Offensive Line Chatter

Bad line play is running rampet in the NFL.  The Bears are a desirable FA landing spot and have money.  We need to use that to our advantage.   The draft you just pick where you pick unless you move up of course and with the limmited amount of picks we have I wouldnt.

If the Bears don't target a LT in FA they're making a serious mistake imo. The FA market at T is deeper than G and C combined. Conversely, G/C seems like a much more realistic pick from our draft slot. The Bears can't afford to bust out on another Tackle. They need a proven commodity, now.

I've never seen a FA TE market with as much quality depth as this. There are literally 8 guys out there who would be massive upgrades and are ALL under 28years old. Even allowing for some resigns, thats a ton of options. If your the Bears i don't know how you don't take a TE in FA to be honest.

If we don't take at least one quality OL and a TE in FA it'll be a massive missed opportunity. But for now i think the will get that done.

I agree 100%.

It is hard to pencil in a rookie as a starter and not expect some growing pains. Even a 1st round pick. Look at Reiff and DeCastro ( injury ) from last year.

Williams had growing pains ( back issues also ), was moved around, settled in at LG, and was benched for some reason. Carimi was injured early in 2011 and essentially played his rookie season in 2012. There were growing pains ( leg issues also ) for him as well. Louis had growing pains and he turned into a quality RG. It takes time to develop... Signing a proven FA LT ( or LG/or both ) is the smart move and shouldn't stop the Bears from drafting one if a quality prospect is on the board.

As far as TE, considering the options available and the waste of size Davis is, there are opportunities for huge upgrades. You can never have enough weapons for an offense. A dual threat TE can contribute to the OL by blocking and help the WRs by catching. A QBs best friend. A good TE can even go out wide and create mismatches supplementing a weak/injury depleted WR core. Signing a proven FA TE is the smart move and shouldn't stop the Bears from drafting one if a quality prospect is on the board.

Davis, Spaeth, and Adams could all be released/replaced. ERod has potential, but can't be depended upon as a starter going into the season ( needs time to develop ). He also seems to be a better fit as a Hback/FB type that can catch out of the backfield and play a little TE. Good lead blocker/3rd TE.  

If we don't take at least one quality OL and a TE in FA it'll be a massive missed opportunity. But for now i think the will get that done.

Yes. That will allow the Bears to take the best available OL/TE/LB in the 1st round. 

  

Bad line play is running rampet in the NFL.  The Bears are a desirable FA landing spot and have money.  We need to use that to our advantage.   The draft you just pick where you pick unless you move up of course and with the limmited amount of picks we have I wouldnt.

There will be strong competition for the FA OL, there are alot of teams looking for help in that area.


The Bears currently have five picks in this draft ( 1st/2nd/4th/5th/6th ). A 1st round trade down would be the better strategy, try and pick up one or two mid round picks.

I have a feeling Trestman will want to pick up a project QB in the mid rounds... With Campbell likely out the door and Trestman's reputation as a QB guru that works with QBs pre draft combined with the fact that new head coaches like to select QBs... It seems to point towards a homegrown backup or atleast a 3rd stringer.

Maybe he will like Blanchard???  

Davis, Spaeth, and Adams could all be released/replaced

I'd keep Speath. He was the #1 rated blocking TE in the NFL - and 7th overall (when including pass catchers). If not for him, Webb prob would have allowed another 20 sacks...

I'd probably also keep Adams - seems to be a quality (and cheap) depth guy.

Hard for me to even mention the last guy you noted without wanting to throw my keyboard through my monitor... But, yea, we should start a thread called "CUT Kellen Davis" or something to that effect... 

SM those numbers earlier on in the thread, great stuff. But they didn't include dead money that won't apply next season did they? Guys like Taylor, Williams, Omiyale and Barber will all be off the books. There's over 3.5mil in total, i assume that could go towards increasing our cap space?

