What we know

[Stinger226]

I think we can say that the Bears have a game plan, and what they have did so far is clear.

A #1 WR and they have Marshall. In the last 5 years they is only one WR that has more catches, Welker.

 

Fix the backup QB spot, they now have 2 that could give us good minutes.

 

Resign who they wanted back from our own. Ildonije, Stelz, McCown, Davis, Bell, Jennings.(I think they still may sign Okoye.

 

They chased Mincey and didnt get him, so that tells me DE will probably be our # 1 round pick. They wont be going after Wimbley.( to much money)

 

That they are satisfied with the Oline, but are trying for Herrera, and a 2nd or 3rd round pick at OT.

 

They resigned Davis and will bring in a draft pick at TE. Our TE coach went to Miss pro day and worked out Egnew.

 

At CB they are still trying to sign Hayden on the cheap, and will draft one.

 

There wont be anymore big contract signing, people like Hayden, Herrera, Okoye,and maybe a WR at there price.

 

I dont agree with the lack of attention for the OL but am ok for what they have did so far.

 

I think they will still get Okoye, Hayden, Herrera, and Bush in FAgency. I also think they will sign one more WR on the cheap(S. Smith)Phil

 

I think the draft will look like this;

 

#1 Merculis/DE/Ill

#2 Massie/OT/Miss

#3 Toon/WR/Wis

#4 Judie/CB/Tex AM

#5 Egnew/TE/Miss

#6 Messina/MLB/New Mex

#7 Mitchell/FS/Ore State

 

What I would do different. I would go after Wimbley in FA, which means will still have to cut someone to make room. Suggestions.Williams/OT, Barber/RB

 

Would then draft according;

 

#1 Adams/OT/Ohio S

#2 T.Johnson/CB/Mont I am ok with the rest of the draft.

 

So what we got. QB-great situtation

WR-Marshall,Bennett/Toon/Smith/Weems/Hester

TE-Davis, Spath,Egnew

OL-Adams,Herrera,Garza,Spencer,Carmi

DE-Wimbley,Peppers,Odonije

CB-Tillman,Jennings,Johnson,Moore

S-Conte,Wright,Stetz, Mitchell

 

We cant fix all our problems in one offseason, but this is a start.

 

 

 

 

 

[bradjock]

Good analysis. I agree and it's also what the Chicago media seems to believe.

 

I've held off getting too deep into draft coverage until free agency. Hell, last week at this time damn near everyone thought we'd be a lock to draft a WR in the first round. While it's still a possibility, it's FAR less likely. If the draft were today, like you I think we'd target a DE.

 

I disagree the Bears have ruled out the notion of signing a big name guy. We can make it work and we have far too many holes to fill. Spending big money on a O-lineman or DE like Wimbly would solve a lot of problems.

 

I think we can say that the Bears have a game plan, and what they have did so far is clear.

A #1 WR and they have Marshall. In the last 5 years they is only one WR that has more catches, Welker.

 

Fix the backup QB spot, they now have 2 that could give us good minutes.

 

Resign who they wanted back from our own. Ildonije, Stelz, McCown, Davis, Bell, Jennings.(I think they still may sign Okoye.

 

They chased Mincey and didnt get him, so that tells me DE will probably be our # 1 round pick. They wont be going after Wimbley.( to much money)

 

That they are satisfied with the Oline, but are trying for Herrera, and a 2nd or 3rd round pick at OT.

 

They resigned Davis and will bring in a draft pick at TE. Our TE coach went to Miss pro day and worked out Egnew.

 

At CB they are still trying to sign Hayden on the cheap, and will draft one.

 

There wont be anymore big contract signing, people like Hayden, Herrera, Okoye,and maybe a WR at there price.

 

I dont agree with the lack of attention for the OL but am ok for what they have did so far.

