AZ54

During the interview with Cutler and Marshall, Jay mentioned that having Jermemy Bates here installing some of the things they did in Denver was going to be big for him and Brandon since they both are familiar with the system. I can't say I watched too many of Denver's games back when Cutler was there so I don't know exactly what this means for our passing game. Perhaps some of the folks here that are more football savvy can explain what we're likely to see in our passing game this year. Interview link: http://www.chicagobears.com/multimedia/mul...clip=Y&rn=2 I just watched the interview with Emery and he said "people will be surprised how Tice's new offense will utilize Hester." I hope this doesn't mean the Wildcat remains in the playbook because I hate taking the ball out of Cutler's hand. In any case, there is now talk about using our players strengths as opposed to just fitting them into the offense as an X, Y, or Z.

...and the Chicago Bears have decided they can get similar or better talent at #19 for a lot less money plus the usual "upside". I thought the Bears would be in the running for Wimbley but the fact they didn't even kick the tires a bit tells me they are ready to get DE help early in the draft.

After picking up Marshall, in this scenario I"m taking Coples. DE is now more of a need than WR and solving that will help the rest of the D.

I realize LTs make the big money and that's because those that can handle the edge singlehandedly, especially with blitz pickups, are worth it as it frees up another blocker (i.e RB or TE focus elsewhere). However, I'd say to a QB protection up the middle is more important. Even for LTs the most frustrating part is when they get beat to the inside as it gives a short path to the QB. At least if the LT is beaten off the edge and there is room to step up the QB can do that. I'd say if we got a stud OG on the inside with Williams at LT we'd be much better as a line in pass protection and better in the run game than we were last year. As a side note, at 5'10" I"m guessing my arms shouldn't be longer than Chris Williams' but they are and having a wingspan over 6'6" definitely helps me in basketball.

Jeff Saturday is the key for the Oline and expect him to be signed soon in Denver.

I remember watching Harrell throw pass after pass in the dirt at either the Senior Bowl practices or somewhere else. These weren't difficult throws, just some 20 yard routes and he didn't have the arm strength to even get the ball there. I"m sure he can throw a football 50 yards because even a scrub like me used to throw about that. However, try to put that pass on a line and it won't happen. In college he was a good quick read QB in a spread offense and IIRC most of those routes were sit down types so he wasn't hitting guys on the run. I'm sure Harrell has improved arm strength and likely his mechanics (if that were needed) but I'd love to see him on the field against the Bears instead of Rodgers.

Flynn played one game and now gets $8mil/yr for 3 years. That's a good deal for him but I think Seattle overpaid just the Cards overpaid for for Kolb last year (and again this year). QB desperation and for once I can actually say I like our backup more than their starters. Who would have thought that would happen.

No doubt if we go all in on having Webb as the answer then there's an evaluation problem with this organization. I scanned some mock drafts last night. At this point I doubt Martin drops to us. That leaves Adams as the LT opportunity in Rd 1. Other options might be DeCastro but he should be gone or Glenn to beef up the inside. All of those options would help. At this point I suspect we're going DE in Rd 1 and then offense in Rd 2 and Rd 3 (Oline, WR) and back to defense in Rd 4/5 with CB and LB.

Last offseason it was reported that Steve Smith has two knees with no cartilage so they are bone on bone when he runs. He can't even practice and that's why the Giants let him go. IMO he is not an option for us.

I agree with the fix but disagree on Tice. I believe Tice put the best combination of 5 Oline out there. He played the hand he was dealt by JA and looking back on it I think his main focus was on protecting Cutler up the middle first. Did he overestimate Webb? Maybe, maybe not but we really don't know Tice's true sentiments on Webb just assumptions based on what was in the media. Again, I can't expect a coach to come out and say publicly that "this guy doesn't have what it takes to play" if he is the best option he's got. Fast forward to this offseason and he's seen Spencer play well at OG, and to a lesser extent Edwin Willams, and now Chris Williams is being talked about moving back to LT. Why would that be out there if Tice had so much confidence in Webb? Not only that our new GM, who says he won't tip his hand on needs, has openly come out and said we need more depth on the Oline. We all know where the weakest link was and I think it's clear we want to upgrade at LT.