ERod has potential, but can't be depended upon as a starter going into the season ( needs time to develop ). He also seems to be a better fit as a Hback/FB type that can catch out of the backfield and play a little TE. Good lead blocker/3rd TE. 

Im trying to think about this, but he ever once set as an in-line TE run a route and catch a pass? I just remember Rodriguez coming out the backfield to make his catches. I'd agree he's really been a replacement for Clutts than a true TE so far. And i'm fine with that, its just from what i saw last year im struggling to get why the Bears thought he would be a pass-catching TE.

I'd keep Speath. He was the #1 rated blocking TE in the NFL - and 7th overall (when including pass catchers). If not for him, Webb prob would have allowed another 20 sacks...

Of the three, Spaeth is definetly the most valuable. At least he excels at blocking, although he brings next to nothing to the table in the receiving department. Spaeth is a nice role player that can be used in power formations ( short yardage/goaline ) and some two TE sets.  

I'd probably also keep Adams - seems to be a quality (and cheap) depth guy.

Cheap is his main asset. He may be the best receiving threat at TE the Bears currently have on the roster, but that says very little. The fact that he couldn't crack the lineup with the injury to ERod and Davis' horrific play isn't a good sign. His ceiling is probably low...

Davis is a no threat TE, but is probably the most balanced out of the three and that is why he started.    


Not saying Spaeth and Adams should be replaced, just that they could be replaced fairly easily. 


IMO A FA TE and a pick between the first and fourth rounds along with Spaeth and ERod would give the Bears a solid TE core...    

Im trying to think about this, but he ever once set as an in-line TE run a route and catch a pass? I just remember Rodriguez coming out the backfield to make his catches. I'd agree he's really been a replacement for Clutts than a true TE so far. And i'm fine with that, its just from what i saw last year im struggling to get why the Bears thought he would be a pass-catching TE.

I don't recall him playing much if any in-line TE last year either. That doesn't necessarily mean he can't play some with development. At this point though, there is no way he should be considered starting material at TE.

I think the Bears would be better off trying to use him like the Vikings used Jim Kleinsasser with most of ERod's playing time spent in the backfield.   
   
 

If Mongo's cap numbers are accurate, I will be furious if the Bears do not go out and do what they can to land one of those FA Tackles. If the Bears really are thinking about fixing the tackle position in the draft, they are fools.

I know we said last year that if Emery didn't improve the OL in the offseason it would be a failure... But he did basically steal Brandon Marshal, he got Forte under contract, and there was the added 'Maybe Tice offense fixes things" element... So he got 'somewhat' of a pass. But this year is different. There is no other need position like WR was last year. OL is the one true completely weak spot on the roster. Yeah, there are depth/age issues elsewhere, but OL is the ONLY spot where we have very noticably weak STARTERS for 2013.


If we really have all that cap space, there is literally no excuse to not go out and spend 10M a year on someone. I know Cutler needs to be signed, I know Melton needs to be signed, Urlacher and possibly Peanut too (Tim Jennings even). But there is enough space for at lease one big splash even with all those things. 

Sign a Bushrod/Albert/Long type. Draft a G/C with the first round pick (even if you have to reach a little). Resign Jonathon Scott and have Scott, Carimi, and maybe James Brown compete for the RT spot. At the remaing two spots at G/C you start guys already on the roster situationally depending.  

With the remaining draft picks Im not demanding OL picks, as long as the first rounder is one. 2/4/5 can be spent on spots like CB, LB, and TE. I know it sucks, but Webb can be kept as depth at OL because he is so damn cheap and at least has experience.

^ The above scenario is the minimum of what should happen this offseason. There is no reason for that not to happen. With it you are upgrading two spots, The FA Tackle and the first round draft pick at G/C.

There is no other need position like WR was last year. OL is the one true completely weak spot on the roster. Yeah, there are depth/age issues elsewhere, but OL is the ONLY spot where we have very noticably weak STARTERS for 2013.