 

I think they will still get Okoye, Hayden, Herrera, and Bush in FAgency. I also think they will sign one more WR on the cheap(S. Smith)Phil

 

I think the draft will look like this;

 

#1 Merculis/DE/Ill

#2 Massie/OT/Miss

#3 Toon/WR/Wis

#4 Judie/CB/Tex AM

#5 Egnew/TE/Miss

#6 Messina/MLB/New Mex

#7 Mitchell/FS/Ore State

 

What I would do different. I would go after Wimbley in FA, which means will still have to cut someone to make room. Suggestions.Williams/OT, Barber/RB

 

Would then draft according;

 

#1 Adams/OT/Ohio S

#2 T.Johnson/CB/Mont I am ok with the rest of the draft.

 

So what we got. QB-great situtation

WR-Marshall,Bennett/Toon/Smith/Weems/Hester

TE-Davis, Spath,Egnew

OL-Adams,Herrera,Garza,Spencer,Carmi

DE-Wimbley,Peppers,Odonije

CB-Tillman,Jennings,Johnson,Moore

S-Conte,Wright,Stetz, Mitchell

 

We cant fix all our problems in one offseason, but this is a start.

 

[azbearsfan]

I think we can say that the Bears have a game plan, and what they have did so far is clear.

A #1 WR and they have Marshall. In the last 5 years they is only one WR that has more catches, Welker.

 

Fix the backup QB spot, they now have 2 that could give us good minutes.

 

Resign who they wanted back from our own. Ildonije, Stelz, McCown, Davis, Bell, Jennings.(I think they still may sign Okoye.

 

They chased Mincey and didnt get him, so that tells me DE will probably be our # 1 round pick. They wont be going after Wimbley.( to much money)

 

That they are satisfied with the Oline, but are trying for Herrera, and a 2nd or 3rd round pick at OT.

 

They resigned Davis and will bring in a draft pick at TE. Our TE coach went to Miss pro day and worked out Egnew.

 

At CB they are still trying to sign Hayden on the cheap, and will draft one.

 

There wont be anymore big contract signing, people like Hayden, Herrera, Okoye,and maybe a WR at there price.

 

I dont agree with the lack of attention for the OL but am ok for what they have did so far.

 

I think they will still get Okoye, Hayden, Herrera, and Bush in FAgency. I also think they will sign one more WR on the cheap(S. Smith)Phil

 

I think the draft will look like this;

 

#1 Merculis/DE/Ill

#2 Massie/OT/Miss

#3 Toon/WR/Wis

#4 Judie/CB/Tex AM

#5 Egnew/TE/Miss

#6 Messina/MLB/New Mex

#7 Mitchell/FS/Ore State

 

What I would do different. I would go after Wimbley in FA, which means will still have to cut someone to make room. Suggestions.Williams/OT, Barber/RB

 

Would then draft according;

 

#1 Adams/OT/Ohio S

#2 T.Johnson/CB/Mont I am ok with the rest of the draft.

 

So what we got. QB-great situtation

WR-Marshall,Bennett/Toon/Smith/Weems/Hester

TE-Davis, Spath,Egnew

OL-Adams,Herrera,Garza,Spencer,Carmi

DE-Wimbley,Peppers,Odonije

CB-Tillman,Jennings,Johnson,Moore

S-Conte,Wright,Stetz, Mitchell

 

We cant fix all our problems in one offseason, but this is a start.

 

 

 

 

Great analysis. Agree on most points. It seems like Emery is a build through the draft guy, as expected, and typically wont spend big money unless its a special circumstance.

 

I dont see him spending big money on the players that are left.

 

I think the line will automatically be better now that Shartz is not calling plays, but I think it will still be addressed in the draft or FA.

 

Maybe we can start to see some bargains.

[Guest TerraTor]

I smell bust alk over Whitney... Dont ask why... And no way yo Adams at 19...

 

Would love Toon in 3rd and Egnew

[Ed Hochuli 3:16]

I was going to do a mock yesterday and my first 2 picks were going to be Mercilus and Massie, so nice job there.

 

As for your WR's, I see you have "Smith" being the #4. Who is Smith?

[Stinger226]

I was going to do a mock yesterday and my first 2 picks were going to be Mercilus and Massie, so nice job there.

 

As for your WR's, I see you have "Smith" being the #4. Who is Smith?

Steve Smith the ex Giant that had great numbers before injury and maybe will be servicable now.

