doing his Tebowy thing once or twice a season if your starter is unavailable. I think the distraction nonsense is more talk and really just an annoyance to fans, rather than the team. It was a horrible situation for the Jets because Sanchez was so mediocre and they had just signed him to an unwarranted extension. He/they fell apart because Sanchez isn't any good, not because of distractions. The Cutler/Bears situation is different. He's better than Sanchez and he's in a show us situation for his contract. You have Trestman pour all he's got into Cutler and just have Tebow holding clipboards until the moment arises when you need him for a game, and then gameplan for his style one week.

 

I don't see that as any worse than having some other hack do his poor man's Jay Cutler impersonation and fail miserably at it.

I agree. We've seen the last 2 years what the same offense that Cutler ran looks like when someone else is running it. I'd rather the back up be completely different and the Bears can gimmick their way to a win or 2 if necessary against a team that has no tape to gameplan off of.

[jersey cubs fan]

Tebow is better than most 3rd string QBs in this league. Teams don't want him cause of the hooplah. They saw what happened with the Jets. Not worth it. But if I were the Bears I'd get him as a TE. It's probably the only way he stays in the league.

 

I agree that is how 99% of league personnel would view the situation, because they are obsessive weirdos who really think the distraction would take away from their precious gameplanning. But I think it is a hollow excuse.

[UK1679666180]

I've been horrible at doing this and this year will be no different but...

 

If I was the Bears when their pick came up....

 

1) Sharrif Floyd-DT-Florida

2) Jamar Taylor- CB- Boise State

4) Johnathon Franklin RB-UCLA

5) Jeff Baca- OG UCLA

6) David Quessenberry OT- San Jose St.

7) Sean Renfree QB Duke.

[cubbyvirus00]

I've been horrible at doing this and this year will be no different but...

 

If I was the Bears when their pick came up....

 

1) Sharrif Floyd-DT-Florida

2) Jamar Taylor- CB- Boise State

4) Johnathon Franklin RB-UCLA

5) Jeff Baca- OG UCLA

6) David Quessenberry OT- San Jose St.

7) Sean Renfree QB Duke.

 

 

I liked CB Xavier Rhodes

[Wilson A2000]

Tebow is better than most 3rd string QBs in this league. Teams don't want him cause of the hooplah. They saw what happened with the Jets. Not worth it. But if I were the Bears I'd get him as a TE. It's probably the only way he stays in the league.

 

I agree that is how 99% of league personnel would view the situation, because they are obsessive weirdos who really think the distraction would take away from their precious gameplanning. But I think it is a hollow excuse.

 

But it's not just media hooplah. There was serious dissension in the locker room over Tebow. I'd prefer not to have that as a GM.

[Guest]

Tebow is better than most 3rd string QBs in this league. Teams don't want him cause of the hooplah. They saw what happened with the Jets. Not worth it. But if I were the Bears I'd get him as a TE. It's probably the only way he stays in the league.

 

I agree that is how 99% of league personnel would view the situation, because they are obsessive weirdos who really think the distraction would take away from their precious gameplanning. But I think it is a hollow excuse.

 

But it's not just media hooplah. There was serious dissension in the locker room over Tebow. I'd prefer not to have that as a GM.

 

That'll happen when you have Mark Sanchez as your starter.

 

If Cutler is playing poorly enough that there are teammates who want Tebow to play, we've got much bigger issues.

 

That said, I am not a fan of bringing Tebow in as a backup.

[rawaction]

I've been horrible at doing this and this year will be no different but...

 

If I was the Bears when their pick came up....

 

1) Sharrif Floyd-DT-Florida

2) Jamar Taylor- CB- Boise State

4) Johnathon Franklin RB-UCLA

5) Jeff Baca- OG UCLA

6) David Quessenberry OT- San Jose St.

7) Sean Renfree QB Duke.

 

I did a "what I woulda done" mock too. And a couple picks match yours.

 

1. Floyd

2. Arthur Brown

4. Kenny Stills

5. Quessenberry

6. Jordan Poyer

7. Michael Ford, rb LSU who the Bears did sign as a udfa

[Splendid Splinter]

As for Swope, the reason he fell that far is because he had like 4-6 concussions in college. Dude could turn into Jahvid Best. I would be scared to draft him.

Two, but why let facts get in the way of your argument.

