On the eve of free agency, I gave my plan for the offseason when dealing with free agency. And I must say, I didn't do a bad job. Called the cuts of Davis, Spaeth and Toeina (I know, not exactly groundbreaking stuff). Called for Sam Baker, but the Bears went out and signed Jermon Bushrod. I did nail the contract terms being "a little cheaper than Will Beatty's deal". Also threw Martellus Bennett's name out there, and that came to fruition. Now if the Bears can do some restructures and get a couple other guys back, it will be pretty accurate.
Now onto the draft. I have run many mock drafts thru my head and down on paper, but haven't really shared anything with the blog. I'm going to try to change that as there are several different ways the Bears could go, especially on the first 2 days of the draft with having filled 2 major holes and still not completely done in free agency. This mock was actually put together BEFORE the news of Brian Urlacher and the Bears going in their separate directions.
1 (20)- Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State. Was really hoping for him to be there in the 2nd round so the Bears could go another way in the first and still get what I consider to be the best LB in this draft. But as the pre-draft season goes on, Brown just keeps climbing up draft boards. Playing at about 228lbs this season, Brown looked like a prototype WLB in a Cover 2 scheme. But on gameday, he doesn't play like a WILL LB. He's a guy that hits anything that moves, takes on blocks surprisingly well, and runs like the wind. Showing up at the combine at 241lb proved he could bulk up to possibly play SLB and even MLB in the 4-3, but would the extra bulk slow him down? After running in the low 4.6s at his pro day, there's no question to me that Arthur Brown could be the next great MLB for the Chicago Bears. Ideally, the Bears would be able to trade down in the 1st and still get him while picking up an extra pick, but teams like St. Louis, Minnesota, Indianapolis, and Green Bay could all use LB help, and I doubt Brown makes it past the Ravens being that he's getting some comparisons to a young Ray Lewis.
2 (50)- Markus Wheaton, WR, Oregon St. This is a player I wanted on the Bears back in September. Back then, Wheaton was still flying under the radar as a nice WR in a WR loaded PAC-10 conference. After seeing him fly down the field and fly up draft rankings, I wrote him off as an option in Chicago...figuring he would go too high for our tastes. But then I did some homework. And while it isn't the Bears biggest need, the team has stated they want to add some speed to the WR corps to stretch the field for their bigger guys underneath. So why Wheaton this early? GM Phil Emery has drafted his share of WRs in his time as GM and head scout for the Falcons, Chiefs and now the Bears. And what do Roddy White, Harry Douglas, Jonathan Baldwin, and Alshon Jeffery all have in common? All were drafted in the first 3 rounds when Emery had some say so. Wheaton has drawn comparisons to this year's big FA signee, Mike Wallace. The Bears, then under GM Jerry Angelo, were very interested in Wallace, almost pulling the trigger on him before trading down for a guy that could jump out of a pool (don't get me started). The Chiefs, with Emery as head scout, also showed a ton of interest in Wallace coming out of the draft, interviewing him at the combine and Senior Bowl. Wheaton can stretch the field and should be able to work from outside or the slot. He has good hands, runs strong routes, and was a 100m champion at Oregon St.
4 (117)- Allen Bailey, OG, Arkansas. This is later than I'd like to wait for OL help, considering the Bears have 2012 UDFA, James Brown as the only current option to start at LG next year. So, hopefully the Bears can find someone to hold the fort at LG in case Bailey isn't ready from Day 1. But Bailey fits the mold of the Saints OGs that made Kromer (Bears OC, former Saints OL coach) a sought after assistant coach. In fact, Bailey is almost the exact same size as Jahri Evans was when the Saints drafted him in the 5th round in 2006. Bailey quietly had a very strong combine, including running 4.95 in the 40. But he's also from a power blocking scheme and is a 3-year starter, with 38 starts in his career. His strength showed in his 27 bench reps. He's played both LG and RG, including some times on the same series as the Razorbacks put him to the side they were often running to (or pulling from to run to the other side). Needs some work on technique, but he has all the tools to be a solid NFL guard and will be coached by a guy that knows what he's doing when it comes to interior OL. Experienced enough to be a Day 1 starter at LG.
5 (153)- Steve Williams, CB, California. Another guy who quietly had a very strong combine performance. 4.42 in the 40, looked very good in the drills backpedaling and showing ball skills. Continues with the theme of this draft to get faster as a team. If you look at the Bears when they went to the Superbowl, they had a lot of speed. Urlacher, Briggs, and Tillman were all young and hadn't lost a step yet. They had speed on the front 4 also. Williams starts out as the #4 CB, playing special teams and eventually takes over the nickel. Despite being a little undersized, he's also very tough against the run, racking up 80 tackles this season. A defensive tackle is also an option here as depth is very slim...but so are the draft options at the position after the 4th round.
6 (188)- Michael Ford, RB LSU. This may be one of my favorite picks. It is a luxury pick, but if the Bears make this pick, I'd be willing to bet that they would reap huge benefits from it in 2014. Quietly was in the top 10 in the 40 at the combine for his position. Prototype RB size at 5'10", 210 lbs. Former Parade High School All American, and one of the top recruited players in his class 3 years ago. But only 243 career college carries in 3 years due to playing in a loaded backfield for all 3 seasons. Dynamic runner with career 6 yards per carry in the SEC. Shown flashes of being a good receiver out of the backfield. He's the #3 RB for his rookie season while he works on improving pass protection skills. Then in 2014, he allows the Bears to release Matt Forte, clearing 7Mil off the cap for next year, and becomes the #1B to Michael Bush...eventually either becoming "the guy" or the #2 to a 2015 draft pick. Either way, I think Ford will be a steal. He had the potential of being a 2nd round RB if he had gone to a school where he would have been the primary runner.
