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Thursday, August 23, 2012

Bears 53-man.....Part IV

The defensive back position has had to be shuffled a little from what I expected since last Saturday's game vs. Washington.  So far we have 3 QBs, 3 RBs, 3 TEs, 6 WRs, 9 OL, 9 DL, 6 LBs, leaving 10 spots for DBs, along with the 3 special teamers.

ST- Robbie Gould- K, Adam Podlesh- P, Patrick Mannelly- LS.  I'll start with these guys since these are no-brainer roster spots.  However, if Adam Podlesh can't go opening day, this leaves one of the other 50 players off the roster, as the Bears will need to carry 2 punters for a week or 2.  But for now, will assume Podlesh is good to go come Sept 9th.  And just an FYI, Mannelly is the best longsnapper in NFL history.

S- Major Wright, Chris Conte, Craig Steltz, Brandon Hardin, Anthony Walters -  What's an NFL season without the Bears having question marks at the safety position.  The talent looks fine at the position, but with Conte and Hardin going down with injuries last week, this position is once again in flux.  Operating under the assumption that Hardin is not placed on IR with what looked like an ugly neck injury, the Bears have to keep a 5th safety.  2011 UDFA, Walters has looked decent anyway and plays a good special teams, but becomes the 4th safety if Hardin can't go early or at all this season.  If Hardin is IR'd, it opens up a roster spot for someone else, but it also kills the safety depth whenever Major Wright gets hurt...which will happen at some point(s) this year.

CBs- Charles Tillman, Tim Jennings, Kelvin Hayden, DJ Moore, Isaiah Frey - The CB position takes a hit if 5 safeties are kept.  Ideally, you'd keep 4 safeties and 6 CBs, but the ability of Kelvin Hayden to be a 3rd starting caliber CB makes 5 CBs possible rather than taking a body away from the O or D lines.  Frey makes the roster because he would be scooped up if exposed to waivers.  Jonathan Wilhite is an experienced CB that was signed this offseason, but he's the odd man out right now.  If that roster spot opens from Hardin hitting the IR, it's likely going to be his.  7th round pick, Greg McCoy is the 7th CB right now and the hope is he slides thru to the practice squad.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Bears 53-man roster.....Part III

Now on to the DEFENSE!   Similar to the offense, the D brings back a lot of players and has pretty clear cut starters at most positions, with the depth chart also being pretty well settled.  But just like 3rd QB, RB, and TE....there are bound to be a couple surprises at the back of the depth chart on defense also.

DE- Julius Peppers, Israel Idonije, Corey Wootton, Shea McClellin - No surprises here.  The 2 stalwarts as starters, the #1 draft pick as the key backup.  But the Bears still have high hopes for Wootton, who was a 2nd round talent that could finally live up to his potential given that he is healthy for the first time in his career.  Bears keep only 4 DEs, but look for a 5th on the practice squad just in case Wootton goes down.  Chauncey Davis on the outside looking in.

DT- Henry Melton, Stephen Paea, Matt Toeina, Brian Price, Nate Collins - Bears kept 5 DTs last year, with only 4 active on gameday.  I look for more of the same this year.  Paea's injury and Nate Collins' play in camp and preseason has forced the need for 5 DTs on the roster.  Collins is suspended for Week 1, but I expect him to be the active 4th DT early, until Price gets 100% into game shape.  After that, it's Collins vs. Big Toe(ina) for the 4th "hat" on Sundays. 

LBs- Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Nick Roach, Geno Hayes, JT Thomas, Blake Costanzo - I came into this season fully expecting Nick Roach to be on the outside looking in.  But with Urlacher's knee, Roach is the only other player I feel comfortable with starting a game at MLB.  Roach has played pretty well so far at MIKE, and I think Hayes is more of a weakside guy, so Roach keeps his job at the SAM LB position.  Hayes, though, gets a spot because of experience in the Tampa 2.  Thomas has tons of promise, so he stays.  Costanzo is a key special teamer and has looked serviceable at MLB.  Last year's camp surprise, Dom DeCicco fails to make the cut.

