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I listed the top three picks. not hiding anything. Urlacher and Brown were taken the year before Gabriel was head of scouting. His record is right there, and it's really awful. Well, I respect your right to have an opinion, just as you do mine, but since we disagree we dont share the same opinions, and that's fine too. I promise Im not attacking you, but I think Gabriel is a fool, and i think we need a LT. And its totally cool if you disagree. I like what youre trying to do here - find some objective metric to prove who won the debate. The only thing is, Im not predicting what the Bears WILL do, but what I think they SHOULD do. So there will be a reckoning over the season (or two) that will sort out whether Jones will work out, or Banks etc - we will see how Ersery and Campbell does wherever he lands etc. But I wont say the draft outcome proves who is right, but I do agree that the next couple of years will? I try to read what I can, and then relate it to what I see on tape. I did post a few short highlight reels here so people can see what Banks and Campbell actually look like, how much smoother Banks is etc - but the point youve made that a 2 min film doesnt tell the story is absolutely right. I think I put a disclaimer on my post too, because I agree with that. But I watch 3 or 4 game halves against quality opponents (top pick DEs) and I see every snap of those halves. I see a lot - and no one is perfect, so I see the failures too. The question I ask myself is what are the attributes I see. What style do they have. Where are their talents and can the weaknesses be coached out or are they fundamental. For example Banks may get beaten at times, but there is no pattern to it. Campbell gets his ass kicked on hand fighting constantly. Banks has great body position and anchors well, Campbell plays high on every snap. He is strong, but NFL players will take that inherent advantage away, and I think Campbell's poor technique will be exposed where Banks will grow and mature because his fundamentals are solid. He just turned 21 too, so he is young. Roushar will be great for him. None of that gets into sportswriter articles. I honestly doubt how much film they actually even watch. I dont think a sportwriters job is to find and tell the truth. I think it's to get eyeballs, so they play in the narratives like making Marvel sequels to a crowd that's already shown an appetite for those stories. I love the TTNL guys this time of year, because they watch film, and he includes his dad who was a college head coach and was offered positions as OL coach on several NFL teams. I listen to what he says to look at on the film, and over the years Ive educated my eye, especially on the OL, to know what to look for. Now that doesnt mean I agree with everything they say. They like Campbell more than I do. about 15% of the time, I think "that wasnt as bad (or good) an example as what theyre saying" so its a give and take. And over the time with all that watching, I develop an opinion. And it's MY opinion. It well could be wrong, I'm certain it has flaws, but it is earned in hours of watching tape. So I know WHY I think something. I can't just read what writers say and regurgitate to each other (or to be fair, are contrarian on too) and think I know anything. And to me, the perfect example is Membou. These same writers had him as a 2nd or 3rd round pick to convert to guard. Then he shows some athleticism, runs a fast 40 (what does that have to do with playing OT?) and suddenly he's everyone's favorite. That's just reacting to numbers. When I see him on tape I see him give up on plays, his heart isn't in it. I see a Nate Davis in the making. No combine number measures that. So, we disagree on a bunch of things. I suspect that if you saw what I saw, we might agree more. So we disagree on players, and even how to bring in information to make decisions BUT you have every right to your opinion, and no one knows everything (meaning I dont!) so Im not trying to fight or disrespect you. I DO disagree with what you say, but not with you as a person. And lastly I will say that the few things weve argued about before that got heated were about players and coaches already in the NFL with NFL tape on them. When I got dogmatic early about Leno, Fields and Eberflus, I felt I KNEW I was right. And I think time has showed that I was. But I dont have that kind of certainty on any draft picks that haven't played in the NFL yet. I have strong opinions, but I am not convinced that I am RIGHT the way I have been a few times after seeing a couple seasons of NFL work on players and coaches. Any rookie can learn, grow and surprise us. That's not a reason to draft someone just on that hope, but it is a reason for me to admit that I cant be SURE that Campbell wont become a great OT - just that I wouldnt make that bet right now. Hope that all makes sense.

As I said before, your entitled to your opinion. He was their during the Lovie years, I forget, were we a winning team then or our peterual loser team? Obviously you didn't list players they drafted that worked out. There must have been enough to have a winning record.

