What Will Phil Emery Do?

As we sit around and try and get an idea or a read on what Phil Emery is going to do I am interested in what people think his strategy will be or will not be. I understand that it is purely speculation, but try to infer based on what we know.

The "Will Phil Emery" game can be a simple yes or no, or please add a more detailed response to the following questions.

1. Will Phil Emery re-sign, franchise, or allow to walk Henry Melton?

2. Will Phil Emery re-sign or allow to walk Brian Urlacher if he excepts a team friendly deal?

3. Will Phil Emery invest heavily in the free agent market?

4. Will Phil Emery invest in what we would consider a teir 1 free agent [ex. Albert, Levitre, Cook]?

5. Who will be Phil Emery's biggest free agent signing?

6. Will Phil Emery take BPA in the 1st round, draft the Bears most pressing need that offersd value or look to trade down?

7. Will Phil Emery draft an interior OLmen in the 1st round or will he not see the value?

8. Will Phil Emery address the LB position in the 1st or 2nd round?

9. Will Phil Emery draft multiple players on the OL?

10. Will Phil Emery have any surprise cuts or players traded?

All of these are purely gut feelings, and probably not even close to what will really happen. But here goes:


1. Will Phil Emery re-sign, franchise, or allow to walk Henry Melton?
He will re-sign him.

2. Will Phil Emery re-sign or allow to walk Brian Urlacher if he excepts a team friendly deal?
He will re-sign Brian too. I believe this will benefit both the team AND Brian.

3. Will Phil Emery invest heavily in the free agent market?
No. There's not enough money to do this.

4. Will Phil Emery invest in what we would consider a tier 1 free agent [ex. Albert, Levitre, Cook]?
No. There's not enough money to do this. I believe we may see some tier-2 guys signed.

5. Who will be Phil Emery's biggest free agent signing?
I hope he brings in a decent receiving TE, and maybe an offensive lineman.

6. Will Phil Emery take BPA in the 1st round, draft the Bears most pressing need that offers value or look to trade down?

7. Will Phil Emery draft an interior OLmen in the 1st round or will he not see the value?
I'm far from sure about this one. We have so many needs right now, that he could trade down. Or, he could go with the BPA at a position of critical need (OL).

8. Will Phil Emery address the LB position in the 1st or 2nd round?
Maybe neither. Hopefully not in the 1st round.

9. Will Phil Emery draft multiple players on the OL?
Yes. He'd be a complete idiot to not take 2 guys (at least) in a draft class that is absolutely loaded with talent like this year's has.

10. Will Phil Emery have any surprise cuts or players traded?
I expect that he may try to get something for Hester. Could be others too.

The rumor is that Trestman and Kromer have told him they want O-line fixed yesterday - so my guess is he goes BLA ( best lineman available ) with his first 2 picks . That might go against his BPA philosophy a bit ( or maybe the draft breaks the right way and he gets who he wanted anyways ) but for this 1 year he might have to go against his BPA philosophy in order to get the line shored up a bit . In addition I'd bet that his first priority in FA is an O-lineman also , so resigning an over-rated Melton might be too much $$$ for him to swallow . 8mil for Melton is too much money imo . He's good but he isn't THAT good so let some other team overpay for him . They'll get more bang for their buck signing more players with that money .

Later in the draft he goes back to BPA to create depth .

1. Will Phil Emery re-sign, franchise, or allow to walk Henry Melton?
I think he will allow him to walk

2. Will Phil Emery re-sign or allow to walk Brian Urlacher if he excepts a team friendly deal?
BU will be back

3. Will Phil Emery invest heavily in the free agent market?
Yes he will and he has to

4. Will Phil Emery invest in what we would consider a teir 1 free agent [ex. Albert, Levitre, Cook]?
Yes, he will pay 1 of the tier 1 free Agents along with some depth guys

5. Who will be Phil Emery's biggest free agent signing?
Sebastian Vollmer

6. Will Phil Emery take BPA in the 1st round, draft the Bears most pressing need that offersd value or look to trade down?
BPA of the positions we have a need.

