Our Draft Picks in 2009
by ChiFan13 on Apr 28, 2009 11:00 AM CDT
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PrintWe've talked at length on the strengths and weaknesses of each new Bear. Some have discussed how our picks will contribute this year, but no one has addressed all of them. This is obviously premature, but how do you see our draft picks contributing to the Bears this year? I'll start:
Gilbert - 2nd string
Iglesias - Starter
Melton - 2nd string; possible starter
D.J. Moore - Depth, then eventual starter
Johnny Knox - ST (possibly returning kickoffs)
Marcus Freeman - ST and 3rd string Sam
Al Afalava - ST
Lance Louis - Practice Squad
Derek Kinder - Practice Squad
I see Iglesias starting early because we have horrible WR's and he'll be able to contribute immediately. I don't have a ton of faith in Vasher, so I can see D.J. Moore also starting this year. If Johnny Knox shows flashes of brilliance, I could see him taking return duties with Danieal Manning so Hester can focus on being a WR.
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Just because you're fast, doesn't mean you would be a good return man.
But… to make the roster, he will HAVE to be a good contributor on special teams play
He would have to be a far superior WR prospect than the other guys, to make it on his WR abilities alone.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
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Picks
Gilbert – D line rotation
Iglesias – 4th WR, maybe 3rd
Melton – ST
Moore – ST
Knox – ST
Freeman – ST
Alf – ST
Louis – PS
Kinder – PS
With the athleticism of Melton and Freeman on ST, maybe Hester can regain his form on kick returns. It was obvious what losing Ayanbadejo did to that entire unit. Maybe one of those 2 can replace him.
I was convinced by the highlights: Will Ta'ufo'ou will be the steal of draft day.
Ta’ufo’ou and Forte—get used to saying that for the next five years.
People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. --Bruce Bartlett
yep
Will taufoou is a Savage enough said
Is it August yet???
by NOR CAL BEAR on Apr 28, 2009 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions
Raiders are looking for a FB
JA should try and get something done with McKie or Davis.
No... no...no
If you don’t run a 4.3, Al Davis has no interest.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
+ who would
we even want from there shitty team ????
Is it August yet???
by NOR CAL BEAR on Apr 28, 2009 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions
A low pick next year
Plus we would be clearing a roster spot and a contract.
I hope that they give Knox a chance
I agree with everything being said, but I hope they give this kid Knox a legitimate chance at the WR spots. He has great speed and looks to have really good hands as well, which is something we haven’t seen on a consistant basis from any of our other wideouts. It seems to me that you would be better off with Knox as your speed receiver and let Hester go back to returning kicks full time.
I think they will give Knox a chance at WR
but I don’t think he’ll crack the field in that aspect this year.
I'M A MAN! I'M 22!
i don't know why not
I consider Earl Bennett a rookie still. I think Knox replaces Davis as the 4th WR and I think he may see a lot at slot. Iglesias is the biggest ? in my mind
Hester is the only starting WR still… i like the philosophy of accumulating WRs through the draft and hoping 1 or 2 pan out … but until they do our WR depth is still atrocius Honestly WR is all up to Cutler’s ability to make them good at this point.
Hmm...
I see Iglesias as more of a sure thing than Knox, just because he has good hands and he’s a possession guy. Hopefully Knox makes it on the field this year as a WR….I just don’t know how much coaching he’ll need to succeed.
I'M A MAN! I'M 22!
I'm with you
When did Hester become Jerry Rice? The Bears and some of the media talk about him as if he’s an “untouchable” in that spot. He’s only played that position for a year and hasn’t exactly distinguished himself, so why not let them compete and, like I said, if it works out, you put your best kick returner back in the spot where he did the team the most good.
Because they paid him as a No. 2 WR, and it's been one year.
Some decisions do come down to money.
People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. --Bruce Bartlett
and let Hester go back to returning kicks full time
Isn’t Hester’s contract geared towards earning through producing as a receiver? I read this elsewhere (probably Brad Biggs’ blog), as a reason why he’s unlikely to be moved back.
Yes
You are correct. I doubt Hester goes back to returning kicks full time, especially in the absence of a real #1 WR on the staff.
I'M A MAN! I'M 22!
Plus, with Manning leading the NFL last year in KR,
no need to put Heter back there agin.
Be nice. Flag comments that you think are offensive. Use the "reply" button. Drink plenty of water. Compliment others. Rec comments and posts you like. Don't call people names. If you don't like someone's comment, attack the comment and not the commentor. Learn the difference in your/you're, then/than, to/too. Exercise. Relax. Stretch often. Find good in the world.
