Thread: Bears Report; Ten Part Offseason Postion Outlook ...................

Chicago Bears Report

Offseason position outlook: Cornerbacks

February, 16, 2012 Feb 16
10:45
AM CT

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By Michael C. Wright


Bob Donnan/US PresswireCharles Tillman made his first Pro Bowl in his ninth season with the Bears.


This is the ninth installment of a 10-part series that reviews every Bears position group on offense and defense, while also taking a quick look at potential free-agent targets and the top prospects in the upcoming NFL draft.

The Bears find themselves in the midst of conducting yet another search for a potential starter at cornerback opposite Charles Tillman, a nine-year veteran coming off his first Pro Bowl season.

The three most viable candidates -- Tim Jennings, Zack Bowman, and Corey Graham -- are all set to become unrestricted free agents, and there’s a strong possibility none will return to the club for 2012. Besides that, aside from Graham -- who never received much of an opportunity at corner, but played nickel -- Jennings and Bowman never emerged as potential long-term solutions at the position despite multiple opportunities.

Starting 28 games opposite Tillman, Jennings played well in 2010 and a good portion of 2011 before the team benched him in favor of Bowman late in the season. So it’s believed the team wants to explore the free-agent market or NFL draft for a potential starter at cornerback.

The Bears finished 28th last season against the pass, surrendering 354.1 yards per game but ranked in the top 10 (tied for sixth) with 20 interceptions. The cornerbacks contributed 12 of those picks, with nickel corner D.J. Moore intercepting four passes to lead the team, followed by Tillman and Graham with three apiece and Jennings -- who dropped several potential INTs -- with two.

Given Green Bay’s prowess in the passing game and the ascension of the Detroit Lions, led by Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson, the Bears need to load up with the pass rush and coverage on the back end. Bears coach Lovie Smith said most of the team’s personnel decisions are based upon how players match up with division rivals.

“You mention a guy like [Calvin] Johnson ... I like big corners anyway to match up against some of those guys,” Smith said. “I definitely don’t think we need a complete overhaul by any means.”

Still the team -- given the likelihood of multiple free-agent departures -- needs to replenish some talent at cornerback.

THE CURRENT ROSTER

• Charles Tillman: Scored two of the team’s six defensive touchdowns last season and played a significant role in the team ranking eighth in opponent passer rating (79.3). Tillman set a franchise record in 2011, by returning his fifth INT for a touchdown and also forced four fumbles on the way to being selected to his first Pro Bowl. With eight INTs since 2010, Tillman is tied with teammate D.J. Moore for the most picks in the NFL in that span. Smith said Tillman played the most disciplined football of his career in 2010, and only followed that up with a stronger 2011 campaign. Set to enter his 10th season, Tillman doesn’t appear to be declining.

[+] Enlarge
Dennis Wierzbicki/US PresswireTim Jennings, who started 15 games last season, doesn't figure to be back with the Bears next season.



• Tim Jennings: Tied for second on the team with eight pass breakups and started 15 of 16 games. Started the season with a 10-tackle effort in the opener, and played fairly well over the first 12 games. Towards the end of the season, Jennings’ play declined somewhat, leading to the club benching him for the Christmas matchup at Green Bay. An unrestricted free agent, Jennings will draw some interest on the open market for teams in search of a boundary corner. So his return to Chicago seems unlikely.

• Zack Bowman: Started 12 games in 2009, and led the team with a career-high six INTs but lost a training camp battle with Jennings for the starting job in 2010. The team held high hopes that Bowman could bounce back and win back his job in 2011, but that never transpired. An unrestricted free agent, Bowman started one game in 2011 and finished the season with six tackles and one pass breakup. Because of his size (6-1, 196 pounds) and youth, Bowman should also generate some interest in free agency. A change of scenery might prove beneficial.

• Corey Graham: One of the best special-teams performers in the league, Graham earned his first Pro Bowl appearance last season by leading the team with 22 special-teams tackles. Graham is tied for third in the NFL since 2007 with 75 stops on special teams. But it appears the team has pigeonholed him in the role of a special teamer. So the unrestricted free agent will want a legitimate opportunity elsewhere to contribute on defense. Filling in for D.J. Moore at the nickel spot, Graham intercepted passes in three consecutive games from Nov. 13 to Nov. 27.