7. Will Phil Emery draft an interior OLmen in the 1st round or will he not see the value?
Depends on who is gone and who not

8. Will Phil Emery address the LB position in the 1st or 2nd round?
Yes, he will draft a ILB in the 2nd

9. Will Phil Emery draft multiple players on the OL?
Yes, he will draft 2 OL players

10. Will Phil Emery have any surprise cuts or players traded?
Yes, not sure who it will be in the end.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by WindyCity

As we sit around and try and get an idea or a read on what Phil Emery is going to do I am interested in what people think his strategy will be or will not be. I understand that it is purely speculation, but try to infer based on what we know.

The "Will Phil Emery" game can be a simple yes or no, or please add a more detailed response to the following questions.

1. Will Phil Emery re-sign, franchise, or allow to walk Henry Melton? He'll tag him then sign him.

2. Will Phil Emery re-sign or allow to walk Brian Urlacher if he excepts a team friendly deal? He'll sign a one year deal similar to the one Izzy got last year but possibly for a little more $$$.

3. Will Phil Emery invest heavily in the free agent market? Define heavily. Lacking that definition I'd say it's unlikely he'll spend more on outside FAs than he does on our own.

4. Will Phil Emery invest in what we would consider a teir 1 free agent [ex. Albert, Levitre, Cook]? No.

5. Who will be Phil Emery's biggest free agent signing? I don't have a who only a few whats. Other than our own guys a TE, OC, LB.

6. Will Phil Emery take BPA in the 1st round, draft the Bears most pressing need that offersd value or look to trade down? Too early to tell. Heck up until that #20 pick and depending who's left on the board it still may be too early to tell. But I think a trade down is unlikely if his top guy is there. Screw the third. Get top quality when you can get it.

7. Will Phil Emery draft an interior OLmen in the 1st round or will he not see the value? Yes assuming one of his top guys is there.

8. Will Phil Emery address the LB position in the 1st or 2nd round? Possibly.

9. Will Phil Emery draft multiple players on the OL? I think he will.

10. Will Phil Emery have any surprise cuts or players traded? Cuts yes, surprises I don't think so.

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Personnel wise this team isn't all that bad. We tanked last season because of some key injuries and some pathetic offensive coaching. The coaching changes alone should improve the offense greatly. The weaknesses are on the line and at TE not the main skill positions so we don't need to find a #1 QB, RB, or WR and we already have some good depth and some role players backing them up.

Emery needs to go all out to get the line problems fixed one way of another and then gradually look to add some youth on defense at LB and CB. We could use a deep threat at WR but not so badly we need to spend a high draft pick on one and we also need a young QB to develop. I'm gonna look for him to be more active in the 2nd phase of FA than the first and to keep actively looking for upgrades as players are released by other teams for cap reasons. Those two areas are where you find some bargains.

There isn't a lot of excess cap space so it seems to me that it's a process of finding a replacement and then letting the guy he's replacing go. I think quite a few positions will be turned over before next September but more with the backline than the starters expect for the line and TE.

My best (and biased) guess:

Melton is re-signed or FT'd and then re-signed a la Forte last year. No way he is let go. You just don't let 26 yo homegrown stars walk, especially when you don't have a replacement ready to go and the guy has many productive years + possible upside ahead of him. That would be stupid! We aren't in "cap hell" and even if we were, Melton wouldn't be the casualty to incur there.

Urlacher will stay and be re-signed to a 2 year deal that pays him $3-4 million or so per year + some incentives. Win-win there.

FA will not be a major thing this year for the Bears. No LT or major acquisition. I see us making a run at a receiving TE like Myers and maybe a 2nd tier OL and/or LB/CB depth. A TE would be the only anticipated starter out of FA.

