Today we're giving out a nice little prize: a weekly column all summer long. "How do I win such an honor, Jeff?" you ask nearly wetting yourself at your computer. Here's how the game works:
1. This column will stay up for the duration of the week. You use the comments sections to predict the POSITION and PLAYER the Bears will select with each of their picks in the upcoming draft. I will compile the picks and put them on the main page Friday night.
2. Your predictions must be made in CAPS. The conversation and debate will go on as it regularly does but I'm looking at everything in CAPS as predictions. ONE PREDICTION PER PERSON. ALSO! ALSO! ALSO! Please email your picks to dabears@dabearsblog.com before Friday with the subject heading "Draft Picks." This will ensure you are who we think you are.
3. Each pick is designated a certain number of points. You get half those points for getting the position right and the other half for getting the player. The most points you can earn is 440.
Round One (14th overall) is worth 10 pts.
Round Two (44th overall) is worth 20 pts.
Round Three (70th overall) is worth 30 pts.
Round Three (90th overall) is worth 40 pts.
Round Four (110th overall) is worth 50 pts.
Round Five (142nd overall) is worth 60 pts.
Round Six (175th overall) is worth 70 pts.
Round Seven (222nd overall) is worth 80 pts.
Round Seven (243rd overall) is worth 80 pts.
4. The weekly column will be the first week in June run right through the end of training camp. You'll get a chance to weigh-in on the quarterback derby and whatever else you might find interesting. We'll work out the details. If you're not a regular here and you've just come to the website, don't worry about it. We're an open forum and you're welcome to win this thing.
THREE-BIT ADDENDUM - 4/24
1. Jay Mariotti wants the Bears to draft Rashard Mendenhall. As the thing gets closer, so do I.
2. Unofficial draft party will be held at Josie Woods for those of you in the NYC area this weekend.
3. Might not be around the computer Friday or Saturday so I'll leave it you guys to keep the conversation moving. I'll be on here all day Sunday to cover rounds 3-7 and provide as much info as possible on the guys we take there. Will announce the winner of the contest on Monday morning.
#2 Pissed Off said . . .Hey I tried a "silly" mock draft game once didnt I? I suppose this is more intriguing since you have the power to give away a column. Mine was just for shits.
April 21, 2008
#3 jeff said . . .I'll be sending these to your email as well Jeff.
ROUND 1 #14-JEFF OTAH OT PITT
ROUND 2 #44-RB FELIX JONES ARK
ROUND 3 #70-WR EARL BENNET VANDY
ROUND 3 #90-DT LETROY GUION FLA STATE
ROUND 4 #110- QB COLT BRENNAN HAWAII
ROUND 5 #142- S TOM ZBIKOWSKI NOTRE DAME
ROUND 6 #175-OT BRANDON KEITH NORTHERN IOWA
ROUND 7 #222- DE CHRIS NORWELL, ILLINOIS
ROUND 7 #243-WR TODD BLYTHE IOWA STApril 21, 2008
#4 jeff said . . .zbi in the fifth! wow. felix jones falling to the second!
April 21, 2008
#5 jeff said . . .by the way, phil. do your research on this cuz i'm rooting for you. we have to get you ready for your in-season column this year.
April 21, 2008
#6 Duff Diggler said . . .and pissed off, if the bears draft colt brennan, i quit.
April 21, 2008
#7 mikebdot said . . .I'm so torn between what I want to happen, and what i think is going to happen, but here goes....
ROUND 1 #14-JEFF OTAH OT PITTSBURG
ROUND 2 #44-JOE FLACCO QB DELAWARE
ROUND 3 #70-KEVIN SMITH RB UCF
ROUND 3 #90-ERIC YOUNG OL TENNESSEE
ROUND 4 #110-TOM ZBIKOWSKI S NOTRE DAME
ROUND 5 #142-EARLY DOUCET WR LSU
ROUND 6 #175-CHRIS BARRETT DT USC
ROUND 7 #222-STANFORD KEGLAR LB PURDUE
ROUND 7 #243-RONNIE MCCULLOUGH LB BETH. COOKMAN....I emailed 'em already...
April 21, 2008
#8 mikebdot said . . .Do we get points for predicting a trade?
If so, I predict we trade every single pick. That will virtually guarantee me some points...
Aren't there more Round 7 picks as well?
April 21, 2008
#9 Duff Diggler said . . .We also have the 247th and 248th pick (which I would guess will be worth 80 points as well?) so that leaves 600 possible points.
April 21, 2008
#10 jeff said . . .o yeah....thanks mikedbot....
#247-DB
#248-WRi'm not even goin' to try to guess ppl that late, jes positions....
April 21, 2008
#11 mikebdot said . . .they didn't have the compensatory picks on the site i was on. just guess two sevenths.....you'll have a great chance at points
April 21, 2008
#12 jeff said . . .jeff: I'm pretty sure the 243rd is a compensatory pick, so that's kind of strange. Whatever though.
Either way, I won't be participating anyway. For some reason, it's not fun for me.
April 21, 2008
#13 mikebdot said . . .c'mon bdot, throw a couple picks out there.
April 21, 2008
#14 Max said . . .Grrr. Ok. Email on the way.
ROUND 1 #14-OT CHRIS WILLIAMS VANDY
ROUND 2 #44-RB FELIX JONES ARK
ROUND 3 #70-OG ERIC YOUNG TENNESSEE
ROUND 3 #90-WR ADARIUS BOWMAN OKLAHOMA STATE
ROUND 4 #110-CB TRAE WILLIAMS SOUTH FLORIDA
ROUND 5 #142-QB DENNIS DIXON - OREGON
ROUND 6 #175-OT BARRY RICHARDSON - CLEMSON
ROUND 7 #222- LB BO RUDD - NEBRASKA
ROUND 7 #243-TE DARRELL STRONG PITTSBURGHApril 21, 2008
#15 idonije said . . .I will be emailing my picks later today, but I had to comment about this Jared Allen situation. . . word is the Vikings are the front runners to sign him and that worries me a bit. That would give the Vikes the best starting D line in the division, if not the conference. Is anyone else concerned?
April 21, 2008
#16 jeff said . . .ROUND 1 #14-RB-Rashard Mendenhall
ROUND 2 #44-OT-Sam Baker
ROUND 3 #70-WR-Earl Bennet
ROUND 3 #90-DT-Letroy Guion
ROUND 4 #110-QB-Josh Johnson
ROUND 5 #142-S-Tom Zbikowski
ROUND 6 #175-LB-J Leman
ROUND 7 #222-OG-Jordan Grimes
ROUND 7 #243-TE-Joe Jon FinleyApril 21, 2008
#17 zisk said . . .not a huge jared allen fan and actually believe sack totals are not a particularly great benchmark for great d-end play...
April 21, 2008
#18 jeff said . . .1 OT JEFF OTAH
2 RB KEVIN SMITH
3 QB ANDRE WOODSON
3 OG CHLIO RACHAL
4 SS TOM ZBIKOWSKI
5 FB JACOB HESTER
6 OT BRANDON KEITH
7 WR STEVE JOHNSON
7 WR ADARIUS BOWMAN
7 DT OGEMDI NWAGBUO
7 DT BARRY BOOKERjust for the record ive never heard of those 7th round guys
April 21, 2008
#19 said . . .zisk, i think i agree with three of your first four picks. dont think woodson will go that early. and i might put henne in the deuce and slide kevin smith to the three.
April 21, 2008
#20 Megan (Abso-friggin' clueless) said . . .I don't have much to offer.
ROUND 1 #14- OT Like I have a clue.
ROUND 2 #44-G What, me worry?
ROUND 3 #70- WR Rube Goldberg
ROUND 3 #90- DT Somebody really big/fast
ROUND 4 #110- QB Shane Falco
ROUND 5 #142-S Tom Zbikowski-- sounds good to me! (seriously, I do like this guy..Plus his name.. a Grabowski!)
ROUND 6 #175- RB Whaddaya lookin'at me for?
ROUND 7 #222-- What we have here, is failure to communicate..
ROUND 7 #243- I've heard the draft is deep... "how deep is it..."
We shall see..April 21, 2008
#21 zisk said . . .Hey... #19 is me.. my name didn't come up..
April 21, 2008
#22 jeff said . . .sounds good but my gut says smith will be gone by pick 70
April 22, 2008
#23 Megan said . . .i'd kill for shane falco. winners always want the ball when the game's on the line.
April 22, 2008
#24 Rancid said . . .NAHN-DES-KAH!!
April 22, 2008
#25 Matt said . . .Here goes:
ROUND 1 #14-OG BRANDEN ALBERT UVA
ROUND 2 #44-OT SAM BAKER USC
ROUND 3 #70-S DAJUAN MORGAN NC STATE
ROUND 3 #90- RB KEVIN SMITH UCF
ROUND 4 #110- OT JEREMY ZUTTAH RUTGERS
ROUND 5 #142-QB ERIK AINGE TENNESSEE
ROUND 6 #175-WR KEENAN BURTON KENTUCKY
ROUND 7 #222- DT LIONEL DOTSON ARIZONA
ROUND 7 #243-DT BARRY BOOKER VIRGINIA TECH
April 22, 2008
#26 Rancid said . . .Rancid, thank you for not putting Zbikowski in your mock.