I have no problem with your opinion why do you with mine? I'm not the only person with the Braxton gets one more year to prove himself as our potential future LT is his back up or takes over the LT job. I try to figure out what Poles is going to do more than just my opinion because that all that matters. He has a LT on the team that ranked 20th of all Ts last year, that is average in my eyes comparing the NFL LTs. He traded up last year to draft a LT to give him competition knowing he wouldn't be available until this year. So I don't think he's throwing away 2 people he drafted because a less than stellar LT group is available this year. I think he let's it play out and drafts a Conerly or Grant and put them in the mix. He ain't paying Braxton 20 mil next year unless he takes a giant leap forward but he already drafted his replacement if he doesn't work out. The draft will easily show who's opinion was correct and I'm okay if I'm wrong, will you be?

Gabriel was head of scouting during a period of time where we had so many misses in the draft - it is only logical to assume the scouting info was trash. Then as I have read his takes since over the year he sticks out as one of the worst prognosticators of the entire world of sports commentators, which is really saying something. I feel perfectly comfortable saying that he is a total idiot.

Anyone knows that the GM and coaches decides picking of the players and not a head of scouting. He gives the regime reports on players and the team decides. He worked for 40 years in the NFL so apparently teams didn't think he was bad at his job or it would have been short term. I know you don't like him and you're entitled to your opinion, but I disagree. I like when a person giving information based on sources that actually have names and not anonymous. Most of Bear pundits always say they have an inside guy and it's just bullshit. I'll stick with real people. He thought they should have kept Fields for one more year and still drafted Caleb but you don't watch his podcasts so you wouldn't know that. He wanted Caleb to sit for a year while Fields played out his contract a Aaron Rodgers type of scenario.

I dont understand the faith in Braxton Jones. If you watch the tape from last year, he can be bull rushed into the QB on any down the defense chooses. LT is our biggest hole, and RB is #2.

If they draft Banks he could play OG of course, but the Bears are planning on keeping the IOL together for 3 years by their contracts. I explained about a deal coming for Thuney in a previous post. I think AZ brought this up in an early thread about using a +10 as a back up for 3 years if they take an OL. #10 pick needs to be on the field and productive right out of the gate. That's why I backed off a first round OL pick weeks ago. I contend our weakest spots are #3 DE, we have Booker but he still isn't developed yet behind the starters. DL is a rotation thing anyways and you need 4 , why not a James Pierce Jr that will be there. Also weak applys to the DT spot. Dexter, Jarret and Billings ( contract ends 25) so we need a 4th tackle. That's why I like Kenneth Grant and Alfred Collins types more so than Nolen . Next a third WR or 2nd TE would be logical and an upgrade for duel RB scheme. That could be Jeanty, Warren Golden at 10. There are several good OL that would need a year or two to develop in later rounds that make more sense than at 10. Of course the outlier is we have no idea what the coaches think about existing players on the team that will influence the top 4 picks. Any prediction could be accurate.

LOL Gabriel was against drafting Caleb - he is a total moron who fights with users on twitter LOL He was director of scouting for the Bears from 2001 to 2010. Let's look at the Bears top 3 picks during his time directing their scouting department. It's a litany of ineptitude. We should literally do the opposite of what this guy says. Especially when it comes to Offensive Linemen - his eye is just broken. 2001 David Terrell Anthony Thomas (decent pick) Mike Gandy 2002 Marc Colombo Roosevelt Williams Terrence Metcalf 2003 Michael Haynes Rex Grossman Charles Tillman (good pick!) 2004 Tommie Harris (good pick) Tank Johnson Bernard Berrian 2005 Cedric Benson Mark Bradley Kyle Orton 2006 Danieal Manning Devin Hester (good pick, but only a KR) Dusty Dvoracek 2007 Greg Olsen (good pick) Dan Bauzin Garrett Wolfe 2008 Chris Williams Matt Forte (good pick) Earl Bennett 2009 Jarron Gilbert Jauquin Iglesias Henry Melton 2010 Major Wright Corey Wooten Joshua Moore

Greg Gabriel, who I like, don't care whether anyone else does or not. He has some hits and misses on predictions but gives an inside look on how things works. I get some people don't like him because he will call someone an idiot if they say something stupid. I'm not much of a politically correct speech person anyways. He is friends with Thuney's agent and talked to him after they acquired him and said Poles told him they wanted to get an extension done before training camp. So the extension will come but I suspect Bears brass are busy with the draft right now. To me this is what inside information looks like actually give names and explain relationships. A lot of people say they have a source but never name one, Greg is a source because of 40 years of building relationships with NFL people.