[jason]

I think we can say that the Bears have a game plan, and what they have did so far is clear.

A #1 WR and they have Marshall. In the last 5 years they is only one WR that has more catches, Welker.

 

Fix the backup QB spot, they now have 2 that could give us good minutes.

 

Resign who they wanted back from our own. Ildonije, Stelz, McCown, Davis, Bell, Jennings.(I think they still may sign Okoye.

 

They chased Mincey and didnt get him, so that tells me DE will probably be our # 1 round pick. They wont be going after Wimbley.( to much money)

 

That they are satisfied with the Oline, but are trying for Herrera, and a 2nd or 3rd round pick at OT.

 

They resigned Davis and will bring in a draft pick at TE. Our TE coach went to Miss pro day and worked out Egnew.

 

At CB they are still trying to sign Hayden on the cheap, and will draft one.

 

There wont be anymore big contract signing, people like Hayden, Herrera, Okoye,and maybe a WR at there price.

 

I dont agree with the lack of attention for the OL but am ok for what they have did so far.

 

I think they will still get Okoye, Hayden, Herrera, and Bush in FAgency. I also think they will sign one more WR on the cheap(S. Smith)Phil

 

I think the draft will look like this;

 

#1 Merculis/DE/Ill

#2 Massie/OT/Miss

#3 Toon/WR/Wis

#4 Judie/CB/Tex AM

#5 Egnew/TE/Miss

#6 Messina/MLB/New Mex

#7 Mitchell/FS/Ore State

 

What I would do different. I would go after Wimbley in FA, which means will still have to cut someone to make room. Suggestions.Williams/OT, Barber/RB

 

Would then draft according;

 

#1 Adams/OT/Ohio S

#2 T.Johnson/CB/Mont I am ok with the rest of the draft.

 

So what we got. QB-great situtation

WR-Marshall,Bennett/Toon/Smith/Weems/Hester

TE-Davis, Spath,Egnew

OL-Adams,Herrera,Garza,Spencer,Carmi

DE-Wimbley,Peppers,Odonije

CB-Tillman,Jennings,Johnson,Moore

S-Conte,Wright,Stetz, Mitchell

 

We cant fix all our problems in one offseason, but this is a start.

 

Nice analysis. But cut Williams and keep Spencer?! No way. Williams is easily better, and still has significant upside.

[Stinger226]

Nice analysis. But cut Williams and keep Spencer?! No way. Williams is easily better, and still has significant upside.

My intent was to draft to replace him and Williams has a bigger cap hit to free up money.I think about 2 mill.

[AZ54]

Steve Smith the ex Giant that had great numbers before injury and maybe will be servicable now.

 

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.

[Stinger226]

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.

That is a good reason to not do that.

[Mongo3451]

My intent was to draft to replace him and Williams has a bigger cap hit to free up money.I think about 2 mill.

Like it all, except cutting Williams.

[chwtom]

I agree with your analysis, but I don't necessarily agree with Emery's plan. The Bears had a ton of cap room, and used up a bunch getting special teasers/backups signed in the first day or two when free agency opened.

 

Backups and special teams players should be acquired through the draft or signed on the cheap after the first wave of free agency, in my opinion. Special teams, while important, has been rendered less important with the kickoff rules. He is,in my opinion, making some of the mistakes Hendry used to make with the Cubs--paying retail for players who may be marginally better than guys you can get for minimal cost. Hendry used to sign middle relievers and utility infielders for 3-5 mil at a pop, and I feel like that's what Emery is doing with guys like Steltz, Idonije, Weems and the guy from SF.

 

I would've rather see them find two impact starters through free agency, then use the remaining funds to bring back guys, sign special teams specialists or backups on the cheap. In the first part of the draft I'd look for guys that could become impact starters, and in the second part I'd look for guys who could be great special teams players.

 

I like the Marshall trade, but I really think Emery missed an opportunity by not signing Williams. Players like him rarely hit the market, and we could've gone from a second-tier team with a chance to contend to a truly elite team.

 

That's just my opinion. I was really excited by the Marshall trade, but everything since has been disappointing.