And Manning didn't even start there the whole season
I think Manning and Knox back there could be a deadly combination. Maybe give Manning KR and Knox PR. Manning seems to be a flash when he got 10 yards of a head start on KR.
I'M A MAN! I'M 22!
Keep Hester on punts
At least till he breaks the return record
"The phone's for you, I think it's the Devil."
big difference
one could be the best ever, and the other led the league.
hester as a full time receivers is a massive waste of resources.
+1
The Bears had an advantage that no other team in the league had: they had the greatest return man in NFL history.
If teams kicked to Hester, the Bears got the ball at mid-field. If teams kicked around Hester, the Bears still got the ball at mid-field.
Now, imagine how many more points the Bears could score, giving Jay Cutler an average starting field position at the 35 or 40 yard line?
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
exactly my point
I’m not saying you start training camp that way, but you give the receivers you drafted a chance to do what they’ve been trained to do. If it works out, re-do Hester’s contract and let him do what made him famous. That’s why they drafted him in the first place. Last year around this time, Pompei wrote a very interesting article about the Bears possibly trading Hester for some draft picks because his value would never by that high again. I liked the idea then but once the Bears had “de-valued” him with this receiver experiment, they had to keep him in the WR spot because they had no other options. This new group could give you those options.
I place the blame on their overall decisions on the WR depth chart.
They had two capable veteran WRs in Berrian and Moose, and decided to say goodbye to BOTH of them.
That suddenly sent them into panic mode for a WR, and it just so happened that Devin Hester was on the roster. So, they convinced themselves that he was suddenly, out of nowhere, a #1 WR. And then… his agent took advantage of the situation, and they had to pay him like a #1 WR.
It was all their own doing… and now they can’t really reverse what they did. They wasted the talents of the greatest kick returner in NFL history, in order to make him a marginal WR out of necessity, with nowhere near the same impact on the football field.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
umm...
manning consistently gave the bears that starting field position last year. the problem was 3 and outs every time. give punts to knox this year and let hester play wr only, he’ll be fine if bennet and iglesias develop.
Despite Manning's awesome season...
Did you ever see a team kick away from Manning? No.
He didn’t have that same intimidating impact that Hester had. Teams were flat out afraid to kick to Hester. As a result, they sometimes chose to concede field position, instead of kicking to him.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
I think you might see that change next year, Sack
I was really impressed with how Manning did on KR last year.
I'M A MAN! I'M 22!
There's such a big difference... I don't even know how to explain.
Teams literally had to devote extra time in weekly game prep, just to form a strategy for Hester. Extra prep time that normally goes toward other preparation every week.
Hester, on perfect coverage, has this amazing ability to shake a tackle or run circles around someone and create extra time to “expand the play like a mobile QB,” until a lane develops.
Manning just runs the play as it’s designed.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
you don't have to
Manning just runs the play as it’s designed AND makes it to the 40 or 50 yard line.
hester had more td’s but he also had a hell of a lot more 5 yd, 10 yd, -5 yd etc. returns to go along with them.
not necessarily
let hester play wr only, he’ll be fine if bennet and iglesias develop
i don’t know why people think time cures all deficiencies.
well
if the time that passes cures the bears of kyle orton then yes, it does cure all wr related deficiencies.
are you going to tell me you didn’t see at least 5 sure hester td’s that were foiled by noodle arm last year?
5 is high
those will make his stats better, but not a better wide receiver. what about all the other plays where he isn’t wide open?
cutler doesn’t give hester better hands, better route running or better mental ability.
hesters one wr ability that has shown to be successful: getting wide open deep, is a trait that any guy his speed could do.
the kr return abilities he has shown are not as replaceable.
the deficiency has been at quarterback
after this season i expect the calls for Hester to stop playing WR to be faded memories. Sure Hester hasn’t broken out as a WR… but the passing game has always been atrocious and guys like Justin Gage prove that its not necessarily Bears receivers, but the “system” (ie no QB).
Hester can take it to the house every time he touches the ball. to limit him special teams is an ultimate waste of talent. Keep him in the mix as a returner… but I personally expect Hester to put up record numbers for a Bears receiver with Cutler throwing to him. This isn’t just me drinking the Koolaid because I am a hater by nature… but seriously, breaking Bears receiving records shouldn’t be that hard.
Which leads me to my next article...