I agree, Banks would be an upgrade at LT, and if you see a better LT next year or the year after in the draft, then Banks is an All Pro guard. If he's there at 10, I think he's the smartest pick. My only caveat to this plan, is if you love Ersery, and can package our two 2nd rounders to move up into the late first round to grab him, then you can spend 10 on Jeanty or the DT from Michigan. But you gotta KNOW you can get Ersery then. Otherwise you can take Banks or Ersery at 10, and grab a HB like Kaleb Johnson in the 2nd along with DL, S, WR or TE. Either way thats a very solid draft.

💥 it's the little details...💪

I’m good with that plan. But I also suspect whatever they are doing with Thuney will be kept quiet before the draft to keep everyone guessing.

I do think the draft them because you see all pro upside at LT but also high end guard upside can get me comfortable. But if they are maybe a Top 7-12 guy at best at LT while they project as a really good guard, I might opt a different direction. In the long run though - I won't argue at all with taking a LT. I am fully aligned to the power of the Oline and all for investing in it.

Since Thuney has not been extended yet and Poles pattern is trading a 4th for a high priced vet and letting them walk (Keenan Allen), Banks can be the next all-pro guard if he doesn't excel at LT. The Bears need to end the pattern of trading picks for talent. By year 3, Kiran might be a good LT or they draft high again until they get a guy to excel and hold that spot for 8-10 years.

Based on their draft slots, the Bears can easily get 4-5 of those guys. I would not be surprised if at least 4 guys listed are Bears in a few weeks.

Guys I like more than where they seem to be generally projected: Kyle Monangai, RB, Rutgers - Seems to have everything you want when I watch the highlights - agility, speed, balance, etc. Can pass protect and can catch. Zero fumbles on 669 carries. Savion Williams, WR, TCU - I like a few of the projected mid-round WRs (Tory Horton, Kyle Williams, Nick Nash) but I'm really intrigued by Williams' measurables and testing and how he can be used in a number of different ways. Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa - When in doubt, take an Iowa TE. I also like Jalin Conyers from Texas Tech. Willie Lampkin, OL, North Carolina - I'm not sure if he can play in the league, but I'm going to root for a guard who held his own and often dominated at a power 5 conference at 5'10" 270. Could Ben Johnson find a way to utilize him on the OL and/or at fullback? I have this perverse hope that the Bears spend their two seventh round picks on 5'10" 270 OL Willie Lampkin and 6'5" 464 Florida DT Desmond Watson. JJ Pegues, DT, Mississippi - Big and penetrating DT who was also used in the wildcat(!) in short yardage and goal line situations. Tell me Ben Johnson doesn't want this guy.

I've been in Thailand all winter bored and retired. I have probably averaged 4 hours a day with football content. It doesn't make me some kind of expert but has given me a perspective. They are players I like that I think will be great, good or a sleeper type. I like players that are productive, has attitude, hard workers and love football. In no particular order just some players I like. Weapons: Mathew Golden/ WR , jaylon Noel/WR, Tyler Warren/ TE, Harold Fannin Jr/ TE, Jeanty/ RB, Hampton/RB, Judkins/ RB, OL: Campbell/ multi spots, Armand Membou/ multi spots, Grey Zabel/ multi spots,, Johan Savaiinaea/ OG, Ersery/LT, Marcus Mbow/OC,, Donavon Jackson/OG, Charles Grant/LT, James Pierce/DE, Jack Sawyer/DE, Princely Umanmien/DE, Landon Jackson/DE, Bradeyn Swinson/DE, Jordan Burch/DE, Walter Nolen/DT, Kenneth Grant/ DT, TJ Sanders/DT, Alfred Collins DT, DJ West/DT I never spent a lot of time on Ss, CBs, and LBs because I didn't think they would be high picks for us but have a few names. Latham Ransom/S, Jaylon Reed/S, Craig Woodson/S, Hunter Wohler/S Danny Stutsman/LB, Cody Simon/LB, Teddye Buchanan/LB, Shaun Dolac/LB Some random players I think will be good. Cam Skattebo/RB, Jayden Blue/ RB, Luke Lacky/TE, Eligah Arroyo/TE, Terrance Ferguson/ TE, Pat Bryant/ WR, Ricky White/ WR, Jimmy Horn/WR, Jack Kiser/LB, Nick Martin/ LB, Isaiah Bond/ WR, Brashard Smith/RB, Joshua Gray/ OC, Hollis Pierce/LT, Jackson Slater/OG , Tyler Baron DE.

