State of the Bears

[ASHKUM BEAR]

State of the Bears

by the Ashkum Bear

 

With the 2008 draft completed, the Bears have added alot of pieces. Many highly regarded analysts and scouts have given the Bears mixed reviews. The one big question asked by all is why didn't the Bears select a QB when they have started a gazillion different ones in the tenure of Favres career. They could have selected Henne or Brohm with there second round pick as both were considered low first round talent. They could have taken Brennan or Woodson with there fifth round pick also. The only reason I could see is maybe adding another developmental project when your other two are still obviously developments would have diluted the process. By adding UDFA's like Nick Hill and Caleb Hanie, the Bears won't feel pressured by the fans/media to put in a Brian Brohm or Chad Henne if things don't start off well like last season. Soldier Field is not very homey when the fans are booing and hoping you go down, just ask Rex and Cedric. What the Bears needed may be exactly what they have done or are doing. Adding a older vet may also be a solution.

 

There biggest need in the last twenty years may be that they need a QB, but there biggest need going into the 2008 season was to upgrade there offensive line. By selecting OLT Chris Williams, the Bears believe they solidified two positions with the pick. John Tait will slide over to the RT, a position he is more superior at and will most likely be lining up next to Matt Garza, who is a decent guard. Kreutz will man the center position while St. Clair has the upper edge on LG because he will be there to help guide Williams at LT. Beekman may suprise many this summer as he will push for playing time, but with the need for a veteren to play next to Williams, Beekman may have to wait his turn. Other backups hoping to make the roster will be Terrence Metcalf G, Chester Adams G, Anthony Oakley G/C, Mike Jones G, Tyler Reed G, Kirk Barton T, Cody Balough T. The Bears may need to add a veteren OT that can play both sides to serve as a backup.

 

The Bears believed there second biggest need was running back. Even though they have three on there roster, not one has proven to be a reliable option. Cedric Benson is coming off of a 3.4 ypc and a severe ankle injury so his status is uncertain. Adrian Peterson is a fan favorite, but he can't be relied upon if the number one goes down. Peterson best value is a number 3 change of pace back, thats were last years third round selection Garrett Wolfe is supposed to fit in. Wolfe is smaller and makes good moves when in space and has showed his skill towards the end of the season. With a mess at the RB position, the Bears addressed that position with a RB that is considered a 3 down back. Matt Forte of Tulane will most likely win the starting role especially if Benson doesn't fully recover to his rookie form. Which RB will get the ax, in my opinion, it will be Adrian Peterson. Bensons value is still high with the Bears as they owe him quite a bit of money yet. Peterson who is servicable, should not be relied on to step in if the number one goes down with a season ending injury and won't cost the Bears to cut. The only hope Peterson has is that Bensons injury keeps him on the IR, or the Bears have the extra money to cut there ties.

 

The third big need for the Bears was WR. They cut Moose and let Berrian walk. That left newly acquired Marty Booker, Brandon Lloyd, Mark Bradley, Rasied Davis and Devin Hester to fill there production. Hester the other day said Lovie doesn't want or expect him to be a everydown WR. That leaves you with Booker as the only for sure as a wideout. Lloyd was successful in SanFran before going to Wash, so maybe a new team will reignite his talent. Bradley has shown flashes of what he can do, but injuries have hampered his development. Davis is a nice #4 option and has been clutch in the small opportunities he has been given. Third round pick Earl Bennett gives the Bears a great WR that is not considered just a deep threat or a slot receiver. Bennett is a gem and will soon be the Bears best WR option. He runs exceptional routes, has good size and speed, and great strength. He will beat man to man coverage with his routes and find holes in the zone. He will go after jump balls and has the strength to win those battles. He's very smart on and off the field and a team leader. His only knock is he doesn't have top end speed to hit the homerun. Not considering Hester as a WR roster spot, will give Mike Hass an opportunity to beat out seventh round pick Marcus Monk. Monk may have an edge because with his height and speed, he may be a good target as the Bears like throw downfield and Monk can stretch the field and catch the high passes. The WR position is full and will take all of training camp to sort itself out, but with the addition of Booker, Bennett, and Lloyd may end up stronger that last year.

 

With the first three rounds, the Bears have filled their biggest needs going into the 2008 season. A QB, wouldn't have made this season and may have only prohibited the Bears development of Grossman and Orton. Adding another guard would have also crowded that postion. The positions they added were all key postions that kept them from winning in 2007. DT was a strength that became a weakness when all the starters went down with injury. Adding a talent like Harrison will help solidify that from happening again. When Chris Harris was traded, Safety was also regarded as a strength. Then Mike Brown, Kevin Payne, Adam Archuletta all went down with injuries. Adding Steltz brings in a player that has the potential to be a starter and will help solidify the safety position. Cornerback is also considered a strength especially having your two starters tied up for the long haul. When both went down and missed multiple games, the Bears defense also went down. Manning tried to play CB but looked terrible, Ricky Manning Jr also looked out of place as he is only suited to play nickel. McBride looked pretty good especially for being a seventh round pick, but who else can help him. The addition of Zachary Bowman will help insure the D doesn't suffer when Tillman and Vasher go down. Bowman has size and speed and if he was healthy would have been considered one of the top CB's in the draft. Picking a TE was a need, but could have waited until the seventh, but since a highly rated one was available like Davis, the Bears couldn't resist. Davis has a skill set similiar to Olsen, but to a lesser degree right now. Kirk Barton OT was probably the best pick from the fifth round to the seventh because the Bears are in desperate need for a back up tackle if St. Clair is to play guard.