MEL KIPER'S TOP CB PROSPECTS

1.	Morris Claiborne	LSU	6-0, 177
2.	Dre Kirkpatrick	Alabama	6-3, 190
3.	Alfonzo Dennard	Nebraska	5-10, 195
4.	Janoris Jenkins	North Alabama	5-11, 184
5.	Stephon Gilmore	South Carolina	6-1, 189
Kiper's Mock 2.0 | Big Board

• D.J. Moore: Led the team in interceptions (4) and tied for second in the team with eight pass breakups despite missing three games because of an ankle injury. Moore has now intercepted eight passes over the past two seasons and is pretty much cemented into that nickel corner role. Moore is set to enter the final year of his original rookie contract, and needs a strong 2012 to cash in.

• Josh Moore: A fifth-round pick by the Bears in 2010, Moore played three games as a rookie but surprisingly was cut in September. The Bears brought Moore back to the practice squad in November, and former GM Jerry Angelo said the team never wanted to cut him. But the cornerback became a victim of the numbers game. Moore is actually one of the team’s best pure cover corners, but still needs to acclimate to the pro game to receive a real shot at making a contribution in 2012.

Bears free agents: Bowman, Graham, Jennings
POTENTIAL FREE-AGENT TARGETS

• Brandon Carr, Kansas City Chiefs, unrestricted

• Brent Grimes, Atlanta Falcons, unrestricted

• Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans, unrestricted
WHY CARR OR GRIMES MAKE SENSE

New general manager Phil Emery knows both Carr, pictured on the left, and Grimes extremely well, which makes them logical options. Emery played a role in bringing Grimes to Atlanta in 2006 as an undrafted free agent, and the GM spent time with Carr in Kansas City.

One potential problem with Grimes is his lack of size (5-10, 183 pounds). Smith prefers bigger corners. But Grimes has extensive experience playing in a system very similar to the one utilized by the Bears, and possesses one of the traits the team covets most: he’s aggressive in run support.

Carr (6-0, 207 pounds) is arguably the best corner available on the free-agent market. But his asking price will likely be way more than what the Bears would be willing to pay. Sure the team has plenty of room under the cap to bring aboard a high-priced player such as Carr. But the Bears typically don’t spend big money in free agency on corners. Besides that, Carr is considered more of a man corner; although it’s likely he wouldn’t have any problems playing in a more zone-oriented scheme.

While Carr or Grimes would make sense given their histories with Emery, don’t count out the Bears pushing hard to re-sign one of their own free agents such as Bowman or Tillman and adding to the position through the draft. The latter likely isn’t the team’s first choice, but could turn into Plan B depending on what transpires around the league.

As far as the linebackers go, Hawthorne sounds like an intriguing prospect. His numbers look good, but I don't think I've noticed him specifically during games. Anyone know how he looks in-game? Too bad Tinoisamoa could never stay healthy. The brief times that he was healthy he looked like he could be an outstanding addition to the linebacker corps.

There are times when I wish we didn't have so many of our own FA's to re-sign and the situation in the defensive backfield is one that concerns me. Tillman is set and so is Conte from what I could see of his play last year but unless we re-sign either Jennings or Graham or both we're pretty thin at both CB and a backup for Moore not to mention the impact losing Graham would mean to ST. I'm also not completely comfortable with just Wright and Steltz at SS.

Much like Dwayne Bowe, Brandon Carr would most likely be very high on our list if FA targets but the problem that exists is that KC has a ton of cap excess to use so re-signing both won't be an issue if they want to keep them. Grimes is probably next on the list. He's much smaller than Carr but like Jennings a tough cookie in run support and a good tackler which is something Lovie demands. I'm really not at all interested in Finnegan so if help comes in FA I'd like to see it from Carr or Grimes. We can also find some help in the draft but I don't see us picking one that high.

Linebacker is in very good shape as long as we stay healthy. If we don't our depth is poor. For that reason a FA like Hawthorne is a good pickup. Although Nick Roach played fairly well as a starter another LB with the flexibility to play any one of the LB positions would be good and Hawthorne is exactly the kind of lower profile player the Bears usually target. Thomas' arrest for possession puts a minor cloud around him but if the kid can play it shouldn't prevent him from making the team. DeCicco looked good on ST and if he keeps developing I can see him as a Hunter Hillenmeyer type who can play SLB and MLB too.

