Chicago Bears Offseason Thread (the tank must payoff)

[Old Style]

1 minute ago, minnesotacubsfan said:

I read that Wright shut Anderson down, basically man/kid style. And I'll reiterate that RT's are as valuable as LT's, so I can buy the idea that Poles and Co thought he was the best tackle option. But damn...Carter

 

 

I would have been happy with him too but clearly someone (or many people) in the Bears organization saw too many red flags.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

1 hour ago, jersey cubs fan said:

They are definitely more interested in future assets than actually acquiring football players.

Remember when the Panthers wanted to give us DJ Moore and we insisted it had to be another first round pick.

[raw]

32 minutes ago, raw said:

So, I'm going to assume that ownership wasn't OK with Carter. Which if you're Poles, not much you can do about that. The last couple days with the "the buzz is Carter to the Bears at 9", I felt that was signaling that the Bears were inviting teams AKA Philly to trade up ahead of them. It just felt like there was some disagreement within the organization on Carter and they really were kind of hoping they didn't have to make that decision. 

NGL, I was hoping Carter would be the pick. The potential to trade down from the #1 pick AND potentially still get arguably the best player in the draft was too good to be true to me. I get the off-field and motor concerns, but DTs who bust don't get the GM fired. I think that aspect of the pick was overstated. Carter was a risk, but definitely a worthy one, IMO.

That being said, the Wright pick is fine. This pick along with insisting Moore be in the Carolina trade shows a clear investment in Justin Fields at the QB position. It's a safe pick. It's as "win now" as a draft pick can be. He doesn't have the most upside of the top tackles in the draft, but he's probably most ready to play the position he most recently played of all of the tackles. Paris and Jones were 1-year starters. Skoronski is maybe not even a LT at all. So Wright was the anti-Braxton Jones in that you aren't hoping you have something on the bookend. You probably have a solid, yet talented protection for your QB. There's obviously nothing wrong with that. But it also makes me a little upset that there was not more done last year to get Fields solid, yet talented protection. 

That also being said, I hope the motivation for the pick wasn't because Wright was "safe". I hope he wasn't prioritized because they are so into Braxton and looked at Wright being a RT as an easy way to avoid any controversy about who would play on the left and right sides. But it all comes back to Poles blatantly ignoring help for Fields last year, now he's potentially chasing positions instead of talent. 

Don't want to come off like I don't like this pick. Not really fair to complain that Poles didn't do enough to help Fields last year and then be upset by helping Fields now. I like Wright a lot. There is a legit argument for him as the top OT in this class. I dont really do overall rankings, but ballparking, he would have been less than a 10 pick reach. He was a close OT3 for me and I wouldn't have had Paris Johnson in my top 10 players either.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

So much angst over a guy who couldn't finish his pro day because he was too out of shape.

[gflore34]

10 minutes ago, Hairyducked Idiot said:

So much angst over a guy who couldn't finish his pro day because he was too out of shape.

In addition to, for all his reported talent and ability, not exactly dominating on the field.  Believe that would be troublesome for most GM's.  Maybe he'll be just fine, Eagles have drafted and developed well, but, look at other players. Will Anderson - he backed up all the high ratings, etc. by dominating on the field.   

Edited April 28, 2023 by gflore34

[BigbadB]

Stories are leaking now that the Georgia coaching staff were not fans at all of Jalen Carter. They chose to wait until after he was picked to speak out so as not to hurt his draft chances, but I'm sure any GM that called them directly found out just how much they weren't fans. I'm fine with Poles going a different direction. 

[Outshined_One]

With Carter, I've had the sense that he might be a guy who needs a really specific locker room to thrive.  Remember, 8 other teams passed on him.  It could well be that the Eagles turn him into a HOF-caliber guy and there's non-stop whining about passing on Carter for the next two decades, but if Carter needs a team that has veteran leadership and an experienced coaching staff to get him motivated and keep him motivated, then I don't think it would have worked out for the Bears.

Maybe it's sour grapes, but I can understand the justifications for passing on him due to character/motivation issues.

[jersey cubs fan]

How do we post a poll? I’d be curious to see how many people think the bears will draft a qb in the first round next season. I think the odds are higher than whatever the baseline assumption is. Poles has been so cautious while building this team, and is set up to either draft very early if Fields shits the bed, or at least trade up toward the top if he’s okay but not good enough to overcome a garbage defense. 
 

technically they’ve given Fields the weapons (although rb remains weak), and line help, but they haven’t done what Philly, Jax, or Miami did for their QBs. It’s been measured. I’ve thought the way he ran the first offseason was a huge disservice to Fields. And everything he’s done this offseason leaves open the possibility they go in a new direction as soon as next April. 

[Transmogrified Tiger]

3 minutes ago, jersey cubs fan said:

How do we post a poll? I’d be curious to see how many people think the bears will draft a qb in the first round next season.

