jason

It's just hope on my part. I want to see Webb riding pine all year because that would mean our 1st rounder panned out and lived up to his talent. Imagine that for a moment. What if Carimi figured it out? That's two bookends for a while. Cutler smiles.

Best case scenario: Carimi starts at RT. His run blocking is far superior to Webb's, and it's not like Webb was some sort of superstar at pass blocking. If Carimi improves even slightly, he's better than Webb. If he heals and improves, it's not close.

SIT YOUR BUTT DOWN WEBB! Yes!!!!!!

He wasn't bad in 2012. He was actually getting better as the season progressed. I believe he still has gas left in the tank, and part of the reason his stats were down was the emergence of the DL created QB pressures but also allowed more blockers to reach the second level. He's certainly not the guy who dominated the "crown their asses"-Arizona game, but he's also not "bad."

That would be unreal. Bring the paramedics to my house.

This will be very upsetting if true. And if it's over a million dollars or a few couple hundred thousand, it's a horrible PR move for the Bears. That kind of difference can be negotiated and worked into a contract in a variety of ways.

That'd be fine with me too. All I know is, the Bears need at minimum three OL players.

I don't pay much attention to the money/contract part of it, but the sentiment remains the same. Instead of "dump" just substitute "don't resign." Their replacements can be had for much less money with similar production.

That would be a great 6th round pick. He would have had even more stats but he was hurt for multiple games. He's got nice ability receiving out of the backfield as well - soft hands.

Maybe a little bit of both. If he's serious, he could be the type of risk/reward ratio dreams are made of. He's got 1st round talent and can be had for the minimum. If he causes trouble, he gets cut with virtually no issue or cap ramifications. He knows he doesn't really have a shot after this comeback attempt. If this fails, he's done. I think he realizes that and would make every effort to be a responsible, professional athlete.

This is all pipedream stuff, but here goes: FA Dump: Bush, Davis, Spaeth, Campbell, Spencer if beneficial to the cap Sign Bushrod. He starts at LT. Negotiate for De La Puente. See if they'll take a 4th this year and a 3rd next year, or something similar. Just don't start off with a 2nd. Draft 1st - Cooper in the 1st. He starts immediately. 2nd - BPA TE/LB/QB/S/WR 5th - BPA TE/LB/QB/S/WR 6th - BPA TE/LB/QB/S/WR Post-Draft Sign promising UDFA (or vet with something to prove) at FB, backup TE, and potentially backup QB.

HELL YES.

The article makes sense because, in reality, absolutely every position on the Bears OL needs to be upgraded. It's ridiculous. When some on this board are hopping on Webb as the best player, even though from watching the games he's clearly below average at best, it shows just how far the OL has fallen. Let's just hope the net catches more than one fish, because one fish will not solve the problem or satisfy the hunger. I seriously wouldn't mind seeing Bushrod in free agency, a trade for De La Puente (2nd rounder), and the first rounder spent on Cooper. Let Garza keep the seat warm for Louis, and the battle for RT is between Webb and Carimi. Draft LB/TE in the 4th/5th (or reversed depending on how the cards fall).

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap100000014...ork-in-progress ??

I'm friends with the brother of a GM in the AFC West, and I asked him about free agency and the draft this weekend while we had a long car ride together. He said his brother wouldn't even tell him. Tight lips this time of year.

I wouldn't like the Campbell signing. He'd probably be too expensive since he's not that great.

We've seen this on the board before. It just reaffirms the simple concept that draft OL after the first two rounds is a relatively risky proposition, and doing so in the first/second round is a relatively safe bet. I'd take the first round OL odds to Vegas any day. But, no, let's keep picking up 7th rounders and UDFAs to protect Cutler and open holes for Forte.

Agreed. He won't become a stud at OG all the sudden, but I think he'd be better at OG than he was at Center, and most people on this board are saying Garza had a decent year. At the very least, he's probably better at OG than the alternate possibility.

For what it's worth, I like Boothe's versatility, speed, and the aggressiveness he uses when going to the second level. He'd be a great addition.

Or moving Garza to the other OG spot to hold on to until a rookie or FA steps up?

I see where you are going with it, but you misunderstand. I'm fine with them not getting a TE because I believe the starter is already on the roster. But if they are going to address the position, I'd rather they addressed it with minimal investment (i.e. UDFA or the basketball theory).

For a second rounder? Hell yeah!! Reasons why 1. Some view Garza as the worst starting center in the NFL. Regardless if you agree, he's not great. Average is his ceiling. 2. If the Bears get DeLaPuente, Garza can fill the RG hole until Louis is healthy. 3. The Bears can feel better about drafting an OG early in the draft since there are some very good ones available. 4. DLP has experience with Kromer, which would greatly speed up the learning curve for the OL and the offense. 5. DLP is young, and already on the verge of being an all-star for many years to come. 6. DLP is rated by some as the best player on the highly touted Saints OL (you'll love this scs) Well worth a 2nd round pick that will essentially be a crap-shoot anyway.

You already know I don't like the draft. I kind of hate it actually. The only pick I really like is Nico Johnson; he's underrated. If the Bears get two LBs in the draft, and spend that high on a TE, it's just a good draft in my opinion. You can get a TE in a variety of rounds, and even as UDFA. Just look at Gates. On top of that, the Bears have damn near an Aaron Hernandez clone on the roster but aren't using him effectively. Or hell, just go out and find a talented basketball player who is having problems in the D-League. It seems to be a foundation for two of the best TEs of all time. Why not others? Your doomsday scenario of 6 OL prospects being gone is scary. I hope it doesn't happen.

And you weren't even around in the old days when people were really crying about things.

Precisely. They should have learned...and I don't think Urlacher is that over the hill. He will have a resurgent year this year.