Depth at LB and a starter at LCB are definite needs and I don't see us spending a high pick on either so I can see us shopping the FA market for these postions pretty thoroughly.

Tomorrow is the final installment in this series; Safeties.

I sure hope we can resign Corey. I'd hate to loose him in FA as he is a beast on ST's and should be able to contribute more this season at DB too.

This installment is the last in the 10 part series on evaluating the Bears offseason needs.


Chicago Bears Report

Offseason position outlook: Safeties

February, 17, 2012 Feb 17
10:46
AM CT

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By Michael C. Wright


Chuck Cook/US PresswireSafety Major Wright has been injury-prone in two years with the Bears.
This is final installment of a 10-part series that reviews every Bears position group on offense and defense, while also taking a quick look at potential free-agent targets and the top prospects in the upcoming NFL draft.

Adding at safety seems an annual rite of passage in Chicago, considering the Bears have used draft picks on the position in seven of that last eight years.

Apparently, the fickleness in talent acquisition manifested itself on the field as well.

Although injuries played somewhat of a role at times, the Bears lined up with eight combinations of starters at safety over 16 games with a five-game stretch with Major Wright and Chris Conte as the starters serving as the most stability the team would see in 2011 at the position.

The Bears appeared to find an emerging playmaker last season in Conte, a third-round pick, who finished 2011 on the injured reserve. But the team undoubtedly will try once again to solidify the safety spot through the draft or free agency. Of the six safeties currently on the roster, two -- Brandon Meriweather and Craig Steltz -- are free agents, leaving Wright and Conte as the only other players with experience.

A third-round pick in 2010, Wright experienced an up-and-down campaign in his second season. But despite an overall negative perception of Wright, his chemistry with Conte seemed undeniable. In the six games the Bears paired Wright and Conte as the starters, the club came away with eight interceptions while allowing just four touchdown passes and holding opponents to a passer rating if 68.9.

In the 10 games that didn’t feature Wright and Conte as the starters, the Bears picked off 12 balls, but gave up 18 touchdown passes while allowing an opponent passer rating of 85.8.

So while the success Wright and Conte experienced together in 2011 gives Chicago optimism about the position moving forward, the team must still be leery of their youth -- which makes them prone to mistakes -- and the quality of the depth behind them. Those concerns push safety high on the priority list of positions the team must address through the draft or free agency.
THE CURRENT ROSTER

[+] Enlarge
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty ImagesChris Conte improved throughout his rookie season.



• Major Wright: Durability continues to be an issue for Wright, who missed two games in the first half of the season and two more over the final four. The safety also has a penchant for making mental busts, which improved somewhat in 2011, but should be even better in his third year. Wright registered a career-high 12 tackles in the season finale, and the staff remains optimistic about his future with the club. If Wright and Conte can stay healthy in 2012, the young duo might solve this team’s problems at the position.

• Chris Conte: Injuries and inconsistent play led to Conte making his first career start on Oct. 16 against the Minnesota Vikings, and the rookie went on to make nine starts. One of the most athletically gifted players in the secondary, Conte posted 47 tackles and intercepted a pass in 2011. But an ankle injury sustained on Dec. 18 led to Conte finishing his rookie season on the injured reserve. Conte provides a playmaking element at safety the team hasn’t experienced consistently in quite some time. The key for Conte now is to use this full offseason to add strength, and to gain a better grasp of the team’s system. Once Conte gains enough of an understanding of the system to start anticipating things, he can pair that with his elite athleticism to start making game-changing plays.

• Brandon Meriweather: A two-time Pro Bowler, Meriweather didn’t play up to that level with the Bears in 2011. Signed to a one-year deal that paid him more ($3.25 million) than any other safety on the roster, Meriweather played 11 games, starting in four, and finished with 39 tackles and $45,000 in fines for questionable hits. Of Meriweather’s 16 games with the Bears, the safety didn’t play in five of them, including the final two at Green Bay and Minnesota. Meriweather isn’t likely to be back with the team.

