Does Today's Signings Put BPA On The Table Now?

[lemonej]

Listening to Bill Polian today on ESPN,who knows a thing or two about drafting for a 3-4 scheme he said that he felt the Bears would bring a veteran in on every level of the defense that knows the scheme and will help with the transition. He was spot on and this was before the signing of Foster. This is clearly looking like they are adding depth and competition in the front 7 and still need help in the secondary at corner. Although a few mocks are starting to project Cooper to the Bears and I would love that but, selecting Waynes would be a long term move for the defense. At 7 he may be the BPA that the Bears do need also.

[bradjock]

Listening to Bill Polian today on ESPN,who knows a thing or two about drafting for a 3-4 scheme he said that he felt the Bears would bring a veteran in on every level of the defense that knows the scheme and will help with the transition. He was spot on and this was before the signing of Foster. This is clearly looking like they are adding depth and competition in the front 7 and still need help in the secondary at corner. Although a few mocks are starting to project Cooper to the Bears and I would love that but, selecting Waynes would be a long term move for the defense. At 7 he may be the BPA that the Bears do need also.

 

Absolutely and that's exactly what I was thinking. I was really worried about what the hell we are doing with our front 3. Is it just me, or does this defense scheme not place much value in the front 3?

 

More importantly, they are making a statement that we are not in a rebuilding mode, but that we can win now with the team we have.

 

As for the draft, we need a building block player on defense so I think that's the direction we are headed. On offense, we have a bunch of guys who can be damn good starters for a few years. Our defense is still really old. I look for us to draft a linebacker or cornerback.

 

I look for us to sign another cheap player in the secondary. Peanut would be nice. Draft two starters and we're in damn good shape.

[scs787]

I'd still go Shelton if he's there, but that's me. McDonald very well could end up being a starter but if Houston is an OLB now I'd still love to see Ratliff-Shelton-McDonald as the starting front 3.

 

Ego-Ratliff-McDonald or Ratliff-Ego-McDonald or Houston-Ratliff/Ego-McDonald/Ego are all certainly possible as well.

 

The last mock I did I had them drafting 3 defensive linemen, that certainly changes now.

[Stinger226]

I'd still go Shelton if he's there, but that's me. McDonald very well could end up being a starter but if Houston is an OLB now I'd still love to see Ratliff-Shelton-McDonald as the starting front 3.

 

Ego-Ratliff-McDonald or Ratliff-Ego-McDonald or Houston-Ratliff/Ego-McDonald/Ego are all certainly possible as well.

 

The last mock I did I had them drafting 3 defensive linemen, that certainly changes now.

It could be Shelton but think they will go with a higher rated player. I wouldnt hate it, but I think they think Ferguson could be there guy at NT with splitting time with Ratliff. With McDonald coming, an older vet, I think they think there closer to a playoff team than I imagined. Therefore with the possiblity of 2 stud WRs sitting there, or a stud OL, it will be one of those positions.

[jason]

I'd still go Shelton if he's there, but that's me. McDonald very well could end up being a starter but if Houston is an OLB now I'd still love to see Ratliff-Shelton-McDonald as the starting front 3.

 

Ego-Ratliff-McDonald or Ratliff-Ego-McDonald or Houston-Ratliff/Ego-McDonald/Ego are all certainly possible as well.

 

The last mock I did I had them drafting 3 defensive linemen, that certainly changes now.

 

My problem with drafting Shelton is that props have already been given to Rat and Ego as the NT. If that's the case - assuming it's not all smoke - then drafting Shelton basically throws at least one of those guys away. It just makes more sense to maximize who you have on the roster and use either Rat or Ego at NT. Then they can figure out WTF to do on the ends.

 

 

[scs787]

My problem with drafting Shelton is that props have already been given to Rat and Ego as the NT. If that's the case - assuming it's not all smoke - then drafting Shelton basically throws at least one of those guys away. It just makes more sense to maximize who you have on the roster and use either Rat or Ego at NT. Then they can figure out WTF to do on the ends.

 

Has Ego been given props as a NT? I know guys here have said he can play the position but don't remember the staff saying anything.