[Stinger226]

I agree with your analysis, but I don't necessarily agree with Emery's plan. The Bears had a ton of cap room, and used up a bunch getting special teasers/backups signed in the first day or two when free agency opened.

 

Backups and special teams players should be acquired through the draft or signed on the cheap after the first wave of free agency, in my opinion. Special teams, while important, has been rendered less important with the kickoff rules. He is,in my opinion, making some of the mistakes Hendry used to make with the Cubs--paying retail for players who may be marginally better than guys you can get for minimal cost. Hendry used to sign middle relievers and utility infielders for 3-5 mil at a pop, and I feel like that's what Emery is doing with guys like Steltz, Idonije, Weems and the guy from SF.

 

I would've rather see them find two impact starters through free agency, then use the remaining funds to bring back guys, sign special teams specialists or backups on the cheap. In the first part of the draft I'd look for guys that could become impact starters, and in the second part I'd look for guys who could be great special teams players.

 

I like the Marshall trade, but I really think Emery missed an opportunity by not signing Williams. Players like him rarely hit the market, and we could've gone from a second-tier team with a chance to contend to a truly elite team.

 

That's just my opinion. I was really excited by the Marshall trade, but everything since has been disappointing.

I agree a couple of impact players would seem to me, a better way to go, but this is his team and I will wait to see what the whole offseason brings before I sit in judgement. He got us a WR and good backup QBs. We have two many spots to fill where he had to bring back guys to add the depth.I still think we need to do something to upgrade the line, add a second tier WR, Bush would be a good addition. I wil hold judgement until he is done with everything and see what we got. So far he gets a C+.

[Guest TerraTor]

I agree a couple of impact players would seem to me, a better way to go, but this is his team and I will wait to see what the whole offseason brings before I sit in judgement. He got us a WR and good backup QBs. We have two many spots to fill where he had to bring back guys to add the depth.I still think we need to do something to upgrade the line, add a second tier WR, Bush would be a good addition. I wil hold judgement until he is done with everything and see what we got. So far he gets a C+.

 

 

 

I hated the Weems signing. Does nothing. Costanzo, really wont be on defense. No big deal

 

How have they not addressed any of the OL? There has to a decent G out there. I assume they wait for the June cuts maybe

[jason]

I hated the Weems signing. Does nothing. Costanzo, really wont be on defense. No big deal

 

How have they not addressed any of the OL? There has to a decent G out there. I assume they wait for the June cuts maybe

 

Beats the shit out of me. I hope it's just not more of the same ignoring the OL. If it's not addressed significantly in the draft, then we know which of JA and Lovie was the one behind nonchalant attitude about improving the OL.

[Stinger226]

Beats the shit out of me. I hope it's just not more of the same ignoring the OL. If it's not addressed significantly in the draft, then we know which of JA and Lovie was the one behind nonchalant attitude about improving the OL.

I think he has it figured out , we just dont have it known to us yet. I pray he addresses the OL in both areas.

[Wesson44]

I think he has it figured out , we just dont have it known to us yet. I pray he addresses the OL in both areas.

 

He has it figured out and he told you at the press conference. We will work on the line throght the draft and if we get a chance to pick up a good OL in FA then we will but he is not going to over spend on scrubs or injury prone players......And that works for me!!!

[Mongo3451]

I think he has it figured out , we just dont have it known to us yet. I pray he addresses the OL in both areas.

I have a feeling they are trying to get Forte done to figure out what is left to spend. I agree with Terra, don't get the Weems signing.(maybe the plan will reveal itself)

[LT2_3]

I have a feeling they are trying to get Forte done to figure out what is left to spend. I agree with Terra, don't get the Weems signing.(maybe the plan will reveal itself)

 

Weems replaces Knox as returner on ST. I think many seem to forget that he's just working on trying to walk right now.

[Mongo3451]

Weems replaces Knox as returner on ST.

Hester? Draft? Most don't think Knox will play this year, let alone ever be the same. I just think, like another poster said, that ST should come through the draft, with your youngsters making a name for themselves and working their way up. Signing guys to plat ST's knowing they will never start on O or D just seems to be more of a luxury than anything.

