Contract Disputes in Halas Hall

Reportedly the Bears are about to go into discussion with Devin Hester's agent about an extension. The good news for us is that his agents last name isn't Rosenhaus. The bad news is that the Bears are gonna have to come up with most likely a big contract. Hester's ability is unmatched and he has no one to compare to, this is why determining his contract is so difficult. When drafted in the second round Hester signed a 4 year 2.61 million dollar contract. Since then he has saved the Bears several times and become a hometown favorite. His contract extension has taken priority over Brian Urlacher, and Tommie Harris who both are likely to have a new contract by the end of this offseason. Harris is upset that the extension being offered now would not replace that years that he has left. Urlacher just wants more money and although he did not have a great year that season he still lead our defense. The Bears are going to have to lock up the 3 stars that give our team a reputation, and there going to have to pay a little more then they normally do.

Davis Signs Tender

Wide Receiver Rashied Davis signed his low tender one year deal with the Bears. Davis joined the Bears in 2005, coming from the Arena Football League. The Bears staff are all pleased about Davis being back, they all think he has the ability and the work ethic that can make a good receiver. Lucky for us Davis received no offers from other teams. He has always been the clutch receiver that the Bears have relayed on in critical situations. Davis likes it here in Chicago and wants to stay here a long time. He also has high hopes on the next season and should, with his expanded role now that Moose and Berrian are both gone. We are all going to be seeing a little more Davis next year and hopefully he produces.

Linebackers Absent For Offseason Workouts

Recently signed Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher are both absent from offseason workouts. Urlacher is unhappy with his 9 year $56.56 million dollar extension that he signed in 2003. If he were to retire because of injury (which is a rumor at the moment) he would collect 13 million, and as of now his agents have not talked about the idea of him looking for a trade. Urlacher feels that he has out played his contract with several pro-bowl seasons and a Defensive Player of the Year Award. The Bears must give Urlacher what he wants. The face of the franchise and maybe the best defender on the team, if we lost him we would struggle to win 3 games. The Bears have reportedly offered him an one year extension and hopefully we can come to an agreement. Lance Briggs is also missing at the offseason workout. Briggs missed out on a 250,000 dollar bonus by missing the program. Most likely he is not upset with the contract that he just signed but he is conditioning on his own. It would really make me wonder why he signed his contract if he wasn't going to stick with it that is unless he needed to send a payment to the Lamborghini Dealership then I would understand.

Dusty Dvoracek Ready To Roll

After coming off a 7 month ACL tear, Dvoracek is looking better then ever. I think we all remember last year during the first game of the season when Dusty went down. Since then he has recovered and is training harder then ever. The Bears are hoping that Dusty will help at the thin defensive tackle position. Although a 3rd round pick, Dvoracek is looking as if he just came out of the first.  More explosive and more agile it seems like he never had a surgery. If he stays healthy he will most cetinally be lined up to Tommie Harris at Nose Tackle next year. Dvoracek is excited to start training as he is leading drills and being a leader. He recentally said in an interview with the Sun Times " I know I can play in this league and be very good . Now its just a matter of staying healthy."

Bears 2008 Schedule

Bears Preseason:

Aug 7 Kansas City Chiefs 7:00 p.m.

Aug 16 AT Seattle Seahawks 8:00 p.m.

Aug 21 San Francisco 49ERS 7:00 p.m. 

Aug 28 AT Cleveland Browns 6:30 p.m.

Bears Regular Season Schedule:

Sept 7 AT Indianapolis 7:15 Sunday Night 

Sept 14 AT Carolina 12:00 Sunday

Sept 21 Tampa Bay 12:00 Sunday

Sept 28 Philadelphia 7:15 Sunday Night

Oct 5 AT Detroit 12:00 Sunday

Oct 12 AT Atlanta Falcons 12:00 Sunday

Oct 19 Minnesota 12:00 Sunday

Oct 26 BYE

Nov 2 Detroit 12:00 Sunday 

Nov 9 Tennessee 12:00 Sunday CBS 

Nov 16 AT Green Bay 12:00 Sunday

Nov 23 AT St. Louis 12:00 Sunday

Nov 30 AT Minnesota 7:15 Sunday

Dec 7 Jacksonville 12:00 Sunday CBS 

Dec 11 New Orleans 7:15 Thursday Night

Dec 22 Green Bay 7:30 Monday Night

Dec 28 AT Houston 12:00 Sunday  

The Bears have 5 Prime time games this year and also play all of the AFC South teams.