This blog is solely used to provide both Steelers and Bears fans with a very realistic look at their teams upcoming possible draft picks.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Friday, March 15, 2013
Losing Sanders to the Patriots mock draft
The recent news of the Pats making Sanders an offer does have a silver lining. Their 3rd round pick. While I feel my recent mock is very strong, making a change to address WR earlier wasnt a mere cut and paste. Originally I thought maybe draft Fuller earlier in the 3rd round then maybe a tight end in the 6th. However I did see that Davis was returning today and we might have interest in bringing back Spaethe. While Id prefer the former (actually Id prefer Sims or Mike Williams to be drafted) the fact that were losing not just 1 but 2 WRs requires us to draft 2 to recoup. There was also some thought of addressing LB at this spot, but due to us quickly signing Foote, as well as the other 2-3 future signings, pretty much shot that down. Now, the 3rd round has been a popular round for Tomlin to find WRs (Wallace and Sanders) though the 6th round got us Brown (the sole survivor). Therefore, taking a WR at both the 3rd and 6th (think 2010 draft), makes perfect sense. So, without further ado...
17 Elam, S(DB) Florida- since my last Mock Tomlin and Colbert attended the Florida pro day. Elam was the focus. The Jags HC and GM also showed up hoping to see Floyd work but was injured. Nevertheless, Elam now only needs to be brought in for the private invitational workout to be 100% our pick at 17. Right now? Im 95% sure its him. He's a defender, junior, position flexible, fast, a Florida Gator, and from the SEC- all Tomlin requirements. His recent grade of 34 overall fits our 2010 draft. Yes, that was MP53's pick.
47 Williams, DT Missouri Southern State- while he did have a minor hammy pull he still completed his pro day with Tomlin and company in attendance. This kid was a force at the Senior Bowl. Those of you who know me know that I am a huge fan of another Williams. Jesse from Bama. Jesse played the tech last year and the 0 tech this year, winning the national championship each time.Funny thing about Brandon. While he doesnt play in the SEC, he did however move thru the dline playing both the 5 tech in his early years and the 0 tech the last 2. There is always a small school player taken early, and Brandon may be him. I also think Hampton may sign a 1 year tender to spell time with this kid, as it appears he is having trouble finding a job, and McLendon hasnt signed his RFA tender yet (greedy?). His recent grade of 74 overall also fits our 2010 draft. That was Worilds. We'll seehow he does this year.
79 Swope, WR Texas A&M- Tom Brady has his wifes panties in a bunch over losing Wes Welker to the Broncos, while I heard Manning is throwing a party inviting all of Bradys wifes fellow models. Ok, ok, the last part is BS, but nevertheless- Brady is pissed. On top of that the Pats quickly replaced Welker with another... yup, white guy. Makes sense. I guess? While Tomlin has never drafted a white WR before, I do think Swope grabbed our attention both at the combine (running a sub 4.4 40) as well as his pro dray (which we attended). Replacing Sanders, being best as a slot WR, with another WR that can best play in the slot but who is also faster, runs tighter routes, better hands and catching radius, and is also an eager blocker- it has to happen. Add to that Swope is 6'0 tall and very very fast. The future WR corps of Brown, Swope and Fuller would be nothing but scary for defenses. Oh, and his recent grade of 87 overall fits our 2012 draft. The jury is still out on Spence.
91 Bell, RB Michigan State- I watched more tape of this kid recently but also heard some interviews on Sirius during the Combine. He seems very well put together above the shoulders, and below kicked ass in the Combine so much that he knew to focus on his pass catching and route running during his pro day. Watching tape I see a combination of a leaner Bettis or a heavier Steven Jackson. Not sure which, and I dont really care. If I recall he had over 700 yards AFTER FIRST CONTACT last year. Holt shit. While he doesnt have blazing speed, and I would think an inside zone scheme would be his best fit, he does have the abilty- and force- to just plow over people in his way. Can he run a stretch play? Yes? Will he outrun a fast OLB or SS? Maybe. Probably not. But I bet you he can knock them on their ass and keep going without losing a step. Or just jump over them (see Boise State game). His recent grade of 126 overall fits our 4th round pick of our 2011 draft. Yes, that was the Cortez Allen pick.
111 (estd) Winters, OL Kent State- He sold me during his Senior Bowl play, but almost lost me when he benched 9 times at the Combine. Turns out he pulled a pec. He is working on benching soon and will make a tape, sending to all teams. Nevertheless, Bicknell was at his pro day. And he worked him out at OG (his best fit), at OT (he started at LT and RT at Kent St) and also at OC. Hmmm. The recent resigning of Foster (yeah!!!) lets Winters learn for a year or 2 then have Foster be the backup. He can also possibly be the backup center, though my UDFA could grab that spot day 1. If youre not aware, the Golden Flashes football team runs a zone blocking scheme. Oh, and his recent grade of 118 overall fits our 2012 draft. As I said in the Swope pick, the jury is still out on Spence.
143 (estd) Maponga, DE/OLB TCU- Its about time we went to TCU. Coach Butler attended the pro day and worked out Maponga personally. Yes, we also went to Auburns pro day and worked out Lemonier but he was said to show as a better 43DE while Maponga had fluid hips when dropping to cover. The reason for this is because TCU ran a base 425 defense, and not only allowed Maponga to rotate from the left to right side, he also had the "DE"s hand in the dirt on true running plays and stood them up on passing ones. He is also the same size as Woodley, and that doesnt hurt. His recent grade of 232 overall fits our 2010 draft. Yes, that was when we had 3 5th round picks, and none of them turned out. Sylvester wasnt given an RFA tender this year. Actually, if you look at our 5th round picks the last 3 years, your stomach will turn. Its been horrible. Its time for a change.
175 (estd) Fuller, WR Virginia Tech- Here is a typical Tomlin pick. A late round WR with speed. This one happens to also have bloodlines in the NFL as well as being over 6 foot, AND a former track athlete. Size and speed. Its a win/win. Fuller played 2nd fiddle at VA Tech, but averaged over 18 YPC and 85% of his catches were on 3rd down, most of the time with him going over the middle. His recent grade of 173 overall fits our 2011 draft. Yes, that was the Keith Williams pick. This pick is generally volatile with us trading it or incredibly reaching (2010 Antonio Brown). Here we get an inside slot or outside deep threat with size and speed.
207 (estd) Stafford, S Nebraska- Coach Lake attended this pro day and worked out both of the Safeties. The other one, Smith, is more of a UDFA, while Stafford has a read an react that stop watches cant even keep up with. He is a very bright kid and while he can and has played both safety spots, he isnt one to line up in the nickel. Does this sound like Ryan Clark to you too? Clark covering the top of the umbrella with Polamalu "roaming" underneath. Stafford doing the same for Elam in the next few years? Hmmm. His recent grade of 207 overall fits our 2012 draft. Yes, that was the Beachum pick, and that seems to have worked out very well.
