davell

6 games of Romo and 10 of Barkley or Hoyer. That's how you should look at a Romo trade.

Badler was flat out lazy on Albertos. He said he heard about him, but didn't see a reason to research him.

http://imgur.com/a/VpfO0 The way people have talked about Amos taking a step back this year (locally in the media), I would've guessed he had graded out much worse. They loved him last year, too. 1 FF, 1 FR, and 0 INTs. They need some guys that force turnovers. To me, he IS OK as a starter, but if he's not our 3rd or 4th best DB, its probably not a team strength at least......Which is fine, as long as the front 7 produces.

Won't argue that. But if your job is on the line, you're going to do what it takes to keep it. Especially in a scenario where you can reason it out by saying next years crop of QB's obliterates this years. But if you think you're close to being a playoff team and get a guy for QB who can win you a bunch of games what's it matter how many QBs are at the top of the draft in 2018? Just my opinion, but Jackson looks like he's got a really inaccurate arm and he's pretty skinny to be running around. And I haven't looked at him a lot but I've seen a lot of people saying Browning doesn't have the arm for the NFL. Maybe the guys next year are great, but they haven't but put up to the scrutiny of how well they'll translate to the NFL. Right now, the only guys I've seen as consensus top picks without big warts are Rosen and Darnold. Maybe Josh Allen will be in there if he doesn't declare this year, maybe Falk will jump, maybe some other guys have good years. I won't pretend to be an expert on next year's QB class, but if there really are some great guys I'd anticipate them going top 5-10. I think the Bears will be drafting in the back half of round 1 if they don't draft and start a rookie (and if no huge injury wave hits). So thI n you're back to Raw's scenario of having to take the 3-5th QB on the board at the Bears pick. Maybe the 2018 QB class is so much better than the 2017 class that the 3-5th guy next year is as good as the 1-2 guy this year but that doesn't seem likely. And I probably covered this in my thousand posts yesterday, but I'm hoping Pace isn't forced to make this pick based on how hot his seat is. This ownership group hasn't been the best at identifying GM talent in the past, so I have little confidence they'd find an upgrade. As such, if hope Pace can just build his team the way that makes the most sense long term. My main point is Pace can easily look at the 3rd pick as a chance to add an impact p!ayer from Day 1. With an average to below average QB class(I may even be high on that assessment), its easy to see him taking a guy that falls to the 2nd or 3rd. Maybe even later than that, if you have Taylor. Either way, it still can allow for a 1st round QB at a later time, when his job security may be a bit safer.

Does anyone have our PFF grades?

And that would all be really short sided if you thought there was a potential franchise QB who just wasnt going to produce enough in year 1 to cool the hot seat. Won't argue that. But if your job is on the line, you're going to do what it takes to keep it. Especially in a scenario where you can reason it out by saying next years crop of QB's obliterates this years.

While I don't really have an issue with Pace, he HAS had plenty of time at this point. The team needs to show solid improvement this upcoming season. Not necessarily playoffs, but we need to look like we can get there. I'm saying this, because his seat is a bit warm now. A bad season and he could be cast aside. So, I seriously doubt he's looking at using the 3rd pick, on anything less than impact immediately. That crosses off these QB's. And I don't see great options in FA either. Taylor+ a few other adds in FA and an impact guy at 3, with another contributor or two thru the draft.....Maybe you move into playoff contention.....But, if Taylor isn't even available, I don't see the QB out there that's going to help us in 2017. Because I don't think Romo stays remotely healthy.

We need to add two starters for depth, at this point. Ross, and some semblance of a guy that can start out in Iowa.

Stan Zielinski, one of the best scouts the Cubs have, passed away unexpectedly today, per Levine.