Next up, DBs, and special teamers to fill out the 53, along with a "hopeful" practice squad.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Bears 53-man Roster, Part II

QBs (3)- Cutler, Campbell, Blanchard
RBs (3)- Forte, Bush, Allen
WRs (6)- Marshall, Hester, Bennett, Jeffery, Sanzenbacher, Weems

OT- J'Marcus Webb, Gabe Carimi, Chris Williams, James Brown - It looks like Webb is going to win the LT job.  Chris Williams has been rumored to be on the chopping block if he doesn't win the job, but I don't see any way that with Carimi's knees, this team can go into the season with an inexperienced backup at tackle.  James Brown looks like the only UDFA that will make the roster.  Hasn't looked great in games, but has practiced well.  Bears take a slight risk and expose Cory Brandon to waivers, but he has a better chance of getting to the practice squad than Brown.

OG/OC - Lance Louis, Roberto Garza, Chris Spencer, Chilo Rachal, Edwin Williams - Not 100% sure on the interior OL.  Spencer and Rachal are battling out for the starting LG spot still, and both have been bad this preseason.  Not really sure why Edwin Williams isn't getting a shot after playing well there last year, but he's the backup for all 3 spots.  One change here could be the loser of the Spencer/Rachal battle could be cut, with the Bears hanging on to Ricky Henry.  Spencer has a big price tag, but the team loves his toughness given that he played with a broken hand most of last year.

TEs - Kellen Davis, Evan Rodriguez, Kyle Adams -  Was a tough call at this position.  Davis is obviously staying.  Rodriguez was the 4th round pick this year, so he's got a spot.  But Rodriguez has looked flat out terrible trying to block anyone, either on the line or lined up at the H-Back.  So, the final spot comes down to Kyle Adams vs. Matt Spaeth.  Spaeth showed he could run block last year, but is not a good pass blocker.  Spaeth also isn't much of a receiver, for a team that will now throw to the TEs.  Adams is a better pass catcher, a developing blocker, and has shown the versatility to line up in the backfield and be a 4-phase special teamer.  Keeping 4 TEs was a possibility, but with the injuries at the safety position this weekend, the Bears can't afford the luxury.

FB- Tyler Clutts- Forgot the FB position on my original post.  Would have included him with RBs, had I remembered.  The Bears could surprise and not keep a fullback, since Adams can play there on the occasions the Bears do use one, but that would be risky.  Clutts hasn't seen much time in preseason, which could be a sign.  But for now, he's got a spot on the 53.

Up next..... DEFENSE  D-line and LBs.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Educated Guess on Bears 53-man roster, Part I

Sorry, for the absence.  Wasn't very much to talk about since the draft, but now that football season is officially back....you'll be hearing a lot more from Mr. Irrelevant!

All week, I'm going to give you my thoughts/guesses on what the Bears 53-man roster will look like come Sept. 9th against the Colts.  Today's installment is QBs, RBs, and WRs.  Next will be OL and TEs, followed by DL, LBs, and DBs.  All will lead up to an analysis of 2013 draft needs and my first mock draft for 2013. 

QBs- Jay Cutler, Jason Campbell, Matt Blanchard -  Yep, starting it off with a surprise.  As of now, I don't have Josh McCown making the roster.  McCown performed adequately last year when given a shot, but that's all he was, all he's ever been, and all he will ever be. McCown's also now 33 years old.  Blanchard hasn't shown a ton, but it's questionable whether or not the Bears can put him on waivers in order to slide him to the practice squad.  But at 10 years younger than McCown, he has to get priority if there is any question of who to keep.  Plus, McCown was sitting on the couch last year when the Bears called after the Cutler injury.  I don't see any reason why he wouldn't be a phone call away if the same happens this year.  Last time the Bears tried to sneak a QB thru to waivers, Dan LeFevour was claimed by Cincinnati.  Granted LeFevour was a 6th round pick vs. Blanchard a UDFA, but the Bears have been a team scorned before.