227 (estd) Lutzenkirchen, TE Auburn- Ive been a fan of his for years. Hell, Cam loved the man. He was Cam's primary target in the redzone more often than not. Lutz can play inline TE or more of an HBack role. While we were at the Auburn pro day, I dont know if Lutz was a target, but finding another backup TE to mold for a year or 2 behind Miller certainly wouldnt hurt (drafting a sure thing TE next year in top 3 rounds would be best). He is similar to Paulson in size and in that he was more of a passing threat, however benching 21 times shows hes no wuss. His recent grade of 427 overall fits our 2011 draft. That was the Batch pick. If we dont bring in another 3rd down RB/Kick returner, this is Batch's time to shine.
UDFAs:
Turnley, OL Pitt- Typical Tomlin. A local kid. See the Legursky UDFA pick a few years ago, add height, weight, strength and more oline flexibility and you have Turnley.
Burdette, LB UAB- Tomlin seems to be interested in making our ILBs smaller. Shorter actually. We attended the UAB pro day and worked him out. This kid looks like Ray Rice playing LB. He hits everything around him, and according to his coaches he feels he should be making every tackle. He's also another OLB convert to ILB. Tomlin loves to do that.
Amos, WR Middle Tennessee State- Ahhh the Senior Bowl. This kid did nothing but make the QBs look good both in practice and especially in the game. He came back for the ball on at least 2 or 3 occasions making catches that some pros would just let fly outta reach. Not to mention his route running. Very crisp. Hes another small school, small build, but fast, WR that Tomlin has a tendency to find.
I am efforting to find a UDFA CB. Ill post it whenever I uncover that rock.
17 Elam, S(DB) Florida- since my last Mock Tomlin and Colbert attended the Florida pro day. Elam was the focus. The Jags HC and GM also showed up hoping to see Floyd work but was injured. Nevertheless, Elam now only needs to be brought in for the private invitational workout to be 100% our pick at 17. Right now? Im 95% sure its him. He's a defender, junior, position flexible, fast, a Florida Gator, and from the SEC- all Tomlin requirements. His recent grade of 34 overall fits our 2010 draft. Yes, that was MP53's pick.
47 Williams, DT Missouri Southern State- while he did have a minor hammy pull he still completed his pro day with Tomlin and company in attendance. This kid was a force at the Senior Bowl. Those of you who know me know that I am a huge fan of another Williams. Jesse from Bama. Jesse played the tech last year and the 0 tech this year, winning the national championship each time.Funny thing about Brandon. While he doesnt play in the SEC, he did however move thru the dline playing both the 5 tech in his early years and the 0 tech the last 2. There is always a small school player taken early, and Brandon may be him. I also think Hampton may sign a 1 year tender to spell time with this kid, as it appears he is having trouble finding a job, and McLendon hasnt signed his RFA tender yet (greedy?). His recent grade of 74 overall also fits our 2010 draft. That was Worilds. We'll seehow he does this year.
79 Swope, WR Texas A&M- Tom Brady has his wifes panties in a bunch over losing Wes Welker to the Broncos, while I heard Manning is throwing a party inviting all of Bradys wifes fellow models. Ok, ok, the last part is BS, but nevertheless- Brady is pissed. On top of that the Pats quickly replaced Welker with another... yup, white guy. Makes sense. I guess? While Tomlin has never drafted a white WR before, I do think Swope grabbed our attention both at the combine (running a sub 4.4 40) as well as his pro dray (which we attended). Replacing Sanders, being best as a slot WR, with another WR that can best play in the slot but who is also faster, runs tighter routes, better hands and catching radius, and is also an eager blocker- it has to happen. Add to that Swope is 6'0 tall and very very fast. The future WR corps of Brown, Swope and Fuller would be nothing but scary for defenses. Oh, and his recent grade of 87 overall fits our 2012 draft. The jury is still out on Spence.
91 Bell, RB Michigan State- I watched more tape of this kid recently but also heard some interviews on Sirius during the Combine. He seems very well put together above the shoulders, and below kicked ass in the Combine so much that he knew to focus on his pass catching and route running during his pro day. Watching tape I see a combination of a leaner Bettis or a heavier Steven Jackson. Not sure which, and I dont really care. If I recall he had over 700 yards AFTER FIRST CONTACT last year. Holt shit. While he doesnt have blazing speed, and I would think an inside zone scheme would be his best fit, he does have the abilty- and force- to just plow over people in his way. Can he run a stretch play? Yes? Will he outrun a fast OLB or SS? Maybe. Probably not. But I bet you he can knock them on their ass and keep going without losing a step. Or just jump over them (see Boise State game). His recent grade of 126 overall fits our 4th round pick of our 2011 draft. Yes, that was the Cortez Allen pick.
111 (estd) Winters, OL Kent State- He sold me during his Senior Bowl play, but almost lost me when he benched 9 times at the Combine. Turns out he pulled a pec. He is working on benching soon and will make a tape, sending to all teams. Nevertheless, Bicknell was at his pro day. And he worked him out at OG (his best fit), at OT (he started at LT and RT at Kent St) and also at OC. Hmmm. The recent resigning of Foster (yeah!!!) lets Winters learn for a year or 2 then have Foster be the backup. He can also possibly be the backup center, though my UDFA could grab that spot day 1. If youre not aware, the Golden Flashes football team runs a zone blocking scheme. Oh, and his recent grade of 118 overall fits our 2012 draft. As I said in the Swope pick, the jury is still out on Spence.
143 (estd) Maponga, DE/OLB TCU- Its about time we went to TCU. Coach Butler attended the pro day and worked out Maponga personally. Yes, we also went to Auburns pro day and worked out Lemonier but he was said to show as a better 43DE while Maponga had fluid hips when dropping to cover. The reason for this is because TCU ran a base 425 defense, and not only allowed Maponga to rotate from the left to right side, he also had the "DE"s hand in the dirt on true running plays and stood them up on passing ones. He is also the same size as Woodley, and that doesnt hurt. His recent grade of 232 overall fits our 2010 draft. Yes, that was when we had 3 5th round picks, and none of them turned out. Sylvester wasnt given an RFA tender this year. Actually, if you look at our 5th round picks the last 3 years, your stomach will turn. Its been horrible. Its time for a change.
