Thread: Jay Says, "Anybody Over 6'2" Will Do...................

Chicago Bears Report


Offseason position outlook: Receivers

February, 8, 2012 Feb 8
11:52
AM CTBy Michael C. Wright



AP Photo/Gerald HerbertWith teammate Marques Colston due a big contract, the Saints' Robert Meachem could be a viable free agent option for the Bears.


This is the third 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 fantasies recently shared over Twitter between Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and Miami Dolphins receiver Brandon Marshall about a possible reunion surely sparked optimism about the club’s future at what’s been an underachieving position in recent years.

But don’t expect Chicago to make a move to land Marshall. That deal might be too difficult for the Bears to swing, but the team still plans this offseason to extend every effort to finally give Cutler -- who will have only one year left on his contract after the upcoming season -- the weapons he needs.

"I will say this: What is going to be targeted [are] good football players, producers, dynamic playmakers that can help this football team grow," new general manager Phil Emery said. "[We want to] help the players that are here, and surround them with more weapons, more people that can make plays, and help this football team in its march towards championships."

Considering the Bears' leader in receptions -- running back Matt Forte -- doesn't play the receiver position, it’s quite clear that’s where the team needs to upgrade with the "dynamic playmakers" that Emery discussed.

The team’s preference is to do that through the draft. But the severe talent deficiency at the position will likely force the Bears to attack the problem from multiple fronts, meaning the NFL draft in April and pro free agency a month before that.

The Bears are well positioned in terms of salary cap space to make moves, and new offensive coordinator Mike Tice has been vocal about the need to add a legitimate No. 1 receiver to properly execute the team’s new system. By adding more targets -- especially a No. 1 that always has to be accounted for in coverage -- the Bears would be able to line up players such as Earl Bennett and Devin Hester in different spots on the field to take advantage of one-on-one matchups.

“We do need a [receiver] that when he gets one-on-one coverage, he has to win way more than he loses,” Tice said. “Moving forward, we’re going to evaluate the guys we have and how we’ve used them in the past. Our scouting department will do a great job -- whether it’s our pro personnel department or college scouting department -- in finding that guy or guys that are going to be able to let us implement this system, this process.”

THE CURRENT ROSTER


[+] Enlarge
Rob Grabowski/US PresswireJohnny Knox was second in the NFL with 19.6 yards per catch.

•Johnny Knox: Finished the 2011 season ranked second in the NFL in yards per catch (19.6 yards), led the team in receiving yards (727) and was tied for second in receptions. But a devastating back injury on Dec. 18 casts doubt on Knox’s potential availability for 2012. Having undergone a vertebral fusion procedure, Knox will have to wear a back brace until mid-March, and his timeline for recovery could extend beyond six months, according to multiple sources.

•Roy Williams: Williams came on toward the end of the season, and two of his three best performances of the year came over the last two games in which he caught a combined 10 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown. Early indications pointed to the Bears bringing Williams -- an unrestricted free agent -- back in 2012 with a cap-friendly contract. But the regime change with Emery now as the GM could change the team’s thinking. Williams believes he deserves at least an opportunity to go to training camp to compete for a spot.

•Dane Sanzenbacher: An undrafted rookie, Sanzenbacher started off strong by catching 19 passes over the first seven games for three touchdowns with Earl Bennett out of the lineup. Once Bennett returned, Sanzenbacher played six consecutive games with no catches from Nov. 7 to Dec. 11. Sanzenbacher’s promising rookie start was plagued by dropped passes (5). Depending on what the team does in free agency and the draft, Sanzenbacher could have a hard time making the 2012 roster.

•Devin Hester: Nagging injuries limited Hester’s production on offense and in the return game. Over a three-game stretch from Oct. 10-23, Hester caught 14 passes only to finish with one reception over the next four weeks. Scheduled to earn $1.646 million (the salary includes escalators -- that likely haven’t been reached -- worth up to $3.554 million based on his production) Hester hasn’t yet developed into the receiver the Bears had hoped for. But an infusion of new talent at the position might change Hester’s role by putting him in the slot or other spots more, which might increase his production.