Emery will draft OL in round 1 (probably interior OL) barring very extraordinary circumstances. His credibility is literally on the line here. Everyone knows that OL has killed this team 3 years straight. He will draft at least 2 and possibly 3 OLs all told. Something like 1st, 2nd, and 5th wouldn't surprise me at all. He won't touch LB before the 2nd and quite possibly not there either.

Emery wants to lose Hester's $2 million cap hit and will take a late draft pick in trade if the opportunity presents itself. If not, there will be strong consideration given to cutting him in TC/PS. DH needs a new attitude and a strong showing to guarantee himself a spot on the final roster.

He will extend Tillman too.

1. Will Phil Emery re-sign, franchise, or allow to walk Henry Melton? I want him to FT/Resign, I think they let him walk.

2. Will Phil Emery re-sign or allow to walk Brian Urlacher if he excepts a team friendly deal? Resign to a 1-2 year deal.

3. Will Phil Emery invest heavily in the free agent market? No, but what he gets will help the OL and TE positions.

4. Will Phil Emery invest in what we would consider a teir 1 free agent [ex. Albert, Levitre, Cook]? No

5. Who will be Phil Emery's biggest free agent signing? really don't know I hope it's not M Bennett TE w/NY.

6. Will Phil Emery take BPA in the 1st round, draft the Bears most pressing need that offersd value or look to trade down?
If Warmack/Cooper/Fluker are not there at 20, I think he trades back. Team could really use a couple 3rd's, or a extra 2nd and a 3rd along w/a later 1st.
7. Will Phil Emery draft an interior OLmen in the 1st round or will he not see the value? 1 in 20 shot he gets a top 3 OL, the odds are against him right not b/c of the good showing in the combine.

8. Will Phil Emery address the LB position in the 1st or 2nd round? He has to. BU is likely not here 2 years from now, and you cannot assume he'll find that top end talented MLB in the latter 1st or 2nd. So you either hope one falls to you now or start developing/praying a 2nd teir guy is ready to go 2 years from now when BU is gone.

9. Will Phil Emery draft multiple players on the OL? yes; 2 at least. need a G/C and I'd like to see a late pick at T and hope he develops.

10. Will Phil Emery have any surprise cuts or players traded? Other then letting Melton possibly walk, no.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Alf The Ref

The rumor is that Trestman and Kromer have told him they want O-line fixed yesterday - so my guess is he goes BLA ( best lineman available ) with his first 2 picks . That might go against his BPA philosophy a bit ( or maybe the draft breaks the right way and he gets who he wanted anyways ) but for this 1 year he might have to go against his BPA philosophy in order to get the line shored up a bit . In addition I'd bet that his first priority in FA is an O-lineman also , so resigning an over-rated Melton might be too much $$$ for him to swallow . 8mil for Melton is too much money imo . He's good but he isn't THAT good so let some other team overpay for him . They'll get more bang for their buck signing more players with that money .

Later in the draft he goes back to BPA to create depth .

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This sounds about right.

As we sit around and try and get an idea or a read on what Phil Emery is going to do I am interested in what people think his strategy will be or will not be. I understand that it is purely speculation, but try to infer based on what we know.

The "Will Phil Emery" game can be a simple yes or no, or please add a more detailed response to the following questions.

1. Will Phil Emery re-sign, franchise, or allow to walk Henry Melton?

He will franchise him and work out a long term deal like Forte. You simply do not allow a 26 year old Pro Bowl player walk so you can sign a bunch of free agents, especially when you have enough cap room to be some what active. The Bears should not open up a need at DT so they can fill a need at C.

2. Will Phil Emery re-sign or allow to walk Brian Urlacher if he excepts a team friendly deal?

At this point I think they will re-sign him when his demands of the money go down a little.

3. Will Phil Emery invest heavily in the free agent market?

No, once we franchise Melton, who is ranked in the top 5 free agents anyways, we will not have the budget to go crazy. I think the Bears will sign a couple of 2nd tier players to stop the bleeding at OG or OT and maybe TE. The money situation added to the fact that Emery was brought here to build through the draft and I think a big free agent period is not in the cards.

