Alaskan Grizzly

What's to say McClellin won't be a "freak of nature"? I think it a bit premature to assume a lot about he and the school he came from. And just for reference: Richard Dent - Tennessee State (by the way Ed "Too Tall" Jones played there too); "Mean Joe" Green - North Texas; Osi Umenyiora - Troy and Israel Idonije - Manitoba (that's in Canada). Ok maybe the last one isnt necessarily a "freak" but most would say he's a pretty decent player. And has made an adjustment to the NFL despite not having that high calibe college pedigree.

Uhm, actually I was making the comparison to the opinion of schools that were regarded as stronger (Big 10) vs those that weren't (MWC?). Of those in the "weaker" conference, New Mexico was listed (as was Boise State). Urlacher played at New Mexico and regardless of how "inferior" that conference was/is, he has had a pretty good career. As far as comparing McClellin to Urlacher specifically. I'll reserve judgement for now. Just like in 2000 if I would have compared Urlacher to either Singletary or Butkus, I would have been considered crazy.

Didn't Urlacher play at New Mexico?

Yep that's the game I was talking about. Nice work and compilation. It shows him being a pain in the arse to opposing coverage. He's going to be perfect in Chicago. The only concern I have with him is the talk about his weight starting off 2011. Apparently he came to camp heavy but was noted to be a sleek 215(?) during the Combine. Sounds like he ended the previous year injured so that could be a part of why he was heavier... either way I'm not OVERLY worried. Still a great pick!

One name comes to mind: Danieal Manning. Granted he was not a "1st round pick" but he was the Bears "first pick" in 2006. His niche' was Special Teams (listed as a DB). Didn't do bad as a ST'er in Chicago. Although it wasn't until he got to Houston before his other "talents" started to show. Anyhow, I agree in principle that the 1st round pick shouldn't be for a ST player. What's to say that when Emery said that he actually meant that the player might see action on Special Teams in addition to learning his eventual permanent role? Don't want to show your hand too early.

I like this new "glass half full" way of thinking you are showing. Now let's talk about this Lovie Smith guy.

I didn't say anything about a "hybrid defense" just hybrid players. And just because they haven't, doesn't mean they won't. Like I pointed out before, the Giants have tinkered with the idea of faster players on the front line and they have been pretty successful. What if they did try Peppers out at standing up, just to see how much quicker he could be? It's not past the point of probable.

Brian Bear, You're way too hung up on this "OLB" and "3-4" vs "4-3" scheme. A lot of teams are looking for players that can fit that OLB/DE hybrid. Take NY Giants as an example. They have a 4-3 basic defense with a front four combination of DE/OLB crashing the opposing line. Mathias Kiwanuka was drafted by the Giants as a DE but is now considered an OLB. Heck even last year in Chicago, Peppers played interior line a few times here and there. I think it is a great idea at looking to bring in a player with "LB speed" to help in the front four rush. After all, the effectiveness of the Cover 2 is predicated by the front four pressure.

This is a HUGE reason why I can't stand mock drafts. It is so much hype and opinion that proves out to be "much ado about nothing". That being said, I don't think it fair to judge without really knowing much about the guy. I think some might have been skeptical when this guy was picked, after all he was a Safety for a large part of his College career: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dspro...&genpos=olb And just for comparison: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1274370 Most places I have read say that this guy was going to get picked somewhere in the 1st round. Some say high mid, some say low mid first round. He's now a Bear and there's no doubt he will contribute to a team looking to get back to the Super Bowl.

I know it's a bit off the wall but what if??? Saw today that Mike Wallace does not intend to sign his tender with Pittsburgh. How about a trade with Forte? The Steelers need an RB and the Bears need another "flashy" WR opposite Marshall and me thinks Wallace would fit the bill. Just sayin.

If ONLY the Bears had thrown that last game against Minnesota!!!! Ha!! Couldnt resist. I think it ludicrous to even entertain the thought. Anyhow, as much a proponent I am to NOT drafting an OLman in the first round, I might consider an exception with a player like Kalil. I think it mostly has to do with pedigree, since his brother has at least been somewhat successful if not at least consistent. However, the price that would be paid to secure a player like him would be too much, both in picks and money. So again I'd have to say no thanks.