What teams are in need of a QB enough to use a top 3 round pick on one?(Bears) Jets- This ones easy. Could see them go after a veteran though, leaving them flexibility with the draft. Bills- Assuming they get rid of Taylor, are they going to give Manuel the job? He's a FA himself. Jones? Browns- Dumpster fire, I'm confident they'll take one in the 2nd, at the latest. Maybe pick 12. Or trade for Garoppolo. Texans- Possible they take one with Osweiler looking bad. But could wait a year. Doubt they'd use an early pick anyway. Jags- I'm sure they'll give Bortles one more year and likely look towards 2018 to try again. But I could still see them taking a guy in the 2nd or 3rd, if they liked him. Saints- Time to start looking for Brees' successor? I could see them using a pick this year.....But they can wait for 2018 too. Chargers- Its time for them to look past Rivers. Still, my guess is they'll wait for 2018. 49ers- New management AND coach. They'll move on from Kaepernick. Wouldn't surprise me to see them move down and still get a guy in the 1st. Definitely will take a guy though in the early rounds.... Cardinals- Could see them take Palmers heir. At any point. So, that's 9 teams, plus the Bears. If the Redskins don't keep Cousins, I'll be shocked. If somehow they don't, then one of these other teams fills their need long term anyway. Teams likely to have a new starter in 2017 Bills, Jets, Browns, 49ers, maybe the Broncos(Bears) FA Options Glennon, Barkley, Hoyer Guys to be cut or traded for cheaply Taylor, Romo, Kaepernick, Fitzpatrick Guys that are also trade bait Garoppolo, McCarron Top 3 Round options Kizer, Trubisky, Watson, Mahomes, Webb, Josh Allen(if he declares), maybe Kayya If you look at how many options there are, its a dangerous game of musical chairs for any of the above teams that think they're trying to compete next year. The Broncos aren't going to draft another guy, but I could see them going after Romo. If they stand pat though, would the Jets or Bills be most likely to look at themselves as trying to win? If he goes anywhere, my guess is its one of those 3 teams. Based on these options, I truly don't see why Buffalo isn't happy enough with Taylor, especially for 2017. They could keep him, try and compete, and draft a guy in 2018, if they want to. Unless we keep Jay, or a team loses a QB in preseason, I'm not seeing a landing spot for him. Much less Kaepernick. Guess SF, Cleveland, or the Jets could use Cutler as a stopgap? Or they can just go younger immediately. If Garoppolo gets dealt, it takes another team off the board for need obviously. But, the reason this is important to me, is it shows that we can wait things out and still get one of this group in the 2nd or even the 3rd. To me, it makes total sense to do just that, if there's not a ton of separation in the evals. Lots can change between now and after the combine. But, as of right now, it truly doesn't sound as if ANY of these guys are NFL-ready for 2017. Nor does it seem as if there's more than a top 15 true talent level guy and all of this group appears to have 2nd round grades at worst(outside of Kayya) I didn't get much out of the shitty PC today. But I did get that the Bears are going to spend money and they know they need to win more games. To me, that doesn't lend itself to taking a QB at 3. Especially not, if its even a perceived reach. If there's not a huge separator between these guys, I can see us waiting until the 3rd to draft a guy. Because we should still see a guy or two on this list to try and groom. And with the intent of winning more games, it definitely tells me that we're using a stopgap for 2017. I can see either of Hoyer or Barkley coming back. But not as a starter. I've obviously been beating Taylor's drum. He's easily the best option, in my eyes. But, the more I look at things, the harder it gets for me to think Buffalo drops him. I agree with Goony that Romo is far from ideal for the Bears. Not saying it can't happen though. Having him to help groom our drafted guy wouldn't be horrible, I suppose. Outside of him or Taylor though.....Jay IS the best option, but I don't think he's back under any circumstance, to be honest. So, if its NOT Romo or Taylor or Jay......WTF? The rookies aren't ready, Pace likely needs a solid showing to be safe for next year(Fox likely needs a playoff appearance and will be gone). What do you guys WANT to do?

We wanted to move on from him. It'd be a long shot to see him come back to us without a guaranteed rotation spot. He's just trying to get a second year right now, from what I can tell.

Taylor, keep Alshon, Gilmore or Johnson, and Jefferson. Fill in with spare parts and the draft.

At this point, I'm fully expecting to see him dealt for a late rounder, whether we agree or not.

I can see that. Drafting Hooker would go a long way as he can be a playmaker/cover S. Adams would work too, although LSU used him more like a roaming SS/dime LB this season IIRC. There's always offering Berry the biggest contract for a S option too. I think Pace would rather go for a Tony Jefferson type in FA and let Amos/etc battle it out for the other starting spot. Is there any good man cover CB in FA this offseason? Maybe Gilmore? Trumaine Johnson?

I love the trade down. Hate the idea they like Leno and Massie. I'll raise that idea though.....I'd trade down again. Move to 11-12 and pick up ANOTHER 2nd. I'm not sure I'd like TWO CB rookies. But, at 11 or 12, you're still able to address the defensive backfield. Non zero chance that Humphrey or Lattimore falls there. Maybe Wilson falls down that far? If ALL of them are gone? You're certainly able to take one of Hooker, Adams, or Peppers. And if the entirety of the draft becomes DB's, then a guy like Barnett is still there and a great fit. Watson, Trubisky, Mahomes, or whoever......We'll hopefully like a QB enough to pull the trigger. If so, I'd be excited at that point. King is excellent value and I would suspect the extra mid second in my scenario could go towards a WR, or more DB help, if we take something other than that at 11 or 12......

After seeing the Padres punishment, if this winds up being anything more than a fine, I'll be pleasantly surprised. I cared much more before we decided to be the best team in baseball. Punishing them now is the equivalent of running over an already limping, disease infected rodent. It was dying anyway. I'd rather watch the slow death in this case.

Rajai to the A's for one year and 6 mill.

If Cutler is back, its because we had no better options that make sense for 2017. As much as I want Taylor, there's a real chance he's going to be expensive enough that he's not considered a stopgap. Cousins is a non realistic option. Washington will franchise him again, at worst. If they attempt to trade him, it puts us back in the same spot as when we traded for Jay. Except with arguably less talent surrounding him. So, that's out. I don't even SEE another option for 2017. None of the guys in the draft are NFL-ready. They're better off sitting. Its a matter of projection with them anyway. Is Kizer hands down the best of this group in 5 years? Hell no. I've got a sneaking suspicion that NONE of this group goes in the top 10. Which helps us out, because I feel confident that we'll have options at 36.....Who? No idea, but outside of Kizer, I could see any single one of them dropping to that spot. Trubisky, Watson, Webb, Mahomes......And its beauty in the eye of the beholder, because I seriously doubt there's going to be a consensus. I hope Allen turns pro too, partially because it just makes it that much likelier one more of that listed group is available to us at 36. If we wait and take a Kayya type in the 4th? I'm OK with that too. Because if we don't see the improvement out of him, it doesn't preclude us from using our 1st on what appears to be a far superior group of QB's in 2018.

