Lovie wouldn't mind a bigger WR

**dabears54** · 03-24-2011, 01:48 PM

Lovie wouldn't mind a bigger WR

By Kevin Seifert
We've spent the better part of two years discussing whether the Chicago Bears' receiving corps is sufficient or if it needs a talent influx. Most recently, we suggested the Bears aren't likely to prioritize a major acquisition via veteran free agency or the draft.

With that said, Bears coach Lovie Smith was as open as I've ever heard him about seeking a so-called "big" receiver to complement his current trio of Johnny Knox, Earl Bennett and Devin Hester. Asked about it this week at the NFL owners meeting, Smith said: "That's a fair question."

He added: "Most of our guys ... they are smaller receivers, so to have a little bit of a different flavor wouldn't be a bad idea. But as much as anything, you're trying to add a guy that can play ball. It doesn't fill your needs just adding a big guy. I thought our guys did a good job of blocking, and ... you could always make the case for having a bigger guy to block a little bit more. But it's more [being a good player] to me."

Many of you would be quick to point out the Bears have spent the past two years burying a receiver who seemingly fits the criteria. Devin Aromashodu is listed at 6-foot-2 and 201 pounds, but he doesn't appear to be a part of the Bears' future. They have signed 6-foot-4 Andy Fantuz from the CFL, but as it stands now, all of their proven receivers are shorter than 6 feet. Here are their heights as measured at the scouting combine the year they were drafted:

Johnny Knox: 5-11 1/4
Earl Bennett: 5-11 1/4
Devin Hester: 5-10 1/4

I agree with Smith in the sense that "taller" doesn't necessarily mean "better." But the so-called "go-up-and-get-it" play has become a significant part of the NFL, especially in the red zone. Having a player who can physically beat a cornerback to the ball at its highest point, or wrestle his way to a catch, is a valuable asset that can be effective as a threat even if it doesn't materialize often in reality.

Yes, the Bears can use tight end Greg Olsen in many of those situations. But the Bears don't have the kind of options the Minnesota Vikings have had with 6-foot-4 receiver Sidney Rice, or the Detroit Lions have with 6-foot-5 Calvin Johnson, or even the New York Jets with 6-foot-3 Braylon Edwards.

Rice and Edwards have expiring contracts. I'm not suggesting the Bears should pursue either one. But, if nothing else, I appreciate that Smith recognizes that type of player is missing from his roster.

**Dagan81** · 03-24-2011, 04:29 PM

Originally Posted by dabears54

Lovie wouldn't mind a bigger WR

By Kevin Seifert
We've spent the better part of two years discussing whether the Chicago Bears' receiving corps is sufficient or if it needs a talent influx. Most recently, we suggested the Bears aren't likely to prioritize a major acquisition via veteran free agency or the draft.

With that said, Bears coach Lovie Smith was as open as I've ever heard him about seeking a so-called "big" receiver to complement his current trio of Johnny Knox, Earl Bennett and Devin Hester. Asked about it this week at the NFL owners meeting, Smith said: "That's a fair question."

He added: "Most of our guys ... they are smaller receivers, so to have a little bit of a different flavor wouldn't be a bad idea. But as much as anything, you're trying to add a guy that can play ball. It doesn't fill your needs just adding a big guy. I thought our guys did a good job of blocking, and ... you could always make the case for having a bigger guy to block a little bit more. But it's more [being a good player] to me."

Many of you would be quick to point out the Bears have spent the past two years burying a receiver who seemingly fits the criteria. Devin Aromashodu is listed at 6-foot-2 and 201 pounds, but he doesn't appear to be a part of the Bears' future. They have signed 6-foot-4 Andy Fantuz from the CFL, but as it stands now, all of their proven receivers are shorter than 6 feet. Here are their heights as measured at the scouting combine the year they were drafted:

Johnny Knox: 5-11 1/4
Earl Bennett: 5-11 1/4
Devin Hester: 5-10 1/4

I agree with Smith in the sense that "taller" doesn't necessarily mean "better." But the so-called "go-up-and-get-it" play has become a significant part of the NFL, especially in the red zone. Having a player who can physically beat a cornerback to the ball at its highest point, or wrestle his way to a catch, is a valuable asset that can be effective as a threat even if it doesn't materialize often in reality.

Yes, the Bears can use tight end Greg Olsen in many of those situations. But the Bears don't have the kind of options the Minnesota Vikings have had with 6-foot-4 receiver Sidney Rice, or the Detroit Lions have with 6-foot-5 Calvin Johnson, or even the New York Jets with 6-foot-3 Braylon Edwards.

Rice and Edwards have expiring contracts. I'm not suggesting the Bears should pursue either one. But, if nothing else, I appreciate that Smith recognizes that type of player is missing from his roster.