MEL KIPER'S TOP 5 RB PROSPECTS

1.	Justin Blackmon	Okla. State	6-1, 215
2.	Michael Floyd	Notre Dame	6-3, 224
3.	Kendall Wright	Baylor	5-10, 190
4.	Mohamed Sanu	Rutgers	6-2, 215
5.	Alshon Jeffery	S. Carolina	6-4, 229
Kiper's Mock 1.0 | Big Board

•Earl Bennett: An internal-body injury suffered on Sept. 18 knocked Bennett out of the lineup for five games. But he returned Nov. 7 to put together three strong performances in Bears' victories (14 catches for 251 yards and a TD). Having developed strong chemistry with Cutler dating all the way back to college, Bennett watched his production dip dramatically after the quarterback suffered a thumb injury that knocked him out of the final six games. Still, Bennett remains the most dangerous of the team’s receiving threats, and was rewarded with a contract extension toward the end of the season.

•Max Komar: Added to the Bears active roster on Dec. 19, and played in only one game on special teams against the Green Bay Packers on Christmas. Komar possesses some elusiveness, but could find a difficult time making the roster if he sticks around long enough to go to training camp.

•Jonathan Haggerty: Signed to the practice squad on Dec. 20 and is considered a long shot to make the 2012 team.

•Kevin Jurovich: Added to the practice squad on Dec. 21, but likely won’t make it to training camp with the team.

Bears free agents: Williams

POTENTIAL FREE AGENT TARGETS

•Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers, unrestricted
•Marques Colston, New Orleans Saints, unrestricted
•Robert Meachem, New Orleans Saints, unrestricted

WHY MEACHEM MIGHT MAKE SENSE


Dynamic playmakers such as Philadelphia’s DeSean Jackson, Buffalo’s Steve Johnson and Kansas City’s Dwayne Bowe likely won’t see the free agent market because of franchise tags or the sides working out new agreements. And it’s highly unlikely Vincent Jackson or Colston will either.

New Orleans is trying to work out an extension for quarterback Drew Brees, and once that’s done, it’s likely the Saints will turn their attention to Colston. So they’ll ultimately wind up having to part ways with Meachem. But don’t let Meachem’s production in 2011 (40 catches, 620 yards and 6 TDs) fool you. His lack of mega numbers stems in part from New Orleans’ spread-the-wealth system, and the fact he often became the clear-out man to open up things underneath for tight end Jimmy Graham.

Meachem’s explosive deep speed is part of the reason he became somewhat of a decoy. But he possesses the physical attributes to thrive in the right situation.

To go back to the radio interview, he repeatedly praised Brandon Marshall, thanked Lovie for taking the time to "get the offensive personnel right at this time" (even saying that he's glad he's got Tice, who will put him in the position to succeed, as well as the other players; a somewhat subtle jab at Martz). He pretty much said every quarterback needs some weapons to play with. Also glad that Jeremy Bates is back.

Pretty much what I got outta that was that Jay's wanting things run his way, and feels the need to go public about it. That's fine, as QBs have lobbied in the past for WRs, and he's comfortable enough in his situation that he can take control of the offense and speak his mind like only malcontents have for the Bears, previously.

I think Michael did a nice summary here. I especially agree with his suggestion that the Bears should address the WR position both in FA and the draft. In the previous article Jay comes right out and says give me somebody 6'2" or taller and Tice says we need a guy who can get open the majority of the time. It's now quit screwing around time. I can see a shakeup in the Bears WR roster this year. We should have at least two new faces.

SD has said they won't tag Jackson and now Buffalo has said the same about Johnson but it still doesn't mean they won't work something out before FA or even after. KC will find a way to keep Bowe one way or another but NO has Brees, Nicks and Colston becoming FA's and only one tag to use. Obviously they'd use it on Brees before either of the other two but if it comes down to Nicks or Colston who do they tag?

Meachem's 6 TD's in only 40 catches trumps anything a Bears WR did in 2011 and a 15.5 ypc average is pretty attractive. Whether or not he's a #1 remains to be seen but there's no question he would upgrade the WR group. I have a good feeling about Eddie Royal as well and although he's not your typical #1 guy and more of a slot receiver his initial productivity in had many thinking he may have made that spot has McDaniels not come along.

The top five on Kiper's have been there all along but don't be surprised if there's a shakeup following the combine based on what kind of 40 times Floyd, Jeffery and Sanu are able to put up.

Originally Posted by Henry Burris

To go back to the radio interview, he repeatedly praised Brandon Marshall, thanked Lovie for taking the time to "get the offensive personnel right at this time" (even saying that he's glad he's got Tice, who will put him in the position to succeed, as well as the other players; a somewhat subtle jab at Martz). He pretty much said every quarterback needs some weapons to play with. Also glad that Jeremy Bates is back.

