My post-week 16 mock

[Ed Hochuli 3:16]

Duke Robinson is on the board and the Bears want him, but the Steelers offer up a huge deal and give the Bears their 1st rounder, their 3rd rounder, and a 3rd next year.

 

 

1. Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers

--massive WR (6'4 220), inconsistent this year (was great last year) but a clutch physical player, great combination of size and speed, projected to go early 2nd

2. Rashad Johnson, FS, Alabama

--leader, high football IQ, and big hitter- Brown and Payne just don't get it done good enough

3. Travis Bright, OG, BYU

--another massive player (6'6 320) and has been very good this year

3. Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

--might be a homer pick here, but he has a good arm with great accuracy, and great size (6'3 225)

3. Xavier Fulton, RT, Illinois

--a true RT, had a good season last year but has been up and down this year on an up and down team, could be a steal here

4. Tim Jamison, DE, Michigan

--another player who has been inconsistent on a bad team this year but could be a steal, decent size (6'4 260)

5. Pat White, QB, West Virginia

--big time athlete but will be used as a WR and a change of pace QB

[BearSox]

If Mark Sanchez declares, he's gonna be a first round pick. Britt is gonna be a first round pick as well.

[Ed Hochuli 3:16]

If Mark Sanchez declares, he's gonna be a first round pick. Britt is gonna be a first round pick as well.

Britt is going to drop into the 2nd because of his inconsistency this year and Sanchez will drop because he hasn't played great since the 3rd week or so.

[bear trap]

Britt is going to drop into the 2nd because of his inconsistency this year and Sanchez will drop because he hasn't played great since the 3rd week or so.

 

Sorry, not to piss on your parade, but I absolutely hate this mock you did. We have a weapon in forte and olsen, but our o-line sucks. Our first two picks better be o-line or we'll see mediocre (not that Forte is mediocre, but I think if he was behind a better line he'd be well over 1500 yards) all over again. Imagine what forte could do with a good o-line. I say the first two should be Duke Robinson and the second should be his buddy overhalt or whatever his name is. They are clearly doing a good job with the sooners look at AP and Murray. Shore up the line first then go QB.

 

I'm sure we can get a vet QB to come in and start next season as I have lost a lot of faith in orton the last couple of games. Then all we have to do is make a serious run at getting a vet WR like houz, ocho cinco (preferably not) or some one else that may come available. We need a no. 1 wr in the worst kinda way. I think if we sign a vet qb and wr we'd be set. Heck even if we don't sign a qb at least orton would have a better line and forte would have better run blocking than what he has now. If we elect not to go for a qb best thing to do is dump adwale and make a strong run for Julius peppers. He on one side and Brown/ Andersen on the other would make tommie's day a little easier.

[Ed Hochuli 3:16]

Sorry, not to piss on your parade, but I absolutely hate this mock you did. We have a weapon in forte and olsen, but our o-line sucks. Our first two picks better be o-line or we'll see mediocre (not that Forte is mediocre, but I think if he was behind a better line he'd be well over 1500 yards) all over again. Imagine what forte could do with a good o-line. I say the first two should be Duke Robinson and the second should be his buddy overhalt or whatever his name is. They are clearly doing a good job with the sooners look at AP and Murray. Shore up the line first then go QB.

 

I'm sure we can get a vet QB to come in and start next season as I have lost a lot of faith in orton the last couple of games. Then all we have to do is make a serious run at getting a vet WR like houz, ocho cinco (preferably not) or some one else that may come available. We need a no. 1 wr in the worst kinda way. I think if we sign a vet qb and wr we'd be set. Heck even if we don't sign a qb at least orton would have a better line and forte would have better run blocking than what he has now. If we elect not to go for a qb best thing to do is dump adwale and make a strong run for Julius peppers. He on one side and Brown/ Andersen on the other would make tommie's day a little easier.

Okay first off, this isn't what I want, it's what I think the Bears will do. They always go out and draft what seems like we have enough of (CB and TE this year). I'd love for us to draft Robinson just like you, but hey, JA doesn't do that. Plus, the 3rd and 4th is where JA makes his money so hopefully Bright and Fulton would turn out to be solid, good, or great.

 

And for further references, his name is Loadholt. And his biggest weakness is his quickness. The last thing we need is an OT who can't move quick enough. We already have 1 in JSC and 1 sometimes in Tait. Allen, Kampman, and Smith will be going around Loadholt like he's a f***ing turnstile.