175 (estd) Fuller, WR Virginia Tech- Here is a typical Tomlin pick. A late round WR with speed. This one happens to also have bloodlines in the NFL as well as being over 6 foot, AND a former track athlete. Size and speed. Its a win/win. Fuller played 2nd fiddle at VA Tech, but averaged over 18 YPC and 85% of his catches were on 3rd down, most of the time with him going over the middle. His recent grade of 173 overall fits our 2011 draft. Yes, that was the Keith Williams pick. This pick is generally volatile with us trading it or incredibly reaching (2010 Antonio Brown). Here we get an inside slot or outside deep threat with size and speed.
207 (estd) Stafford, S Nebraska- Coach Lake attended this pro day and worked out both of the Safeties. The other one, Smith, is more of a UDFA, while Stafford has a read an react that stop watches cant even keep up with. He is a very bright kid and while he can and has played both safety spots, he isnt one to line up in the nickel. Does this sound like Ryan Clark to you too? Clark covering the top of the umbrella with Polamalu "roaming" underneath. Stafford doing the same for Elam in the next few years? Hmmm. His recent grade of 207 overall fits our 2012 draft. Yes, that was the Beachum pick, and that seems to have worked out very well.
227 (estd) Lutzenkirchen, TE Auburn- Ive been a fan of his for years. Hell, Cam loved the man. He was Cam's primary target in the redzone more often than not. Lutz can play inline TE or more of an HBack role. While we were at the Auburn pro day, I dont know if Lutz was a target, but finding another backup TE to mold for a year or 2 behind Miller certainly wouldnt hurt (drafting a sure thing TE next year in top 3 rounds would be best). He is similar to Paulson in size and in that he was more of a passing threat, however benching 21 times shows hes no wuss. His recent grade of 427 overall fits our 2011 draft. That was the Batch pick. If we dont bring in another 3rd down RB/Kick returner, this is Batch's time to shine.
UDFAs:
Turnley, OL Pitt- Typical Tomlin. A local kid. See the Legursky UDFA pick a few years ago, add height, weight, strength and more oline flexibility and you have Turnley.
Burdette, LB UAB- Tomlin seems to be interested in making our ILBs smaller. Shorter actually. We attended the UAB pro day and worked him out. This kid looks like Ray Rice playing LB. He hits everything around him, and according to his coaches he feels he should be making every tackle. He's also another OLB convert to ILB. Tomlin loves to do that.
Amos, WR Middle Tennessee State- Ahhh the Senior Bowl. This kid did nothing but make the QBs look good both in practice and especially in the game. He came back for the ball on at least 2 or 3 occasions making catches that some pros would just let fly outta reach. Not to mention his route running. Very crisp. Hes another small school, small build, but fast, WR that Tomlin has a tendency to find.
I am efforting to find a UDFA CB. Ill post it whenever I uncover that rock.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Half way thru Pro Days, Steelers mock draft 3/14/13
Tomlin and company have been busy. Just today he took Sims and Bell out to dinner. The one thing Ive noticed is Tomlin seems to have shown his hand regarding whichever RB we draft. They must be over 5'10 and over 220 pounds. Both Michael and Bell are just that. RBs that are familiar with the zone blocking scheme is also showing itself, which only makes sense as thats what Bicknell Jr generally coaches, as well as what OC Haley is most comfortable with. So that said I looked at a recent mock I have been toying with and tweaked it to see how Bell would fit. Sure enough, spot on.
17 Elam, S(DB) Florida- since my last Mock Tomlin and Colbert attended the Florida pro day. Elam was the focus. The Jags HC and GM also showed up hoping to see Floyd work but was injured. Nevertheless, Elam now only needs to be brought in for the private invitational workout to be 100% our pick at 17. Right now? Im 95% sure its him. He's a defender, junior, position flexible, fast, a Florida Gator, and from the SEC- all Tomlin requirements. His recent grade of 34 overall fits our 2010 draft. Yes, that was MP53's pick.
47 Williams, DT Missouri Southern State- while he did have a minor hammy pull he still completed his pro day with Tomlin and company in attendance. This kid was a force at the Senior Bowl. Those of you who know me know that I am a huge fan of another Williams. Jesse from Bama. Jesse played the tech last year and the 0 tech this year, winning the national championship each time.Funny thing about Brandon. While he doesnt play in the SEC, he did however move thru the dline playing both the 5 tech in his early years and the 0 tech the last 2. There is always a small school player taken early, and Brandon may be him. I also think Hampton may sign a 1 year tender to spell time with this kid, as it appears he is having trouble finding a job, and McLendon hasnt signed his RFA tender yet (greedy?). His recent grade of 74 overall also fits our 2010 draft. That was Worilds. We'll seehow he does this year.
79 Bell, RB Michigan State- I watched more tape of this kid recently but also heard some interviews on Sirius during the Combine. He seems very well put together above the shoulders, and below kicked ass in the Combine so much that he knew to focus on his pass catching and route running during his pro day. Watching tape I see a combination of a leaner Bettis or a heavier Steven Jackson. Not sure which, and I dont really care. If I recall he had over 700 yards AFTER FIRST CONTACT last year. Holt shit. While he doesnt have blazing speed, and I would think an inside zone scheme would be his best fit, he does have the abilty- and force- to just plow over people in his way. Can he run a stretch play? Yes? Will he outrun a fast OLB or SS? Maybe. Probably not. But I bet you he can knock them on their ass and keep going without losing a step. Or just jump over them (see Boise State game). His recent grade of 126 overall fits our 4th round pick of our 2011 draft. Yes, that was the Cortez Allen pick.
111 (estd) Winters, OL Kent State- He sold me during his Senior Bowl play, but almost lost me when he benched 9 times at the Combine. Turns out he pulled a pec. He is working on benching soon and will make a tape, sending to all teams. Nevertheless, Bicknell was at his pro day. And he worked him out at OG (his best fit), at OT (he started at LT and RT at Kent St) and also at OC. Hmmm. The recent resigning of Foster (yeah!!!) lets Winters learn for a year or 2 then have Foster be the backup. He can also possibly be the backup center, though my UDFA could grab that spot day 1. If youre not aware, the Golden Flashes football team runs a zone blocking scheme. Oh, and his recent grade of 118 overall fits our 2012 draft. The jury is still out on Spence.