MEL KIPER'S TOP SAFETY PROSPECTS

1.	Mark Barron	Alabama	6-2, 210
2.	Antonio Allen	South Carolina	6-2, 202
3.	Harrison Smith	Notre Dame	6-2, 214
4.	George Iloka	Boise State	6-3, 216
5.	Markelle Martin	Oklahoma State	6-1, 198
Kiper's Mock 2.0 | Big Board

• Craig Steltz: In starting four of the last five games, Steltz posted 37 tackles and a sack, in addition to forcing two fumbles and finished the season with 48 tackles. A four-year veteran, Steltz also ranked fourth in special-teams tackles (12), which registers as the second-highest total of his career. A free agent, Steltz might be able to generate some interest on the market. But there’s a good chance the Bears try hard to bring him back.

• Winston Venable: Made the team as an undrafted free agent out of Boise State and played 12 games last season, finishing with 10 tackles on special teams. Likely won’t be given much of an opportunity to contribute on defense because of inexperience and lack of range in coverage.

• Anthony Walters: Made the team as an undrafted free agent and was activated from the practice squad just before Week 6. Walters made his debut on Oct. 16, but a month later was placed on the injured reserve. Walters doesn’t appear to factor into the team’s plans as a potential contributor on defense.

Bears' free agents: Meriweather, Steltz

POTENTIAL FREE AGENT TARGETS

• Tyvon Branch, Oakland Raiders, unrestricted
• Dashon Goldson, San Francisco 49ers, unrestricted
• Dwight Lowery, Jacksonville Jaguars, unrestricted

WHY STELTZ SHOULD BE A PRIORITY

If the Bears are intent to go into 2012 with Conte and Wright as the starters, that’s fine. But the team needs insurance at the position and at least one candidate to push the incumbents. Through his play over the last four games, Steltz earned at least an opportunity to compete for one of the starting jobs in 2012 if he’s brought back. The problem is that Steltz likely won’t want to return unless he’s assured of a legitimate opportunity.

By starting the final four games, Steltz gained valuable game tape that could generate interest in the free agent while potentially giving the Bears competition for his services.

A four-year veteran, Steltz knows Lovie Smith’s system, has 48 games of experience at his disposal, and possesses the type of team-first attitude the Bears covet. So while the team could stand to bring in one or two more players at the position through the draft or free agency, signing Steltz should be a no-brainer.

This installment is the last in the 10 part series on evaluating the Bears offseason needs.


Chicago Bears Report

Offseason position outlook: Safeties

February, 17, 2012 Feb 17
10:46
AM CT

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By Michael C. Wright


Chuck Cook/US PresswireSafety Major Wright has been injury-prone in two years with the Bears.
This is final installment of a 10-part series that reviews every Bears position group on offense and defense, while also taking a quick look at potential free-agent targets and the top prospects in the upcoming NFL draft.

Adding at safety seems an annual rite of passage in Chicago, considering the Bears have used draft picks on the position in seven of that last eight years.

Apparently, the fickleness in talent acquisition manifested itself on the field as well.

Although injuries played somewhat of a role at times, the Bears lined up with eight combinations of starters at safety over 16 games with a five-game stretch with Major Wright and Chris Conte as the starters serving as the most stability the team would see in 2011 at the position.

The Bears appeared to find an emerging playmaker last season in Conte, a third-round pick, who finished 2011 on the injured reserve. But the team undoubtedly will try once again to solidify the safety spot through the draft or free agency. Of the six safeties currently on the roster, two -- Brandon Meriweather and Craig Steltz -- are free agents, leaving Wright and Conte as the only other players with experience.

A third-round pick in 2010, Wright experienced an up-and-down campaign in his second season. But despite an overall negative perception of Wright, his chemistry with Conte seemed undeniable. In the six games the Bears paired Wright and Conte as the starters, the club came away with eight interceptions while allowing just four touchdown passes and holding opponents to a passer rating if 68.9.

In the 10 games that didn’t feature Wright and Conte as the starters, the Bears picked off 12 balls, but gave up 18 touchdown passes while allowing an opponent passer rating of 85.8.

So while the success Wright and Conte experienced together in 2011 gives Chicago optimism about the position moving forward, the team must still be leery of their youth -- which makes them prone to mistakes -- and the quality of the depth behind them. Those concerns push safety high on the priority list of positions the team must address through the draft or free agency.
THE CURRENT ROSTER

[+] Enlarge
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty ImagesChris Conte improved throughout his rookie season.