 

And by the way, that's my fault- I meant to say we get their 1st, 3rd, and a 3rd next year. My fault. I'm making that change.

[jason]

Okay first off, this isn't what I want, it's what I think the Bears will do. They always go out and draft what seems like we have enough of (CB and TE this year). I'd love for us to draft Robinson just like you, but hey, JA doesn't do that. Plus, the 3rd and 4th is where JA makes his money so hopefully Bright and Fulton would turn out to be solid, good, or great.

 

And for further references, his name is Loadholt. And his biggest weakness is his quickness. The last thing we need is an OT who can't move quick enough. We already have 1 in JSC and 1 sometimes in Tait. Allen, Kampman, and Smith will be going around Loadholt like he's a f***ing turnstile.

 

And by the way, that's my fault- I meant to say we get their 1st, 3rd, and a 3rd next year. My fault. I'm making that change.

 

Regardless of whether or not JA makes his money in the later rounds, I will absolutely hate any draft that doesn't get the Bears an OLineman in either of the first two rounds.

[nfoligno]

Regardless of whether or not JA makes his money in the later rounds, I will absolutely hate any draft that doesn't get the Bears an OLineman in either of the first two rounds.

 

Just to throw it out there, but what if we added two OL in FA? In the last off-season, Angelo flat out said he isn't high on drafting OL because he feels OL is one of the areas that take longer to develop, thus you often are not getting value from the pick until several years later, while a vetreran brought in through FA provides immediate impact. Now, I am not saying I agree w/ this statement, but that is Angelo philosophy. IMHO, the only reason we drafted a LT this year was because we could not find options in FA. But I would be we look to FA first for the OL.

 

I know you want to draft OL heavy, and I am with you, but I can also see our going after OL in FA, and then looking at other options in the draft. As much as I want OL in the draft, we have several other needs I view as near equal, w/ WR and FS being tops among them.

 

W/ Williams projected to start at LT, I really want to add an upper tier veteran LG to play along side him. Not only would we upgrade the LG position, but I believe a veteran would enhance Williams at LT. Further, I wonder if an upgraded left side wouldn't benefit Kreutz as well. At the other OG slot, we could allow a competition between players currently on the roster. Then there is RT. I think Tait is done, but wonder if the staff will agree. At minimum, I would like to see us add a RT, whether in FA or the draft, to compete w/ Tait and/or develop to be ready to replace him.

 

I also wonder how we will deal w/ St. Clair. While I do not like him as a starting LT, he has done better than expected. He is a FA after this season, and I wonder if his play this year will price him out for us.

[Connorbear]

Here's what I see happening:

 

- Williams at left tackle after his redshirt yr

- Beuning and Beekman fight it out for LG

- Kruetz at center

- Bears draft a RG in the first 3 rounds

- Tait gone; St Clair resigned to play RT

 

Bears draft a RT who looks good enough to start. Possibly St Clair takes over LG and Beekman moves to RG.

 

Just some thoughts.

 

Peace

[BearSox]

Britt is going to drop into the 2nd because of his inconsistency this year and Sanchez will drop because he hasn't played great since the 3rd week or so.

Yeah, Britt's been real inconsistent. You know, he only had 81 receptions, 1,252 yards receiving, and only 6 TD's. Actually, you know what, that's pretty damn impressive for a guy who's QB was crap, and consistently being doubled. Plus, he's gonna be a stud during the combine/pro day.

 

As for Sanchez, you're out of your mind if you think his play over the course of the season is going to drop him all the way to 3rd round. Sure, he didn't play as good as he could have over the season, but he still had a 3:1 TD:INT ratio, adding up to 30 TD's and 10 picks. Also, what he did during the season won't mean shit after his pro day/combine. He'll probably be the most impressive QB there, or at least second behind Stafford. He's gonna be a sure fire first rounder with a Jay Cutler type of rise. I could see the Seahawks surprising some and taking him in the top 10.

[BearSox]

Just to throw it out there, but what if we added two OL in FA? In the last off-season, Angelo flat out said he isn't high on drafting OL because he feels OL is one of the areas that take longer to develop, thus you often are not getting value from the pick until several years later, while a vetreran brought in through FA provides immediate impact. Now, I am not saying I agree w/ this statement, but that is Angelo philosophy. IMHO, the only reason we drafted a LT this year was because we could not find options in FA. But I would be we look to FA first for the OL.