April 22, 2008
#27 Pissed Off said . . .Matt - I'm not necessarily opposed to Zib, I'm just hoping we address safety a bit earlier and it looks like there's a shot Morgan may drop to the late 3rd and I think he's a steal there.
April 22, 2008
#28 Phil from SATX said . . .Rancid, of all these mocks, I like yours the best, even more than mine. If it played out that way I'd be happy.
And Jeff regarding an earlier post of yours, what do you have against Brennan as opposed to someone like Ainge, Josh Johnson etc, that lower tier of QBs anyway? I like the guy, I'll admit I watched about one half of Hawaii football this year but this guy maybe put up the best numbers of any college QB and he gets no props cuz he plays in Hawaii? He's not small, he's got good arm strength, he won that All star challenge over Flacco, Ryan, Henne and Booty and he's projected this late, I'd welcome the guy that late.
April 22, 2008
#29 Rancid said . . .Jeff, greatly appreciate the support and rooting. Don't have time to read this morning but I understand I have until Friday. In my quick reading, loved PO'd picks if they happened. Don't think they will.
Been very busy between work and our working dad cover band's public debut on Thursday night at a restaurant opening here in SA. Wish us luck! I'll weigh in but it might take until Friday. I won't win because I don't win anything, but I'll have fun playing!
THE FUTURE OF THE BEARS COUNTDOWN: 4 Days and counting!
April 22, 2008
#30 Rancid said . . .PO - the most unlikely thing in my mock is Baker falling that far. But I'd love it.
I don't have a great dislike for Brennen. I do like Ainge better in that 4-6 round group of QBs. The rub with Brennen is that he played in Jones' pass happy shotgun Hawaii offense against easier competition, then got smeared when he played Georgia. Honestly that doesn't worry me a ton. I wouldn't draft him earlier than 5th but I don't want us to draft any QB earlier than that.
My biggest issue with Brennen is the side arm delivery. He's really only 6'2 and if you combine that with playing a shotgun in college I think it will lead to a lot of batted balls at the pro level. I think he'll have to try to throw the ball differently to make it in the pros and I don't trust our guys to teach a QB that stuff. I think Brennen could possibly be a successful NFL QB, but I think he'll need a couple years under somebody good, not with us where the QB situation is a question mark.
That's why I put Ainge as the QB I would take in the 5th. Ainge is just under 6'6 and I think he already has the skills, I just think he's a bit raw. So that's what I'm pulling for.
April 22, 2008
#31 PTMACK said . . .Just read my own comment and found it a bit offensive when I said "but I think he'll need a couple years under somebody good". I was not insinuating that Rex is not a "good" QB. The reason I don't want a QB until round 5 is that I believe Rex will be ok this year. I just think that Brennen needs to go somewhere with an established polished starter to watch for a couple years. I don't want Pissed Off to read what I wrote and get . . . pissed off.
April 22, 2008
#32 PTMACK said . . .#1 (14) - Branden Albert OT/OG UVA
#2 (44) - Sam Baker OT USC
#3 (70) - Quitin Demps S UTEP
#3 (90) - Tashard Choice RB GT
#4 (110) - Josh Johnson QB USD
#5 (142) - Frank Okam DT UT
#6 (175) - Ben Moffitt LB USF
#7 (222) - Jonathan Hefney S TENN
#7 (243) - Chris Hopkins TE TOLEDOApril 22, 2008
#33 mikebdot said . . .Damn...I forgot a WR...nix the last one...
#1 (14) - Branden Albert OT/OG UVA
#2 (44) - Sam Baker OT USC
#3 (70) - Jordy Nelson WR KSU
#3 (90) - Tashard Choice RB GT
#4 (110) - Josh Johnson QB USD
#5 (142) - Frank Okam DT UT
#6 (175) - Ben Moffitt LB USF
#7 (222) - Jonathan Hefney S TENN
#7 (243) - Chris Hopkins TE TOLEDO
April 22, 2008
#34 Pissed Off said . . .http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/04/22/bengals-reject-offer-for-chad/
They said "no" to 1st round pick this season and another pick next year.
You guys willing to part with #14 pick and another pick next season?
April 22, 2008
#35 Pissed Off said . . .I would be. I'm a little leary about giving up a pick next year too, but it would depend on those performance quotas mentioned in the article. I dont know if I could part with two 1st rounders but I could do a first this year (mainly because he will contribute more than any rookie we take would) and maybe a late second (if we do good this year) next year. Of course if it was #14 this year and a late 1st rounder next year (again, if we're good this year) I might be willing to do it.
April 22, 2008
#36 Pissed Off said . . .Apparently the Cowboys and Eagles have inquired about Chads services as well and were also rejected like the Skins. Wouldnt it be nice to know that you teams BT has at least inquired? Must be nice to be a fan of the Boys and Skins especially. They go after the big fish and spend spend spend. Wouldnt it be nice?
April 22, 2008
#37 mikebdot said . . .Oh wait, never mind, we did get Brandon Lloyd didnt we?
April 22, 2008
#38 Rancid said . . .PO'd: The best part is, though, the teams that do this never fucking win! The Cowboys did not win Super Bowl's because of Deion Sanders or other such high priced players. They won because they had quite possibly the best offensive and defensive lines ever assembled.
They lucked into Romo. You think TO has helped them at all?
To answer your question then, no, I don't care that the BT isn't interested, as it would cost too much (presumably the Bengals wouldn't be so dumb as to not trade, say, two number 1's and a player of note for him, say Alex Brown or Ogunleye).
He is not worth multiple firsts and it looks like that is at least what it would take. Maybe three years ago he'd be worth that, but not right now.
April 22, 2008
#39 jeff said . . .With the first pick in the 2008 NFL draft, the Miami Dolphins select
Jake Long
April 22, 2008
#40 ESPNemy said . . .phil, either way you've been nominated by your fellow comment whores to write a weekly this season and i'd be glad to have you do it
April 22, 2008
#41 ESPNemy said . . .We are crazy if we don't put something together and attempt to get Chad Johnson. These rejections may have been an attempt to scare 85 into shutting up and playing, but soon they will have to deal with it. Brandon Lloyd is okay, but an elite receiver like this would be great for the Bears. If Lovie intends for Hester to be a 3-down receiver, as he said, then he will:
a) need to find a way to get him in single coverage.
b) continue to develop his skills as a receiver; he's not completely there yet.Chad Johnson will take pressure away from Hester and things will open up for both receivers, and for Rex (or Kyle). This move would probably allow Hester to return more kicks since we would have someone else on our team that can get in the end zone.
By the way, it's awesome reading everyone's mock drafts. Lots of good ideas out there.
April 22, 2008
#42 Max said . . .I also just saw this:
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/898077,hester041608.article
Not sure if you guys already talked about it, I haven't been on in a while.
April 22, 2008
#43 Justin said . . .Ok heres mine, the last 3 picks are just personal fav's. doesnt make alot of sense takin 2 straight tackles in the first 2 rounds. . .but i dont care, we need it
ROUND 1 #14- OT Chris Williams VAND
ROUND 2 #44- OT Sam Baker USC
ROUND 3 #70- RB Kevin Smith UCF
ROUND 3 #90- WR Jerome Simpson Coastal Carolina
ROUND 4 #110- S Josh Barrett AR ST
ROUND 5 #142- OG Kerry Brown APP. ST
ROUND 6 #175- QB Dennis Dixon OR
ROUND 7 #222- ILB J Leman U of I
ROUND 7 #243- DE Chase Ortiz TCUApril 22, 2008
#44 Pissed off said . . .Mendenhall is rising very quickly in this draft and I think if he is still on the board at 14, the bears may take him or trade down to a team that wants him and acquire some additional picks - we have SOO many needs I think that may be the wise coarse of action. We'll see what happens
April 22, 2008
#45 jeff said . . .Mikeb thats YOUR opinion only. Not fact. Chad may well be worth 2 #1, I'm not necessarily on board with doing that but who know how it'd play out, hindsight is 20/20 but foresight is impossible. Regarding the boys/skins not winning I agree but can you imagine the morale of the fans and the excitement going into the season. Its the offseason that really makes ballclubs, thats when season tickets are sold, merchadise is bought and hype is spewed. Its keeps fans interested. You can easily tell that just by looking at this blog, without this draft game right now this blog would be/has been an abyss the past few weeks.
April 22, 2008
#46 mikebdot said . . .hey justin, i don't really agree with this so many needs theory. our quarterback may not be great but they've shown they can get us to a superbowl. we need a running back and we need to re-build the offensive line. i say again, no we don't have a great receivers but you can win games with serviceable wide receiver play.
April 22, 2008
#47 jeff said . . .PO'd: I never claimed it was a "fact". Nor could I. I guess if nobody trades two firsts for him and he stays on the Bengals, it's technically a "fact". Likewise, I would be wrong if he were traded for two first rounders as SOMEONE thought he was "worth" that.