Uhm... Maybe you missed the part I included about the San Fran line not being that good, despite having THREE first rounders and two second rounders (when Rachal was a starter). Some perspective.... http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2012/03/30/is...e-probably-not/

Not sure what it is but for some reason I keep thinking about Safety (possible MLB) Taylor Mays the Bears were looking at a year or two ago. I remember you and I both thinking that would have been a good pick up. I have the same "feel good" about this acquisition.

I can't help but point out (again) that both Williams and Carimi were first round picks...picked up early in their respective drafts. They have both yet to prove themselves in their "drafted" position. And for what it's worth, I saw another poster on another site mention how horrible the San Fran oline was. Apparently they rated down near where the Bears did in "allowed sacks". And they had three first rounders and two second rounders (including Rachal). Again my opinion continues to be that OL man is not the solution ( or guarantee) at 1st round.

Thank you Brian. I have to agree. So far what we do know is that he is in fact a veteran player. He was drafted a "high second round" back a few years ago. He's 26 and he came by way of relative inexpensive 1 year deal. What we don't know is how he will compare to the current Guards (OLmen) on staff.

Im still of the opinion that the Bears need to consider a "skill set" player for the first round. I watched some video on Michael Floyd and thought maybe he was overrated...at first. Things I saw were big and slow, but he catches nearly everything thrown his way. And another positive (earlier paired with a negative) but BIG. 6'2" 220 lbs big. So I thought to myself as I watched these vids and got to thinking, " who does he remind me of?". Calvin Johnson. Although Calvin is bigger, 6'5" 240, he and Floyd have very similar route running, catching and leaping abilities. Not the breakaway speed some might want but then you're talking about smaller receivers. Something the team has plenty of. So all things being what they are I think Floyd would definitely be a great add for the Bears first pick.

I dunno. One name pops up when I read "Pro Bowl" talent and then there are questions about the players true ability.... Brandon Meriweather . Two time Pro Bowler but where is he now? Not that he has character issues just doesn't seem able to sustain his Pro Bowl level play.

I was just thinking the other day that this would be a great idea. How about a deal with Baltimore? (Har har!!)

Per Twitter: JasonLaCanfora CB Kelvin Hayden agreed to terms with Bears on a 1yr deal 12 minutes ago. I like it. Should be good to have another body in CB, if for nothing else competition.

I think with having Weems on ST he provides that "X factor" you've heard of. The way that Knox and D. Manning before him did. With Toub running the ST still and Weems being added, I like it. And remember its not necessarily about the KOR for TDs that count but starting field position. If Weems is able to add to that then by all means, welcome. And with Costanzo, I thought the same thing. That he reminded me of Ayanbadejo (IMHO why Hester dropped off after he left for Baltimore). But adding Costanzo is not only helping in the ST dept but also beefing up the LB corps. At this point (and most know how I LOVE mock drafts ) I'd have to speculate the team is looking at WR/CB/OL in the first few rounds.

No but obviously you are a lout Were you knit stitching when you should have been purling? Everyone knows that's the proper way to mossing. How 'bout them Bears?

As long as that #1 isn't an OLman right Jason? I'm sorry I couldn't resist. So about this knitting thing...

Oh, the link went to the 1/4 finals and then I went back (seeing that voting closed tomorrow). Anyhow, yes it is ignorant. Yes the '76 Raiders could not hold a bucket of water next to the '85 Beloved. The '00 Ravens were probably the closest matched (and have been compared many times). But still I am happy to see that the Pack, who was vastly represented at the offset, was not in the later rounds.

I dunno, from looking at the start of this bracketology where there were several Packer teams listed (and only one Bears team), I like what I see in the 1/4 finals. (No Packer teams and the same Bears team). Is it cheezy? Yep but ignorant? If it had been still dominated by Packers teams then yes it is ignorant.