 

I know you want to draft OL heavy, and I am with you, but I can also see our going after OL in FA, and then looking at other options in the draft. As much as I want OL in the draft, we have several other needs I view as near equal, w/ WR and FS being tops among them.

 

W/ Williams projected to start at LT, I really want to add an upper tier veteran LG to play along side him. Not only would we upgrade the LG position, but I believe a veteran would enhance Williams at LT. Further, I wonder if an upgraded left side wouldn't benefit Kreutz as well. At the other OG slot, we could allow a competition between players currently on the roster. Then there is RT. I think Tait is done, but wonder if the staff will agree. At minimum, I would like to see us add a RT, whether in FA or the draft, to compete w/ Tait and/or develop to be ready to replace him.

 

I also wonder how we will deal w/ St. Clair. While I do not like him as a starting LT, he has done better than expected. He is a FA after this season, and I wonder if his play this year will price him out for us.

The only problem with your idea there about a LG is... who? Mike Goff? I don't mind him as a solid RG, but him at LG could be a disaster, especially at his age. Plus, his play has been declining, which is expected when you are 32-33 and been in the league beating up your body for 10 years. Besides, there's a good chance San Diego retains him.

 

The only 2 offensive linemen I like in free agency this year are Jordan Gross and Jahri Evans. However, Jordan Gross will likely sign a huge contract after his pro-bowl year this year. Also, after how well he played at LT, he will probably stay there for any new team he signs with.

 

As for Jahri Evans, I'm a big fan of his, but he's an RFA, and depending on what type of tender he gets (if not a contract extension, which is likely), he'd likely cost us a 2nd rounder. However, he might be worth it, and he could easily slide into LG for us. He's only in his 3rd year though, so he might not be the type of guy you were thinking about.

 

As for St. Clair, I'd love him back (possibly at LG), but you're right, a lot of teams need OLine, and if they can find a serviceably LT for a couple years, they might be willing to pay more for him then we might.

[nfoligno]

All possible. Let me say this though. If we do so little to upgrade at LG, I think we will be doing ourselves, and Williams, a huge dis-service. Beuning has zero experience. Beekman has started this year, and done better than many expected, but has been far from great and is not a player I would expect Williams to be able to lean on. I really think LG more than RG is where we need to upgrade right now. Then, at RG, we can allow Beuning, Beekman, Garza and whoever to compete.

 

I think we will likely draft a RT, but not until day two. Thus, he is not likely to be ready to start. We need a swing tackle anyway, so I would like to see us re-sign St. Clair, but wonder if he won't have better options in FA.

 

Here's what I see happening:

 

- Williams at left tackle after his redshirt yr

- Beuning and Beekman fight it out for LG

- Kruetz at center

- Bears draft a RG in the first 3 rounds

- Tait gone; St Clair resigned to play RT

 

Bears draft a RT who looks good enough to start. Possibly St Clair takes over LG and Beekman moves to RG.

 

Just some thoughts.

 

Peace

[BearSox]

All possible. Let me say this though. If we do so little to upgrade at LG, I think we will be doing ourselves, and Williams, a huge dis-service. Beuning has zero experience. Beekman has started this year, and done better than many expected, but has been far from great and is not a player I would expect Williams to be able to lean on. I really think LG more than RG is where we need to upgrade right now. Then, at RG, we can allow Beuning, Beekman, Garza and whoever to compete.

 

I think we will likely draft a RT, but not until day two. Thus, he is not likely to be ready to start. We need a swing tackle anyway, so I would like to see us re-sign St. Clair, but wonder if he won't have better options in FA.

Buenning actually started his rookie year for TB and many thought he should have been a pro-bowler that year. He had a bright start to his career, but it hit a fork in the road his sophomore year with a knee injury which kept him out of basically a half of the year in 06, and all of 07.

 

Buenning is my sleeper for next year, as I feel if he's healthy, he can place himself at the top of the depth chart at either guard spot.

[nfoligno]

The only problem with your idea there about a LG is... who? Mike Goff? I don't mind him as a solid RG, but him at LG could be a disaster, especially at his age. Plus, his play has been declining, which is expected when you are 32-33 and been in the league beating up your body for 10 years. Besides, there's a good chance San Diego retains him.

