The Bears offseason

[raw]

2nd weakest schedule hypothetically helps, but its the NFL and things an move quick, so who knows. I think a WC isn't out of reach though. Staying healthy and not having any drop off from Gase to Loggains will be key. The D will at least keep us in most games with coaching and with the talent infusion, could actually become the team's strength. Special teams... not as confident with that coaching but we have a lot more options at returner this year and we may finally have some decent experience from ST contributors.

 

In reality, this is pretty much how I feel without my Cubs fueled sports bravado.

 

Well, if the Bears schedule is easy, the rest of the division will have easy schedules too as the teams only differ by 2 opponents. And 2 of the other 3 teams were playoff teams last year, with 1 of them getting back an elite player (Nelson). But I think there's a chance the Bears can pull it off. Fox has a history of big jumps in his 2nd year. And the Bears lost 7 games by 1 score. Going from possibly the worst front 7 in the league to what should be a top half group could win a lot of those close games this year.

[raw]

Also not sure if it was mentioned during the draft, but I guess after the first trade down in the second, Spriggs was our guy. Once GB jumped us that prompted the second trade down. While Spriggs has LT potential, I like Whitehair better overall so I think that worked out well.

 

The Bears also tried to trade with Dallas to jump in front of SD to draft TE, Hunter Henry....who the Chargers did end up taking. I'm kinda glad that didn't happen. I like Henry, but not enough to have given up picks for him.

[jersey cubs fan]

I wasn't all that happy with the trade up for Floyd but in general I think I really like this draft probably because of the volume of picks plus getting a potential 2016 o line starter.

 

It looks like the plan is to shutout as many teams as possible and then not screw up on offense. It's going to be ugly but could be fruitful at least against the mediocre teams.

 

They are extremely thin at offensive skill positions. They are going to need cutler and the line to carry them.

[WrigleyField 22]

I wasn't all that happy with the trade up for Floyd but in general I think I really like this draft probably because of the volume of picks plus getting a potential 2016 o line starter.

 

It looks like the plan is to shutout as many teams as possible and then not screw up on offense. It's going to be ugly but could be fruitful at least against the mediocre teams.

 

They are extremely thin at offensive skill positions. They are going to need cutler and the line to carry them.

While they are a little thinner skill wise with the loss of Forte and Bennett, they also dealt with a lot of injuries last year and basically counted on their offense doing just enough, which it often did based on our margin of loss, as raw pointed out. So a lot will come down to coaching, which is a question mark with the loss of Gase. However getting on the other side of the injury bug could help immensely too. Was never realistic to rebuild team depth that quickly. Starting with the line and D as Pace has done is good for me.

[raw]

I wasn't all that happy with the trade up for Floyd but in general I think I really like this draft probably because of the volume of picks plus getting a potential 2016 o line starter.

 

It looks like the plan is to shutout as many teams as possible and then not screw up on offense. It's going to be ugly but could be fruitful at least against the mediocre teams.

 

They are extremely thin at offensive skill positions. They are going to need cutler and the line to carry them.

 

I don't understand people being even remotely upset about the trade up. They moved up 2 spots and gave up a 4th (which they got back in 24 hours) for a guy they wanted that the Giants 100% would have taken based on all reports. The Bears identified a group of players as elite, a notch above the others and they got the last of that group. Not counting the QBs, that group was Elliott, Buckner, Ramsey, Bosa, Floyd, and maybe Stanley. Floyd was the last of that group and clearly they liked him more than guys like Hargreaves, Lawson and Rankins.

 

I also wouldn't say I agree with your other points. I think the offense will try and do plenty. I also don't think they're THAT thin, but there's going to be a lot of "hoping" with this group. You gotta hope the OTs hold up. Hope Jeffery and Royal stay healthy. Hope White is ready to have a huge role. Hope Langford is the guy he flashed to be when Forte was out last year. Hope Miller stays healthy. I do think it's going to be a heavy run and short pass team though. But the Bears do have a decent group of guys who you can get the ball to early and let them make plays in Jeffery, White, Royal, and Langford. Not a lot of different weapons but if White is really as close to Amari Cooper as he is supposed to be, he and Jeffery will be about as good as it gets in this league as a combo.

[Sammy Sofa]

So seeing as I paid basically no attention to the draft outside of the crazy "hacking" story, how are the experts/analysts generally grading the Bears' picks?