4. Will Phil Emery invest in what we would consider a teir 1 free agent [ex. Albert, Levitre, Cook]?

No, I believe that we will be squarly in the 2nd teir of free agency looking for solid competent players or older stronger players that will come at a reduced price. This is not about buildingthe team we are a 10-6 team and we need a couple of patches and to use the draft to make big moves.

5. Who will be Phil Emery's biggest free agent signing?

Jermon Bushrod I feel will be the #1 target, but if he gets priced out of the Bears range [5 million], I think Gosder Cherilus, Brandon Moore and Delanie Walker are names to watch.

6. Will Phil Emery take BPA in the 1st round, draft the Bears most pressing need that offered value or look to trade down?

If the Bears do not sign a free agent or 2 they will go OL no matter what.

If a couple of positions are signed then I think they could go with Eifert, Austin or a LB.

7. Will Phil Emery draft an interior OLmen in the 1st round or will he not see the value?

I think he would draft an interior OLmen because this draft has 2 elite interior players in Warmack and Cooper and I think Fluker could be a star at LG. I think with Kromer and Trestman the Bears will place more value on the OG/C position.

8. Will Phil Emery address the LB position in the 1st or 2nd round?

With Urlacher back I am leaning towards NO. The LB position will be stable and the Bears can draft a LB in the 4th round to be developed at MLB.

9. Will Phil Emery draft multiple players on the OL?

Yes, we need youth and depth a couple of things that have killed us recently.

10. Will Phil Emery have any surprise cuts or players traded?

Hester, Davis, Spaeth and my surprise player would be Garza, who reports say the coaches are not happy with.

1. Will Phil Emery re-sign, franchise, or allow to walk Henry Melton?
I think re-signing Henry Melton to a long term deal is the only logical possibility... a large signing bonus with the majority of the guaranteed $$ being paid out in the latter years of a 5 year deal. Might see some cap saving moves like cutting Garza, Davis and maybe even Hester to find room for Melton. Tagging Melton would just hurt the cap too much in 2013. If Stein/Emery and Melton's agent cannot reach a LTD then he might have to walk.

2. Will Phil Emery re-sign or allow to walk Brian Urlacher if he excepts a team friendly deal?
If Urlacher is willing to play for less than 2 million a year than yes I see it being beneficial in resigning him.

3. Will Phil Emery invest heavily in the free agent market?
There will be a fair share of Tier-2/3 acquisitions that will be brought in to compete at various positions (O-Line, D-Line, LB and WR)

4. Will Phil Emery invest in what we would consider a teir 1 free agent [ex. Albert, Levitre, Cook]?
No... big bucks go to Melton first. I see Emery spreading out the money for more bodies since roster depth is an issue. Signing OG Levitre might help reignite Forte's run game though.

5. Who will be Phil Emery's biggest free agent signing?
I have a feeling their won't be any big surprise signings... just sensible moves that create competition at training camp.

6. Will Phil Emery take BPA in the 1st round, draft the Bears most pressing need that offers value or look to trade down?
If a large number of O-Line and TEs are off the board I would not be surprised to see him trade down for an extra (3rd/4th rd) pick.

7. Will Phil Emery draft an interior OLmen in the 1st round or will he not see the value?
If someone falls unexpectedly I would not be surprised ... I still feel it will be BPA in a needed of areas.

8. Will Phil Emery address the LB position in the 1st or 2nd round?
If Urlacher and Roach are brought back than I do not see this happening.

9. Will Phil Emery draft multiple players on the OL?
Two picks will go towards the O-Line... one a potential starter in the 1st or 2nd round and a late 4th rounder to add depth at guard possiby.

10. Will Phil Emery have any surprise cuts or players traded?
This is a wildcard... might see some cuts that favor the cap. I would not be surprised if Hester is moved on draft day though for an extra pick or two.