 

The only 2 offensive linemen I like in free agency this year are Jordan Gross and Jahri Evans. However, Jordan Gross will likely sign a huge contract after his pro-bowl year this year. Also, after how well he played at LT, he will probably stay there for any new team he signs with.

 

As for Jahri Evans, I'm a big fan of his, but he's an RFA, and depending on what type of tender he gets (if not a contract extension, which is likely), he'd likely cost us a 2nd rounder. However, he might be worth it, and he could easily slide into LG for us. He's only in his 3rd year though, so he might not be the type of guy you were thinking about.

 

Besides those you mention, I also noticed Chris Kemoeatu, the starting LG for Pitt. He is a mauler at about 350lbs, and is still young, only 25 years old.

 

Right now, the list of FA OGs is not great, but OG is one of those areas that seem to always get flooded w/ veteran cuts. And I do not mind an older LG. I will take a LG who has only a few years, because that gives us an opportunity to develop Williams, while also buying us time to add a young LG to develop.

 

Also, while I do not have the list in front of me, I believe there are actually quite a few OTs due to hit FA, and many OT either have, or can, play inside.

 

As for St. Clair, I'd love him back (possibly at LG), but you're right, a lot of teams need OLine, and if they can find a serviceably LT for a couple years, they might be willing to pay more for him then we might.

 

The good thing is, as said above, there is a decent crop of OTs hitting FA this year, so the demand for him may not be as high as he would like.

 

The alternative option might be to add a stud RT in FA. As I said, when I look at the list of FA OTs, there simply seems to be much more there. So maybe we get an upper tier RT, then draft early an OG. While I am not high on pairing Williams w/ a rookie, maybe there is something to be said about letting the two young OL develop together.

[nfoligno]

Buenning actually started his rookie year for TB and many thought he should have been a pro-bowler that year. He had a bright start to his career, but it hit a fork in the road his sophomore year with a knee injury which kept him out of basically a half of the year in 06, and all of 07.

 

Buenning is my sleeper for next year, as I feel if he's healthy, he can place himself at the top of the depth chart at either guard spot.

 

My bad. I was thinking he was one of the later round draft picks, but do recall our adding him. While I agree he may be a sleeper, I do not believe he is a player we can count on when deciding what to do in the offseason.

[BearSox]

Besides those you mention, I also noticed Chris Kemoeatu, the starting LG for Pitt. He is a mauler at about 350lbs, and is still young, only 25 years old.

 

Right now, the list of FA OGs is not great, but OG is one of those areas that seem to always get flooded w/ veteran cuts. And I do not mind an older LG. I will take a LG who has only a few years, because that gives us an opportunity to develop Williams, while also buying us time to add a young LG to develop.

 

Also, while I do not have the list in front of me, I believe there are actually quite a few OTs due to hit FA, and many OT either have, or can, play inside.

_____________________________________________________

 

The good thing is, as said above, there is a decent crop of OTs hitting FA this year, so the demand for him may not be as high as he would like.

 

The alternative option might be to add a stud RT in FA. As I said, when I look at the list of FA OTs, there simply seems to be much more there. So maybe we get an upper tier RT, then draft early an OG. While I am not high on pairing Williams w/ a rookie, maybe there is something to be said about letting the two young OL develop together.

Chris Kemoeatu is a decent player, but nothing special, IMO. First, he really doesn't fit our scheme where we like more athletic linemen who can move. While adding someone like him might help aid the dives and run plays right up the middle, he wouldn't help out our signiture run play of having both guards pull around the same side and make the hole for Forte on the outside. Also, after losing Faneca, the Steelers are likely to keep him.

 

I personally would be in favor of drafting Duke Robinson in round 1, and having him and Williams pair up at the left side. Sure, it's a risk having practically 2 rookies at the left side, but there is so much upside there as well.

[BearSox]

My bad. I was thinking he was one of the later round draft picks, but do recall our adding him. While I agree he may be a sleeper, I do not believe he is a player we can count on when deciding what to do in the offseason.

I agree. I think we should add someone who can throw in at LG right away (please be Duke!), and basically have Buenning, Beekman, Garza, and perhaps another draftee (I really like Trevor Canfield out of cinci in the 3rd round) compete for RG.

 

As for 2010, this seems to be a much better class for Olinemen, with most notably Logan Mankins and Marcus McNeil, just to name a couple.

[Pixote]

I still think St Clair is out of position and would be an excellent LG. I think Williams at LT, St Clair at LG, Kruentz backed up by Beekman.