My point has nothing whatsoever to do with that, however. My point is I'm not disappointed the BT isn't going after him knowing the high stakes involved. I'd rather draft another receiver. We found Berrian didn't we? He was serviceable. People that say Angelo can't draft O, yet point at our inability to keep Berrian just crack me up (not directed at anyone here, but I've seen it, especially from the idiot "journalists").
By the way, if we had paid Berrian, our cap space would most likely be less than $10M right now. And if we had franchised him, even worse! Not a lot of room to extend Harris/Hester/Urlacher/Gould and our picks.
April 22, 2008
#48 jeff said . . .anybody want another soft, plodding running back? shaun alexander is available.
April 22, 2008
#49 Shady said . . .http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=4607
single most boring thing i've ever read.
April 22, 2008
#50 Pissed Off said . . .Jared Allen is now a Viking...
April 23, 2008
#51 Rancid said . . .Please no Shaun Alexander. He'd be a real good compliment to Benson wouldn't he? You know, cuz they have such different running styles.
Congrats to the Vikes on getting Jared Allen. I hope we draft a stud rookie left tackle to keep him off of Rex twice a year. I listen to a lot of Minny sports radio and some of the guys kept talking about his issues off the field and oh we might not want him cuz he's had a couple DUIs. Dude, he's possibly the best DE in football and he's been clean for a year. Gimmie a break, if you dont want him or are going to complain abou him, I'll take him.
April 23, 2008
#52 mikebdot said . . .I think that a potential benefit of the Allen trade for us is that the Chiefs in my opinion are now less likely to take a OT with the 5th pick. The Chiefs didn't trade him because they have people ready to step in, they traded him because he wasn't going to sign long term with them.
I think Dorsey goes to the Rams and Atlanta takes Ryan. No matter who the Raiders take at 4 that will leave either Chris Long or Gholston (or both if the Raiders take McFadden) fas a replacement pass rusher or the Chiefs. Either of those is a better value for them than Clady. That means Clady slips. He probably won't slip all the way to us but it means there might be more to pick from at OT by 14 instead of just taking whatever is left. It would be great to sit at 14 and have our pick of Otah, Williams, or Albert. Just a thought.
April 23, 2008
#53 mikebdot said . . .jeff: I actually think those Q&A sessions with Jerry give me much more faith in the BT. He's an awfully good politician.
I also enjoyed the last line.
He's a very pragmatic guy.
Also, Hester's agent is at Halas Hall, which is good. I'm guessing he'll be offerred something like a 4 or 5 year extension worth a large amount of money, probably in the neighborhood of $6.5M to $7M per season (total value). By way of comparison, Urlacher's new deal would have been worth about $8M per season over the next 5 years.
April 23, 2008
#54 Pissed Off said . . .Good call Rancid.
April 23, 2008
#55 Rancid said . . .I do think that we'll have our choice of Otah or Williams. Both of which would be just fine with me. Do any of you get The Sporting News. They have a ranking system in there for players and it differs quite a bit from what we've been told from all the so-called experts. They actually have Brohm as a higher rated QB than Ryan. And Ryan Clady is rated as the best OT even over Jake Long.
April 23, 2008
#56 Pissed Off said . . .PO - I have the Sporting News print version of their draft guide. It is great. It did come out a few months ago so it can be a bit dated in places. It is awesome as it has well over 400 player bios though. I use it every day looking at different sites 7 round mock drafts because it will have descriptions of the 5-7th round guys I've never heard of. Good stuff.
April 23, 2008
#57 DTB said . . .I was talking about the most current issue. But I know what you're talking about. I assume the stuff in the current issue is more updated than a draft guide that came out a few months ago. Does it have Clady better than Long and Brohm better than Ryan in there too?
April 23, 2008
#58 DTB said . . .Round One (14th overall) OT Chris Williams
Round Two (44th overall) RB Ray Rice
Round Three (70th overall) WR Earl Bennett
Round Three (90th overall) OG Chilo Rachal
Round Four (110th overall) DT Lionel Dotson
Round Five (142nd overall) QB Matt Flynn
Round Six (175th overall) SS John Barrett
Round Seven (222nd overall) WR Dexter Jackson
Round Seven (243rd overall) DT Eric FosterApril 23, 2008
#59 Duff Diggler said . . .This first pick is a tricky one concidering the circumstances. Do we honestly think that the BT would throw our rookie to the wolves right out the gate with Freeney and Peppers in weeks one and two. I have a feeling that whomever we pick as far as OT's, they'll start out on the right side and leave Tait right where he is until next season.
April 23, 2008
#60 Rancid said . . .RE: Rancid #51
We all heard Angelo say that McFadden caught his eye, and he thinks he's the best player in the draft.....right?
Say for example the Chiefs do want a OT....
We all predict that at least Williams or Otah will be available at 14.....
I know we have many needs (not as many as some of us think. Jeff is right in #45). So, aside from that and the $, would anybody put it past Angelo to move up to 5th to get McFadden?
......i'm just sayin'.....
.....maybe the Vikings aquistition of Allen is the catylist to get this years' AP.....
April 23, 2008
#61 mikebdot said . . .PO - interesting ones according to my older SN guide
1. Brohm rated higher than Ryan
2. Clady and Williams ahead of Long
3. Branden Albert as the 3rd best guard with John Greco and Shawn Murphy ahead of him
4. Gholston as the 5th best DE, projected as a late second round pick.
5. Chad Henne as the #7 QB.Again, it's an older version, it says display until May 6th on it but I bought it a while ago at the Syracuse airport. It's odd that so much can change when we know little more than they did then.
April 23, 2008
#62 Jesse said . . .Hidden within this craptastic obviousness of an article ("Bears looking to go OT in first round") is the following:
Special teams coordinator Dave Toub said he has heard the talk about a reduced return role for Devin Hester as he develops as a wide receiver. He doesn't care for it one bit.
''I've talked to Devin and I've talked to Lovie [Smith] about it,'' Toub said. ''Just having him line up on kickoff returns changes the mind-set of the other team. I don't think we're going to see a situation where he's not in there.
''If he's a No. 1 receiver now, then you're going to look at it. But is he going to be that guy right now? I don't see that happening this year. That's my personal view of it. Maybe down the road."
via http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/909686,CST-SPT-bearnt23.article
April 23, 2008
#63 JB said . . .There is a pro bowl caliber reciever in arizona who is asking to be traded. His name is not larry, he is not crazy like chad, and i want him.
April 23, 2008
#64 Pissed Off said . . .Okay, I've read all of your mocks and like what I'm seeing. I tried to go in a different route to spice things up and I really tried to get into JA's head here. I hope you enjoy
ROUND 1 #14- OT / OG BRANDEN ALBERT Virginia. I think with Long going first, that hurts us for getting an OT. I think that we will still take one but we'll take whoevers left. I dont know who that will be of course but I like this kid so I'm pulling for that to happen. I think with the need for G and T, this kid could play either. Plus we need to replace the BA we used to have for another.
ROUND 2 #44- WR MARIO MANNINGHAM. I feel as though JA would like to get a big receiver and someone with double initials, and MM fits the bill on both of those. Seriously though, from a big school with a big body and production. I think JA knows he can get a RB in the next round, and wants WR talent here. Other talented WR that could be there include Desean Jackson, Andre Caldwell, Early Doucet, Jordy Nelson...but MM seems to me to be a better fit and better compliment to DH and MB.
ROUND 3 #70- RB RAY RICE Rutgers. Another double initial! I think this is a take your pick here for running backs but I like this as the place to do it and Rice fits into this pick. The group to choose from at this point all seem to come from smaller schools but Chris johnson, Kevin Smith, Tashard Choice could all play in here...Rice is the only one I've seen play, so that's my choice.
ROUND 3 #90- SS TOM ZBIKOWSKI Notre Dame. I know a lot of mocks have this guy dropping to the 4th or even 5th round but I think this will be the time the Bears do a little reaching. I don't know how JA and Lovie don't have a hard on for this kid, and I think it blinds them into reaching for him. It's also a good move for the fanbase as this guy will be an instant team fav...even if it's just on special teams.
ROUND 4 #110- QB JOHN DAVID BOOTY Southern California. I feel this is the spot for a QB...this is an unexciting pick for a guy that has potential to be a career backup. Doesn't this sound like it will happen?
ROUND 5 #142- DT MARCUS HARRISON Arkansas. Don't know much about him, but could be the place to take some DT depth.
ROUND 6 #175- OT KING DUNLOP Auburn. Don't know anything about him, but his name is KING...that's cool.
ROUND 7 #222- TE GARY BARNIDGE Louisville. TE depth.
ROUND 7 #243- FS COREY LYNCH App. State. Shot in the dark. He can cover Manningham in practice and talk about the biggest upset in college football history.
April 23, 2008
#65 Pissed Off said . . .Jesse I havent heard those rumors for a while, wasnt anquan upset about Fitz' new contract. I like Fitz more than Anquan as an overall WR, much to the dismay of some on here, but Anquan is still a talented perennial pro bowl WR and I'd love to have him. I think Chad is better and I'd rather have a guy like that than Anquan but....
I have no interest in having Hester not return one kick or punt this year.