I think it's easy to find tape to make someone look good or bad. Overall he's rates 15-25 by listings I've seen. I like draft Buzz a lot but don't agree him rated that high. If the Bears use Draft Buzz website to pick players then they should take him. I can't remember who , I've watched so many, but maybe Matt Miller , said he looked great his first 5 games has a minor injury and came back was very pedestrian. He watched every minute of tape his whole career and has questions about him. So who's opinion do you want to listen to? If the Bears take him, cudos to you for sticking with him, if they don't the overall opinion may be true. I honestly can't say either way. I think the top 2 LTs in this draft are Simmons ( drops because of Injury) or Ersery ( needs some development). I think there are better players in the OL but think they go inside or RT. If we take him , I will be happy that means they agree with you. I'm not against almost no one but a few players. I'm happy we have new coaches and 4 top 72 picks. This draft is icing on the cake.

to compare, here is Campbell, look how stiff he is, how high he plays, and his bad handfighting, plus how he is leaky inside. Yuck! This film is 1:38 long - well under 2 min

As long as we don't do draft Stewart or Williams, im good.

I think in the end, this all comes down to player evaluation - this is the nature of our debate. We all say we would take a blue chip LT if he was available, so the question is whether Banks is one. Here is a highlight film. There are some bad reps on it too. He is young, only newly 21. But if you look at the good reps, against premium competition, you see the makings of a Pro Bowl LT. He looks fluid and his hand fighting is excellent. He plays with great bend and pad level. Good anchor. He delivers a good punch and absorbs and tames violence at an elite level. He seeks out contact, not a catcher. He is a beast. I think we should consider that he is a blue chip prospect, coming out young as a Junior, who could really benefit from being molded by Roushar. Draft Buzz says ceiling is All Pro LT, and FLOOR is All Pro OG: (from Draft Buzz) Banks projects as a high-ceiling prospect who could excel at either tackle or guard, with the versatility to be a day-one impact starter at either spot. His advanced pass set technique and fluid movement skills translate beautifully to tackle in systems emphasizing quick-game concepts and RPOs, while his natural leverage and explosive power could make him an elite interior force. Though slightly shorter than ideal for tackle, his technical mastery and exceptional awareness more than compensate for any length limitations. His processing speed and technical foundation project particularly well to zone-based systems where his fluid movement skills and expertise in combination blocks can be maximized. While he's shown clear starter ability at tackle, his unique skill set could reach even greater heights at guard, where his natural leverage and explosive power could make him one of the league's premier interior linemen. His quick mental processing and natural feel for angles should allow him to dominate at either position. Banks has the tools to develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber player at either spot, with his ceiling potentially even higher at guard. His floor appears to be that of a quality starting tackle, with All-Pro potential if kicked inside. This film is 1:49 long - under 2 min.

Say what you like but they are looking beyond just being better. They have high expectations.

Totally agree with that. I want a stud LT also but may not be in this draft. Grab a guy to develop and see what happens.

when I talk about reaching, I mean drafting earlier than the average team might, but I dont think Ersery is a lesser talent or there would be no point. But I understand the fundamental difference of opinion. I dont want Jones, and some people think he is decent and a good placeholder for a year. And if i thought that, I'd probably be talking about Jeanty right now. So I get it, and I respect the difference of opinion. And if we do go into the season riding Jones and Amagadje, I sure hope that they outperform my expectations, maybe due to a better system and better coaching. And I will be thrilled to see it if thats what happens. But just in my gut, after watching some film on all these guys, I would rather see Banks or Ersery than Jones next year, even if it meant taking a guy everyone thought would go at 25 at 10. If Ersery is worth the 10th pick, and no trade downs were available, it's OK to spend the value on him thats your evaluation of him i think. So it just comes down to our differences in eval on Banks, Ersery, Jones and Amagadje, and that is the stuff that makes the world go around.

Very good move.