• Major Wright: Durability continues to be an issue for Wright, who missed two games in the first half of the season and two more over the final four. The safety also has a penchant for making mental busts, which improved somewhat in 2011, but should be even better in his third year. Wright registered a career-high 12 tackles in the season finale, and the staff remains optimistic about his future with the club. If Wright and Conte can stay healthy in 2012, the young duo might solve this team’s problems at the position.

• Chris Conte: Injuries and inconsistent play led to Conte making his first career start on Oct. 16 against the Minnesota Vikings, and the rookie went on to make nine starts. One of the most athletically gifted players in the secondary, Conte posted 47 tackles and intercepted a pass in 2011. But an ankle injury sustained on Dec. 18 led to Conte finishing his rookie season on the injured reserve. Conte provides a playmaking element at safety the team hasn’t experienced consistently in quite some time. The key for Conte now is to use this full offseason to add strength, and to gain a better grasp of the team’s system. Once Conte gains enough of an understanding of the system to start anticipating things, he can pair that with his elite athleticism to start making game-changing plays.

• Brandon Meriweather: A two-time Pro Bowler, Meriweather didn’t play up to that level with the Bears in 2011. Signed to a one-year deal that paid him more ($3.25 million) than any other safety on the roster, Meriweather played 11 games, starting in four, and finished with 39 tackles and $45,000 in fines for questionable hits. Of Meriweather’s 16 games with the Bears, the safety didn’t play in five of them, including the final two at Green Bay and Minnesota. Meriweather isn’t likely to be back with the team.

MEL KIPER'S TOP SAFETY PROSPECTS

1.	Mark Barron	Alabama	6-2, 210
2.	Antonio Allen	South Carolina	6-2, 202
3.	Harrison Smith	Notre Dame	6-2, 214
4.	George Iloka	Boise State	6-3, 216
5.	Markelle Martin	Oklahoma State	6-1, 198
Kiper's Mock 2.0 | Big Board

• Craig Steltz: In starting four of the last five games, Steltz posted 37 tackles and a sack, in addition to forcing two fumbles and finished the season with 48 tackles. A four-year veteran, Steltz also ranked fourth in special-teams tackles (12), which registers as the second-highest total of his career. A free agent, Steltz might be able to generate some interest on the market. But there’s a good chance the Bears try hard to bring him back.

• Winston Venable: Made the team as an undrafted free agent out of Boise State and played 12 games last season, finishing with 10 tackles on special teams. Likely won’t be given much of an opportunity to contribute on defense because of inexperience and lack of range in coverage.

• Anthony Walters: Made the team as an undrafted free agent and was activated from the practice squad just before Week 6. Walters made his debut on Oct. 16, but a month later was placed on the injured reserve. Walters doesn’t appear to factor into the team’s plans as a potential contributor on defense.

Bears' free agents: Meriweather, Steltz

POTENTIAL FREE AGENT TARGETS

• Tyvon Branch, Oakland Raiders, unrestricted
• Dashon Goldson, San Francisco 49ers, unrestricted
• Dwight Lowery, Jacksonville Jaguars, unrestricted

WHY STELTZ SHOULD BE A PRIORITY

If the Bears are intent to go into 2012 with Conte and Wright as the starters, that’s fine. But the team needs insurance at the position and at least one candidate to push the incumbents. Through his play over the last four games, Steltz earned at least an opportunity to compete for one of the starting jobs in 2012 if he’s brought back. The problem is that Steltz likely won’t want to return unless he’s assured of a legitimate opportunity.

By starting the final four games, Steltz gained valuable game tape that could generate interest in the free agent while potentially giving the Bears competition for his services.

A four-year veteran, Steltz knows Lovie Smith’s system, has 48 games of experience at his disposal, and possesses the type of team-first attitude the Bears covet. So while the team could stand to bring in one or two more players at the position through the draft or free agency, signing Steltz should be a no-brainer.

To me this is probably one of the most disappointing areas on the team. How many years did Lovie and JA keep drafting Safeties and never find the solution? Then, when we finally hit upon the best pair we've had in a decade in Harris and Manning we let one go in FA and the other gets cut half way through the season which leaves a rookie and a second year man to take their place.

