Thread: What should the Bears draft with their #1?

Well, I was hoping this would be generic as possible, because a lot will change between here and then. We might pick up a DT or OG and make those a later round pick. To me, the Top 3 are DT, OG and then CB. I think Webb will work out just fine, and Williams simply isn't fitted to guard the way OMG isn't suited to an offensive line. I think picking a tackle and making williams a full time guard is a mistake. If anything, get a tackle in the third to compete with Williams, but make FA or one of the two top picks on a guard. Just like the interior of the defensive line being suspect against the pass rush, the interior of the offensive line was horrible at helping our guys run. We simply can't go on with all three of them being there. Kreutz is here for another year, so it's time to bench garza and move williams to LT, and go from there.

Originally Posted by blinddeafmute

We had a top 5 defense last year.

If you notice, my top three needs are all in the oline anyway. To me, saying "Oline" as one position makes about as much sense as saying we need a "recieving corps" or "Dline" or "secondary" is our most pressing need.

That's fine that we had a top 5 D, but the success of that entire scheme relies on generating a rush from the front 4. Once teams figured out that Izzy uses his bull rush and power moves so heavily, he didn't get as much pressure. The pressure from the interior was non existent. I wouldn't rest my laurels on that from the front 4, and God forbid something happens to Peppers, we'll have no rush at all. Defenses will be picking us apart, like in 08 and 09. And above all of that, I'm a huge believer in having a hell raiser at DT. Nothing screws up the rhythm of an offense more than having the interior of the pocket collapsed and the QB needing to scramble when it's no where in the plans.

Anyhow, similar to you, I say OL in general because basically any of the positions could be drafted. If I was running the line, I'd move Williams back to LT and I'd also think Webb should make strides at RT, so I'd say any of the interior 3 spots would be up for grabs. But let's be honest, Williams is still a bit of an unknown at LT, so I wouldn't be angry if we got a LT prospect.

Originally Posted by blinddeafmute

I was commenting more on Motown's comment about our three biggest needs, and listing DT in our top three. I am not opposed to drafting a DT in the first round (especially if we pick up some good Olinemen in FA).

As far as "need" goes, I would list it like this. OGx2, OTx1, WR, C, CB, DT.

I understand that draft strategy comes into play, and we might have to use our #1 to get the best DT because a G would still be available at our #2, so on and so forth.

Sorry if I misunderstood who you were responding to BDM. I don't disagree that we need to prioritize Olineman and your formula fits for OG/C but I'd rank that UT spot right up there next to OT as our highest needs. Despite the performance of last years D all you have to do is listen to just how much emphasis Marinelli puts on that position in our defense.

Good QB's didn't pass for big yardage on us because our coverage sucked as much as the fact that our inside pass rush sucked. You put a good penetrating pass rushing UT next to Peppers and you'll see an even better defense next year because our defense depends on that far more than they do a shut down corner.

In this era we've had some good pass rushers but we've never had a shut down corner yet we succeed defensively most years despite that. Get me an inside pass rusher to team with Melton on third down or second and long and the CB can wait for another year.

Originally Posted by blinddeafmute

I could have written that second paragraph myself. It's almost word for word how I feel. I think Williams should go back to LT and our interior is the main concern for Oline. Mainly both the guards. Since Kreutz will play again this year, I don't see him as much of an immediate need, but still a need nonetheless.

considering the ot we have been looking at in the draft have the same bios minus the back injury are the same as C Williams you are right we might as well just stick with him and see what happens. Either way FA has better options for the oline then the draft. This is another overhyped oline draft just like the year we too Williams. I just dont want to reach on the 5th best oline prospect once our pick comes up especially if there is better options

I was just thinking that if we can address the guard spots with FA, and get a center a little later in the draft, we'd really be okay, because our o-line was clicking at the end of the last season, despite a lack of talent. Put some big dudes up front and that opens the running game, which in turn helps the passing game even more (not to mention DT's not being able to bull rush through our o-line), and we could get a Liuget and Ballard with the first two picks. But I guess it would make more sense to sign to Olinemen and draft two to ensure the "getting long at the tooth" doesn't happen to us for a while, again. I just think Ballard could be a guy that would fit right in on this line, wherever ya put him..

Originally Posted by motownbear

considering the ot we have been looking at in the draft have the same bios minus the back injury are the same as C Williams you are right we might as well just stick with him and see what happens. Either way FA has better options for the oline then the draft. This is another overhyped oline draft just like the year we too Williams. I just dont want to reach on the 5th best oline prospect once our pick comes up especially if there is better options

Exactly!!!! I've been saying much the same thing. It doesn't look like there are any can't miss guys on the OT list. If there was that guy would be a top five pick. So what we have are some guys who are NFL ready but not elite, an undersized guy with good technical skills, and two hit or miss prospects, an athletic pass blocker, and a mauler as a run blocker but suspect in pass protection. To me Carimi is our guy or maybe Costonzo but to me no other OT fits our needs all that well.

That being the case if we can't score in FA I'd like to give CWill a shot back at LT since that's what we drafted him for and use that first rounder on the best 3t DT we can get.