143 (estd) Maponga, DE/OLB TCU- Its about time we went to TCU. Coach Butler attended the pro day and worked out Maponga personally. Yes, we also went to Auburns pro day and worked out Lemonier but he was said to show as a better 43DE while Maponga had fluid hips when dropping to cover. The reason for this is because TCU ran a base 425 defense, and not only allowed Maponga to rotate from the left to right side, he also had the "DE"s hand in the dirt on true running plays and stood them up on passing ones. He is also the same size as Woodley, and that doesnt hurt. His recent grade of 232 overall fits our 2010 draft. Yes, that was when we had 3 5th round picks, and none of them turned out. Sylvester wasnt given an RFA tender this year. Actually, if you look at our 5th round picks the last 3 years, your stomach will turn. Its been horrible. Its time for a change.
175 (estd) Fuller, WR Virginia Tech- Here is a typical Tomlin pick. A late round WR with speed. This one happens to also have bloodlines in the NFL as well as being over 6 foot, AND a former track athlete. Size and speed. Its a win/win. Fuller played 2nd fiddle at VA Tech, but averaged over 18 YPC and 85% of his catches were on 3rd down, most of the time with him going over the middle. His recent grade of 173 overall fits our 2011 draft. Yes, that was the Keith Williams pick. This pick is generally volatile with us trading it or incredibly reaching (2010 Antonio Brown). Here we get an inside slot or outside deep threat with size and speed.
207 (estd) Stafford, S Nebraska- Coach Lake attended this pro day and worked out both of the Safeties. The other one, Smith, is more of a UDFA, while Stafford has a read an react that stop watches cant even keep up with. He is a very bright kid and while he can and has played both safety spots, he isnt one to line up in the nickel. Does this sound like Ryan Clark to you too? Clark covering the top of the umbrella with Polamalu "roaming" underneath. Stafford doing the same for Elam in the next few years? Hmmm. His recent grade of 207 overall fits our 2012 draft. Yes, that was the Beachum pick, and that seems to have worked out very well.
227 (estd) Lutzenkirchen, TE Auburn- Ive been a fan of his for years. Hell, Cam loved the man. He was Cam's primary target in the redzone more often than not. Lutz can play inline TE or more of an HBack role. While we were at the Auburn pro day, I dont know if Lutz was a target, but finding another backup TE to mold for a year or 2 behind Miller certainly wouldnt hurt (drafting a sure thing TE next year in top 3 rounds would be best). He is similar to Paulson in size and in that he was more of a passing threat, however benching 21 times shows hes no wuss. His recent grade of 427 overall fits our 2011 draft. That was the Batch pick. If we dont bring in another 3rd down RB/Kick returner, this is Batch's time to shine.
UDFAs:
Turnley, OL Pitt- Typical Tomlin. A local kid. See the Legursky UDFA pick a few years ago, add height, weight, strength and more oline flexibility and you have Turnley.
Burdette, LB UAB- Tomlin seems to be interested in making our ILBs smaller. Shorter actually. We attended the UAB pro day and worked him out. This kid looks like Ray Rice playing LB. He hits everything around him, and according to his coaches he feels he should be making every tackle. He's also another OLB convert to ILB. Tomlin loves to do that.
Amos, WR Middle Tennessee State- Ahhh the Senior Bowl. This kid did nothing but make the QBs look good both in practice and especially in the game. He came back for the ball on at least 2 or 3 occasions making catches that some pros would just let fly outta reach. Not to mention his route running. Very crisp. Hes another small school, small build, but fast, WR that Tomlin has a tendency to find.
17 Elam, S(DB) Florida- since my last Mock Tomlin and Colbert attended the Florida pro day. Elam was the focus. The Jags HC and GM also showed up hoping to see Floyd work but was injured. Nevertheless, Elam now only needs to be brought in for the private invitational workout to be 100% our pick at 17. Right now? Im 95% sure its him. He's a defender, junior, position flexible, fast, a Florida Gator, and from the SEC- all Tomlin requirements. His recent grade of 34 overall fits our 2010 draft. Yes, that was MP53's pick.
47 Williams, DT Missouri Southern State- while he did have a minor hammy pull he still completed his pro day with Tomlin and company in attendance. This kid was a force at the Senior Bowl. Those of you who know me know that I am a huge fan of another Williams. Jesse from Bama. Jesse played the tech last year and the 0 tech this year, winning the national championship each time.Funny thing about Brandon. While he doesnt play in the SEC, he did however move thru the dline playing both the 5 tech in his early years and the 0 tech the last 2. There is always a small school player taken early, and Brandon may be him. I also think Hampton may sign a 1 year tender to spell time with this kid, as it appears he is having trouble finding a job, and McLendon hasnt signed his RFA tender yet (greedy?). His recent grade of 74 overall also fits our 2010 draft. That was Worilds. We'll seehow he does this year.
79 Bell, RB Michigan State- I watched more tape of this kid recently but also heard some interviews on Sirius during the Combine. He seems very well put together above the shoulders, and below kicked ass in the Combine so much that he knew to focus on his pass catching and route running during his pro day. Watching tape I see a combination of a leaner Bettis or a heavier Steven Jackson. Not sure which, and I dont really care. If I recall he had over 700 yards AFTER FIRST CONTACT last year. Holt shit. While he doesnt have blazing speed, and I would think an inside zone scheme would be his best fit, he does have the abilty- and force- to just plow over people in his way. Can he run a stretch play? Yes? Will he outrun a fast OLB or SS? Maybe. Probably not. But I bet you he can knock them on their ass and keep going without losing a step. Or just jump over them (see Boise State game). His recent grade of 126 overall fits our 4th round pick of our 2011 draft. Yes, that was the Cortez Allen pick.