McFadden is a stud, I'd love us to go get him but what would we have left after that. We still need an OT and the good ones will be long gone before we have a chance to pick again. How would that work, any ideas? Would we still get a second rounder? Where would it be? How about 3rd? Im not good with all this stuff and I dont know what else we'd have left but even a guy like Sam Baker would probably be gone by the time we pick again.
April 23, 2008
#66 jeff said . . .Like your analysis after each pick JB, just throwin shit out there, I like it. Hell your reasons are as good as any and you predictions have as much of a shot as any but Manningham is projected to be a lot later isnt he, like late 3rd or 4th round? Same with Zibs, I've heard he'll be available in the 5th. Who knows though, thats why we do this. And another tidbit regarding Booty, I dont want to draft a guy that uses three names. Cant we just call him Booty ?(god that sounds horrible though) but not as bad as "John David Booty" sounds hickish when you say it in that hillbilly voice. Maybe we can just call him John or "JB"?
April 23, 2008
#67 JB said . . .jesse, unfortunately you're going to have to knock these teams out to get the guy, especially with philly and washington in some kind of war over top notch receivers
April 23, 2008
#68 Jesse said . . .I've seen Manningham all over the boards and I've seen Zbi all over...but I'm just trying to go non-traditional mockish and take guys where I think they'll be. I've never thought about mocking 7 rounds...so things were a little tough...but whatev, i still like it. I guess I see Brohm gone by our second pick, and I dont think JA has the stones to take Flacco in the 2nd., so I went WR. Plus, JDB in the 4th just makes sooo much sense when you think about the history here. It's kind of like KO part II.
April 23, 2008
#69 Pissed Off said . . .I definitely dont expect the bears to trade for a pro bowl reciever this year. Especially with washington, philadelphia, and dallas all competing for the same position. Im just saying I would like it. I think its hard to draft recievers, they take a long time to adjust to the pro game, and obviously, a lot of them never do. Thats the one position where I say you go get a stud from another team. One guy with good hands and good speed. Just one excellent player at that position makes everyone else so much better. Particularly for a team with a quarterback who excells in the deep game. All of a sudden greg olson is easier to use, because he has plenty of room in the ten yard passing game. the running game has one less defender to worry about, and when the pocket is collapsing because we have a shitty Oline (even with two promising rookies) Rex has a solid option to look for that knows how to help a quarterback.
April 23, 2008
#70 Shady said . . .Smart football players (guys who understand the game inside and out), not just athletically gifted guys, at any position are underrated.
April 23, 2008
#71 BK said . . .Wow.
Cowboys have traded in for Pacman Jones... in principle.. if 'Rog re-instates him...Which he shouldn't... in my opinion.
DAL 4th rounder in '08 to TEN for Pacman.
Even though I wouldn't want Pacman on the Bears, it's still frustrating to watch other teams (who are in decent shape) make moves to improve, while the Bears sit idle with a clusterfuck of problems facing the team. And I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say CLUSTERFUCK of problems. No Bears goggles here.
Jesse, how was the game?
April 23, 2008
#72 Idonije said . . .They resigned Davis for 3 years for 5.86 million. That seems to be a lot of money for a receiver with his output, especially considering the fact that they still have not SIGNED ONE OFFENSIVE LINEMAN.
April 23, 2008
#73 Trade Down? said . . .Its put up or shut up time for Bears ownership/management. The Bears, whether they want to or not, are going to have to deal with an unsettled QB situation, a shaky RB/WR situation, and huge holes on the O-Line. On top of all that the best player on our team is unhappy with his contract, one of the top players at his position in the NFL is looking for a new contract, and the most electrifying return man of all time is inching closer to free agency as every day passes. Its time for Angelo to make a believer out of me again. We can't handle another draft class filled with redshirts(Okwo, Bazuin, Wolfe, etc.) We need people now, and we need Jerry's Reshirts from the last few years to step up. Come on Jerry...Bear Down and kick this draft's ass!
April 24, 2008
#74 jeff said . . .Not to encourage one of Jerry's patented draft day tactics, but I haven't heard this mentioned yet. Couldn't the Bears trade picks 14 and 44 to the Cowboys for 22 and 28(The value chart breakdown is +120 for 14 and 44). From what I can tell there are not many teams between 15-21 that would take a tackle, so we could presumably still get the OT of our choosing at 22, and then be working with 28 for QB/RB/WR of our choosing?
April 24, 2008
#75 Viva said . . .leave it to jb to give me full descriptions of his picks. this is why the man gets himself a column!
April 24, 2008
#76 Blog Down, Chicago Bears said . . .ROUND 1 #14 - CHRIS WILLIAMS OT
ROUND 2 #44 - CHILO RACHAL G
ROUND 3 #70 - MATT FORTE RB
ROUND 3 #90 - DONNIE AVERY WR
ROUND 4 #110 - JOSH JOHNSON QB
ROUND 5 #142 - CRAIG STEVENS TE
ROUND 6 # 175 - JAMIE SILVA SS
ROUND 7 # 222 - OWEN SCHMITT FB
ROUND 7 #243 - COREY CLARK OTApril 24, 2008
#77 Max said . . .Not to drive traffic away from you guys, but I have explanations over at Blog Down:
1 LT CHRIS WILLIAMS, VANDY
2 RB MATT FORTE, TULANE
3 WR JORDY NELSON, KANSAS ST.
3 S JOSH BARRETT, ARIZONA ST.
4 G JEREMY ZUTTAH, RUTGERS
5 QB KEVIN O'CONNELL,SAN DIEGO ST
6 DT LIONEL DOTSON, ARIZONA
7 OL FERNANDO VELASCO, GEORGIA
7 FB TIM HIGHTOWER, RICHMOND
7 TE DEREK FINE, KANSAS
7 WR JUSTIN HARPER, VA TECHApril 24, 2008
#78 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .I could give you my reasons, but they wouldnt be nearly as entertaining as JB's.
April 24, 2008
#79 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .I posted an article before from this guy breaking down the impotance of each line postion,So I thought you guys might like this article about the mindsets of drafted players since the draft is almost here.I like what he said about what happen on the 2nd day picks(might help you with yout mock drafts out there)
by Ross Tucker(ex lineman)
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/ross_tucker/04/23/2008draft/index.html
April 24, 2008
#80 animal said . . .J Allen traded to Vi Queens
Kinda sad when you see your division rival do thing to get better,while we muddle along,waiting on the draft to get better(I know the Bears are trying to copy Indy blueprint,but come on they have a franchise QB to make that way of doing business not stink so much)
April 24, 2008
#81 animal said . . .1. gayle sayers
2. jimbo colvert
3. willie gault
3. chris zorich
4. steve mcmicheal
5. tom thayer
6. otis wilson
7. dave duerson
7. matt sueyApril 24, 2008
#82 mikebdot said . . .and yes, im drunk. so poking holes is pointless.
fuck your weekly column Jeff- im way too lazy for that. and way to lazy to research enough to guess on a seventh round pick. Last year i had no fucking clue who dan bazuin was, and he was a 2nd rounder!!April 24, 2008
#83 Rancid said . . .wouldn't it be funny if animal won just due to picking the right positions...
April 24, 2008
#84 tenacious d said . . .He can't win, he didn't use all CAPS. Rules are rules
April 24, 2008
#85 jeff said . . .animal,
A year later, we still don't know who Dan Bazuin is.
April 24, 2008
#86 mikebdot said . . .i gave up the post-game columns last season due to drinking. glad to do it again.
April 24, 2008
#87 Rancid said . . .Rancid: Plus, he was drunk, and thus cannot enter into a legal contract. I would guess he didn't email them either...he still has a day and a half for that though.
April 24, 2008
#88 jeff said . . .Speaking of Dan Bazuin, we should all brace ourselves for the inevitable JA draft tricks. Chances are he will perform at least one of the following actions:
1. Use a high draft pick on an area that is not a real need
2. Draft a guy in the second or thrid round who no one predicted to go that early
Of course the thing to remember is that while I screamed in anger at the TV at the announcement of Bazuin, WHO?!?!?!? WHAT!?!?!?!?! I did the same thing a year earlier at the mention of Devin Hester.
April 24, 2008
#89 Pissed Off said . . .mariotti wants mendenhall.
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/mariotti/912595,mariotti042408.article
every day that goes by, i sorta do too.
April 24, 2008
#90 JB said . . .Cant believe the cowboys get Pacman for a 4th rounder. What a steal! This guy is an elite corner and unless his year off made him 10 times less the player, he's a huge steal.
Jeff, I think we still need an OT first. I cant believe your even listening to Mariotti, yuck.
April 24, 2008
#91 sweetness34ju said . . .Rancid...hence my Zbikowski pick in the third...a reach for a defensive guy that "fits perfectly" in the system...it makes sense in my head. I was very tempted to take Mendenhall in my mock...and I had him down originally, but when I continue to look at the RB depth in the draft and the apparent drop off in talent after the top 6 OL, I figured JA will take line. But yeah, Mendenhall really does make sense. I would not be upset at all if that was the pick. If nothing else, a lot of mocks have him going to detroit with the next pick and we do NOT need to have to try and tackle him and AP 4 times a season for the next 10 years.