 

I think both he and Jay can play DE. I am starting to think that McDonald will start though so it does throw somewhat of a wrench into them both starting. I'd still love Shelton but I will say that I have somewhat backed off after the McDonald signing. At this point, with some solid depth at CB through the 2nd round, I may be even more open to White/Cooper/Schreff/Peat/Collins over Shelton/Waynes.....And I could wrap my head around an OLB as well though I'd prefer to go elsewhere.

[BearFan PHX]

I think we draft Shelton, and Ratliffe plays at both NT and DE.

[Mongo3451]

With the lack of talent all over the team, I don't think BPA was never not an option.

[ASHKUM BEAR]

I think we draft Shelton, and Ratliffe plays at both NT and DE.

I am not sure how they can count on Ratliff and even wonder if they may cut him if they draft a DT. They would save a little over 1.8 million against the cap. His leadership and knowledge of the D would be useful though.

[jason]

Has Ego been given props as a NT? I know guys here have said he can play the position but don't remember the staff saying anything.

 

I think both he and Jay can play DE. I am starting to think that McDonald will start though so it does throw somewhat of a wrench into them both starting. I'd still love Shelton but I will say that I have somewhat backed off after the McDonald signing. At this point, with some solid depth at CB through the 2nd round, I may be even more open to White/Cooper/Schreff/Peat/Collins over Shelton/Waynes.....And I could wrap my head around an OLB as well though I'd prefer to go elsewhere.

 

Yes. I distinctly remember seeing it from a coach quote somewhere.

[CrackerDog]

With the lack of talent all over the team, I don't think BPA was never not an option.

 

I realize this is a chicken and egg deal but I'm not sure we can judge the talent on this team unless we're able to say they've got proper coaching. Maybe it's just wishful thinking on my part but I hope the new staff can better utilize the talents of the guys we do have to get more out of them.

 

The only BPA I wouldn't do is a first round QB given where this team stands now.

[lemonej]

Yes. I distinctly remember seeing it from a coach quote somewhere.

 

I do also and it was a question directly to Fox and he reponded with Ratliff first and Ferguson second.Doesn't LSU play a 3/4? Also coming out I thought that he was thought of as a guy that could play in either scheme as a 5 tech and whatever they call the guy who is not the 3 tech in a 4/3.

[jason]

I realize this is a chicken and egg deal but I'm not sure we can judge the talent on this team unless we're able to say they've got proper coaching. Maybe it's just wishful thinking on my part but I hope the new staff can better utilize the talents of the guys we do have to get more out of them.

 

The only BPA I wouldn't do is a first round QB given where this team stands now.

 

Basically what I've been saying for quite some time.

 

Everyone here will basically say the coaches sucked the last several years. With Trestman and company, the defensive coaches were horrible. With Lovie, the offensive coaches were horrible (and some of the defensive guys too). No matter the tool in life, if you use it incorrectly it won't work well for you. Point a gun the wrong way and see how that works. Turn a screwdriver clockwise all the time and you'll never use it to its full potential. I think the same holds true for our defensive roster (hence my ridiculous layout of DL/LB combos).

[killakrzydav]

I have been in the Cooper camp since before the Marshall trade and I firmly believe if he's there you have to take him.

[Stinger226]

I have been in the Cooper camp since before the Marshall trade and I firmly believe if he's there you have to take him.

Lets say the #7 pick is going to be an all pro player. So who, with realistic expectations, has the biggest impact on the team?

 

First if I know that is true, and Mariotti is there, you have to be happy with an all pro QB. but wont be there

 

I would have to say, Beasley or Fowler were there, a all pro pass rusher would next have the biggest impact.

 

If we had a Julio Jones type player? then white or cooper makes sense.

[adam]

Basically what I've been saying for quite some time.

 

Everyone here will basically say the coaches sucked the last several years. With Trestman and company, the defensive coaches were horrible. With Lovie, the offensive coaches were horrible (and some of the defensive guys too). No matter the tool in life, if you use it incorrectly it won't work well for you. Point a gun the wrong way and see how that works. Turn a screwdriver clockwise all the time and you'll never use it to its full potential. I think the same holds true for our defensive roster (hence my ridiculous layout of DL/LB combos).