111 (estd) Winters, OL Kent State- He sold me during his Senior Bowl play, but almost lost me when he benched 9 times at the Combine. Turns out he pulled a pec. He is working on benching soon and will make a tape, sending to all teams. Nevertheless, Bicknell was at his pro day. And he worked him out at OG (his best fit), at OT (he started at LT and RT at Kent St) and also at OC. Hmmm. The recent resigning of Foster (yeah!!!) lets Winters learn for a year or 2 then have Foster be the backup. He can also possibly be the backup center, though my UDFA could grab that spot day 1. If youre not aware, the Golden Flashes football team runs a zone blocking scheme. Oh, and his recent grade of 118 overall fits our 2012 draft. The jury is still out on Spence.
143 (estd) Maponga, DE/OLB TCU- Its about time we went to TCU. Coach Butler attended the pro day and worked out Maponga personally. Yes, we also went to Auburns pro day and worked out Lemonier but he was said to show as a better 43DE while Maponga had fluid hips when dropping to cover. The reason for this is because TCU ran a base 425 defense, and not only allowed Maponga to rotate from the left to right side, he also had the "DE"s hand in the dirt on true running plays and stood them up on passing ones. He is also the same size as Woodley, and that doesnt hurt. His recent grade of 232 overall fits our 2010 draft. Yes, that was when we had 3 5th round picks, and none of them turned out. Sylvester wasnt given an RFA tender this year. Actually, if you look at our 5th round picks the last 3 years, your stomach will turn. Its been horrible. Its time for a change.
175 (estd) Fuller, WR Virginia Tech- Here is a typical Tomlin pick. A late round WR with speed. This one happens to also have bloodlines in the NFL as well as being over 6 foot, AND a former track athlete. Size and speed. Its a win/win. Fuller played 2nd fiddle at VA Tech, but averaged over 18 YPC and 85% of his catches were on 3rd down, most of the time with him going over the middle. His recent grade of 173 overall fits our 2011 draft. Yes, that was the Keith Williams pick. This pick is generally volatile with us trading it or incredibly reaching (2010 Antonio Brown). Here we get an inside slot or outside deep threat with size and speed.
207 (estd) Stafford, S Nebraska- Coach Lake attended this pro day and worked out both of the Safeties. The other one, Smith, is more of a UDFA, while Stafford has a read an react that stop watches cant even keep up with. He is a very bright kid and while he can and has played both safety spots, he isnt one to line up in the nickel. Does this sound like Ryan Clark to you too? Clark covering the top of the umbrella with Polamalu "roaming" underneath. Stafford doing the same for Elam in the next few years? Hmmm. His recent grade of 207 overall fits our 2012 draft. Yes, that was the Beachum pick, and that seems to have worked out very well.
227 (estd) Lutzenkirchen, TE Auburn- Ive been a fan of his for years. Hell, Cam loved the man. He was Cam's primary target in the redzone more often than not. Lutz can play inline TE or more of an HBack role. While we were at the Auburn pro day, I dont know if Lutz was a target, but finding another backup TE to mold for a year or 2 behind Miller certainly wouldnt hurt (drafting a sure thing TE next year in top 3 rounds would be best). He is similar to Paulson in size and in that he was more of a passing threat, however benching 21 times shows hes no wuss. His recent grade of 427 overall fits our 2011 draft. That was the Batch pick. If we dont bring in another 3rd down RB/Kick returner, this is Batch's time to shine.
UDFAs:
Turnley, OL Pitt- Typical Tomlin. A local kid. See the Legursky UDFA pick a few years ago, add height, weight, strength and more oline flexibility and you have Turnley.
Burdette, LB UAB- Tomlin seems to be interested in making our ILBs smaller. Shorter actually. We attended the UAB pro day and worked him out. This kid looks like Ray Rice playing LB. He hits everything around him, and according to his coaches he feels he should be making every tackle. He's also another OLB convert to ILB. Tomlin loves to do that.
Amos, WR Middle Tennessee State- Ahhh the Senior Bowl. This kid did nothing but make the QBs look good both in practice and especially in the game. He came back for the ball on at least 2 or 3 occasions making catches that some pros would just let fly outta reach. Not to mention his route running. Very crisp. Hes another small school, small build, but fast, WR that Tomlin has a tendency to find.
Monday, March 11, 2013
My Bears offseason plan, Part I
With free agency just hours away, I figured it was time to give the world my thoughts on how the Bears should approach this offseason. This is not a fantasy scenario. I'm not trading for Revis or moving up to the #1 overall pick to take Luke Joeckel. This is a realistic approach to free agency and the draft based on my point of view.
According to Sean Jensen's Twitter, sources say the Bears actually have about 7Mil in cap space after franchising Henry Melton. But the Bears can and should clear more room. Before making any major moves this is what the Bears can/should do to clear space.
- Cut Kellen Davis- approx. 2.5M savings
- Cut Devin Hester- approx. 2.1M savings
- Cut Matt Spaeth- 1.625M savings
- Cut Matt Toeina- 1.25M savings
- Charles Tillman- restructure to 4-year/32Mil deal, little more than Carlos Rogers deal w/ 49ers last year. Due 8Mil this year, make that a signing bonus. Only 2 Mil of that will count toward the cap this year. Give him 3Mil base salary this year and guarantee his salary in full for a 2nd year. Tillman pockets 11M this year, only counts 5 Mil toward the cap, Bears save 3Mil.
Contract looks like: 2013- 5Mil, 2014- 8Mil, 2015- 9Mil, 2016- 9.5Mil able to be cut with minimal cap hit after 2 years at 35 years old.
- Henry Melton- Red Bryant got 5/35M last year, sign Melton to 5/36.5M. Due 8.65 this year, give him a 10M signing bonus. Again only 2Mil toward the cap. 3.5 base this year. Guarantee his salary for 2014 and 2015. Pockets 13.5 this year, only 5.5 against the cap, Bears save 3Mil.
Contract looks like: 2013-5.5Mil, 2014- 6.5Mil, 2015- 8Mil, 2016- 7.5Mil, 2017- 9Mil
- Tim Jennings- similar to other 2. 5.1 due this year, make that a signing bonus, low base, can save a 1.5-2.5 Million in cap hit.
- Robbie Gould- Due about 2.4Mil, spread that out as a bonus over 3-4 years, saves about 1.5Mil.