When you click to create a new topic, poll is one of the options: 

[jersey cubs fan]

[Hairyducked Idiot]

Isn't that just asking if you think Fields is a bust?

I dunno.  There's a large, vocal majority of Bears fans who seem to think there's zero chance of that.  

[jersey cubs fan]

1 minute ago, Hairyducked Idiot said:

Isn't that just asking if you think Fields is a bust?

I dunno.  There's a large, vocal majority of Bears fans who seem to think there's zero chance of that.  

I think it’s a little more nuanced. I think this team is looking like it could be an average offense with a bad defense that will need elite QB play to win games. If Fields is merely good, but flawed, they could lose 10 or 11 games and you’ll hear a lot of talk of needing to replace him. 
 

I don’t think that’s bust territory. But it could be not good enough to invest in territory.  And poles could fall in love with a draftee. He’ll have the capital to trade up. 

[gflore34]

7 minutes ago, Hairyducked Idiot said:

Isn't that just asking if you think Fields is a bust?

I dunno.  There's a large, vocal majority of Bears fans who seem to think there's zero chance of that.  

Nor do I, it appears the line is going to be drastically improved, the WR and TE rooms are improved, its set up for Fields to take a major step forward in the passing game.  If that doesn't happen and, there's a non-zero chance it may not happen, it's time to start looking for a QB.

[CubinNY]

17 minutes ago, jersey cubs fan said:

I think it’s a little more nuanced. I think this team is looking like it could be an average offense with a bad defense that will need elite QB play to win games. If Fields is merely good, but flawed, they could lose 10 or 11 games and you’ll hear a lot of talk of needing to replace him. 
 

I don’t think that’s bust territory. But it could be not good enough to invest in territory.  And poles could fall in love with a draftee. He’ll have the capital to trade up. 

If Fields puts up great numbers, like top 10-15 in yards, TDs, completion %, etc., cuts down on the sacs, and the offense scores a lot of points, but the defense cannot stop anyone. Wouldn't people be able to separate that? 

I think a more likely outcome is that he's basically the same guy with fewer sacs and more passing yardage. If he still has problems with the swing passes and short-yardage accuracy but is able to hit on long passes and can still get yards with his legs, the Bears are in a tough situation. 

[Tim]

If Fields is the same guy but with more yardage and fewer sacks, he's going to be one hell of a QB. 

[UMFan83]

Draft grades are utterly meaningless but since I'm looking at them you have to also

NFL.com - A

Quote

Draft pick

• Tennessee OT Darnell Wright (No. 10 overall)

 

Analysis: General manager Ryan Poles made the best of a disappointing 2022 campaign, trading out of the top overall pick in exchange for three premium selections (a 2023 second-round pick, 2024 first and 2015 second). They moved back again, swapping spots with the Eagles at No. 10 while adding a 2024 fourth-round selection, to take Wright, who worked himself into a top-10 pick after moving from left to right tackle last fall. His ability to move defenders off the snap and find targets in space will be used immediately by the Bears.

PFF - "Average"

Quote

Pick Grade: Average

Wright fills a need for the Bears, but he is just the 22nd-ranked player on the PFF draft board. He produced a PFF grade of just 71.4 in 2022 but has some really good reps on tape where he just overpowers people. He allowed just eight total pressures in 2022.

CBS - B+

Quote

He's a violent player who fills a major need at right tackle. They have to protect better in front of Justin Fields and he will help that. Wright shut down Will Anderson, which was impressive to watch. 

The Athletic - D-

Quote

Duh Bears

The Bears had an NFL-low 20 sacks, ranked 31st in total defense and had a major need along the defensive line, especially at Matt Eberflus’ coveted 3-technique spot. Instead, Chicago opted for a right tackle in the draft’s most questionable early move.

GM Ryan Poles was a former offensive lineman and has tried to rebuild his roster on the O-line first. And Wright will help, but the Bears have nothing on the defensive line. Absolutely nothing.

Wright started at three different positions along Tennessee’s offensive line over four seasons but played his best football last fall at right tackle. In the Vols’ quick-tempo, big-strike scheme, Wright was forced to block some of the country’s top edge rushers and didn’t allow a sack in 2022. He’s physical and nasty but still has room to grow in his technique to become an upper-level offensive lineman.

At the combine, Wright (6-5 3/8, 333) ran the 40 in 5.01 seconds and recorded an 82-inch wingspan. His arm length (33 ¾) suggests he could slide to left tackle if necessary, but based on his performance and fit at right tackle, that appears his best position going forward.

Bleacher Report - B+

Quote

Strengths: Big, powerful run-blocker with impressive balance in pass set, strong punch with ability to quickly reestablish hands

Weaknesses: Can be a little sluggish with movement, tendency to lunge and play a little wide with hands and feet

Tennessee's Darnell Wright is the top right tackle in this year's draft class.