[David]

So seeing as I paid basically no attention to the draft outside of the crazy "hacking" story, how are the experts/analysts generally grading the Bears' picks?

 

I believe PFF loved our draft overall until our last two 4th rounders yesterday and they loved our 5th. Gabriel and Hub loved the lanky corner we picked in the 4th out of that Iowa school. That's all I know off the top of my head.

 

Reviews were mixed among analysts on Floyd, but I trust Fox/Fangio on that one.

[David]

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blo...-all-32-teams/

 

 

NFC NORTH

 

Chicago Bears, A-

1 (9) (from Tampa Bay) Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia

2 (56) (from Seattle) Cody Whitehair, G, Kansas State

3 (72) Jonathan Bullard, DE, Florida

4 (113) (from Philadelphia via Tennessee) Nick Kwiatkoski, ILB, West Virginia

4 (124) (from Seattle) Deon Bush, S, Miami

4 (127) (from New England) Deiondre’ Hall, CB, Northern Iowa

5 (150) Jordan Howard, RB, Indiana

6 (185) DeAndre Houston-Carson, S, William & Mary

7 (230) Daniel Braverman, WR, Western Michigan

 

Day 1: Chicago made the move to get Floyd, who brings a versatile threat to their defense. He can rush the passer off the edge (fifth-highest grade in the class at +28.9), and he showed well against the run at +18.4. Floyd played more of a traditional linebacker role early in 2015 and took to it well, and that should only add to his ability to line up all over the defense to create mismatches.

 

Day 2: A first-round talent on our draft board, Whitehair was the top-graded offensive tackle in the nation in 2015, and he can play any of the offensive line positions with his strong hands. Bullard posted the nation’s top grade against the run at +51.5, and his athleticism gives him upside potential to increase his +7.8 pass-rush grade. Like Whitehair, he brings versatility, as he can line up all across the defensive line.

 

Day 3: Kwiatkoski can set up his teammates in the run game while showing adequate in coverage. His +29.8 overall grade ranked eighth in the class. Howard is a strong downhill runner, though he’s capable of running in any scheme and his +21.8 run grade ranked fourth in the class. Braverman is one of the best slots in the draft, capable of creating separation and adding strong after-the-catch ability. His 3.27 yards per route from the slot led the class.

[David]

I'm about as excited for training camp as I can be in a May, following a 6-10 season, that sees the Cubs as a juggernaut the likes of which nobody alive has ever seen the Cubs be. Edited May 1, 2016 by David

[Sammy Sofa]

I saw someone post that CBS Sports gave them an A, if that means anything at all.

[David]

this is a fun video. a little bit of film on floyd starting at about 15:25. also shows how much georgia moved him around which affected his sack production.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWP20SgzdUg

[jersey cubs fan]

I wasn't all that happy with the trade up for Floyd but in general I think I really like this draft probably because of the volume of picks plus getting a potential 2016 o line starter.

 

It looks like the plan is to shutout as many teams as possible and then not screw up on offense. It's going to be ugly but could be fruitful at least against the mediocre teams.

 

They are extremely thin at offensive skill positions. They are going to need cutler and the line to carry them.

 

I don't understand people being even remotely upset about the trade up. They moved up 2 spots and gave up a 4th (which they got back in 24 hours) for a guy they wanted that the Giants 100% would have taken based on all reports. The Bears identified a group of players as elite, a notch above the others and they got the last of that group. Not counting the QBs, that group was Elliott, Buckner, Ramsey, Bosa, Floyd, and maybe Stanley. Floyd was the last of that group and clearly they liked him more than guys like Hargreaves, Lawson and Rankins.

 

I also wouldn't say I agree with your other points. I think the offense will try and do plenty. I also don't think they're THAT thin, but there's going to be a lot of "hoping" with this group. You gotta hope the OTs hold up. Hope Jeffery and Royal stay healthy. Hope White is ready to have a huge role. Hope Langford is the guy he flashed to be when Forte was out last year. Hope Miller stays healthy. I do think it's going to be a heavy run and short pass team though. But the Bears do have a decent group of guys who you can get the ball to early and let them make plays in Jeffery, White, Royal, and Langford. Not a lot of different weapons but if White is really as close to Amari Cooper as he is supposed to be, he and Jeffery will be about as good as it gets in this league as a combo.

Because I don't buy Floyd as worthy of trading up for. He's quite flawed.

 

I also thought they should have had the balls to draft Tunsil there.