Having Indy as our first game of the season should be looked at as a good thing. Playing one of the best teams gives us a chance to evaluate ourselves early and look to see what changes need to be made against the best competition. Plus if we win we will show a lot of teams how much potential we have. 

The Hester Affect

The most explosive player in the NFL is going to be given a solid chance on making plays not just on special teams but on offense. This year the Bears are going into the NFL Draft with Marty Booker, Mark Bradley, Devin Hester, Mike Hass, Rasheed Davis, and Brandon Lloyd as our Wide Receivers. The team signed Booker to replace the aging Muhammad and gave a minimum contract to Brandon Lloyd who has some potential, and should be interesting to watch next year, that is if he makes it out of camp. Because of the lack of depth that we have at Wide Out the Bears are considering Hester as a 3 down players and not just a game changing Returner. Having Hester at the Wide Receiver spot can give the Bears many options. Hester is a game changer and can break a big play at any time, so there is always a possibility to put up 7 points. Having him on the field all the time would force the defense to constantly be on there toes and play more cover then a man to man. This could help open up the running game and get some other receivers open. For example is Hester were to run a simple Slant route across the middle, he would instantly get the Linebackers attention. This is what the Half Back Draw was designed for and it would be used to its full potential in this case. The only problem with Hester playing Wide Receiver for 3 downs is that is could affect his return ability. Hester would need a break from returning, we would have to trust either Rasheed Davis or Daniel Manning with that position. In the end there really isn't anything that negative about giving Hester a chance. With a little work on his hands he could become an elite NFL Receiver. However the rumor is that he is unhappy with his contract and is expencting top dollar for his breakaway ability. Hopefully the Bears realize his potential on offense is through the roof and he gets the contract he wants.

Gosder Cherilus

Boston Colleges Gosder Cherilus has the perfect attitude of an upcoming offensive lineman. Cherilus was recently interviewed in the Pittsburgh Tribune, "The player on the other side might be a nice guy, but he's not my friend." later in the interview he went on to say "Football's what I do, not who I am. I'm not a dirty player, I play hard. There's a difference. I played four years in college and never had a personal foul. It's nothing personal. Just football." Cherlius is one tough kid which is what the Bears need on their Online and at 6'7 320 hes no joke. Although Cherlius is a first round pick (most likely in the 20's)the Bears would be reaching if they took him at #14 but, Jerry Anglo does have a history of reaching for players and especially players he likes and sees potential in, one example that comes to mind is Devin Hester. Im not saying that Cherlius is the offensive line form or Hester but if he has potential hes always a possibility for the Bears. And with this kind of attitude for the game I would not be upset if I saw him in a Bears Uniform.

3rd Round

After hopefully, two soild picks in the first and second we still find some skill in the 3rd. There are several options for us that will be there in the 3rd, not to mention some players will fall out of the second. 

Possible 2nd round droppers: Reggie Smith, Matt Forte, Ray Rice

3rd Round #70 #90

Quintin Demps FS El-Paso Texas : A 6'0 200 lbs 4.39 safety already sounds like a steal. Demps is an aggressive cover safety who fly's to the ball. Demps had 5 picks and averaged 44 yards per return including 2 touchdowns. Demps is a mini Mike Brown, he is a leader and was Defensive captain last year.

Andre Woodson QB Kentucky: A tall 6'5 229 lbs Woodson has the size and the arm strength to give him an advantage at the next level.  We all know the Bears Quarterback Situation and we all have our own opinion on what we should do about it. But, one thing that I think everyone agrees on is that we need to and will draft a QB if not 2. Woodson used to be a first round pick but he had a bad combine and pro-day. Woodson would be a great pick in the third. He threw for 40 touchdowns and had only 11 picks, he has speed to get by some rushers he ran a 4.85 40. Woodson will give both Rex and Kyle a run for their money and for the starting spot.

Roy Schuening OG Oregon State: Roy has great mechanics and awareness on the field but he needs to work on his strength. He only allowed 5 sacks last season and helped his offense gain 371.6 yards per game. One great thing about Roy is that he has never been injured and as we all know that is something that always kills the Bears.