Stay tuned…
Be nice. Flag comments that you think are offensive. Use the "reply" button. Drink plenty of water. Compliment others. Rec comments and posts you like. Don't call people names. If you don't like someone's comment, attack the comment and not the commentor. Learn the difference in your/you're, then/than, to/too. Exercise. Relax. Stretch often. Find good in the world.
ST is the only place for Melton
and I still think that was a throw away pick – regardless of how many teams looked at him. he’s a combine prospect – that’s it.
I like the athleticism...
…they brought in with Melton and Gilbert both. Melton is raw but if you look at his video, definitely has the physical tools to play in the NFL. If Marinelli can coach as well as we hope, then this kid will be solid in a few years.
At first I was a little skeptical of Gilbert because of the “underachiever” or “lacks intensity” label given to him. Too many talented players that don’t put it together. But if you look at his resume it actually doesn’t appear that way. Little recruited walk-on with an ex-NFL Dad. Earned a scholly as a TE and moved to DE then DT last year. Another kid learning the position a little bit but has athleticism and power to out talent people at the point of attack. Obviously he is willing to work (walk-on and position changes) and knows what it takes to play in the NFL (dad). Reminds me physically of a slightly less explosive Julius Peppers (6’7" 288# …. FYI Peppers ran a 4.68 forty but wasn’t as strong coming out as Gilbert) who was a much more productive and acclaimed college player (2nd pick of the 1st RD). I think he finds a home as a primarily inside guy who can move outside with the Bears.
In comments I have read, Melton, DJ Moore, and Freeman have a bit of a chip on their shoulder about their draft position and their ability to play in the NFL. In my opinion that is half the battle. Like someone else said, that emotion can be a strong motivator to succeed.
Freeman is fast and a big physical guy. Pretty much sounds like coming back and playing his senior year (most of year at about 80% with a bad ankle) hurt his draft stock from a day 1 to a day 2. Showed toughness and competitiveness to stay with it through the season to help the team instead of worrying about draft position. Reminds you of a Lance Briggs type who isn’t as much of a hitter IMO. Definitely see him starting down the road.
After listening to the area scout reviews of the draft picks, it sounds like Knox will have every opportunity to play off the bat if he can pick things up, make plays. They think he has incredible athleticism and speed as well as good hands and toughness. If he has the mental side, he’ll probably play. I think he has as much to offer this year, if not more, than Iglesias if he has a good head on his shoulders.
I like Igesias as well. Solid possession receiver who has produced against top talent. Seems to have toughness and is excited about having a chance to contribute early in Chicago. Reminds me a little of Steve Smith of the NYG (2nd RD 5’11" 200#) who ran a slower forty than expected and dropped a little even though he was very productive in college. Smith turned out to be a favorite target of Manning on 3rd downs during their Super Bowl run.
I agree that Moore could develop into one of those shorter physical corners that has a nack for making plays. Maybe like an Asante Samuel (4th RD pick, 5’10" 185#) or a Sheldon Brown (2nd RD 5’10" 200#).
Could be a nice steal and like many have said, could find his way onto the field this year.
by DickButkus51 on Apr 28, 2009 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions
another thing about Knox I forgot to say...
…He supposevly had the 2nd or 3rd best performance in the throwing/catching drills and work-out portion of the combine as well as proving his speed and athleticism in the testing. Scouts thought if he can improve his route running, take coaching, the sky is the limit. Played in an offense similar to the Bears at Abilene Christian but got away with rounded cuts against inferior talent and was rarely if ever pressed due to the speed factor. Looked great in the Texas vs the Nation game against DI talent.
by DickButkus51 on Apr 28, 2009 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Gilbert
likely to battle Adams and Harrison for the DT spot next to Tommie Harris. I think the competition between Harrison and Gilbert will be great and our line will be amazing if both play at high levels regardless of who actually starts. (I’m not a big fan of Adams and think Harrison and Gilbert get the nod over him).
We rotate a lot
Gilbert will fit right in the rotation and help keep fresh bodies on the line.
Samoan Al Quaeda?
I guess nothing is impossible…
Be nice. Flag comments that you think are offensive. Use the "reply" button. Drink plenty of water. Compliment others. Rec comments and posts you like. Don't call people names. If you don't like someone's comment, attack the comment and not the commentor. Learn the difference in your/you're, then/than, to/too. Exercise. Relax. Stretch often. Find good in the world.
Wow
These guys are well connected…
I think we need to declare “Condition Orange”
Unreasonable people make life difficult...
by WisBearsFan34 on Apr 28, 2009 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Kinda borders on racism, dude
with a name like that, he could be a member of the little rascals.