April 24, 2008
#92 Viva said . . .14 / OT / JEFF OTAH
44 / WR / EDDIE ROYAL
70 / RB / MATT FORTE
90 / OG / JOE GRECO
110 / QB / JOSH JOHNSON
142 / DT / DRE MOORE
175 / LB / VINCE HALL
222 / G / JAMES BLAIR
243 / WR / ADADRIUS BOWMANApril 24, 2008
#93 sweetness34ju said . . .As our O-Line goes, so goes our Offense. We NEED TWO starters on the O-Line now (unless you feel that St Clair and Metcalf are the answer, nevermind the FACT that Garza is consistently mediocre against his NFC North counterparts). We can't hope that another team releases a servicable vet following the draft, or worse, when they trim their rosters to 53 men.
If you want to improve the running game - improve the blocking first. If you want to improve the passing game improve the blocking first. (There are a myriad of examples of this and of course very few exceptions to the rule (Walter Payton in the 1970's)).
Mariotti is an emotional rollercoaster who will never be accused of being an intelligent man.
We need a tackle and a guard who can start by round 3. Period.
April 24, 2008
#94 sweetness34ju said . . .Looking at where they project running backs and who I like, I don't like where we are sitting in the draft. First things first, we need to ensure a good offensive tackle with our first pick, unless we draft Mendenhall, and trade to make sure we get a good tackle. (if that means trading next years first round, so be it.) In this draft, i think we also have to draft a guard somewhat early, and I think we have to draft a running back in either the second or third round. I would love to get Ray Rice. I think if we draft a running back, we need to make sure he can be our back the majority of the time, so drafting a 4th rounder at rb I don't think helps us a lot.
April 24, 2008
#95 sweetness34ju said . . .Watching video highlights, I am really liking James Hardy and Eddie Royal. I know we will probably draft offensive line and a running back because we need a good running game for us to win, but does anyone think we will draft an early wr?
Also, do you think we will make any moves in the first round, trade down or trade next years picks for this year?
We have got to get some good players on offense since we're lacking and we don't sign anybody because we're cheap.. so... we have to get this draft right.
April 24, 2008
#96 JB said . . .McCaskey's are so cheap. Why doesn't anyone complain about owners and demand they make moves or sell.
Big city, huge market, great history, loyal fans, and we're stuck with owners that can't sign free agents because they don't have the money sitting around to pay up front for signing bonuses.
April 24, 2008
#97 Pissed Off said . . .blaming the owners is weak. it's about as much analysis as blaming the qb for the entire fault of an offense or giving him all the credit for the success...no direct offense sweetness, i just think this is a lame argument that you and others have brought up. The bears spend money, they are far from the lowest payrolled team. Additionally, this is not baseball, there is a salary cap. So"cheap owners", while not even true, is an awful argument. It's more the mentality of the ownership reflects in the type of players they are willing to bring in or, more accurately, not bring in.
Do you really want to cheer for a franchise that brings in a guy like pacman jones after the half dozen arrests he's had? I don't. I want football players that like to play the game on sundays and occassionally on saturdays and mondays and thursdays and live a criminal free life off it. i don't care if they are shitty fathers or father a small army...if i could get as much play as they do, i'd probably be out doing the same thing. just line up, play ball, have respect for the organization, and become a demi-god. is it that hard?
i guess it was time for me to have a mini-rant.
April 24, 2008
#98 Pissed Off said . . .Lets talk about Carolina, this team very well may hold the key to what the Bears do in the draft. They pick one selection above us and in a lot of mock drafts I've seen there are 3 of the big 4 top end O-lineman gone by the time they pick. (Long, Clady, Otah, Williams). Jake Long is a Dolphin and Clady will surely be gone shortly after that. After that I see a lot of mocks having the Broncos taking a lineman which leaves one guy, presumably Williams or Otah. If Carolina snatches that last good top 4 Olineman what do we do? Some of you would like us to take Mendenhall which would work out perfect here and give a justifiable reason to do so since those 4 top end OTs are gone. Personally, Id rather the BT get on the phone ASAP and work on trading down to get more picks. Then we can get Cherilus,Baker or Albert later in the 1st and still get a good RB in the 2nd and with some of the other picks we'd receive we can use on insurance O-linman or whatever they want. Theres lots out there and think we need to draft a minimum of two O-lineman in this draft.
April 24, 2008
#99 Max said . . .And for the record I like Johnathon Stewart more than I like Mendenhall if we go RB and both are available. I'm not native to the Illinois area so maybe I dont have a little hometown thing pushing me toward Mendenhall over Stewart.
April 24, 2008
#100 Max said . . .I like both RB's but Stewart has had some injury issues. Id be happy with either, but id rather go O-Line first round. It dont matter who is running the ball, they aint gonna gain any yards behind 3/5 of an offensive line
April 24, 2008
#101 Rancid said . . .#100
April 24, 2008
#102 Idonije said . . .I'd like to see the Bears take Albert at #14 even if Chris Williams is still on the board. It appears that Albert may even sneak into the top 10. Reports on different websites I've hit say that after reviewing his footage of two games played at Tackle, many scouts feel that Albert can play Tackle in the NFL, and if not will excel at Guard. I've reached the point where this is the guy I hope we get.
Here's a quote from Yahoo sports with the link below:
"Albert started every game in his college career, including 35 at guard. But the game tapes of his two starts at left tackle—against Pitt and Middle Tennessee State—combined with his workouts have many teams projecting him as a potential left tackle in the NFL.
“I think anyone who says they aren’t is bluffing,” says one league source."
The article also states that the Bears worked him out privatley in Virginia
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=brandenalbertsstockboost&prov=tsn&type=lgns
April 24, 2008
#103 Viva said . . .Albert makes since if he is there at 14, because you could always draft a OT in the 2nd or with one of the 3rds if Angelo likes another one. They could play Albert at OG for a year or two and then move him to OT when Tait is gone/retires.
April 25, 2008
#104 Max said . . .I like taking Albert @ 14, but I don't think he will be there. I think JA must trade up to get him without losing any picks this year.....and a team that may be interested in having a 1st rounder next year will be the Pats (especially if they feel the Walsh allegations are legit).
If we got to 7 we could potentially take Clady at OT and grab Albert at 14. This makes too much sense to me, and therefore, will not happen.
April 25, 2008
#105 sweetness34ju said . . .Shoot, i just want the draft to be here already
April 25, 2008
#106 Pissed Off said . . .I'm not blaming the owners or anybody, just wish we had a an owner who spent some money relative to the worth of this team. And I DONT want a pacman jones, I never said anything like that or anything relative to players wanting more money.
So does anyone know if Bradley will ever see the field this year? I thought he had a lot of potential and did show some?? And he was an early early second. Anyone got info on his status?
April 25, 2008
#107 Pissed Off said . . .If some of you are putting Albert in the same category as Williams, Long, Otah and Clady (which I dont cuz he's a guard, not a proven tackle like these guys which is what we need the most) then you should have no worries at #14 cuz Albert or one of those four OTs should be there.
April 25, 2008
#108 JB said . . .Can any of you actually plunk down and sit and watch the draft straight thru for 5+ hours? I know I cant. I try to keep busy with projects around the house and duck in and out.
April 25, 2008
#109 Rancid said . . .I will admit I've done a LOT of draft watching over the years. I've definitely sat through entire first rounds in the past and I know a few years I watched the entire thing as a kid. I love the draft, but whatever. I've learned to do other things and check back in after the first round. I usually read a book while it's going on and stop for the picks.
Sweetness...I still don't understand your point about the owners spending money. What do you want them to do, give out gold plated trophies to the first 10,000 fans at every home game? Tell me specifically what you would like the ownership to spend money on and maybe I'll start to understand where you're coming from. Right now it sounds like blah blah blah to me.
April 25, 2008
#110 Viva said . . .I'll defenitely watch it straight through our first pick without doing anything else. After that I'll probably use my laptop to catch up on some of the work I should have been doing all week in the office instead of reading mock drafts and scouting reports. Kind of ironic isn't it? When I'm here, I should be working and instead I research the draft, and then during the actual draft I'll do my work and just watch when there's a pick.
April 25, 2008
#111 Idonije said . . .Rancid -
Ditto.
April 25, 2008
#112 Pissed Off said . . .Wonderlic scores of interest
Henne-22
JDB-14
Dixon-29
Woodson-14
JStewart-20
Mendenhall-23
F. Jones-22
Forte-16
J Hardy-14
MANNINgHAM-6!!!!
Albert-19
Clady-13Most of the other 1st round OT's scored in the upper 20's.
April 25, 2008
#113 mikebdot said . . .That ties into a point I made in #69. Smarts are underrated wether thas football smarts or just general intelligence. I dont want a stupid guy on my team. Or an apparently burnt out guy like Manningham.
April 25, 2008
#114 tenacious d said . . .Brohm had a 32.
Grossman had a 29, for reference. I always thought he was kind of a simpleton, but didn't realize he scored so "well".