 

That leaves ROT & ROG.

 

Bruening is an interesting option. However, I would like to see us draft an OG & OT to develop or start on the right side. Otherwise, get some experienced veterans on the FA market.

 

With a solid OL we are 2 WRs away from having a good offense, assuming Orton is the answer at QB. (I still like Hanie )

[Ed Hochuli 3:16]

Yeah, Britt's been real inconsistent. You know, he only had 81 receptions, 1,252 yards receiving, and only 6 TD's. Actually, you know what, that's pretty damn impressive for a guy who's QB was crap, and consistently being doubled. Plus, he's gonna be a stud during the combine/pro day.

 

As for Sanchez, you're out of your mind if you think his play over the course of the season is going to drop him all the way to 3rd round. Sure, he didn't play as good as he could have over the season, but he still had a 3:1 TD:INT ratio, adding up to 30 TD's and 10 picks. Also, what he did during the season won't mean shit after his pro day/combine. He'll probably be the most impressive QB there, or at least second behind Stafford. He's gonna be a sure fire first rounder with a Jay Cutler type of rise. I could see the Seahawks surprising some and taking him in the top 10.

From a 2009 draft profile site:

 

Rutgers may be off the national radar this year, but Britt made has made some noise. When the Scarlet Knights had a huge road win over a ranked Pittsburgh team 54-34 on October 25th, it was Britt who led the way. The 6-4 receiver caught five passes for 143 yards and three touchdowns (and all in the first half). Britt has been anything but consistent during the 2008 season, but he showed what he can do against what is usually a stout Pitt defense.

 

And no, he hasn't been getting doubled- Tiquan Underwood is another good WR that Rutgers has.

[BearSox]

From a 2009 draft profile site:

 

Rutgers may be off the national radar this year, but Britt made has made some noise. When the Scarlet Knights had a huge road win over a ranked Pittsburgh team 54-34 on October 25th, it was Britt who led the way. The 6-4 receiver caught five passes for 143 yards and three touchdowns (and all in the first half). Britt has been anything but consistent during the 2008 season, but he showed what he can do against what is usually a stout Pitt defense.

 

And no, he hasn't been getting doubled- Tiquan Underwood is another good WR that Rutgers has.

He's been getting doubled. Tiquan Underwood is a decent player, but he's the one getting single covered. Also, that draft site doesn't know what the freak it's talking about. Britt has been a stud for Rutgers these past 2 years, and the only reason he isn't considered a sure fire top 15 pick right now is because Mike Teel sucks. So any misunderstanding about his consistency is mainly due to his QB. Teel would have horrific stats right now if not for Britt.

[Ed Hochuli 3:16]

He's been getting doubled. Tiquan Underwood is a decent player, but he's the one getting single covered. Also, that draft site doesn't know what the freak it's talking about. Britt has been a stud for Rutgers these past 2 years, and the only reason he isn't considered a sure fire top 15 pick right now is because Mike Teel sucks. So any misunderstanding about his consistency is mainly due to his QB. Teel would have horrific stats right now if not for Britt.

Teel only has 2 more INT's then the almighty Mark Sanchez.

[BearSox]

Teel only has 2 more INT's then the almighty Mark Sanchez.

But he sucks. Have you not seen him play?

[Mongo3451]

Here's what I see happening:

 

- Williams at left tackle after his redshirt yr

- Beuning and Beekman fight it out for LG

- Kruetz at center

- Bears draft a RG in the first 3 rounds

- Tait gone; St Clair resigned to play RT

 

Bears draft a RT who looks good enough to start. Possibly St Clair takes over LG and Beekman moves to RG.

 

Just some thoughts.

 

Peace

Wow, that's exactly how I see it as well. I would like a beast of a guard drafted way early. Beekman, IMO, has earned his place as a starter. I have been impressed with his quick feet and ability to work in space. 10 more pounds and a little more strength should make the left side a staple for the next decade. I would also add another stud OL the next year as well, as Kruetz will be close to the end. Where the hell has Buenning been anyway??

[Ed Hochuli 3:16]

But he sucks. Have you not seen him play?

I have but his stats aren't that bad in terms of TD's (23) and INT's (12).

[BearSox]

I have but his stats aren't that bad in terms of TD's (23) and INT's (12).

His stats aren't bad because he has someone as talented as Britt to throw to.