 

The Bears overall draft is great considering there needs for the 2008 season. Drafting beyond there needs for this year, the Bears did fail to get a QB and that is the only major one that they have always had. Now if they can get everyone signed and extended, they have the pieces to find success again.

[NeoBear]

Nice job.

[ChileBear]

Liked your take on the QB situation Ashkum. I just believe there was no QB available that said take me and no one else when the Bears got on the clock each time. And indeed, bringing in a Breenan, Woodson or even Brohm in the second would mean forgoing a player they wanted and then putting pressure on the two QBs we have with someone that is no improvement.

And your take on the WR situation makes me feel that we've got all these bodies--experience and some new blood as well--that we should be able to get four solid guys out of this group.

And I think that Forte will make Benson a very expensive sub this year and a burger flipper in 2009 if he doesn't get his head screwed on.

 

Outstanding write up!

[adam]

Adrian Peterson is a fan favorite, but he can't be relied upon if the number one goes down. Peterson best value is a number 3 change of pace back, thats were last years third round selection Garrett Wolfe is supposed to fit in.

 

Which RB will get the ax, in my opinion, it will be Adrian Peterson.

Nice summary Ashkum.

 

I would say that AP's best value is as a component of the Special Teams unit, especially with the loss of Ayanbadejo. AP is now even more critical to that unit. That is why, more than likely, he will not be the one given the ax. Wolfe seems to be the odd man out.

[madlithuanian]

Good read!

 

THanks!

 

State of the Bears

by the Ashkum Bear

 

With the 2008 draft completed, the Bears have added alot of pieces. Many highly regarded analysts and scouts have given the Bears mixed reviews. The one big question asked by all is why didn't the Bears select a QB when they have started a gazillion different ones in the tenure of Favres career. They could have selected Henne or Brohm with there second round pick as both were considered low first round talent. They could have taken Brennan or Woodson with there fifth round pick also. The only reason I could see is maybe adding another developmental project when your other two are still obviously developments would have diluted the process. By adding UDFA's like Nick Hill and Caleb Hanie, the Bears won't feel pressured by the fans/media to put in a Brian Brohm or Chad Henne if things don't start off well like last season. Soldier Field is not very homey when the fans are booing and hoping you go down, just ask Rex and Cedric. What the Bears needed may be exactly what they have done or are doing. Adding a older vet may also be a solution.

 

There biggest need in the last twenty years may be that they need a QB, but there biggest need going into the 2008 season was to upgrade there offensive line. By selecting OLT Chris Williams, the Bears believe they solidified two positions with the pick. John Tait will slide over to the RT, a position he is more superior at and will most likely be lining up next to Matt Garza, who is a decent guard. Kreutz will man the center position while St. Clair has the upper edge on LG because he will be there to help guide Williams at LT. Beekman may suprise many this summer as he will push for playing time, but with the need for a veteren to play next to Williams, Beekman may have to wait his turn. Other backups hoping to make the roster will be Terrence Metcalf G, Chester Adams G, Anthony Oakley G/C, Mike Jones G, Tyler Reed G, Kirk Barton T, Cody Balough T. The Bears may need to add a veteren OT that can play both sides to serve as a backup.

 

The Bears believed there second biggest need was running back. Even though they have three on there roster, not one has proven to be a reliable option. Cedric Benson is coming off of a 3.4 ypc and a severe ankle injury so his status is uncertain. Adrian Peterson is a fan favorite, but he can't be relied upon if the number one goes down. Peterson best value is a number 3 change of pace back, thats were last years third round selection Garrett Wolfe is supposed to fit in. Wolfe is smaller and makes good moves when in space and has showed his skill towards the end of the season. With a mess at the RB position, the Bears addressed that position with a RB that is considered a 3 down back. Matt Forte of Tulane will most likely win the starting role especially if Benson doesn't fully recover to his rookie form. Which RB will get the ax, in my opinion, it will be Adrian Peterson. Bensons value is still high with the Bears as they owe him quite a bit of money yet. Peterson who is servicable, should not be relied on to step in if the number one goes down with a season ending injury and won't cost the Bears to cut. The only hope Peterson has is that Bensons injury keeps him on the IR, or the Bears have the extra money to cut there ties.