April 25, 2008
#115 BDG said . . .OK..Here goes....
1st - Trade down for extra 3rd rounder, take GOSDER CHERILUS OT. Jerry loves to trade down, and he loves BC lineman.
2nd - CHILO RACHAL OG
3rd - MATT FORTE RB
3rd - EARL BENNETT WR
3rd (acquired from earlier trade) - JEREMY ZUTTAH C
4th - ANDRE WOODSON QB
5th - CRAIG STELTZ S
6th - SPENCER LARSON LB
7th - OWEN SCHMITT FB
7th - MAURICE PURIFY WR
7th - KROY BIERMANN LB
7th - OGEMDI NWAGBUO DT (if I get this one right I should get a million points)
April 25, 2008
#116 Pissed Off said . . .ROUND 1 #14 - CHRIS WILLIAMS OT
ROUND 2 #44 - RAY RICE RB
ROUND 3 #70 - JAMES HARDY WR
ROUND 4 #90 - TREVOR LAWS DT
ROUND 5 #142- SHAWN MURPHY OG
ROUND 6#175- JOSH JOHNSON QB
ROUND 7#222- JACOB HESTER FB
ROUND 7#243- TOM ZBIKOWSKI SApril 25, 2008
#117 BDG said . . .Saints just made a deal with the Pats that will give them the 7th pick in the draft and NE gets the 10th. Not sure what else NE gets, I'm sure its out on a story somewhere.
April 25, 2008
#118 BDG said . . .I'm new here just threw in my picks then I caught up on reading your picks and articles.
My rant on some of what I read and how I feel about what the bears will do & need.
-Colt Brennen sucks, highly overated & won't even be in the league in 4 years if not sooner.
-Chad Johnson would be a terrible move for us, too much money, Drew Rosenhaus, too much value in picks to aquire and simply is a problem, plus he's 30 yrs old now. If we were going for him we would have better off keeping Berrian.
-The Owners spend plenty of money on our players, we have some very high value players to keep(Harris, Hester, Gould, poss. new deal for Urlacher) and we got the most wanted defensive player in free- agency in Briggs. If we spent alot on new free agents we would be in trouble cause with the growing costs of mediocre DT's i.e. Cory Redding Detriot last year, and Tommy Kelly Oakland this year we know Tommy is going to break the bank. Hester's contract will be crazy too. We have no choice but sign these guys though because they are CHICAGO BEARS FOOTBALL.
-Jared Allen is a stud, and I want to send him a Keg of his favorite Suds so he ends up on the suspended list ASAP. Also making the need for a young LT all the more important.
-I like ZIB alot in college and his courage on the field(never calls for a fair catch, EVER), but I'm not sold he will be a great pro player.
-The Bears will end up with some combination of (2) OL, (1) RB, & 1(wr) in the 1st (4) picks. I think that's what we need, and I think that's what they will do. I have no problem with the first 2 picks going to the OL as long as those to picks are very solid players. We will end up with a QB of the future AGAIN after round 4.
- I'm personally not ready to right off Benson just yet. I definetly feel he has the talent and size speed combo to be very good. I think it is his attitude and desire that are ruining him. If they can get through to him he may be alright, but they need to draft a RB to be safe and I love Ray Rice.
-I also feel the bears will go after a bigger rec. that can stretch the field some.
- John Tait sucks on the left side and needs to be moved back to the right this year.
- Josh Beeckman will be pretty good, maybe good enough to replace (1) of the guard positions. I think they both need work. Ideally we will get a starter in the draft or soon after and let Beeckman & Garza battle it out. Rubin Brown doesn't sound so bad right now. He was still dominate when healthy.
- Of course JA will draft a safety and someone from a Lousianna school (Layfayette,Monroe, Tech) maybe that makes Craig Steltz from LSU more highly touted
-Like I said I'm new here so feel free to shoot holes in my thoughts and tell me what you think. I think all in all everyone is on a similar theory on the draft as far as positions in their mock's.
-Here's hoping Angelo has figured out how to draft on the OFFENSIVE side of the ball Finally.
-Thanks for the time and BEAR DOWN it's only 24 1/2 hours away. GO BEARSApril 25, 2008
#119 BDG said . . .I'm new here just threw in my picks then I caught up on reading your picks and articles.
My rant on some of what I read and how I feel about what the bears will do & need.
-Colt Brennen sucks, highly overated & won't even be in the league in 4 years if not sooner.
-Chad Johnson would be a terrible move for us, too much money, Drew Rosenhaus, too much value in picks to aquire and simply is a problem, plus he's 30 yrs old now. If we were going for him we would have better off keeping Berrian.
-The Owners spend plenty of money on our players, we have some very high value players to keep(Harris, Hester, Gould, poss. new deal for Urlacher) and we got the most wanted defensive player in free- agency in Briggs. If we spent alot on new free agents we would be in trouble cause with the growing costs of mediocre DT's i.e. Cory Redding Detriot last year, and Tommy Kelly Oakland this year we know Tommy is going to break the bank. Hester's contract will be crazy too. We have no choice but sign these guys though because they are CHICAGO BEARS FOOTBALL.
-Jared Allen is a stud, and I want to send him a Keg of his favorite Suds so he ends up on the suspended list ASAP. Also making the need for a young LT all the more important.
-I like ZIB alot in college and his courage on the field(never calls for a fair catch, EVER), but I'm not sold he will be a great pro player.
-The Bears will end up with some combination of (2) OL, (1) RB, & 1(wr) in the 1st (4) picks. I think that's what we need, and I think that's what they will do. I have no problem with the first 2 picks going to the OL as long as those to picks are very solid players. We will end up with a QB of the future AGAIN after round 4.
- I'm personally not ready to right off Benson just yet. I definetly feel he has the talent and size speed combo to be very good. I think it is his attitude and desire that are ruining him. If they can get through to him he may be alright, but they need to draft a RB to be safe and I love Ray Rice.
-I also feel the bears will go after a bigger rec. that can stretch the field some.
- John Tait sucks on the left side and needs to be moved back to the right this year.
- Josh Beeckman will be pretty good, maybe good enough to replace (1) of the guard positions. I think they both need work. Ideally we will get a starter in the draft or soon after and let Beeckman & Garza battle it out. Rubin Brown doesn't sound so bad right now. He was still dominate when healthy.
- Of course JA will draft a safety and someone from a Lousianna school (Layfayette,Monroe, Tech) maybe that makes Craig Steltz from LSU more highly touted
-Like I said I'm new here so feel free to shoot holes in my thoughts and tell me what you think. I think all in all everyone is on a similar theory on the draft as far as positions in their mock's.
-Here's hoping Angelo has figured out how to draft on the OFFENSIVE side of the ball Finally.
-Thanks for the time and BEAR DOWN it's only 24 1/2 hours away. GO BEARSApril 25, 2008
#120 BDG said . . .I'm new here just threw in my picks then I caught up on reading your picks and articles.
My rant on some of what I read and how I feel about what the bears will do & need.
-Colt Brennen sucks, highly overated & won't even be in the league in 4 years if not sooner.
-Chad Johnson would be a terrible move for us, too much money, Drew Rosenhaus, too much value in picks to aquire and simply is a problem, plus he's 30 yrs old now. If we were going for him we would have better off keeping Berrian.
-The Owners spend plenty of money on our players, we have some very high value players to keep(Harris, Hester, Gould, poss. new deal for Urlacher) and we got the most wanted defensive player in free- agency in Briggs. If we spent alot on new free agents we would be in trouble cause with the growing costs of mediocre DT's i.e. Cory Redding Detriot last year, and Tommy Kelly Oakland this year we know Tommy is going to break the bank. Hester's contract will be crazy too. We have no choice but sign these guys though because they are CHICAGO BEARS FOOTBALL.
-Jared Allen is a stud, and I want to send him a Keg of his favorite Suds so he ends up on the suspended list ASAP. Also making the need for a young LT all the more important.
-I like ZIB alot in college and his courage on the field(never calls for a fair catch, EVER), but I'm not sold he will be a great pro player.
-The Bears will end up with some combination of (2) OL, (1) RB, & 1(wr) in the 1st (4) picks. I think that's what we need, and I think that's what they will do. I have no problem with the first 2 picks going to the OL as long as those to picks are very solid players. We will end up with a QB of the future AGAIN after round 4.
- I'm personally not ready to right off Benson just yet. I definetly feel he has the talent and size speed combo to be very good. I think it is his attitude and desire that are ruining him. If they can get through to him he may be alright, but they need to draft a RB to be safe and I love Ray Rice.
-I also feel the bears will go after a bigger rec. that can stretch the field some.
- John Tait sucks on the left side and needs to be moved back to the right this year.
- Josh Beeckman will be pretty good, maybe good enough to replace (1) of the guard positions. I think they both need work. Ideally we will get a starter in the draft or soon after and let Beeckman & Garza battle it out. Rubin Brown doesn't sound so bad right now. He was still dominate when healthy.
- Of course JA will draft a safety and someone from a Lousianna school (Layfayette,Monroe, Tech) maybe that makes Craig Steltz from LSU more highly touted
-Like I said I'm new here so feel free to shoot holes in my thoughts and tell me what you think. I think all in all everyone is on a similar theory on the draft as far as positions in their mock's.