I agree, however, if Urlacher doesn't re-sign there is a potential big hole there.  The problem is the Bears need 3-ish out of 5 starters on the Oline.  That's rough, and there needs to be competition, I would like to see at least one or two quality FA signings (OL/TE) as discussed elsewhere, because improvement there, and expecting little dropoff with a Top 3 D could be potent.

If Mongo's cap numbers are accurate, I will be furious if the Bears do not go out and do what they can to land one of those FA Tackles. If the Bears really are thinking about fixing the tackle position in the draft, they are fools.

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Emery should already have his wish list of FA's and contacting them as of this minute. Or can do a Angelo and wait, wait,.........

Really going need to grab two in the FA market because going be hard to convince a top 3 OL FA to come here just to be a part of bad play with the current unit minus Lance Louis. Emery needs that in his pitch that you are 1 of 2 we need and the money has to be their, If we can grab two early would be a plus to save the 2nd and 3rd for a TE and top skill player to plug another hole in round 3.  

The first priority for Emery should be signing a good offensive left tackle in free agency. Everything else is secondary. I believe that Emery will do it. He virtually did the same kind of thing last year when he traded for Marshall. When he signs that LT then I would suggest they draft the best available RT tackle out there. I see Carmini being moved to guard where I think he will excel. The second pick should be a linebacker. I still think that McClellin will be moved to LB but they need to get younger and add depth to an aging corps.

I really like the tight end from U of Cincy with their 4th pick but wouldn't be averse to going after a good tight end in free agency.  If they sign a good tight end, then I'd go for a burner wide-out . I'd go as high as the 5th round to land the Honey Badger. I think that he will be a real impact player as a returner and possibly they could scheme the guy sometimes in the backfield. 6th round I look for a project type quarterback.

Im trying to think about this, but he ever once set as an in-line TE run a route and catch a pass? 

Not even one...


Personally, at 6'-2", he feels like an undersized receiving TE. Especially knowing Cutler's tendencies.


There is no one that was more negative on this guy than  I was. In fact, in my mock final 53 last year, he didn't make it...

But by the end of camp and pre-season, the media was really talking this guy up.  When the media talks up a guy who I see no chance in, it really makes me think the team is doing a lot of "swaying". Maybe it's my underlying detest and distrust for the media. But, them talking him up told me the team liked him.


Which told me Emery liked him.

We'll see where it goes this year. I think he's best served acting as a lead run blocking FB with some ball catching skills.

I however strongly believe Emery is going is going to give him every chance to win the starting TE role. And that means we will not see an early TE drafted nor a big name TE picked up in FA. 

Here's my view of ideal Bears Offseason (only key moves)...


Resign DT Henry Melton, G Lance Louis.


Free Agency

Sign LT Jake Long who is best LT available on market, so no BS there, and TE Jared Cook, very athletic and underrated TE, similar to Martellus prior to past season


2013 Draft

Trade Bears 1st round, #20 pick, for late 1st or early 2nd rounder and additional 3rd round pick.
Move up from 2nd round, #50 pick, to early 2nd round, use 4th round pick (or future 3rd round pick) to sweeten the deal.

With 2 early picks draft 1 Interior O-Lineman (G/C Jonathan Cooper or C/G/T Barrett Jones) and 1 Middle LB (Manti Te'o, Alec Ogletree, Kevin Minter or Shayne Skov).
With acquired 3rd rounder draft a smaller, speedy, burner type of WR (Steadman Bailey or Markus Wheaton).

I just saw on Twitter that John Wooten coud play Guard in today's NFL if he could use his hands.  Maybe he's an upgrade!  LOL

S&H - I like Ogletree.  Needs a little work taking on blockers, but that can be taught.  Much rather have him than Te'o.

The immediate impact O line help is going to be thru free agency. The Bears can ill afford to keep drafting projects to protect Cutler. Expect a marquee free agent LT and maybe an interior guy. Then maybe a 3rd rounder on a Guard or best available.

