Thread: Updated 2012 Mock Bears Offseason

I know it is early, but this is how I deal with the nerves of a big game.

Free Agents

OG Carl Nicks [New Orleans] 5 years 45 million/ 25 guaranteed

The Bears OL has been better in recent weeks, but it has been far from dominant. Nicks brings e level of dominance to the Bears OL that we have not seen. Physically he is huge [6’5” 343lbs] and he is one of the more powerful players in the NFL. With Drew Brees set to be a free agent, Maques Colston joining him and already having one of the highest paid OGs in the league in Jahri Evans they might have to let him walk.



S Tyvon Branch [Oakland] 4 years 16 million/6 guaranteed

The Bears SS position has been a mess in 2011 after Chris Harris’ release and Major Wright’s lack of development the Bears need to solve this problem in free agency. Branch has the size and more than enough speed to be a factor in the Cover 2 defense and provides a veteran presence with the young Chris Conte.



Re-signings

RB Matt Forte [5 years 42.5 Million/21 guaranteed]
WR Earl Bennett [4 years 14 million/6 guaranteed]
DT Amobi Okoye [3 years 10 million/ 4 guaranteed]
DE Israel Idonije [2 years 5 million/ 3 guaranteed]
TE Kellen Davis [2 years 3 million/ 1 guaranteed]
CB Tim Jennings [4 years 12 million/ 4 guaranteed]

Release/Not Resigned

DT Anthony Adams
WR Roy Williams
S Brandon Merriweather
OT Frank Omiyale

Draft

1[22] WR Michael Floyd [Notre Dame] 6’3” 230lbs.

The Bear’s WR core has some pieces that can assist in winning a game, but they do not have the true #1 WR that you can go to in all situations. Floyd has the size and physicality that the Bears need and he runs great routes. However, he has red flags [alcohol and injuries] that may keep him from climbing higher in the draft. The Bears can afford to take the risk and bring in a player that can immediately start and help in the red zone and on 3^rd downs.



2[54] DE Melvin Ingram [South Carolina] 6’2” 275lbs.

The Bears starting DEs are both over 30 coming into this season and as at LB the Bears need to prepare for Idonije or Peppers eventual departure by adding Ingram to the mix. Ingram has solid size and has been very productive for the Gamecocks rushing from all different positions. What I like about Ingram is that he has a good initial burst and is very strong. He reminds me of Lamarr Woodley from the Steelers in the way he can overpower an OLmen. Ingram will get a couple of years of rotational work before he takes over full time for Izzy.



3[72] LB Lavonte David [Nebraska] 6’1” 230lbs.

The Bears defense is dominant because of the LB play and that was evident against the Eagles. However, both of the LBs are over 30 and the succession plan needs to be prepared. David reminds me a lot of Lance Briggs as he does not have dominant size or speed, but he is underrated in both categories. David flies around to the ball and has the energy that the Bears need at LB. A lack of size may push David into the 3^rd round.



3[84] OG Kevin Zeitler [Wisconsin] 6’4” 315lbs.

The Bears need to continue to add young solid depth along the OL. The Bears got lucky that 2 7^th round picks have turned into solid starters [Webb and Louis], but depth is still an issue and Roberto Garza does not have more than a couple of years left. The Bears go back to the Wisconsin OL tree that Mike Tice is so familiar with and grab Zeitler who is a big, solid and nasty OG.



4. CB Leonard Johnson [Iowa St] 5’10” 202lbs.

The free agent CB market is not that strong and the Bears do not need an immediate starter as Tim Jennings and Charles Tillman have been playing really well this season. Johnson provides them with a big physical CB with starting ability to develop into what Zack Bowman never became. Johnson is physical, which is a must as a Bears CB.



5. OT Marcel Jones [Nebraska] 6’7” 320lbs.

The Bears need to add depth to the OT position after the merciful release of Frank Omiyale. Jones has played LT at Nebraska, but looks like a better fit inside or at RT. Jones has the size and athletic ability that Tice demands and could be a nice developmental project and depth player.



6. LB Ramon Buchanan [Miami] 6’ 226lbs.

The Bears continue to add youth and speed to the LB core with the very raw Buchanan. What Buchanan has is 4.4 speed and the ability to play special teams right away and eventually get a look at WLB.



7. S Jerrell Young [South Florida] 6’ 205lbs.

You know the Bears have to pick a safety and without one available from Vanderbilt or Abilene Christian the Bears select Young to add depth and competition. Solid speed and size will allow him to contribute on special teams.



Depth Chart
QB: Cutler, Hanie, Enderle
RB: Forte, Barber, Bell, Clutts
WR: Floyd, Hester, Bennett, Knox, Hurd, Sanzenbacher
TE: Davis, Spaeth, Adams
LT: Webb, Williams
LG: Nicks, Zeitler
C: Garza, Spencer
RG: Louis
RT: Carimi, Jones

RE: Peppers, Wootton
DT: Melton, Okoye
NT: Toenia, Paea
LE: Idonije, Ingram
SLB: Roach, Iwuh
MLB: Urlacher, David, Dicico
WLB: Briggs, Buchanan
CB: Tillman, Jennings, Johnson, Moore, Graham
FS: Conte, Walters, Young
SS: Branch, Wright