Thread: So, is it: Bushrod - Draftee - Draftee - Louis - Webb?

Kev, I thought the line started to solidify when Webb/Carimi/Garza/Louis/Scott were on the field, but some who do watch the game, and the OL specifically, will tell you he didn't look good. The question is, was that b/c he was injured(according to HH sources), or b/c he's not that good of a OL. one of the score guys(not sure if it was a bears analyst guest, or a host) hinted that HH isn't really high on him right now, and that if he doesn't win a spot they'll cut him outright this year.

Originally Posted by Riczaj01

Kev, I thought the line started to solidify when Webb/Carimi/Garza/Louis/Scott were on the field, but some who do watch the game, and the OL specifically, will tell you he didn't look good. The question is, was that b/c he was injured(according to HH sources), or b/c he's not that good of a OL. one of the score guys(not sure if it was a bears analyst guest, or a host) hinted that HH isn't really high on him right now, and that if he doesn't win a spot they'll cut him outright this year.

It could very well be because he has not once played guard in his pro or college career and was struggling with assignments and inside technique.

Robert Gallery won the Outland, too, and he was twice the athlete Gabe is.

Originally Posted by Riczaj01

Kev, I thought the line started to solidify when Webb/Carimi/Garza/Louis/Scott were on the field, but some who do watch the game, and the OL specifically, will tell you he didn't look good. The question is, was that b/c he was injured(according to HH sources), or b/c he's not that good of a OL. one of the score guys(not sure if it was a bears analyst guest, or a host) hinted that HH isn't really high on him right now, and that if he doesn't win a spot they'll cut him outright this year.

That sounds like a bit of trash talk there. No doubt HH want to light a fire under his ass, with good reason, but cutting him this year actually COSTS us cap space. His dead cap cost is > than his cap hit. So unless he's determined to be utterly of no value inside or out, starting or backing up, he's not going to be cut. If he can't win the RT job, then he will be swing OT and/or given a G shot somewhere on the depth chart.

MP It's his going to be his 3rd year, so I thought it was harsh also, but this staff seems pretty cut throat at the moments so who knows.

JABF99, I thought you brought up a great point earlier when you said "let's let a guard play guard." This is something that the Bears have done for awhile, changing up the position that o-lineman play. If any of you played o-line in high school or college and had to switch your position, you'd know it's pretty challenging. Things just feel "off." I know as professionals they are supposed to be able to excel under any conditions, but lineman positions are not as similar as they seem. Hell, Webb may have a hard time adjusting to RT (though the switch from LT to RT will be smoother than a switch from RT to RG IMO). Immediately pushing Carimi to guard might be a mistake.

Anyway, my ideal (while being realistic) line would look like this:

Bushrod - Moore - Barrett Jones/Brian Schwenke - Louis - Webb

Then you have your depth players in there... you could put in Carimi at RG but he would have to practice his ass off and know EVERYTHING about the position because we can't just willy nilly play musical chairs with the o-line. He does have a decent physique to be a RG and he's familiar with the right side so it's possible. As for Jones/Schwenke, I would prefer Jones because he's supposedly very smart and his foot injury should be nothing major (it's just that, a foot injury; nothing like a chronic back problem), but Schwenke also has impressed me. He would allow us another third round pick as well. Plus, his last name is hilarious.

The draft would look like this:

1st: Alec Ogletree
2nd: Barrett Jones (OR trade down for two third rounders, get Schwenke and someone else, maybe a RG if Louis doesn't pan out)
4th: Dion Sims (good catching TE)
5th: Denard Robinson (can replace Hester and develop as a #4 or #5 speedy WR)

Then draft for depth depending on who is signed.

What baffles me though, is that they've announced that they're willing to trade down their first round. Why?! Ogletree seems like a match made in heaven. Get him, let him play OLB opposite Briggs while BU plays middle and he learns the system and then move him over when BU retires, OR just let him play MLB if we don't resign BU.

I also don't agree with not resigning Louis. He was a serviceable RG last year for us and probably our best lineman (I know that's not saying much but still; with a better RT his play could improve further). Creating another need at this point seems counter-productive.

Well it looks like it isn't going to be Louis at RG not for the Bears at any rate.

I don't see why we wouldn't give Louis a one year cheap "prove yourself" deal

Why would we move on from him...as of now we have a old, bad center and no lg to speak of

So we would leave ourselves needing 2 gaurds and a center before TC?

Only way I see this is either we sign another g...or carimi moves to gaurd (hope not)

And with his release we are putting ourselves in a position to have to draft 2 maybe 3 IOL this year just to hedge our bets

Of course the dark horse is brown in this mix.....