This has to be the most offensive minded comment that I have ever read to have come out of Lovie Smith's mouth. I cherish the thought that he is interested in possibly gaining a WR, though I am concerned that we have not taken an approach at which to make known to the media that a large bodied WR is a necessity.

Lovie is also right: this supposed-WR has to be able to do more than simply catch the football. He has to be able to block and run clean routes as well. I would like to see the Bears go after a WR in the one of the first three rounds of the draft.

**dabears54** · 03-25-2011, 05:36 AM

Originally Posted by Dagan81

This has to be the most offensive minded comment that I have ever read to have come out of Lovie Smith's mouth. I cherish the thought that he is interested in possibly gaining a WR, though I am concerned that we have not taken an approach at which to make known to the media that a large bodied WR is a necessity.

Lovie is also right: this supposed-WR has to be able to do more than simply catch the football. He has to be able to block and run clean routes as well. I would like to see the Bears go after a WR in the one of the first three rounds of the draft.

I'd say this means we make a run at rice if he's a UFA and if not floyd

**Dagan81** · 03-25-2011, 04:43 PM

Originally Posted by dabears54

I'd say this means we make a run at rice if he's a UFA and if not floyd

My order of preference as far as FA WR's:

1. Sidney Rice
2. Malcolm Floyd
3. Vincent Jackson
4. Santonio Holmes
5. Braylon Edwards

You can probably guess why I picked them in this order, but I threw in Jackson at #3 only because of his off-the-field issues, and Edwards down at #5 because of his case of the dropsies.

**soulman** · 03-25-2011, 09:58 PM

Originally Posted by dabears54

I'd say this means we make a run at rice if he's a UFA and if not floyd

WOULDN'T MIND??????

Lovies comment "Wouldn't mind" needs to be to be somewhat restated. To me it's more like a damn neccessity. Jay Cutler made the Pro-Bowl on a losing team by hooking up with the likes of a 6' 4' 230 pounder named Brandon Marshall over 100 times that year.

I like our WR's a lot but if you want to win games passing and put Cutler back in the Pro-Bowl again get him the next best thing to Brandon Marshall. His size but without the attutude. Rice is younger and much lighter and while Floyd has the size he's also 30 years old.

Either works for me but I'm betting the Floyd will come a whole lot cheaper.

**GlobeOfFrogs** · 03-25-2011, 11:24 PM

Originally Posted by Dagan81

My order of preference as far as FA WR's:

1. Sidney Rice
2. Malcolm Floyd
3. Vincent Jackson
4. Santonio Holmes
5. Braylon Edwards

You can probably guess why I picked them in this order, but I threw in Jackson at #3 only because of his off-the-field issues, and Edwards down at #5 because of his case of the dropsies.

Is Jackson a free agent?

**soulman** · 03-26-2011, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by GlobeOfFrogs

Is Jackson a free agent?

Jackson won't be on the market. The Chargers plan to keep him and let Floyd go.

**dabears54** · 03-28-2011, 05:46 AM

Originally Posted by Dagan81

My order of preference as far as FA WR's:

1. Sidney Rice
2. Malcolm Floyd
3. Vincent Jackson
4. Santonio Holmes
5. Braylon Edwards

You can probably guess why I picked them in this order, but I threw in Jackson at #3 only because of his off-the-field issues, and Edwards down at #5 because of his case of the dropsies.

holmes had the highest tender placed on him-so depending on the RFA rules he my come back to jets

**dabears54** · 03-28-2011, 05:48 AM

Originally Posted by soulman

WOULDN'T MIND??????

Lovies comment "Wouldn't mind" needs to be to be somewhat restated. To me it's more like a damn neccessity. Jay Cutler made the Pro-Bowl on a losing team by hooking up with the likes of a 6' 4' 230 pounder named Brandon Marshall over 100 times that year.

I like our WR's a lot but if you want to win games passing and put Cutler back in the Pro-Bowl again get him the next best thing to Brandon Marshall. His size but without the attutude. Rice is younger and much lighter and while Floyd has the size he's also 30 years old.

Either works for me but I'm betting the Floyd will come a whole lot cheaper.

"cochspeak" soul- you NEVER want to say exactly what you want or specifically what you need, or agents start "salivating" and making up BS rumors of what you are willing to pay, using your quotes to hike the price even higher and get a bidding wat going- its the 'free agent poker game, where NEVER show you cards early : )

**motownbear** · 03-28-2011, 12:04 PM

Originally Posted by GlobeOfFrogs

Is Jackson a free agent?

as of right now franchised but if franchise tags are dropped in a new deal he will be a FA

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