Rounds 1 & 2 should be for the big holes. TIGHT END and MIDDLE LINEBACKER. This draft is set up perfect for the Bears. It is laden with players that are "needs" for them. There arent many "ooh" impact QB's or WR's but MLB's and Linemen are pretty abundent. We can debate what MLB is better or what lineman is better all day. One thing I want the Bears to do is get impact guys who dont have injury issues. Gabe Carimi and Chris Williams had issues..the Bears ignored those "red/yellow" flags and it really has burned them. Get guys who are ready to play and can go full speed right away.

Personally, at 6'-2", he feels like an undersized receiving TE. Especially knowing Cutler's tendencies.

I think Emery brought him in with the thoughts of using him in a similar way to how the Patriots use Gonzalez.  Line him up in the slot, as a TE, in the backfield when in Shotgun, or even as FB.  Create mismatches with the defense and when in the slot, he can be a great blocker as well.  Tice wasn't smart enough to do something like that.  He has the ability to be a weapon in my opinion if utilized correctly.  I don't think Emery drafted him thinking he was going to be a straight FB or every down TE.

I like Ogletree.  Needs a little work taking on blockers, but that can be taught.  Much rather have him than Te'o.

I am with you 100% on this AF1.  I lived in Georgia and became a fan of the team.  This guy is extremely athletic and fast.  Originally played Safety which is similar to another LB we have had on the roster for a long time.  He is still raw but athletically is head and shoulders above catfish, I mean Te'o.

Sign LT Jake Long who is best LT available on market, so no BS there

Actually, that is complete BS. 

Jake Long was the 21st rated tackle in pass blocking efficiency last year (as of December), right behind Gosder Cherilus.

Pro Football Focus has him ranked as the TWENTY SECOND best free agent left tackle with a -0.3 rating, the best being Ryan Clady and Andre Smith, both getting a +26.9.

Jake Long has also become an injury risk.

For the amount of money he'll be asking for, I wouldn't touch him with a ten-foot pole.  I think whatever team signs him will regret it for years to come.        

 

TE Jared Cook, very athletic and underrated TE, similar to Martellus prior to past season

If the Bears can't get Bennett - who smoked all other free agent tight ends with a +12.5 rating (more than doubling his closest rival), this I can get behind.  



Speaking of PFF:

- Kellen Davis has had a rough year as a pass catcher. He is worst in YPRR, second-worst in yards per target, and is targeted at the second lowest rate. It doesn’t help his case that he’s dropped a third of his catchable balls either.

Is there a reason this lame ass is still around?  
       

 

I can understand the injury risks concerning Jake Long.


But for example there are also many risks concerning Andre Smith, who played only RT in his NFL career and while considered dominant run blocker, most people consider him too slow to play LT where quick feet and pass blocking ability is most important.
Similar thing with Sebastian Vollmer, he was good only at RT for Pats team, and sucked when given chance at LT.
Phil Loadholt is another example of that RT-only types.

So I'd cross guys like those, who played only RT in their careers (or sucked when given chance at LT), out of list of potential Bears FA pickups to patch the LT position, because dominance at RT and being a quality run blocker doesn't translate to LT and being a quality pass blocker.


So list of true and above average FA LTs is consisted of Ryan Clady, Jake Long, Branden Albert and Jermon Bushrod (who sucked past couple of years for Saints).

Sign LT Jake Long who is best LT available on market, so no BS there

Nope, it is Ryan Clady hands down. He probably will be franchised but he is the guy who stands out.

I don't recall him playing much if any in-line TE last year either. That doesn't necessarily mean he can't play some with development. At this point though, there is no way he should be considered starting material at TE.

But by the end of camp and pre-season, the media was really talking this guy up.  When the media talks up a guy who I see no chance in, it really makes me think the team is doing a lot of "swaying". Maybe it's my underlying detest and distrust for the media. But, them talking him up told me the team liked him.

When I saw him in camp he seemed to postion himself well shielding the ball from the defender, and that's why the media was probably talking up.