I agree. Also, there are so many moving pieces/elements to a team that even one or two "problems" can derail the entire system. Before last season there was true optimism about this team for a number of reasons even though we still had some reservations about the defensive side of the ball. Those reservations seem validated by us signing 5 defensive free agents (McPhee, McDonald, Rolle, Mason, Jenkins) who all could start or at least contribute from Day One. So if we pick up 2-3 more impact defensive players in the draft, it is essentially an entirely new defense than we ran out there last year.

[Bears4Ever_34]

I'm still hoping Fowler will fall to 7, but that doesn't seem likely. I'd be fine with Cooper or White as WR's. My darkhorse candidate is Mariota. I know he's not a favorite of many, but I like the kids attitude. Reminds me of Russell Wilson in that sense.

[dawhizz]

While it really shouldn't matter, I can't but help think that with the draft in Chicago , the Bears might opt toward a more recognizable/dynamic playmaker in the first. It's hard for me to envision them going with an O-lineman or even Collins. Someone like Cooper, Mariota, or even one of the stud pass rushers would get a positive reaction from the crowd, I would think.

[Alaskan Grizzly]

My darkhorse candidate is Mariota. I know he's not a favorite of many, but I like the kids attitude. Reminds me of Russell Wilson in that sense.

 

The more this plays out I actually would be ok with them picking Mariotta in the first. I'm not personally a fan of his right now, but given the opportunity to spend one year watching and learning from whoever is the starter I can't see how he couldn't end up being a good player in later years. I'm concerned with his transition from the style of offense he ran at Oregon to an NFL style offense. I keep hearing great things especially about his leadership and other un-teachable talents that makes me think he would be a great pickup.

[Stinger226]

The more this plays out I actually would be ok with them picking Mariotta in the first. I'm not personally a fan of his right now, but given the opportunity to spend one year watching and learning from whoever is the starter I can't see how he couldn't end up being a good player in later years. I'm concerned with his transition from the style of offense he ran at Oregon to an NFL style offense. I keep hearing great things especially about his leadership and other un-teachable talents that makes me think he would be a great pickup.

We need our first round pick to contribute, being a backup QB for a year doesnt make sense. If he is there, someone will trade us for that spot. That will be his valve to us.

[bradjock]

While it really shouldn't matter, I can't but help think that with the draft in Chicago , the Bears might opt toward a more recognizable/dynamic playmaker in the first. It's hard for me to envision them going with an O-lineman or even Collins. Someone like Cooper, Mariota, or even one of the stud pass rushers would get a positive reaction from the crowd, I would think.

 

No way. You are saying Pace and Fox give a damn about immediate public opinion. They know that it all comes down to wins and losses. If they go away from what they feel will benefit the team the most, their asses will be fired.

[Alaskan Grizzly]

We need our first round pick to contribute, being a backup QB for a year doesnt make sense. If he is there, someone will trade us for that spot. That will be his valve to us.

 

Of supplant Cutler and make him the highest paid backup.

[Daventry]

Of supplant Cutler and make him the highest paid backup.

 

 

There we go.....

[Stinger226]

There we go.....

Here is someone take on the first pick of the draft.

 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2408763...-chicagos-board

 

Makes sense to me.

[Alaskan Grizzly]

Here is someone take on the first pick of the draft.

 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2408763...-chicagos-board

 

Makes sense to me.

Like it too, or at least most of it.

 

Cooper - yes (like that he and Groh have a connection. Coincidently I keep hearing that Groh is a pretty popular guy. This isn't thr first time I've heard him talked about in a positive light. Sounds like he's a chip off the old block. Maybe why he was one of a few that managed to stay with Chicago during the transition.)

 

Waynes - hell yes. Having he and Fuller at CB with veterans TJ and Rolle helping out that would be a pretty sweet defnsive backfield. And at the corners you'd be set for years to come.

 

Mariotta - if there is a trade worthy deal maybe but still wouldn't mind seeing him as the pick.

 

Although his name wasn't mentioned I still think Gregory could be a sensible choice (despite the drug issue during the combine). Or still high on Beasley, although the need for one of these guys isn't what it once was.