-Here's hoping Angelo has figured out how to draft on the OFFENSIVE side of the ball Finally.
-Thanks for the time and BEAR DOWN it's only 24 1/2 hours away. GO BEARSApril 25, 2008
#121 Grammar Control said . . .Sorry to post that 3 times not sure how that happened
April 25, 2008
#122 Pissed Off said . . .Fuck man, I quit.
April 25, 2008
#123 Pissed Off said . . .Of course I still think Rex is the guy, but.....
Im not going to try and convince everyone why I like Brennan but he can put plenty of zip on the ball, has plenty of arm strength, accuracy and a quick release. He is not real mobile but certainly is not a statue back there. And I've said it before but he won the Capital One QB challenge over Flacco, Henne, Ryan and Booty which tested mainly arm strength and accuracy and in my opinion makes him a legitimate QB regardless of where he played or the competition he faced. I will say the side armish delivery could be problematic but we'll see. And if thats the only knock, I'd take my chances. And dont forget he was going to play at Colorado (as he was offered a free ride) against tougher competition so its not as if Hawaii was the only team he could have played for.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtaRtC1z7XI
April 25, 2008
#124 Anytime said . . .After watching a few more highlights of Brennan he doesnt even throw that side arm all the time, it depends on the situation, when he's going downfield he's got an over the shoulder, more traditional motion.
April 25, 2008
#125 JB said . . .Nothing for sure yet but I have heard some information that is pointing to cedric benson being traded very soon. cross your fingers and pray boys and gals.
April 25, 2008
#126 tenacious d said . . .In light of the manningham test, i've revised my picks:
ROUND 1 #14- OT / OG BRANDEN ALBERT Virginia.
ROUND 2 #44- QB JOE FLACCO Delaware.
ROUND 3 #70- RB RAY RICE Rutgers.
ROUND 3 #90- SS TOM ZBIKOWSKI Notre Dame.
ROUND 4 #110- WR JEROME SIMPSON Coastal Carolina
ROUND 5 #142- DT MARCUS HARRISON Arkansas.
ROUND 6 #175- OT KING DUNLOP Auburn.
ROUND 7 #222- TE GARY BARNIDGE Louisville.
ROUND 7 #243- FS COREY LYNCH App. State.Just flipped the 2nd and 4th positions with new players. Flacco instead of MM and Jerome Simpson instead of JDB.
Whew, get those not so bright kids out of my mock!
April 25, 2008
#127 big rob said . . .Anytime, I'm real skeptical about your Benson trade news. Who in their right mind would trade for him (and offer us anything of value) given the status of his injury and lack of production? Its just not gonna happen. And Angelo will not give up on him yet.
Personally, I'd like to see him get healthy and run behind a decent o-line (one that actually will fricking block unlike 2007). That's why in my mock I have us taking o-line in 3 of our first five picks.
April 25, 2008
#128 Pissed Off said . . .PO'd..
He's got a pretty snappy arm.... if he available in a late round he might just be worth the pick... I heard an interview with him on Sirius and he sounds like he's got a fighting spirit.....
April 25, 2008
#129 said . . .Thats what I thought. He's being written off cuz he plays at pass happy Hawaii but he can make all the throws. If he can get rid of that side arm delivery that he ocassionally uses, I love to have him try and be good NFL QB here.
April 25, 2008
#130 tenacious d said . . .PO'd......I'm all for a late-round flyer on Brennan. I had us taking Woodson in the 4th, but I wouldn't be disappointed if we got Brennan. I think its strange during draft season how one or two media types will just write-off a guy for this or that, and next-thing-you-know, all the other talking heads just pile on.
April 25, 2008
#131 Megan said . . .Sorry PO'd, that was me.
April 25, 2008
#132 Idonije said . . .good luck guys! Have fun watching the draft this weekend!
April 25, 2008
#133 Idonije said . . .I don't see anything, anywhere about the Patriots/Saints trade.
April 25, 2008
#134 Shady McDraft Fan said . . .What are the qualifications of becoming a sports writer? I am watching these jokes on Comcast SportsNet talking about the draft, and there is no way that any of them know more about the Chicago Bears/NFL than any other person on the street. Some Morrisey clown is rejecting the idea of selecting an O-lineman with the 1st pick because it is not as "exciting" as other positions. What a schmuck.
April 25, 2008
#135 Spanish Bear said . . .FELIX JONES, RB, ARKANSAS
PHILLIP MERLING, DE , CLEMSON
GOSDER CHERILUS, OT, BC
ROBERT FELTON, G, ARKANSAS
RED BRYANT, DT, TEXAS A&M
SIMEON CASTILLE, CB, ALABAMA
ERIK AINGE, QB, TENNESSEE
DORIEN BRYANT, WR, PURDUE
JERMICHAEL FINLEY, TE, TEXAS
April 26, 2008
#136 Phil from SATX said . . .My wish list for this weekend:
1-14 Left Tackle (Williams)
2-44 Running Back (Forte)
3-70 Wide Receiver (Bennett)
3-90 Guard (Zuttah, maybe he´s gone here)
4-110 Quarterback (I don´t care who, at this point every QB needs to develop in order to play as a NFL starter and we know Bears can´t do this)
5-147 Defensive Tackle
6-175 Safety (Zib will be gone here also, maybe we can pick him in the fifth and pick a DT later)
7-222 Tight End (a decent blocker, please)
7-243 Wide Receiver (Will Davone Bess be still on the board?)
7-247 Linebacker (some undersized LB to replace Ayanbadejo in special teams)
7-248 Safety (maybe we can find a surprise here)April 26, 2008
#137 Idonije said . . .No time folks, 135 comments to read, WOW! PO'd, thanks for posting on Colt, after watching that I must say there's no way I want him, he totally throws sidearm which makes him play several inches shorter than he is, and you can't change that by Pep Hamilton tweaking - that's who he is. Won't work in the NFL. Non-starter. Spanish Bear I love your picks. Except I want safety with the 5th pick. Otherwise you're on the money. That said....
A cursory glance showed me a lot are thinking Albert with the 14th pick. If he's as good of a guard as people are saying, I really like that idea, even if it means moving him up past where he should be - because there will be a very usable tackle available with the next pick - Cherilus or Baker. They'll probably get to sign Albert a little cheaper because he's a guard - it will at least help in the negotiations. The whole time I've been thinking Otah or Williams with that first pick but the draft is definitely deeper for tackles than guard. And doing so would ensure that the first two picks are oline, which I really want. I love the concept of being able to get the best player for the position in the draft - as opposed to getting the 3rd or 4th best, which Otah or Williams would be. We did that last year with Greg Olsen, and it's working out pretty damn well. (Watch for GO's breakout year coming in a couple of months! It's going to happen!)
I wanted to be part of this game, I just don't have time to do the research and don't want to half-ass it. It looks like we have concensus on what to do. Now it's up to Jerry and friends. And all of our guessing goes out the window if trades happen. If there is a trade, my guess is there will be either a trade down of the first pick or a trade up of the 2nd pick - and if the latter occurs it will mean the first two picks are oline - cause for great celebration.
TODAY'S THE DAY! GO BEARS!
April 26, 2008
#138 Shady said . . .The day has finally come...this will be probably the most important day to see if the Bears will make the playoffs next year or not. If Jerry can hit on a OL(two would be nice) and RB I think the Bears could sneak in the playoffs next year. But, if Jerry messes this one up, we are definately in for a rough year.
April 26, 2008
#139 Phil from SATX said . . .I just KNOW JA is going to trade down today, I can feel it in my bones.
Too anxious for this right now. We've been waiting for this moment since week 10 of last year, and it's only an hour and a half away...
I gotta run around the block or something.
April 26, 2008
#140 zisk said . . .BDG, great post, welcome! Stick around! Agreed with just about everything you said!
GO BEARS! DRAFT STRONG!
April 26, 2008
#141 said . . .Just selected williams should have taken otah or albert
April 26, 2008
#142 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .Might he be our next "Big Cat" Williams?
April 26, 2008
#143 Shady said . . .Chris Williams is our 1st pick of the Draft
Heres some Info on him
BIOGRAPHY: Three-year starter who played left guard as a sophomore before moving to tackle the following season. All-Conference selection the past two years.POSITIVES: Smart, athletic lineman with terrific size. Blocks with good lean, flashes power and turns defenders off the ball. Technically sound with his hands, jolts opponents with good punch and strong at the point. Keeps his feet moving throughout the action, seals the edge with good body positioning and patient in pass protection. Makes terrific use of angles and displays above-average lateral blocking range with the ability to protect the blindside.
NEGATIVES: More of a finesse blocker and does not play with a nasty attitude. Does not present himself as a dominant drive blocking lineman.
ANALYSIS: Williams has shown terrific progress the past two years and comes off an outstanding post-season performing well at both the Senior Bowl and combine. He offers terrific upside and has the ability to quickly develop into a starter at the next level. Williams is first round material and the arrow is pointing north for him.