 

http://collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com/2013/04/concussion-worries-drop-texas-ams-ryan-swope-to-the-hands-of-arizona-cardinals-in-sixth-round.html/

 

Dude has no fear and will go across the middle with velcro hands. If AZ ever gets a QB Swope could have a nice career with Fitzgerald taking all the attention from the DB's.

 

http://arizonasports.com/40/1630387/Cardinals-take-Texas-AM-WR-Ryan-Swope

 

And I have seen other articles saying "multiple" concussions/head injuries. You don't usually say multiple when it's 2. In any case, having at least 2 concussions already is not good for any player that is coming into the NFL and that's the main reason why he fell. That and he was overhyped based on his 40 time.

 

With that being said, I hope he does well, stay healthy, and have a long career.

[Banedon]

Tough 6-4 Loss last night for the Cubs! RT @weelios @lancebriggs what are you thought on jason collins coming out?

 

— Lance Briggs (@LanceBriggs) April 29, 2013

 

"How about those Bulls!!!" Briggs tweeted in response to a tweet that asked, 'With Jason coming out, do you think the NFL players will?"

 

Both tweets were later removed from Briggs' timeline.

[cubbyvirus00]

Excellent Howie Long interview yesterday on The Score

[jersey cubs fan]

Excellent Howie Long interview yesterday on The Score

 

Did he say the word relentless, because no interview of Howie Long is complete without the word relentless.

[jersey cubs fan]

Tough 6-4 Loss last night for the Cubs! RT @weelios @lancebriggs what are you thought on jason collins coming out?

 

— Lance Briggs (@LanceBriggs) April 29, 2013

 

"How about those Bulls!!!" Briggs tweeted in response to a tweet that asked, 'With Jason coming out, do you think the NFL players will?"

 

Both tweets were later removed from Briggs' timeline.

 

The homer in me wants to applaud his decision to actually sidestep the topic and not say something stupid about abominations, going to hell, being a sinner, the act being icky, etc.

 

I'll just try and maintain that notion.

[tfarks]

i think the linebackers the bears picked are all either pretty decent in coverage and/or good rushing the passer.

 

I came across this stat regarding Greene:

Opposing quarterbacks completed just 15 of 99 passes thrown in Greene’s area in 2012 for 88 yards.

 

You have to factor in competition there. But as a former FS who has shown ability to intercept and defend passes, he's the perfect LB to have in the pass-happy NFL. Reading more on him really tempered the concerns I had doubling down on LB. Not that it means much, but pre-draft I thought he was the Bears possible 2nd round pick, to boot.

[tfarks]

Nothing groundbreaking, but still some good insight on Kyle Long from an Oregon Ducks blogger who watched every game:

 

http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/4/30/4283056/nfl-draft-chicago-bears-kyle-long-oregon-ducks

[jersey cubs fan]

i think the linebackers the bears picked are all either pretty decent in coverage and/or good rushing the passer.

 

I came across this stat regarding Greene:

Opposing quarterbacks completed just 15 of 99 passes thrown in Greene’s area in 2012 for 88 yards.

 

You have to factor in competition there. But as a former FS who has shown ability to intercept and defend passes, he's the perfect LB to have in the pass-happy NFL. Reading more on him really tempered the concerns I had doubling down on LB. Not that it means much, but pre-draft I thought he was the Bears possible 2nd round pick, to boot.

 

he's also the least likely to play in 2013. Briggs is signed through 2014. The pressure will be on him to perform. There is nobody left here with much ties/incentive to keep Briggs, so Greene is-line to start by year 3 at the latest, maybe 2.

[Banedon]

Tough 6-4 Loss last night for the Cubs! RT @weelios @lancebriggs what are you thought on jason collins coming out?

 

— Lance Briggs (@LanceBriggs) April 29, 2013

 

"How about those Bulls!!!" Briggs tweeted in response to a tweet that asked, 'With Jason coming out, do you think the NFL players will?"

 

Both tweets were later removed from Briggs' timeline.

 

The homer in me wants to applaud his decision to actually sidestep the topic and not say something stupid about abominations, going to hell, being a sinner, the act being icky, etc.

 

I'll just try and maintain that notion.

 

Yeah, but there's also the thought that if he wanted to sidestep the issue, the better decision would've been to not reply at all. It was twitter, not a reporters mic shoved in his face.