William Franklin WR Missouri: Franklin is a monster, and with great height and great speed there's no reason why he wouldn't be needed on the Bears. A possible replacement for Berrian with 4.37 speed and 6'1 height, Franklin finds the ball. His hands are average but so were Berrian's and Franklin is younger and ready to learn. Hes also a great team player and isn't afraid to take a hit.

Jordy Nelson WR Kansas State: The new Moose but with much better hands and slightly better speed. Nelson was 2nd in the Nation with 10.17 Receptions per game and with 4.49 speed he as the ability after the catch. Like Moose he enjoys hitting his defender and not going down easily. Not to mention he's 6'3 215 lbs. Nelson's a tough kid and enjoys a challenge.

Tony Hills OT Texas: At 6'6 310 lbs Hills only allowed one sack last year and allowed for Jamal Charles to dominate by clearing huge holes for him. When the Offense had Hills they produced 471.5 yards a game when he went down with a fractured leg (that put of the 1st and 2nd round) they averaged 400 yards a game a huge drop for losing one lineman it just shows the impact this player can have in the game. Hills also ran a 5.18 at the Combine.

Kevin Smith RB Cenral Florida: Smith lead the Nation with 2567 Rushing Yards and had 29 Touchdowns. He had 24 runs of 20 yards or more. He has some breakaway ability with his 4.45 speed. His patience to find the hole is his biggest asset( a little Thomas Jones like). Phenomal acceleration is why he he has such a great initial burst. Smith is 6'1 215.

Mike Pollack C Arizona State:  I know center isn't even a need that the Bears have but Kreutz cant play forever and Pollack is a great option to back him up. On a terrible line without much help Pollack only allowed 3 Quarterback Pressures. He was only penalized 4 times and did not let up a single sack. He is a strong player and he benched 

225 29 times at the combine. Pollack is 6'4 300 lbs and ran the 40 in 5.02.

DaJuan Morgan FS N.C. State: Hopefully we get Demps but Morgan is not a bad option at #90. A 6'1 205 lbs 4.45 player who would give us depth behind our DB'S. Morgan is a very productive safety he had 97 tackles lat year. Morgan has had only one season starting so you cant trust him that much, he tends to struggle against fast Wide Outs. He is very good at playing with the Quarterback and bursting to the ball and making the turnover.

Drew Radovich G USC: The other USC Guard also has some skill. Drew is the perfect size for an elite guard at 6'5 300 lbs he also ran a 5.3 40. Last season he was penalized only four times and only allowed 4.5 sacks. Drew is a specimen at guard, he played with the best at a USC program and showed that he has the skills. He shows great aggression in his blocking and that can hopefully rub off on some other players on our line.

Other Possibilities: Mario Manningham WR, Oniel Cousins OT, Tashard Choice RB, Red Bryant DT, John Greco OT, Mike McGlynn OG/OT.

2nd Round

In the Second Round there are several options and players that we can reach for mostly on offense, but don't rule out a defensive player here, knowing the bears it could happen.

Like the first round here are some options for the Bears:

Felix Jones RB Arkansas: A game changing back with a fresh pair of legs, Jones could be key factor in the rebuilding of this offense.  Jones is a solid 5'10 207 he also ran a 40 time of 4.4. With Hester training to be a 3 down receiver we could use a backup returner Jones also gives us that role he averaged 28.2 yards per return.

Anthony Collins OT Kansas: Easily the best OT that will be available to us in the 2nd round, Collins would help us sustain the run and the pass game, weighing in at 317 and being 6'6 is just another benefit that the Bears defiantly need. Collins only was penalized twice and only allowed 6 sacks last season.

Chilo Rachal OG USC: Rachal is a top notch Guard with a great smile. He excelled at a big school against great competition and plays well under pressure.  Rachal is a massive 6'5 315 and runs a 40 in 5.1 and benched 225 28 times he allowed not a single sack and was a huge reason they averaged 197 rushing yards per game.

Jamal Charles RB Texas: I am the first one to say that another Texas back is the last thing that we need right now but with the assets that Charles has it would be to much to pass on. Charles is a lean 6'1 200 pounds and ran a 40 time of 4.38. From watching him, the only problem is that he sometimes loses the ball in key situations this is going to translate to be a problem in the NFL, but besides that he has all the skills to take him to the next level he just needs some coaching help.