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on Apr 28, 2009 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions
it also kinda borders on ignorance...
…that no one knows how to spell al qaeda. i’m all for following football news but maybe you should turn on the real news every once in a while.
Lighten up Francis
Because as far as we're concerned, there is still no team in the history of the NFL that could beat the '85 Bears.
by Ditkavsworld on Apr 28, 2009 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions
speling
i kinda don’t want Alfalfa to make the team just because I’ll never learn to spell his name. Kinda like why I’m glad we didn’t draft Rothlizburgharrrrrr, whom I otherwise think would be a great Bear.
And the prevailing wind happens to be blowing from Vichy.
Here's the roster spot competiton for the rookies
BOLD = Rookie draft picks
DT
Jarron Gilbert, San Jose State
Anthony Adams
Matt Toeaina
Dusty Dvoracek(Might be the last chance for Dusty)
DE
Henry Melton, Texas
Ervin Baldwin
LB
Marcus Freeman, Ohio State
Hunter Hillenmeyer
Joey LaRocque
Nick Roach
Jamar Williams
S
Al Afalava, Oregon State
Josh Bullocks
Glenn Earl
Craig Steltz
CB
D.J. Moore, Vanderbilt
Marcus Hamilton
Trumaine McBride
Nathan Vasher
Zackary Bowman
WR
Juaquin Iglesias, Oklahoma
Johnny Knox, Abilene Christian
Derek Kinder, Pittsburgh (Takes a Practice Squad spot)
Rashied Davis(Davis is on the hot seat)
Brandon Rideau
Devin Aromashodu* Practice Squad
John Broussard* Practice Squad
TE
Lance Louis, San Diego State (Takes a Practice Squad spot)
Kellen Davis
Dez Clark
Fontel Mines* Practice Squad
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
I think that deserves its own post
that will get bumped to the FP if you do post it :)
I'M A MAN! I'M 22!
By all means... you have my permission to copy and paste that into a post
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
DJ Moore
I guess it depends on what Nathan Vasher shows up at camp, but I think DJ has a “chip” on his shoulder and may give Lovie something to think about when announcing the starters. Gilbert will definitely be in the D-line rotation, and Melton may as well. Iglesias will challenge Davis for the slot position, and should easily beat him out even on his worst days.
"I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." - Dick Butkus
I noticed that too in some of the articles
He seems pissed that he got passed over so much. I’m glad….vengeance is a powerful emotion. I’d love for him to come into training camp and just dominate.
I'M A MAN! I'M 22!
Moore is the best ballhawk in the draft
suddenly, Nathan Vasher is no longer a question mark. He’s now oblivious to existence.
Nobody rec’d the bible or the declaration of independence. Those turned out swell.
-Ifuwanna
by KtownBear on Apr 28, 2009 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions
I mean, I like Nathan Vasher
but this guy’s the real deal. Don’t expect him to stay at the number two either. He might even be good enough to take over Tillmans role.
Nobody rec’d the bible or the declaration of independence. Those turned out swell.
-Ifuwanna
by KtownBear on Apr 28, 2009 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions
I like Vasher because he's a former Horn
but his tackling this year was atrocious at best. I don’t know about Moore coming in and beating out Peanut, but I suppose anything’s possible. I hope he does, because that means we got a great prospect as a mid-rounder.
I'M A MAN! I'M 22!
wow
slow down there guy i dont think he is taking peanuts job anytime soon….. vasher maybe
Is it August yet???
by NOR CAL BEAR on Apr 28, 2009 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions
My bad. I didn't mean this season
but at the same time, Tillman is no cover corner.
Nobody rec’d the bible or the declaration of independence. Those turned out swell.
-Ifuwanna
by KtownBear on Apr 28, 2009 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Peanut's job
I don’t think this is a scenario in the short-term, but certainly down the line a little bit.
"I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." - Dick Butkus
Tillman and Moore are completely different styles
Tillman isnt a great cover man, but he’s incredibly physical and does an outstanding job of playing big, physical WR’s (Moss, Burress, TO, etc.) Something tells me that’s not gonna be 5’9’’ Moore’s strong point. I don’t see him replacing Tillman considering the difference in skillsets.
"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."
- John McKay
Moore will be the Nickle...
D.J. Moore is only 5’9", people!?
Granted we are fortunate to play in a division where the typical height of the WR in the division is abou 6’0", but 5’9" generally does not equate to starting CB in the NFL.