The designation used to be a slight when compared to the historically more valuable spot on the left side. But today's NFL is different. A team must be able to protect its quarterbacks on both sides, since premium pass-rushers move up and down the line of scrimmage to expose weaknesses.

Lane Johnson signing a one-year, $33.5 million contract extension generates more value for the position than ever. Granted, Johnson is the best at his specific spot. Even so, his value to the Philadelphia Eagles based on an elite performance shows how the position can affect roster construction.

Wright excelled last season when he moved back to his natural spot and didn't allow a single sack, per Pro Football Focus. The 6'5", 333-pound blocker covered the Volunteers' blind side the previous year, but he's better on the strong side. He's big, powerful and good at using his length to run defenders around and past his quarterback.

"I've had more experience on that side," Wright explained. "I've been through two full training camps at right tackle. It's just what I've done the most."

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles almost certainly heard what everyone said during last year's draft when he chose to bypass offensive help for quarterback Justin Fields to select a cornerback and safety with the team's top two draft picks.

Unsurprisingly, the Bears offense struggled and Fields tried to shoulder the entire unit. To be fair, Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker turned out to be excellent players. Yet, prioritization is important when building a roster.

After moving back for a second time in this year's draft, the former owners of the No. 1 overall pick were finally comfortable enough to select Wright, who should immediately take over at right tackle to help protect Fields, open holes in the run game and serve as a tone-setter for the entire offense.

A ripple effect occurs, too. Teven Jenkins doesn't need to move to right tackle. He can stay at right guard. Thus, the starting five should be set and could finally come together and make life a little easier on Fields.

 

[UMFan83]

So assuming Wright can start Week 1, what does the Bears line look like?

LT - Braxton Jones

LG - Tevin Jenkins

C - Cody Whitehair

RG - Nate Davis

RT - Darnell Wright

Depth: Patrick, Borom, Leatherwood

Obviously still the rest of the draft to go and likely another wave of FA to add to that.

I don't hate that line?

Edited April 28, 2023 by UMFan83

[David]

As someone who was pissed we didn't take Carter (but not that we took Wright), that Athletic grade is obscenely dumb.

 

Who the hell is Scott Dochterman? (Apparently, a CFB writer for The Athletic, but I was asking rhetorically)

[apete6]

30 minutes ago, UMFan83 said:

So assuming Wright can start Week 1, what does the Bears line look like?

LT - Braxton Jones

LG - Tevin Jenkins

C - Cody Whitehair

RG - Nate Davis

RT - Darnell Wright

Depth: Patrick, Borom, Leatherwood

Obviously still the rest of the draft to go and likely another wave of FA to add to that.

I don't hate that line?

It's an acceptable line. People are clamoring for a new center, but both Whitehair and Patrick are better at C than probably literally anyone we have on the D-line is at their position. Unless that is rectified in the draft and/or with training camp cuts, the offense will have to put up 30 points per game to even be competitive next year as their D line is one of the worst position groups in the entire NFL.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

50 minutes ago, UMFan83 said:

So assuming Wright can start Week 1, what does the Bears line look like?

LT - Braxton Jones

LG - Tevin Jenkins

C - Cody Whitehair

RG - Nate Davis

RT - Darnell Wright

Depth: Patrick, Borom, Leatherwood

Obviously still the rest of the draft to go and likely another wave of FA to add to that.

I don't hate that line?

I would be ok with drafting a center today to challenge whitehair, but yeah.

 

J think the bears offense has a chance to be very, very good 

[Hairyducked Idiot]

19 minutes ago, apete6 said:

It's an acceptable line. People are clamoring for a new center, but both Whitehair and Patrick are better at C than probably literally anyone we have on the D-line is at their position. Unless that is rectified in the draft and/or with training camp cuts, the offense will have to put up 30 points per game to even be competitive next year as their D line is one of the worst position groups in the entire NFL.

You're right but I'm not sorry for loving it.

 

I would be surprised if we didn't throw DL a bone though today 

[CubinNY]

Yes, I think rounds 2-4 will be defense heavy. 

[Outshined_One]

Any thoughts on trading back into the 30s?  It shouldn't be too difficult to move up from 53 and keep 61, and there are some really intriguing options (particularly at DL) who probably won't last.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

Just now, Outshined_One said:

Any thoughts on trading back into the 30s?  It shouldn't be too difficult to move up from 53 and keep 61, and there are some really intriguing options (particularly at DL) who probably won't last.

Wouldn't be my first choice, but I won't riot if we do.

We made 11 draft choices last season, and had four UDFAs get at least 10 games. All those guys are still here, and now we are set to make 10 draft choices.  They aren't going to be short on fresh bodies.

[David]

I hate this greenberg aggregator clown and normally would post the original source but I'm not sure where Rapaport said it