2008 Draft and offseason

Email Print posted by prezalex 02/04/2008 12:54:33 AM EST

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So, now that the New York Giants are the champions, the NE Patriots are the chumps, (I know you're all breaking up over it, too) it's time to talk offseason.

Who's your team or teams?

What positions do you think they need to fill or improve?

How will they go about fulfilling those needs?

My post will be notoriously long, don't feel like you have to write a huge reply. I'm just looking to get a feel of what your teams are looking like you guys. (and gals) 

Me?

I'm basically a Bears fan at heart, though I've been known to root for the Patriots from time to time. (since '97) 

The Bears need quite a few positions filled and with some talent, too.

In order of priority, 

1. Offensive line, especially tackle. RT Fred Miller is just about gone and he was BAD this year, beat repeatedly, is called for false start penalties too much, and is 34. He's slow, weakening and expensive. His position must be filled, as protecting the QB, whoever that happens to be, is almost as important as selecting the right QB.

2. Running back. Cedric Benson was a failed experiment. 647 yds and 4 TDs will not get it done one year after riding the running game into the Super Bowl. We need a fresh start there and again it's just as important as a good QB to help with a talented running game.

3. Quarterback. I put QB here because I both acknowledge we probably won't find a QB able to win games right now and take us to the Super Bowl right now out of the draft and that a bad O-line and runner will leave the QB stranded. That said, this is still a very high priority. Hopefully the reasons why are already understood. If not, two words. Rex. Grossman.

4. Safety. After losing Chris Harris, and now that Mike Brown is probably not going to ever be a permanent solution (wasn't this evident last year?) a coverage safety is needed to help keep the Cover 2 working seamlessly unlike the disjointed mess it has looked like for the past year and a half.

5. OLB. Briggs is leaving, or at least he probably should, for cap space. He's a Pro Bowler on Urlacher's level in terms of performance but the Bears need to spend money on more needs than would allow for keeping Briggs. A run-stopper with strength to bring down a Brandon Jacobs would be great, to help make up for Briggs' lost tackling ability.

How will the Bears get these needs met?

Draft-- 1st rd. OT Jeff Otah

2nd rd. QB Matt Flynn or Joe Flacco

Later rounds, OLB like Highsmith from LSU or Adibi from VT, maybe RB (if somehow Mendenhall slips...)

FA-- Sign RB (go after Michael Turner of SD or Justin Fargas of Oakland), Safety Gibril Wilson of NY may be of help

< Hmmm, I'm not saying anything, I'm just sayin'. | TYT Superbowl wrap-up vids here >
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2008 Draft and offseason | 3 comments (3 topical, 0 hidden)
Give Rex some time and a stronger OL (none / 0)
I really think he has potential.

by jarett on 02/04/2008 02:45:08 AM EST

OL needed big time indeed (none / 0)

I worry about keeping Grossman on 'potential' once again. He'll be 28 by the start of next season, and he has shown he can be real good and real crap. I think we need to bring in someone the Bears think has been a winner, either in college or the pros and at least have some competition for the job from Jump St.

Cynicism is poison to reform and pumps life into the status quo.

by prezalex on 02/04/2008 12:05:19 PM EST

[ Parent ]
QB Needs To Be An Open Competition (none / 0)
Give Orton a good OL and see what he can do!  I'm not saying he'll be great but he could well be a solid starter.

But yes, Fred Miller is done. They need to draft some young OT's (and or get one of the two via free agency). Start a rookie at LT and move John Tait back to RT (where he played most of his years with the Chiefs) where I think he can play two solid years (while grooming his rookie/young back-up).

We drafted that really good OG/C last year so I think we're ok there.

After OL, it HAS to be RB.  I don't care how bad the OL was, Adrian Peterson (Bears) is NOT a starter in the NFL.  He's an amazing #3 and a solid #2 but that's it.  Whatever potential Benson had is ruined IMO by the double whammy of poor work ethic/drive (hello Ricky Williams, who ironically was Benson's idol) combined with injuries.  Angelo needs to bite the bullet and make the kid take a paycut...how much would it cost to cut him?

I'm high on Mark Bradley's upside but he can't stah healthy.  Moose Muhammed is and has been overpriced and overrated.  We need to draft a stud WR (and or get a good hands veteran via free agency...Bears were at the top of the league for drops).

Berrian and Hester have blazing speed.  Berrian took a step back after coming on strong the year before but then rebounded late.  He's NOT just a one trick pony.  Hester surprised me. I actually DO think he can work out at WR.  Never as a #1, but possibly as a #2/slot guy.

On D, I was excited about Dusty Dvoracek but the guy can't stay on the field! I see drafting another DT.  I thought they were stacked at safety, but they need to draft there too.

Hopefully Urlacher doesn't retire, in which case when Briggs leaves, Jamar Williams and Michael Okwo can compete for his spot. 

by ihavenobias on 02/04/2008 12:38:14 PM EST

[ Parent ]
2008 Draft and offseason | 3 comments (3 topical, 0 hidden)
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