 

The third big need for the Bears was WR. They cut Moose and let Berrian walk. That left newly acquired Marty Booker, Brandon Lloyd, Mark Bradley, Rasied Davis and Devin Hester to fill there production. Hester the other day said Lovie doesn't want or expect him to be a everydown WR. That leaves you with Booker as the only for sure as a wideout. Lloyd was successful in SanFran before going to Wash, so maybe a new team will reignite his talent. Bradley has shown flashes of what he can do, but injuries have hampered his development. Davis is a nice #4 option and has been clutch in the small opportunities he has been given. Third round pick Earl Bennett gives the Bears a great WR that is not considered just a deep threat or a slot receiver. Bennett is a gem and will soon be the Bears best WR option. He runs exceptional routes, has good size and speed, and great strength. He will beat man to man coverage with his routes and find holes in the zone. He will go after jump balls and has the strength to win those battles. He's very smart on and off the field and a team leader. His only knock is he doesn't have top end speed to hit the homerun. Not considering Hester as a WR roster spot, will give Mike Hass an opportunity to beat out seventh round pick Marcus Monk. Monk may have an edge because with his height and speed, he may be a good target as the Bears like throw downfield and Monk can stretch the field and catch the high passes. The WR position is full and will take all of training camp to sort itself out, but with the addition of Booker, Bennett, and Lloyd may end up stronger that last year.

 

With the first three rounds, the Bears have filled their biggest needs going into the 2008 season. A QB, wouldn't have made this season and may have only prohibited the Bears development of Grossman and Orton. Adding another guard would have also crowded that postion. The positions they added were all key postions that kept them from winning in 2007. DT was a strength that became a weakness when all the starters went down with injury. Adding a talent like Harrison will help solidify that from happening again. When Chris Harris was traded, Safety was also regarded as a strength. Then Mike Brown, Kevin Payne, Adam Archuletta all went down with injuries. Adding Steltz brings in a player that has the potential to be a starter and will help solidify the safety position. Cornerback is also considered a strength especially having your two starters tied up for the long haul. When both went down and missed multiple games, the Bears defense also went down. Manning tried to play CB but looked terrible, Ricky Manning Jr also looked out of place as he is only suited to play nickel. McBride looked pretty good especially for being a seventh round pick, but who else can help him. The addition of Zachary Bowman will help insure the D doesn't suffer when Tillman and Vasher go down. Bowman has size and speed and if he was healthy would have been considered one of the top CB's in the draft. Picking a TE was a need, but could have waited until the seventh, but since a highly rated one was available like Davis, the Bears couldn't resist. Davis has a skill set similiar to Olsen, but to a lesser degree right now. Kirk Barton OT was probably the best pick from the fifth round to the seventh because the Bears are in desperate need for a back up tackle if St. Clair is to play guard.

 

The Bears overall draft is great considering there needs for the 2008 season. Drafting beyond there needs for this year, the Bears did fail to get a QB and that is the only major one that they have always had. Now if they can get everyone signed and extended, they have the pieces to find success again.

[azbearsfan]

Good read Ashkum.

 

Thank you for some rational and logical thought.

[Connorbear]

Nice summary Ashkum.

 

I would say that AP's best value is as a component of the Special Teams unit, especially with the loss of Ayanbadejo. AP is now even more critical to that unit. That is why, more than likely, he will not be the one given the ax. Wolfe seems to be the odd man out.

Ditto on the nice job Ashkum.

 

I think we carry 4 rbs and 1 FB this yr with a FB on the practice squad if necessary.

 

Peace

[BearSox]

why do people forget that we make roster spots for special teamers? We carried 5 backfield options last year, someone tell me why that would change. The only thing that is changing is that we are replacing a crappy backup FB with Forte.

[nfoligno]

why do people forget that we make roster spots for special teamers? We carried 5 backfield options last year, someone tell me why that would change. The only thing that is changing is that we are replacing a crappy backup FB with Forte.

 

Help my memory, or lack thereof, who was the 2nd FB? I thought Runnels and Bryan Johnson were both gone prior to the start of the season. I thought we had only 1 FB last year, then stashed one on the practice squad in case of need.

[nfoligno]

Nevermind. I forgot about Polite, but I think it should be mentioned that while I believe he was on our 53 man roster, he am not sure he was activated for a single game last year.

 

So while we did have 5 spots on the 53 man roster for backs, we only had 4 active on game days.

[ASHKUM BEAR]

Thanks for all the thanks!

 

Just wanted to help point out that the draft was pretty good at helping the Bears out for the now. I do wish we would have taken a QB over TE Davis, but we did get a couple of UDFA that we liked.

 

This team was recently in the SB, and with the way the Bears drafted, they still believe that Urlacher, Brown, & Harris can carry them back there again before the window is definately closed. If the Bears did decide it was too late and the window was closed, I think we would have drafted much different and would be letting our higher priced FA's walk or get traded.