Duane Brown OT Virginia Tech: An athletic blocker he comes in at an stout 6'4 315. Running the 40 in 4.9 he is an excellent pull blocker and works best with pitch plays.  Brown would be a right tackle for the best he tired left but had some trouble and the right fits him best. He was penalized 7 times and allowed 8.5 sacks last season. Brown has the ability to catch and run routes as he was the backup tight end in preseason for Virginia Tech so if Clark or Olsen go down we have a backup.

Chris Johnson RB East Carolina:  The fastest 40 time in the draft is a great thing to have on the resumé. At 5'11 197 he is able to pick up 4.24 speed. He has the ability to make the corner and fly past the line backer and most defensive backs at that. If somehow Benson put a little muscle behind his shoulder Johnson would be a great change of pace back.

Reggie Smith FS/CB: Oklahoma: With the ability to play any DB position Smith is the perfect nickel and utility back. Smith is good size for a DB at 6'1 200 and has average speed running a 4.6 40. Smith is more of a game player and not a workout warrior which is why he has dropped this offseason.  When throw to his area only 35% of the passes were completions. He is a great insurance policy for Kevin Payne, Mike Brown or Nathan Vasher who all had long injuries last year. The problem comes when the Bears have more needs on the offense and cannot afford to spend a 2nd round pick on a defensive player but who knows JA loves his DB's.

Matt Forte RB Tulane: Forte Probably could play fullback because of his ability to pick up the block which a necessity in any offense. He is a powerful runner and runs over most cornerbacks and safeties. He is 6'2 222 and runs a 4.44 which is great speed for his size. The Bears were known to have interest in him and could take him early with there 2nd pick in the draft. He would normally be a third round pick.

1st Round

Lets take a deeper look at the first round for the Bears in this NFL draft. 

For the Bears offense if the priority, and more specifically Offensive Line. There are several OT's and OG's that could help us out this year. 

Ryan Clady OT Boise State: There is a small chance he will be available when the Bears pick but lets take a look at him just for fun. Clady is looked at as the second best OT in the draft behind Michigan's Jake Long. Clady Measures in at 6'6 311 and ran a 40 of 5.18. He helped the Broncos offense with only 6 penalties all year and allowed only 3.5 sacks, he is going to be a monster on any team that selects him.

Brandon Albert OG/OT Auburn: The best Guard in the Draft could be available to us at 14, if he is the Bears should not hesitate to take Albert. He comes in at 6'7 315 and ran a 5.17 40. Albert can play both Guard and Tackle and not to mention very well he only allowed 5.5 sacks last year and not to mention his offense threw the ball a total of 428 times last year. Albert is a great run and pass blocker and would fir the Bears perfectly that is if hes still around.

Jeff Otah OT Pitt: A fantastic run blocker Otah can create holes for anyone. At a gigantic 6'6 340 he easily pushes defenders to the ground. Otah benched 225 29 times at the combine. He was also was a huge part in Pitt's very productive offense as they averaged 319.5 yards a game. On 811 offensive snaps he only allowed 8.5 sacks. Sadly the carolina panthers are very interested in our friend here and could very possibly take time with #13.

Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt: The 5th best offensive line man will be available to the Bears at #14. Williams comes in about the same size as everyone else at 6'6 315 and ran a 5.15 40. Williams in all 836 offensive snaps only allowed 1 quarterback sack.  Although I would not mind taking Williams in the first I would think that any of the linemen I named above would be a better fit in Chicago. 

Gosder Cherilus OT Boston College: Most likely we trade down to acquire Cherilus, but Jerry Angelo does have a tendency to reach for players to likes, and JA is in love with Cherilus. He weighs in at 314 lbs and is a huge 6'7 he excels in pass blocking but he is not useless in the run game. Last season he gave up only 5.5 sacks and only 7 penalties we could most likely trade to the 20's to acquire him.

Tommie Harris

Congratulations to Tommie Harris for winning the ED BLOCK courage award. This honor was given to Tommie because of his outstanding sportsmanship and courage. Harris although doesn't post great stats he is a key in our run and pass defense. When he was out we could not stop the run, and his courage to play with his injuries  should be recognized. Off the field Harris is a role model, he just returned from his visit to the Gulf of Mexico to visit troops and raise their sprits.  Tommie also gives scholarships to minorities in high school, he also started the Tommie Harris Foundation which raises money for underprivileged children. Tommie is a wonderful member of this team of and on the field. As of now the Bears are trying to extend Harris's contract hopefully we do very soon.