While this is not the exact way NFL contracts and salary cap works, it's reasonably accurate for someone not involved in an NFL front office. This would give the Bears an additional 15Mil or so in cap space. Some of that has to go to sign draft picks, but combined with the 7Mil already in space...that's money to do whatever you want in free agency. However, I don't think the Bears will go crazy in free agency.
With only 5 draft picks, the Bears are going to have to address a few positions in free agency. First of all, I'd bring back Brian Urlacher. I think he has a lot to prove and honestly, it would make guys like Briggs, Peppers, and Tillman happy going into the season (and possibly more apt to restructure their deals). I'd look to bring back Israel Idonije, but I think he gets MUCH more than the 2.5Mil the Bears paid him last year, and I don't know how much higher the Bears will go. I'd also bring back Kelvin Hayden, and I do feel he will be affordable and like to stay at home in Chicago. I'd also look to re-sign Lance Louis. Not sure how ready he'll be to start the season after an ACL tear, but he was the Bears best lineman last year and was just coming into his own before Jared Allen's dirty hit. I'd hate to see his upside get fulfilled in another uniform.
As for going outside the organization, I think the Bears will go with the value approach for the most part. I don't see them making the Jake Long move due to money and injury concerns, though I probably would take that gamble at this point, because the Bears OL has been so bad for so long. Plus, Bears OC Kromer made a living off of serviceable OTs while developing really good guards. I'd really like Sam Baker from Atlanta. Not an elite LT by any means, but was scouted by Bears GM Phil Emery when he was head scout for the Falcons. He should be able to be had for something a little cheaper than Will Beatty's 5 year/38.75M deal from the Giants earlier this offseason. Baker would allow J'Marcus Webb to move to the right side, where I'd think he'd be a top 15 RT instead of bottom 5 on the left side.
I'd also look at Glenn Dorsey from Kansas City. If my cuts come true, that leaves the Bears with just Melton and Stephen Paea under contract at DT. Nate Collins was non-tendered, but I think they can work out a deal to bring him back. Dorsey would be a nice 4th piece to that rotation. Coming off an injury, but the Bears have a history of going after former top picks on the DL who haven't quite lived up to expectations. Worked out well with Amobi Okoye, not so much for Brian Price and the late Gaines Adams. GM Phil Emery was around just joining the Chiefs when they made Dorsey their 1st round pick.
If the Bears do make a big splash in free agency, I think it will be at the TE position. Jared Cook would be a dynamic pass catching option, but that would also probably means Spaeth stays on as someone has to be able to block at TE on the roster. Martellus Bennett would probably be a more affordable option and would also provide a guy that can block. I'd personally gamble that the rival Packers cut Jermichael Finley and if not look to the draft to fill the position.
Lastly, I think the Bears sign a backup QB. Chase Daniel is interesting as he has ties with Kromer from NO, but not sure of his price tag and if he might be given a chance to compete for a starting spot somewhere. Maybe the Bears can lure him by letting him know Cutler is in his contract year and if he gets hurt again and Daniel performs, it could be his job in the future.
Baker and one of those TEs would take up about 13Mil of the 22Mil cap figure. I think Dorsey would take a cheap 1-2 year deal to show he's healthy and can play in a 4-3. If Daniel gets no hits, you can pay him a couple Mil to backup. Hayden and Louis should be very cheap. Then you squeeze in Urlacher with an incentive based deal for the remainder of the cap space, possibly restructuring Briggs or even cutting Garza to make it happen.
According to Sean Jensen's Twitter, sources say the Bears actually have about 7Mil in cap space after franchising Henry Melton. But the Bears can and should clear more room. Before making any major moves this is what the Bears can/should do to clear space.
- Cut Kellen Davis- approx. 2.5M savings
- Cut Devin Hester- approx. 2.1M savings
- Cut Matt Spaeth- 1.625M savings
- Cut Matt Toeina- 1.25M savings
- Charles Tillman- restructure to 4-year/32Mil deal, little more than Carlos Rogers deal w/ 49ers last year. Due 8Mil this year, make that a signing bonus. Only 2 Mil of that will count toward the cap this year. Give him 3Mil base salary this year and guarantee his salary in full for a 2nd year. Tillman pockets 11M this year, only counts 5 Mil toward the cap, Bears save 3Mil.
Contract looks like: 2013- 5Mil, 2014- 8Mil, 2015- 9Mil, 2016- 9.5Mil able to be cut with minimal cap hit after 2 years at 35 years old.
- Henry Melton- Red Bryant got 5/35M last year, sign Melton to 5/36.5M. Due 8.65 this year, give him a 10M signing bonus. Again only 2Mil toward the cap. 3.5 base this year. Guarantee his salary for 2014 and 2015. Pockets 13.5 this year, only 5.5 against the cap, Bears save 3Mil.
Contract looks like: 2013-5.5Mil, 2014- 6.5Mil, 2015- 8Mil, 2016- 7.5Mil, 2017- 9Mil
- Tim Jennings- similar to other 2. 5.1 due this year, make that a signing bonus, low base, can save a 1.5-2.5 Million in cap hit.
- Robbie Gould- Due about 2.4Mil, spread that out as a bonus over 3-4 years, saves about 1.5Mil.
While this is not the exact way NFL contracts and salary cap works, it's reasonably accurate for someone not involved in an NFL front office. This would give the Bears an additional 15Mil or so in cap space. Some of that has to go to sign draft picks, but combined with the 7Mil already in space...that's money to do whatever you want in free agency. However, I don't think the Bears will go crazy in free agency.
With only 5 draft picks, the Bears are going to have to address a few positions in free agency. First of all, I'd bring back Brian Urlacher. I think he has a lot to prove and honestly, it would make guys like Briggs, Peppers, and Tillman happy going into the season (and possibly more apt to restructure their deals). I'd look to bring back Israel Idonije, but I think he gets MUCH more than the 2.5Mil the Bears paid him last year, and I don't know how much higher the Bears will go. I'd also bring back Kelvin Hayden, and I do feel he will be affordable and like to stay at home in Chicago. I'd also look to re-sign Lance Louis. Not sure how ready he'll be to start the season after an ACL tear, but he was the Bears best lineman last year and was just coming into his own before Jared Allen's dirty hit. I'd hate to see his upside get fulfilled in another uniform.