[GrizzlyBear]

Hester? Draft? Most don't think Knox will play this year, let alone ever be the same. I just think, like another poster said, that ST should come through the draft, with your youngsters making a name for themselves and working their way up. Signing guys to plat ST's knowing they will never start on O or D just seems to be more of a luxury than anything.

 

Actually it was said that Weems signing was to replace Hurd, 5th reciever and ST ace. As for Emery so far I give him B+ so far, Gave nothing away as far as Marshall went, and for that talent a outstanding get on his part. Costanzo is monster on ST, Seen him play and He fits the mold of a Bear through and through.. As for FA OL. I put up with FA signings inder angelo and we all here said build in the draft. I am looking forward to this draft and hope Emery sticks to his plan he stated. It will be much better if we draft em then getting some elses crap like we have in the past.

[Mongo3451]

Actually it was said that Weems signing was to replace Hurd, 5th reciever and ST ace. As for Emery so far I give him B+ so far, Gave nothing away as far as Marshall went, and for that talent a outstanding get on his part. Costanzo is monster on ST, Seen him play and He fits the mold of a Bear through and through.. As for FA OL. I put up with FA signings inder angelo and we all here said build in the draft. I am looking forward to this draft and hope Emery sticks to his plan he stated. It will be much better if we draft em then getting some elses crap like we have in the past.

Definately love the "Marshall Plan". Just hope he puts his past in the rearview mirror.

[Wesson44]

Hester? Draft? Most don't think Knox will play this year, let alone ever be the same. I just think, like another poster said, that ST should come through the draft, with your youngsters making a name for themselves and working their way up. Signing guys to plat ST's knowing they will never start on O or D just seems to be more of a luxury than anything.

 

Yes that could be done but you have to look at who we signed instead of the rookies...we signed a pro bowler in Weems (replace Hurd) on special teams along with a beast in Costanzo (replace Graham) also we don't really need them to play if we still have our guys and stay away from injuries. Other than ST when did Graham and Hurd play???? When Moore was hurt and when Bennett was down. So we are going to see the Bears draft 1. WR, 2. OT/OG, 3. 1 or 2 CB, 4. LB then BPA

[LT2_3]

Hester? Draft? Most don't think Knox will play this year, let alone ever be the same. I just think, like another poster said, that ST should come through the draft, with your youngsters making a name for themselves and working their way up. Signing guys to plat ST's knowing they will never start on O or D just seems to be more of a luxury than anything.

 

The concept of getting all your special teamers through the draft is a recipe to have crappy special teams. Signing an experienced guy to play special teams to a contract that averages $1.2 million per year (which is really not a lot) is a value signing.

 

The bottom line is that most drafted players aren't superstars on special teams as rookies unless they are taken in the first or second rounds. I think limiting draft picks to players that can play special teams is really shortsighted when an experienced veteran like Weems doesn't cost much.

 

It's not like signing Weems (or the other special teams guys) precludes us from signing anyone else. It's definitely NOT an either / or situation. I think some here don't like those signings because they would prefer other ones. The thing is that in FA, the best players get signed first whether it's DE, WR, returner, or ST gunner. Letting the good ST guys go to other teams and getting lesser players would just be stupid.

[Mongo3451]

The concept of getting all your special teamers through the draft is a recipe to have crappy special teams. Signing an experienced guy to play special teams to a contract that averages $1.2 million per year (which is really not a lot) is a value signing.

 

The bottom line is that most drafted players aren't superstars on special teams as rookies unless they are taken in the first or second rounds. I think limiting draft picks to players that can play special teams is really shortsighted when an experienced veteran like Weems doesn't cost much.

 

It's not like signing Weems (or the other special teams guys) precludes us from signing anyone else. It's definitely NOT an either / or situation. I think some here don't like those signings because they would prefer other ones. The thing is that in FA, the best players get signed first whether it's DE, WR, returner, or ST gunner. Letting the good ST guys go to other teams and getting lesser players would just be stupid.

Definitely get what you are saying, but just do not agree. I simply don't like signing a guy to a FA contract that is not a position player. There are tons of undrafted players that would kill to have those positions and would be cheaper than dirt.