I was impressed with the play of Chris Conte and I think he may prove to be a steal as far as a 3rd round pick is concerned but Major Wright needs to overcome his injury issues and his inconsistent play before he'll gain the teams trust. Craig Steltz is a nice guy to have as a backup but his lack of speed makes him a liability in coverage and Meriweather should be on the first stagecoach out of town. The guy is an uncoachable "loose cannon".

So once again we're short a player or two and if Corey Graham isn't able to play either Safety position we need to look elsewhere. The FA list isn't all that impressive but fortunately the draft has some very good prospects with great size and potential. If it was me running the draft I'd forget all about Micheal Floyd but keep Harrison Smith's name card handy. Iloka had a great week at the Senior Bowl and Mark Barron is also a possibility if we decide to trade down in the first round of the draft.

Maybe if we spend a higher pick on a Safety this year as we have the last two we'll finally come up with a combination that works well together and stays healthy. Wright and Conte seemed to get in step with one another but neither could stay healthy. We need depth but we also need another starting caliber player so look for us to draft a Safety again this year.

Defensive prospects in need of a strong Combine

Who needs to make a big impression in Indy? Wes Bunting

February 17, 2012 Share
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Who are the main defensive prospects that need a big Combine performance to really help push their draft stock…


DE Whitney Mercilus: Illinois (6-4, 265)
Physically he looks the part and has the natural talent to simply man handle college lineman. However, he's a raw kid who is stiff in the hips and doesn't have a great feel for the game when asked to find the football. He's got some upside, but his tightness and overall lack of natural feel for the game are two very big concerns of mine. Nevertheless, he’s got the ability to “wow” during workouts and could be one of the big winners to come out of Indy and set his draft stock soaring.
ICONPoe moves well for a big guy.


DT Jerel Worthy: Michigan State (6-3, 310)
A talented kid with a thick frame, "plus" get off burst and good snap awareness. However, doesn't shed blocks well when engaged and lacks ideal anchor ability inside. Looks like a one-gap type lineman only who could give solid reps at both nose and three-technique in a 43 front. But, he’s going to need some time before he's ready to start. However, has the skill set to impress during workouts and despite his inconsistent play, there aren’t too many guys in the class who physically and athletically can do what he does.

DT Dontari Poe: Memphis (6-5, 350)
Has a rare physical skill set due to his combination of flexibility, power and get off burst. However, he's still learning the nuances of the position. If he's willing to put in the time, Poe can mature into one of the leagues better interior presences. And I have a feeling after watching this big guy move the way he can at his size, the buzz surrounding the him will be deafening post combine.

OLB Bruce Irvin: West Virginia (6-3, 245)
A gifted athlete who has the initial burst to routinely reach the edge. However, lacks ideal size and doesn't have a real sophisticated pass rushing repertoire. Is going to make the move to a 34 OLB at the next level and might need a little time. Therefore, watching to see how much he weighs, how fast he runs and how well he performs during linebacker drills are the three keys in determining how high he goes on draft day.

ILB Vontaze Burfict: Arizona State (6-3, 250)
A talent with a natural pop on contact, can hold the point of attack when he wants to and for his size exhibits good range and fluidity. However, due to the character concerns it will be interesting to see what kind of shape he’s in when asked to workout. Talent evaluators want to see how passionate he is about the game and this process, and getting a feel for what kind of shape he’s in will be key.

CB Dre Kirkpatrick: Alabama (6-3, 192)
Will be an ideal zone corner at the next level because of his size, instincts and physicality. However, he can also press off the line and consistently re-route receivers. Isn't a dynamic quick-twitch athlete, but showcases good balance, can keep his feet under him and looks like a "plus" caliber starting cornerback in the NFL. Nevertheless, cornerback is a stopwatch position and he’s still going to need to prove he can run well (low 4.5 range at worst) if he hopes to go in the top-ten.


Follow me on twitter: @WesBunting

I have to say that I'm eager to see what Mercilus does at The NFL Combine coming up here in a bit. That could make or break his draft stock for sure. If we're not going to take a LT in the first round, then let it be one of the DEs that will be available. That being said, there are so many risk-reward scenarios to consider when talking about these DEs in this class. It's kind of like, "It walks like a duck and it quacks like, but the question is: is it really a duck?"