RBs- Matt Forte, Michael Bush, Armando Allen - Another surprise?  I really like Khalil Bell, and I didn't see the need for Michael Bush if Forte was going to be re-signed.  But Bell looks like he's going to be a victim of circumstance.  The circumstance is that he's too similar to Forte and Bush to make the roster.  Allen gives the Bears a speedier option as the #3.  Lorenzo Booker is another option if the Bears keep 4 RBs, but the Bears only kept 3 last year with Forte, Barber and Bell because all 3 were 3 down backs...I don't see that changing this year.  Booker is also a guy that could be a phone call away in case of injury.  If not, there are many more like him.  If I'm the Bears, I'd ask around the league to see if I can get a 6th or 7th rounder for Khalil.  He's good enough to be a #2 in this league, and I'd like to get the late pick back that was traded for Price.

WRs- Brandon Marshall, Devin Hester, Earl Bennett, Alshon Jeffery, Eric Weems, Dane Sanzenbacher  - The only question here is Sanzo vs. Rashied Davis.  Davis is an organizational favorite doing everything the team has asked him....from CB, to starting WR in 2008, to all phase special teamer.  But the signings of Weems, Costonzo, and constant late picks spent on DBs, means that special teams proficiency isn't a huge selling point to make the roster anymore.  Cutler likes Sanzenbacher, who can actually contribute on offense as the backup slot WR. 

Up next.... OL and TEs.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Educated Guess for Steelers Final 53 & Practice Squad as of 8/5

Quarterback 3- Roethlisberger, Batch (having a better camp than Leftwich, and is overall more durable due to being more mobile. He can also put better touch on the check down routes that Haley installed.  Lefty throws a delayed cannon no matter what the pass is), Johnson (finally a young arm that fits what Tomlin likes- big body, big arm, and mobile).  And yes, he's black.

Runningback/Fullback 5- Redman, Batch, Dwyer, Rainey, W.Johnson (has shown more in backs on backers than DJ, but also at 6'2 245 is far more athletic than anything DJ can put up).  **Neither Will nor DJ is Danny Krieder, but for how Haley runs the offense, Will gives us more options overall.  Watch for us to take a late round/UDFA Fullback in 2013.  Check out Zach Boren, Ohio State.  Mendenhall wont make any real impact this year, and its his last as a Steeler anyhow.  But we could use a stronger focus on the position, maybe with a higher 2013 pick that could allow Redman to the backup (a perfect fit).  Ball, Lacy, Ellington, or Toussaint could very well be that guy.

Tight End 3- Miller, Saunders, Pope.  Tomlin likes Paulson's hands, but he has little to no blocking ability.  Once again, with Heath getting up there in age as well as 2-3 years from his contract ending, we need to begin looking for a solid replacement.  Is it Wes?  Eh.  Maybe, but as the 2nd TE yes, but not the #1.  Check out Philip Lutzenkirchen, TE Auburn.  Haley drafted Iowa TE Moeaki when he coached KC.  And just like how we drafted Rainey (think KC's RB McCluster), thats the Moeaki=Lutz comparison.

Wide Receiver 5- Brown, Sanders, Cotchery, Clemons, Maze.  Williams?  No, no Maze.  No, the white kid, Beiler?  Riiiight.  Nope.  Im sticking with Maze.  We tend to have a UDFA make the 53 every year.  This year its Maze.  He's caught just about everything thrown his way.  He did have to be corrected for lining up wrong recently, but Ill take that over minimal drops.  His speed dont hurt neither.  But where's Wallace?  Damned if I know.  Is he a Viking?  Maybe.  For a 2nd rounder?  You bet Id make that deal.  If Wallace holds out to week 11, we better not get injured at WR, or we might need to call the NRA for Burress' phone number.  I heard NYPD has it on speed dial.

Offensive Line 9- Adams, Colon, Pouncey, DeCastro, Gilbert.  Followed by Starks, Legursky, Foster, Essex.  Id love to find a way to kept Beachum on the 53, but until Tomlin and Co. see Foster as the next Essex, I dunno how I can.  Gotta be slick to hide him.  Im hoping Beachum is Legursky's replacement in 2013.  Lock down Foster, and let Bruno & Essex walk.

**Thats 25 on offense.

Nose Tackle 3- Hampton, McLendon, Ta'amu.  3 NTs?  Yup.  Mendenhall and Wallace force us to be very flexible with the 53rd spot as well as the 8th PS.  I think Casey will make the 53 and not start out on the PUP like Mendy.  But if not, we've gotta have shoulder room for some moves.