Rubby signed a minor league deal and is staying in Arizona. Good chance his arm is falling off if he's settling for a minor league deal.

Excessive use of an exclamation point, if I've ever seen one. But imagining that somewhere, there's a dude that just fist pumped in seeing that tweet, is kind of funny.

Not sure where I read it today, but someone said Garoppolo could net a 3rd Round pick, with a conditional pick the following year that could range from a 1st to a 4th, based on performance. I think that's reasonable, at least. I'd prefer to stay away from him though and let the Pats fleece someone else.

"Out of the loop?" Or with the state of the Bears, does "Not giving a flying horsefeathers about the NFL" work?

I can see looking at it that way. It makes sense honestly. I'm not sure I'm sold on the front 7 being that high though, with Trevathan a question mark. I think you have to look at the O-Line as a whole, if you're looking at it this way and if you do, its bottom half. The secondary is a train wreck. And skill position-wise, we're bottom half too. Even with Alshon we're probably that, considering how important QB is. So, to me, the front 7 is maybe top half. Secondary is bottom 5. And the O-Line and skill position sets are each bottom half too. Its not a dire situation though, even if my grading is correct. The front 7 could be upgraded with a single addition of relative impact. O-Line falls into the same category. If we lose Alshon, its going to be really tough to change the position player outlook(Taylor would certainly help though). And while the secondary is awful, its the strength of the FA class and the draft too.

A lot of those needs are either/or propositions. 2 CBs aren't necessary. 1 good one would be sufficient. The Bears have some young guys that have shown various levels of promise. Callahan, Hall, Fuller, LeBlanc. Then Porter has shown to be serviceable for the most part. Same goes for just 1 safety. The Bears have Amos, Bush, and Jones-Quartey who are all SS's. Put them next to a good FS and let the best man win the job. I don't think the Bears need a DE and a NT. They play nickel with 2 DL 60% of the time. Goldman and Hicks are going to get the most snaps (if healthy). Bullard hopefully will step up and be the 3rd part of that rotation. In the base D, you can either add a DE (better than Bullard) or add a NT and move Goldman to DE (I like this idea). OLB isn't a huge "need". Another one would be nice as McPhee missed a lot of the year and Young is over 30. But not something they have to go crazy for. Same with TE. Miller has an injury history, but it's not a hugely important position. WR isn't a need if you re-sign Jeffery. I kept looking back at this and I agreed at first. But then I started looking position by position. How many spots do the Bears even have an upper half of the league player at currently? I'll say on offense that you've got Howard, Long, Sitton, and Whitehair. Jeffery would be, but we aren't sure if he's a Bear in 2017. Anyone else fit into that criteria? I'm not seeing it. On D, its tough to do. Freeman is. And that's all that I consider a definite currently. Trevathan would be, but his injury makes it very likely for him to not be in 2017. Goldman and Floyd? I can buy it, but without looking, I'd say its probably not likely. Hicks? McPhee? Maybe? They're definitely solid players. At any rate, some of our needs can't just be addressed by strength in numbers of subpar players. I'm definitely hoping for 3 new defensive backfield starters. A DE or OLB needs to be added, but not necessarily a starter. Same with a NT. QB certainly needs to be addressed. But I'm not sold on using 3 on one, by any stretch. WR is a true need if Alshon is gone. If he stays, its not much of one. Miller is OK, but TE could be addressed too. Leno and Massie are probably a bottom 10 tandem of OT's. Given the importance of the position, that could certainly use a true upgrade. QB, CB, S, OT, S, CB, DE/OLB, DT.....WR is 4th, if we lose Alshon, 8th if he stays. And maybe its just because of today, but using a vet QB in 2017 and trying to get your franchise guy in 2018, looks like a good idea to me. The class looks much stronger and we're very likely going to be in position to take one then too. Trade back towards the bottom of the top 10, add some more picks. Take a QB in 2,3, or 4. Should still be able to add an impact player to the defensive backfield or O-Line in that area and maybe hit on an additional good player or two with the extra picks.

That pick is 12th now, I think. Moving from 12 to 3 is extremely valuable. I know the trade value chart isn't perfect, but its a decent measuring stick. For Cleveland to go from 12 to 3, it'd take BOTH 33 and 53, with a 5th too, in order to be close. That's unfortunately the true issue though.....If Cleveland wants Garappolo, they've got much more ammo to grab him. That said, my guess is they don't have to deal 12. They can move back into the 20s, accumulate more pics, and deal a pick in the 20's for him. Or just deal their pair of 2nds. I doubt he's going to cost much more than that. But who knows? 12th seems like way too much to me though.