 

I'm not pissed at the situation, just not in love with it either.

[weis21]

goodness

 

[vine]https://vine.co/v/iAZgvn6g3uz[/vine]

jerk

[CaliforniaRaisin]

So seeing as I paid basically no attention to the draft outside of the crazy "hacking" story, how are the experts/analysts generally grading the Bears' picks?

 

I mostly saw a lot of grades in the B range (but I didn't really pay close attention or compile the grades; that feels like something UMFan is better suited to do). The opinions on Floyd were mixed but most loved trading down later to add more picks while still getting well regarded players.

[BigbadB]

Between the shift from 4-3 to 3-4, I didn't feel like they fully shifted to a group that was best suited for the new 3-4 defense last year, so they weren't fully prepared at every position to be the force that Fangio envisions. This offseason, they clearly expressed the desire to finish the job of completing the transition.

 

The depth on defense is going to cause fits for opposing offenses. I have zero complaints about loading up on defense. I can't imagine anyone not being excited to see these guys together on the field. So many good playmakers and tons of depth at each position.

 

The offense will be interesting. I'm not excited and I'm not disappointed. Gone are Forte and Bennett. It remains to be seen whether their replacements can be as effective. Still some question marks about how good the two starting Tackles will be. The receiver corps should be a monster improvement this year with the addition of White and returning everyone else back to full health.

 

I sorta agree with Jersey that it would have been great to get Tunsil, because the true hope is that the 6-10 record from last year was the rebuild year and we won't be able to pick that low again for quite some time, and grabbing the best LT in the draft (having fallen that low) would have solidified that position for many years.

 

It's weed, which is perfectly legal in some states. These kids are young and stupid. He owned up that it was him in the picture, and it's probably a lie if the claim that it was a long time ago, because the photo looked like the same diamond earrings he had on at the draft. But so what. Just because Josh Gordon or Justin Blackmon continue to do stupid stuff over and over doesn't automatically mean someone else is going to do the same because they got caught once. I would have taken Tunsil with that pick without moving up. With that said, Floyd seems like a guy who could add some weight and strength and eventually compare to an Aldon Smith type, so I'm trusting they got their man with that pick.

[David]

[tweet]

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[David]

I'm not a big fan of Hub, but I think he's pretty spot on here

 

http://www.profootballweekly.com/2016/05/01/hub-arkush-why-after-two-drafts-chicago-bears-gm-ryan-pace-knows-what-hes-doing/a5yqxss/

[Guest]

:)

I wasn't all that happy with the trade up for Floyd but in general I think I really like this draft probably because of the volume of picks plus getting a potential 2016 o line starter.

 

It looks like the plan is to shutout as many teams as possible and then not screw up on offense. It's going to be ugly but could be fruitful at least against the mediocre teams.

 

They are extremely thin at offensive skill positions. They are going to need cutler and the line to carry them.

 

Cutler's going to have Jeffery and White. They'll be fine.

[David]

Bears release Rolle

[jersey cubs fan]

I don't like cuttin slauson at all

[David]

I don't like cuttin slauson at all

Wtf...we did that?

 

Hate hate hate

[WrigleyField 22]

Hrmpf :?

[WrigleyField 22]

That was decent coin we just saved between those two.. Can we still trade for Wilkerson now?

[WrigleyField 22]

QB: Cutler, Hoyer, Fales

RB: Langford, Rodgers, Howard, Carey, Perry

TE: Miller, Lee, Housler, Braunecker

WR: Jeffery, Royal, Braverman, Thompson, Meredith

WR: White, Wilson, Mariani, Bellamy

LT: Leno, Becton

LG: Whitehair, Ramirez

C: Larsen, Grasu

RG: Long

RT: Massie, Fabaluje

DE: Hicks, Ferguson, Unrein

NT: Goldman, Gaston

DE: Bullard, Sutton, Washington

OLB: Floyd, Young, Acho

ILB: Trevanthan, Jones, Barrow, Timu

ILB: Freeman, Kwiatkoski, Anderson

OLB: McPhee, Houston

CB: Fuller, McManis, Callahan, Glenn

CB: Porter, Hall, Hurst

FS: Amos, Houston-Carson, Bolden, Jefferson

SS: Bush, Jones-Quartey, Prosinski

[WrigleyField 22]

Some twitter talk that there are health concerns with Slauson as the reason for the cut.