Defensive End 4- Hood, Keisel, Heyward, Woods.  Er, Bryant.  No, no, Woods.  Or maybe Bryant.  does it really matter?  McLendon can play NT and DE, and even Ta'amu was given time today at the 5 tech spot. Woods however was picked up and lost almost as much like the Harrison situation.  Woods can also play NT/DT.  I dont think Corbin has that flexibility.

Inside Linebacker 4- Timmons, Spence, Foote, Sylvester.  Nope, I didnt accidentally confuse Foote and Spence.  We'll be in the base 2-4-5 almost as much, if not more than the 3-4 (not to mention the newly released "Heavy Nickel"- otherwise known as the Dime.)  When in the 3-4, then maybe Foote is on the field.  But in the Nickel, its all Timmons and Spence inside.  Coach Butler proved it recently when he interchanged the Buck and Mack.

Outside Linebacker 4- Woodley, Harrison, Carter, Worilds.  Robinson.  No, no Worilds.  Its Jason's last chance.  Carter is on his way to take JWs spot at backup for both OLB spot.  But like last year, we are iffy at OLB from there on.  Robinson has done very well in the off season, but has no experience.  He'll be hidden on the PS.  But with Spence on his way to taking over for Farrior, and Harrison's age, back, and cap hit being an issue, along with JWs lack of stability, were gonna need to address OLB/DE in 2013.  Again.  Dont worry, Im all over it.  Redshirt Sophomore from TCU, Stansly Maponga.  Ya like Woodley?  Youll love this kid just as much.

Safeties 4- Polamalu, Clark, Cromartie-Smith, Mundy.  Bye Will Allen.  If Rainey and Maze can play gunner (can you picture them tackling?) and Mundy, Cro-Smith, Dwyer can do well on ST... not to mention the 2011 ST ass kicker Curtis Brown... then we can do without your $3 mil deal Will.  Take a look at the head count below.  Its 52.  I left a spot open for a possible Wallace return.  And we need your cap hit Will.  Sorry.  I do have to say I prefer Rolle to Mundy.  I cant see Rolle making such a mental mistake vs the Broncos in OT.  I have read hes had a good camp, while hearing nothing about Mundy.  2013 draft has a high need for safety.  Check out Matt Elam, SS/FS/CB/DB from Florida.  I bet MP53, Gilbert and Rainey have already lit the fire.  Position flexibility, coverage, speed, hands, can hit, run support, a Junior AND a Gator?  Where do I sign?!?!

Cornerbacks 5- Taylor, Allen, Lewis, Brown, Frederick.  No, I didnt get Cortez and Keenan backwards.  Tez will get the #2 CB spot at some point, and I bet its sooner better than later.  Even if its another situation like last year where we rolled Lewis outside and Gay inside in the Nickel.  I also think Brown eventually moves up as well from the Dime.  He's never played an inside CB at Texas, so the 5 and 10 are new to him.  Meanwhile, Frederick has played all over the back 4 while at Texas A&M.  2013/14 CBs could be Allen, Brown with Lewis and Frederick at the 5 and 10.  But Id look to replace Lewis after this year.  If it took him 3 years "to get it", then its gonna take him longer to completely understand it and moreso to use it properly.  And I aint waiting on another William Gay Part II.  Im efforting the possibility of a 2013 CB pick.

Special Teams (K,P,LS) 3- Hrapmann, Butler, Warren.  Yeah, brand new Kicker and Punter.  Why the hell not?  Sorry Suisham but Ive read way too much about "wide lefts" this off season.  And while Kapinos played well for the little healthy Sepulveda, he is more average at best.  Plus, Tomlin has a thing for blood lines.

** That's 27 on defense.
** Total is 52.  Not 53.

Practice Squad 8- Paulson, Beachum, Clay, Cox, Bryant, Rolle, Robinson, XXX.  Once again, this spot is held open for now until we get closer to the final cuts as well as the health of Hampton, Starks, Mendenhall, Harrison and even Worilds.  Oh yeah, and lets not forget #17 and whatever the fuck he decides to do.