I thought he wasnt going to tip his hand on any personnel issues. Soumds like we go defense in rd 1.

Does that number include the cap hit for Forte under the franchise tag? If so, I think we're holding out hope for Wimbley or we'd have been more active on the CB market. Anyone know the status of Wimbley? I thought the Raiders had to make a decision by Friday.

If we add another WR like Robinson then IMO we should go after other needs. While i would love to get Martin I would even take DeCastro if he is there and put Chris Williams back at LT. Other options for first pick are CB, DE, LB, TE, or even LB to get ready for the future. For the first time in years we are headed toward a draft where we can take best availabe in Rd 1. However expect at least one of these needs to be covered via FA very soon.

I couldn't be happier. Great way to start FA! By the way I also like the LB we signed for special teams as well as re-signing Jennings. Clearly Matt Forte liked Marshall coming on board. There is room for more and Mario Williams will have to think if he wants bigger dollars or to win a Superbowl. If we dont sign Williams then the second tier of Carr or possibly Wimbley, or Nicks, Carlson, among other options; all make us that much better. Getting Marshall opens up a lot of flexibility on draft day too.

I like this signing. Jennings was solid for us and this gives us some depth at a position of need. Sign or draft a starter and as I write this Terrance Newman just got cut. Not that I necessarily want him.

As much as we need a #1wr investing in Williams is a much safer investment than VJack based on past character issues both on and off the field. I was hoping for Colston but i just read that he has had microfracture surgery on both knees. I dont know when those surgeries were but thats a bad sign for his future. It seems the Bucs moght be the ones to offer the outrageous contract to VJack. In that case i go with plan B and grab Williams, and any combo of OG, CB, second tier WR. We will have to go WR early in the draft but this is the draft to do that.

This is typical Bears strategy with low end FA. They are willing to let the market decide value and have the agent call them to give them a chance to beat the best offer.

I'd be very happy with Williams and Colston.

No problem, I still appreciate the effort to put it together.

Yes, you need to be able to take advantage of what a defense gives you as well as forcing them to respect all possibilities. Wes Welker is a good WR but he's helped by having two good (and tall) receiving TEs who can work the middle of the field and a QB who can read defenses and get rid of the ball quickly.

In a QB driven lieague Luck represents the potential for 10 years of playoff caliber teams and that sells tickets. Keep Manning around along with a few more high draft picks and yes, you might get back to the Superbowl but consider that the team was so bad without Manning in all phases of the game and I think the owner sees the writing on the wall that it's time to start the rebuilding process. Would they make the playoffs with Manning for a couple more years? Likely. Would they be Superbowl contenders while they wait for those high picks to develop, I don't think so. If I were the owner I'd be hedging my bets the same way with the longer future of good teams versus a short but aggressive stab at one more Superbowl.

While it appears the Bears are prepared to overpay for VJack if the Redskins wants to offer him silly money like they did with Haynesworth then they will doom themselves. Between giving up so many high picks for the next couple years and if they tie up a lot of cap space on one WR then it's going to be hard to build a good team. Based on performance VJack is worth top WR money but his character problems and inconsistent play make it clear to me that he's not worth breaking the bank. If that's where his market heads then have a chat with Mario Williams and build the best Dline in the league.

I chose AZ just for the hell of it but I think they are likely 3rd on the list. I see Mia, KC, and AZ as the top prospects. If Manning is here AZ can focus on fixing OL via draft and FA. A couple pieces and their line will be alright. Plus he's got Fitz and tack on one of his Indy WRs and perhaps Clark and he'd be happy. Whisenhunt has already proven he'll allow a great QB to run the show somewhat when he allowed Warner a lot of leeway to throw throw throw. No reason he won't do it again.

If we sign VJack and Wimbley that would be a great start to the offseason. If top OT are gone in rd 1 then drop back a few spots and pick up WR Hill. Let Bennett handle the #2 role while Hill learns his craft and when you go 4 wide teams will have to defend VJack and Hill outside with Hester and Bennett working from inside.

Unless i missed him already getting cut I think Josh Moore stays on the final roster as 4th or 5th CB just can't see us replacing 4 CB in one season. We should be losing Bowman, Jennings, and Graham. He came out of college early and wasnt anywhere close to being ready physically for the NFL. This is his last chance.