April 26, 2008
#144 animal said . . .I'm glad Detroit didn't end up with Mendenhall.
Here goes Flacco. I'll root for the guy in Baltimore.
GO SHANE FALCO!
April 26, 2008
#145 AfroCelt said . . .Im psyched about Williams. "prototype left tackle" was all I needed to hear.
Next, we see RBs and WRs falling a bit. could end up landing a better pick than we thought. i am hoping PO'd is right and Felix Jones is there, or maybe Sweed the WR from Texas.April 26, 2008
#146 Spanish Bear said . . .I like what Carolina did... Stewart and then Otah...nice.
April 26, 2008
#147 animal said . . .I think Carolina could have picked Otah at 14 and then a decent RB at 43. As of now, the worst team of the draft IMO.
April 26, 2008
#148 animal said . . .TRADE UP. GET MENDENHALL.
Im looking through all of your draft projections- interesting to see several 2nd round projections (flacco, baker) are off the board.
of course, I was too lame to even try a mock, so Im not criticizing.
so was the trade up for Baker a huge reach? Props to those who guessed Chris Williams first (max, dtb, viva, blogdown).Props to Tenacious D for his Gosder Cherilous guess- wrong, but who else projected that guy first round?
Im pulling for everyone who has Felix Jones and Zibs coming to us.
April 26, 2008
#149 animal said . . .fuck.
There goes Felix Jones
BEFORE Mendenhall.
Sorry guys (who had Jones going to us in the 2nd.)Is it possible still that we could score Mendenhall? Major major coup if so.
April 26, 2008
#150 Rancid said . . .....and there goes Mendenhall. He'll have a fucking awesome career in Pittsburgh. Damn it.
Now who boys???
Henne?
Rice?
Sweed?April 26, 2008
#151 Duff Diggler said . . .I like Williams, can't wait to see our second pick
April 26, 2008
#152 Rancid said . . .I dont mean to sound like an idiot, but.....
WTF does BT stand for?
April 26, 2008
#153 Duff Diggler said . . .BT=BrainTrust
Those who make the decisions. JA and Co.
April 26, 2008
#154 BDG said . . .Prediction:
Zibz bangin' AA's wife by October......
April 26, 2008
#155 animal said . . .may be time to think about moving up to get one of the top recievers
April 26, 2008
#156 animal said . . .WOW>
first receiver taken is DONNY AVERY-HOUSTON
come on folks- we are wide open for predictions for the 2nd.
QB or WR? Big names falling fast
Henne
Sweed
M. Kelly
Brohm....April 26, 2008
#157 Rancid said . . .PREDICTION TIME
if you are on take a shot
with the 44th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft the Chicago Bears select.......April 26, 2008
#158 Duff Diggler said . . .I like Brohm and Sweed, I think we take Brohm if he's there.
April 26, 2008
#159 Portugal Bear said . . .QB Louisville, Brian Brohm
April 26, 2008
#160 Portugal Bear said . . .Brohm or Chilo Rachal
April 26, 2008
#161 Portugal Bear said . . .Brohm or Chilo Rachal
April 26, 2008
#162 animal said . . .Brohm or Chilo Rachal
April 26, 2008
#163 Rancid said . . .Really? Brohm?
Im thinking Henne or Sweed.Rachal the Guard from USC is off the board, many of us had him in the 3rd. Looked like a reach. some of our 3rd round WR guesses are already gone too. Strange to see the "lower" rated WRs go over Sweed, Kelly, Jackson, Ducet...
April 26, 2008
#164 said . . .I want DaJuan Morgan here, but I think we take Brohm. Unless Philly does for some reason.
April 26, 2008
#165 animal said . . .Please pick a WR Bears.
April 26, 2008
#166 Rancid said . . .Here it comes. We're up.
Brohm or Henne?
WR?
Ray Rice?
Or JA "special"????April 26, 2008
#167 Shady said . . .Forte - forever we wonder if we could have gotten him in Round 3, but if he's great, who cares. Life with Jerry.
April 26, 2008
#168 said . . .Wow. Forte!
Somebody on here is 2/2 so far.
Reach IMO. Benson must be jacked up.
April 26, 2008
#169 animal said . . .PROPS TO VIVA, BLOG DOWN, TENACIOUS D, SWEETNESS AND SPANISH BEAR.
FORTE IS A BEAR.
Jeff do they get credit still if they had him in the 3rd? They should.
April 26, 2008
#170 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .sorry- 168 was me. too excited.
Blog Down was the only one getting the Forte pick right on. Nice pic.April 26, 2008
#171 BDG said . . .With the 44th pick the Bears select RB Matt Forte
after seeing extensive action with the first team during his freshman and sophomore campaigns. Awarded All-Conference and All-American honors last year after posting 361/2127/23 with 32/282 as a receiver. Junior-year totals included 163/859/8 on the ground with 28/360/2 as a pass-catcher.
POSITIVES: Nice-sized interior runner who took his game to another level last year. Patient, runs with good vision, and picks his way through the inside. Finds the open lanes on the field, rarely brought down by the first defender, and breaks several tackles. Picks up yardage off initial contact. Runs with good lean, shows surprising agility around the corner, and gets through the tight creases of the defense. Runs hard on the inside delivering blows and even makes defenders miss in a small area. Helps the quarterback sell ball fakes and an adequate receiver out of the backfield. Picks up blocking assignments.
NEGATIVES: Cannot run to daylight in the open field and possesses just an average burst. Not a creative runner who makes something out of nothing.
ANALYSIS: Forte is a running back who carries the ball with authority, displaying both strength and football instincts. He does the little things well and has enough skill to develop into a starter at the next level.
April 26, 2008
#172 Shady said . . .Forte REALLY? With Brohm, Rice, Sweed, & Malchom Kelly still there. JA better know something about him nobody else does. I have a feeling he will regret this pick for years.
April 26, 2008
#173 HesterFan23 said . . .Yeah,
drafting RBs isn't exactly JA's Forte...
hahaha
I'll be here all week folks.
April 26, 2008
#174 Shady said . . .I want Brohm!
April 26, 2008
#175 nutjob said . . .Great. Now Brohm is a Packer. Yeah he's not gonna hold a grudge against the Bears or anything for not picking him earlier. Fuck.
April 27, 2008
#176 Brian Brohm said . . .BEARS SUCK!!!
lost brohm and henne for Forte. CB must be sharing his weed with the bears BT
I cant believe I waited for this
April 27, 2008
#177 Rancid said . . .Thanks for passing on me Chicago. Now i'll have another 17 year butt-plug ready for ya come this fall. Don't I even look like a young Brett Favre?
April 27, 2008
#178 animal said . . .Brohm should get a shot at us this year, cause I don't think Rogers will survive 2 full games against us.
April 27, 2008
#179 animal said . . .It was hard watching the WRs, Sweed, Kelly, Jackson all go, then Brohm and Henne...
what's left to be excited about?April 27, 2008
#180 Rancid said . . ....on the other hand. Take that, Ced. A big fuck you to Benson with the second pick.
Im behind Forte all the way. Take his job, kid.April 27, 2008
#181 Viva said . . .I hope we're looking at 2 back rotation.
April 27, 2008
#182 Anytime said . . .We need a stud Guard in round 3!
April 27, 2008
#183 Shady said . . .Jerry Angelo hates us all.
April 27, 2008
If you haven't heard already, Chris Williams was on The Score Saturday afternoon. He spoke about the excitement of becoming a Chicago Bear and how the term holding out was not in his vocabulary. http://www.670thescore.com/ (on the right side)
Personally, I think the move was a layup for JA. To be honest, it would have been hard for him to miss with the best available prospects being the ones who fit our most nagging needs.
As far as Forte is concerned, will he turn out to be a bit of a reach similar to Wolfe, or will he contribute a significant amount in '08 like the Bears expect him to? Unlike Wolfe, Forte is a three down back which makes me think he WILL contribute quite a bit.
Not bad so far Bears. Safe and sound, Williams and Forte are both character guys so they should work hard and stay out of trouble. Good to hear Angelo actually admit, "Maybe (Benson's) not the featured back we thought he'd be. He played well as a complementary back to Thomas (Jones). ... We needed to make sure we protected that position. How it works out, if they complement one another, one takes the bull by the horns, so to speak, and he's the guy, you can't have too many good backs. We have to be a running football team."
JA actually said "take the bull by the horns" Who says that now-a-days? ahhaha
As far as today is concerned, the Bears need to draft a QB they believe they can groom to become a franchise QB. My pick as a late 3rd early 4th would be Erik Ainge.
I would hate if the Bears picked Booty with the 7th pick of the 3rd round. That's way too early for a guy like JDB.
I'd say take Mario or Early at WR in the 3rd. The team needs WRs BAD, even if they won't produce big time right away in '08 they will down the line. Speaking of line, I couldn't really complain if they end up picking another guy to play on the O-Line either.
April 27, 2008
Here at DaBearsBlog, you are free to kill us or the Bears as you so wish. You are not free, however, to be an asshole. So if you spew racism or ill-meaning foul language (cursing about football is just fine) or anything of that ilk, your comments ain't gonna last long, jerk.