Draft Day

On draft day the Jerry Anglo should be very busy with his 11 picks in this years draft. Revamping the offense should be his first priority, Offensive Line Running Back and Wide Receiver should be focused on first.

Round 1 Pick 14: Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt

 

This monster of an Offensive Tackle will be the best available Offensive line man when the Bears select at 14.  Williams will allow Tait to move to the right tackle spot letting him play to his full potential.

Other Possibilities:

Jeff Otah OT: Otah would be a better fit in Chicago because of his superior ability to run block, but with the need for OLINE this year he could be gone before the Bears pick.

Brandon Albert OG: All of the sudden shooting up the draft board Albert is one of the best potential players in this years draft. He can play both Tackle and Guard very well but could be selected well before the bears pick.

Rashard Mendenhall RB: Phenomenal athlete with one of the biggest upsides in the draft. The only problem with taking a running back with the first pick is that it is not out biggest need, and the class is so deep that we can get a solid one in the Second Round.

Round 2 Pick 44: Felix Jones RB Arkansas

The ideal situation for Felix would be to end up in Chicago. He is a fast elusive back with above average vision and he has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, not to mention a fresh pair of legs thanks to a well known Darren McFadden. Jones also can take charge in a game and be a play maker which is something that we are desperate for.

Round 3 Pick 70: Chilo Rachal OG USC

After addressing the Tackle position the Bears now go after the second best Guard in the draft. A big guard and at even bigger school Rachal could be a guard that the Bears rely on for the next ten years.

Round 3 Pick 90: Quintin Demps FS UTEP

With the emergence of Kevin Payne the Bears are set at SS but we cannot forget the famous injury prone Mike Brown  FS is a problem. Demps is an aggressive fly to the ball FS with underrated cover skills and is potentially a sleeper in this draft.

Round 4 Pick 110: Paul Hubbard WR Wisconsin 

A big target with underestimated speed he has great hands and some red-zone ability and he can grow into a trusted possession receiver. 

Round 5 Pick 142: Erik Ainge QB Tennessee 

With a very low quality quarterback class this year it is best for the Bears to wait until the 3rd or 5th round to select one. I considered taking Andre Woodson in the third round but the Bears can get the same value in the 5th with Ainge. He has a big body, and a big arm and was taught by the same coach as Peyton Manning.  That alone makes him a great prospect.

Round 6 Pick 175: Brandon Keith OT Northern Iowa

With a great Pro Day Keith has proven he has the goods. With a well known need for OT the Bears cannot pass on him in the 6th. He would provide depth for Tait and the previously drafted Williams.

Round 7 Pick 222 Derrick Lokey DT Texas

One of the strongest players in the draft, Lokey will provide depth behind Harris and Dusty and give some competition to a possible 3rd string Matt Toenia.

Round 7 Pick 243: Marcus Smith WR New Mexico

A possible game changing Wide Out, Smith will be a reserve for a few years but could blossom into a go to guy for us.

Round 7 Pick 247: Gary Barnidge TE Louisville 

One of are small needs is a blocking tight end we are lucky to get such a high quality player this late in Barnidge who has a monstrous body frame of 6'6 247 and who can put up a block.

Round 7 Pick 248: Mackenzy Bernadeau OG

Usually taking 4 offensive linemen in 1 draft is rare, but if 4 of the linemen someday start for your team it was a pick well spent. Bernadeau is a definite sleeper this year and has the skills needed to take him to the next level he just needs to learn how to use them.

Offseason

So far in the Free Agency the Bears have managed to sign Marty Booker and Brandon Lloyd. The Bears have also resigned Lance Briggs, Rex Grossman and Brandon McGowan. However many more players have been lost then gained. This offseason the Bears lost Bernard Berrian, Brandon Ayanbadejo, and John Gilmore. They released Muhsin Muhammad and traded Brian Griese to the Quarterback loving Buc's. They also didn't resign Ruben Brown or Fred Miller. Although the Draft is almost here, there is still a possibility for the Bears to sign someone of potential. Many Offensive line men are still available  for them to sign: Shane Olivia OT/OG, the old but well experienced Larry Allen OG and Chris Naeole OG could all be well valued additions for their team.