I look for him to provide what made Ricky Manning Jr. special several years ago as the 3rd DB in certain formations. He has good instincts and reads the plays well. he should excel as the 3rd DB on the field.
Nathan Vasher had a awful 2008 and has been hampered with injuries the past two (maybe 3). When he HAS played—in my opinion— he has been the better starting DB (between him and Tillman). I think the slight in pay and role on the defense might have played a part in his attitude a bit. Tillman got the slightly better contract and in the minds of these athletes, that can speak a lot.
I am not happy with Vasher’s play in the least, but I do think he is a good corner in the NFL. I see him surprising many this offseason in Olivet. Look for a comeback year.
by ChicagoMarine on Apr 28, 2009 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions
He was also a pretty good high jumper… think I read one report that said he’s cleared 6’6". Different to going up for the ball, obviously, but the kid’s athletic.
No different than going up for the ball. I coach track and
its all about hip elevation and getting your torso in the air. That combined with decent hands can make this guy a stud.
You have to play this game like somebody just hit your mother with a two-by-four.
I hope you are right
CM because to me Vasher has just about played himself out of Chicago after the last 2 years. I believe Tillman will still be our #1 regardless of training camp due mostly to his ability to produce turnovers (at least once in awhile) and his run defense (which will probably be slowed a bit given his history of shoulder issues). Still I hope Vasher returns to 2005-6 form and picks up consideration for comeback player of the year award.
It’s a shame Manning can’t seem to cut it at FS because Moore seems like an ideal fit for nickel. Wonder if there’s any trooof to the rumor of us playing 3 CB’s to mask our safety weakness this year…
Manning, Vasher and Moore
One of the biggest disappointments I have with the team is that, for whatever reason, Manning has not developed into the FS slot I think JA had in mind for him on his draft day. But here’s my question to the smart football people here: Has that ship already sailed for Manning? Given the lack of a clear starter at the position, is it pointless to consider moving him back and giving him a chance?
I understand that “Manning Syndrome” consists of moving a poor kid around until he isn’t sure what his role should be, but it seems to me that a man with his gifts and considerable NFL experience might be able to handle this position. But I’m just really not qualified to say.
In my fantasy life, Manning moves back to FS and plays well, improving our deep coverage; Vasher returns healthy and goes back to ballhawking a la 2006, and Moore settles in as a great nickel. If Marinelli can deliver a pass rush, those three moves could really make up for Payne’s shortcomings in coverage and let us benefit from his big hits in the running game.
Then again, in my fantasy world, I have a date with twins tonight.
And the prevailing wind happens to be blowing from Vichy.
I think Manning should be at safety.
I don’t think he’ll ever be a legit corner. If he can’t make it as a safety, I think he’ll be a career special-teamer. Or dish washer. Either way, I think bouncing him around was a bad idea. I don’t think he’s a real bright bulb to start with. If I remember correctly, he wasn’t smart enough to go to Oklahoma. I repeat, he was a football player that the coaches wanted, and he wasn’t smart enough to go to OKLAHOMA!!! That’s like failing a special education entrance exam.
"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."
- John McKay
For those of you who remember Otis Wilson
He was a confused underachiever for several years, too — playing but not really rising to the level his talents and draft position indicated. But then around his third of fourth year, the light went on and he was suddenly one of the best outside LBs in the league.
Manning has that kind of physical ability and with his wheels could really prowl the deep zones on the “and-long” downs.
And the prevailing wind happens to be blowing from Vichy.
RE: 39.5 inch vertical
That STILL doesn’t translate into a good NFL football cornerback…
… And even MORE Nathan Vasher left the combine jumping at 37"!? haha?
I just think size plays a big part when you are talking about 6’0" 190lbs receivers who also have a 37-40 inch vertical.
Nathan Vasher just is what a corner is supposed to be. A good coverage guy who can get to the corners well and make tackles. Taht doesn’t necessarily translate well in a TRUE C2/T2 system as the Bears embrace.
Charles TIllman (who esssentially is a FS playing corner) is regarded as the no. 1 corner, but has the coverage skills of a 1st or 2nd year corner. his instincts are average at best and he finds himself having to recover on plays more so than anticipating the play. Offenses all last year picked on his side of the ball. Even in Superbowl 2006, Manning went to work on his side of the ball. He’s a great run support corner, but not a covering one.
Vasher’s return to form is imperative to the progression of the pass coverage…
… Not the emergence of D.J. moore.
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