As for going outside the organization, I think the Bears will go with the value approach for the most part. I don't see them making the Jake Long move due to money and injury concerns, though I probably would take that gamble at this point, because the Bears OL has been so bad for so long. Plus, Bears OC Kromer made a living off of serviceable OTs while developing really good guards. I'd really like Sam Baker from Atlanta. Not an elite LT by any means, but was scouted by Bears GM Phil Emery when he was head scout for the Falcons. He should be able to be had for something a little cheaper than Will Beatty's 5 year/38.75M deal from the Giants earlier this offseason. Baker would allow J'Marcus Webb to move to the right side, where I'd think he'd be a top 15 RT instead of bottom 5 on the left side.
I'd also look at Glenn Dorsey from Kansas City. If my cuts come true, that leaves the Bears with just Melton and Stephen Paea under contract at DT. Nate Collins was non-tendered, but I think they can work out a deal to bring him back. Dorsey would be a nice 4th piece to that rotation. Coming off an injury, but the Bears have a history of going after former top picks on the DL who haven't quite lived up to expectations. Worked out well with Amobi Okoye, not so much for Brian Price and the late Gaines Adams. GM Phil Emery was around just joining the Chiefs when they made Dorsey their 1st round pick.
If the Bears do make a big splash in free agency, I think it will be at the TE position. Jared Cook would be a dynamic pass catching option, but that would also probably means Spaeth stays on as someone has to be able to block at TE on the roster. Martellus Bennett would probably be a more affordable option and would also provide a guy that can block. I'd personally gamble that the rival Packers cut Jermichael Finley and if not look to the draft to fill the position.
Lastly, I think the Bears sign a backup QB. Chase Daniel is interesting as he has ties with Kromer from NO, but not sure of his price tag and if he might be given a chance to compete for a starting spot somewhere. Maybe the Bears can lure him by letting him know Cutler is in his contract year and if he gets hurt again and Daniel performs, it could be his job in the future.
Baker and one of those TEs would take up about 13Mil of the 22Mil cap figure. I think Dorsey would take a cheap 1-2 year deal to show he's healthy and can play in a 4-3. If Daniel gets no hits, you can pay him a couple Mil to backup. Hayden and Louis should be very cheap. Then you squeeze in Urlacher with an incentive based deal for the remainder of the cap space, possibly restructuring Briggs or even cutting Garza to make it happen.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Steelers Post Combine Mock Draft
This mock was actually built about a week ago. It fits in both everything the Steelers have done draft-wise since Tomlin's arrival. I hate William Gay. It gives us a defender in the 1st round, who is also a junior, a "OLB" in the 2nd round, a WR with speed and blood lines in the mid round, (I hate William Gay) a NT in the later round, QB in the later round, and finally a OL in the later round. Each pick fits in with my draft template that I have build since Tomlins best draft in 2010. (I hate William Gay) That said, with the 17th pick in the 2013 NFL draft the Pittsburgh Steelers select...
17 Elam, S(DB) Florida- Junior, defender, total position flex, speed, Florida, SEC. Nuff said.
47 Moore, LB UConn- ok, so if you look at the DE/OLBs that fit our "type" they are heavily graded from 126 to 232 in Lemonier, Washington and Maponga (love all 3). That would let us wait and focus on greater needs in the 2nd round. Right? However, something was brought to my attention the other day that concerned me. Timmons redid his deal to help open cap space this year. Thats nice. However, his 2014 cap hit is now over $11 million. NO WAY IN HELL WE CAN HANDLE THAT. So, what to do, what to do. I say we be Typical Tomlin and go "OLB" in the 2nd (OLB and OT are his favs) and this time draft one that can play either OLB or ILB. Moore played both at UConn and rocked the EW game as well as the combine. Essentially hes a smarter Timmons (educated guess) with more play time experience. We can play him this year at OLB if needed- (Harrison, Worilds, Carter, Robinson are still in line) or maybe spell Foote at ILB on passing downs if needed- (Spence... Spence? Hey, wake up dude. You are alive right? Hi Brian Rolle I hope you and Kion Wilson like Special Teams. And the coaches seem to like the UDFA ILB McFadden). He has total position flexibility with experience at both spots. Cant pass it up.
79 Franklin, RB UCLA- speed, power, pass catching, pass blocking, all in a zone blocking schemed offense. Check them all off. The Tweet or email (cant recall which) during the combine from Mora Jr really put this one over the top for me.
111 Fuller, WR Va Tech- Typical Tomlin, speed, mid rounder and bloodlines. Add to that his first "tall" WR. Yer welcome Ben.
143 Williams, TE Alabama- all the other "TEs" from the 4th, err 3rd, err 2nd round on are pretty much HBacks. Most anyway. I like Sims but he was brought up on felony charges. Thats a bit too much for me. I also like Kelce (more blood lines) but his recent injury wont let him fall 2 rounds. However, my draft template puts the pick right on Williams. Imagine 2 years from now we have Williams and Paulson. Add to that Pianalto (loved him in the 2011 draft). Paulson the passing threat, and Williams the extra lineman with a threat to catch and Zach playing TE, HBack and FB.
175 Geathers, DL Georgia- Typical Tomlin picking a NT late. This one played in the SEC and also play the 5 tech.
207 Renfree, QB Duke- a good friend of mine says if I want him I gotta draft him. This is a guy I listen to. Plus, if we suck in 2013 then we can draft Tajh Boyd in the 1st round next year. Yup. Man crush. Until then Haleys offense requires short passing with leading the WR thru the catch for additional YAC. Thats Renfree's game. His deep ball is SHARP too.
227 Bond, OL UNC- we struck gold with Beachum. Ok, ok, a nice shiny silver Could we do it again? And we might lose both Foster (God I hope not) and Bruno (God I hope so). So how about another flex OL that has started at OG and OT in a pure zone blocking scheme? And what if we lose Bruno? Dont worry, I got that solved...
UDFA- Ryan Turnley, OL Pitt- Typical Tomlin, another local kid that takes the exact spot left open by Bruno leaving, but takes it a step further as he can play any of the OL spots. Or at least from the LG moving to the right. Bigger and stronger too boot.
PS, I still hate William Gay.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)