Pretty much what I got outta that was that Jay's wanting things run his way, and feels the need to go public about it. That's fine, as QBs have lobbied in the past for WRs, and he's comfortable enough in his situation that he can take control of the offense and speak his mind like only malcontents have for the Bears, previously.

I'm glad to see him coming out of his shell and speaking his mind. Maybe that's something he feared doing while Martz was around. Knowing Martz I wouldn't doubt that bit. By stating his desires in public pretty much forces the Bears hand as far as getting him some new weapons for him not that wouldn't obvious even if he didn't.

One thing of note that he did not say is that he had complaints to offer about the Oline. To me that's even more evidence that Tice meant what he said about not drafting any Olineman is the first round. If that's truly the case then my thinking is it comes down to Ingram or Floyd if both are still on the board at #19 and a lot will hinge on how Floyd does in the 40 at the combine this weekend. I think as long as he can run 4.5 or under he won't hurt himself but he he can't do any better than 4.6 he's gonna drop.

But I'd say from what Cutler and Tice have both had to say publicly a WR is at the top of our FA list and also at the top or very near the top of our draft list as well.

I'm fine with our QB, OC, HC and GM all being on the same page, if that's what it takes. If you go back and listen again, to the part about talking about Tice being his OC, you can listen through the diplomatic response that he fuggin' hated Martz, and thought he didn't set him up for success; you could also read that he hated Angelo for the same reasons.

Originally Posted by Henry Burris

I'm fine with our QB, OC, HC and GM all being on the same page, if that's what it takes. If you go back and listen again, to the part about talking about Tice being his OC, you can listen through the diplomatic response that he fuggin' hated Martz, and thought he didn't set him up for success; you could also read that he hated Angelo for the same reasons.

Diplomatic? Is that what you call "tell Martz I said fuck him" was? LOL Just kidding.

Yeah, he was wisely skirting any issues about Martz at all by accentuating the positive. He's been diplomatic for two years with both Martz and Angelo as far as not playing to his strengths is concerned. The time has come to reverse that situation. I think teaming him up with Tice and Bates will make a world off difference moreso than even getting him a couple of WR's. Considering how badly Cutler was mishandled you have to figure the WR's suffered from that somewhat as well.

That little article might have been the highlight of an evening that was filled with burned frozen pizza and plenty of Coca-Cola. Cutler's next career after his playing days are done should be in politics because he is lapping up the attention and shedding light on the areas that need improving the most. But what concerns me is how Cutty and Tice are just totally ignoring the need to further upgrade the offensive line. I mean, I know that I'm not expert when it comes to football and that Tice and Cut are, but when your left tackle has give up close to 25 sacks in his first two years as a starter at both LT and RT, that is cause for concern. I like how Webb played during that streak of games where Martz finally got a clue and left a chip blocker in to assist him, but that still doesn't explain the last half of the season when the Bears started giving up 4-6 sacks in some games. Maybe an offseason will help Webb improve at the position and maybe not, but at this point, there is a whole lot of conjecture of just how reliable he is. I think the line will improve dramatically with the return of Chris Williams and Gabe Carimi.

But that is outstanding foresight by Cutler in being pragmatic and politically-savvy enough to draw attention to one of the offense's greatest needs - the necessity for a great wide receiver. This upcoming free agency period should prove interesting in what the Bears will do. Will they go for a home run and sign on of the two big WRs on the market in either VJax or Colston? Will the Bears construct a corps using Colston/VJax/Meachem, and then possibly Eddie Royal and whoever they draft? There are so many possibilities that we can think of right now that we would never have dreamt possible under that worthless piece of shit Jerry Angelo.

Originally Posted by soulman

I think Michael did a nice summary here. I especially agree with his suggestion that the Bears should address the WR position both in FA and the draft. In the previous article Jay comes right out and says give me somebody 6'2" or taller and Tice says we need a guy who can get open the majority of the time. It's now quit screwing around time. I can see a shakeup in the Bears WR roster this year. We should have at least two new faces.

SD has said they won't tag Jackson and now Buffalo has said the same about Johnson but it still doesn't mean they won't work something out before FA or even after. KC will find a way to keep

What do you think it would cost us to get both? And just curious to which you'd rather have. I like Jackson but hes getting old, Johnson needs to catch those last few balls at the end of games and also learn to hold on to them cuz Fitzpatrick doesnt have half the arm cutler does. My vote would be Stevie Johnson as long as Drake can help him develop his hands a bit better