2011 NFL Draft- 3rd Round: Chicago Bears Select: Cal Safety Chris Conte
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Apr 29, 2011 9:07 PM CDT
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Jerry Angelo has had a solid first couple days to the 2011 draft. Offensive tackle, CHECK! Defensive tackle, CHECK! And now he picks up a safety named Chris Conte from California. Mike Mayock from NFL Network is high on Conte. He's a converted corner (not LB) that played free safety for Cal last season.
Dane's take: Well damn. Conte is like an athletic version of Craig Steltz, so I must bid my LSU Tiger adieu. If Conte adds 8-10 pounds to his frame, he could make a real impact. Look for special teams play early and often from Conte in 2011. Danieal Manning unavailable for comment.
Stay tuned for a recap on tonight's picks.
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Seen him rated some places
as a free agent, not a 3rd rounder.
You must have me confused with someone else, I have never been to Chicago.
[whispers] I sexually assaulted Scottie Pippen in 1997.
wow.
i guess angelo had to eventually be angelo.
Damn u Angelo, just when I thought u changed.
We already have Steltz. Corner, WR, Guard? He just can’t help himself.
by Mike Mueller on Apr 29, 2011 9:12 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
:/
NFL.com synopsis
Conte has enough size and speed coupled with the mentality you like to see. Probably never becomes a starter, but could be an effective reserve safety and special teams cover guy. Only started for one season in college so potentially has more development left in him than most other draft prospects. Is currently a liability in coverage. Doesn’t have the experience or instincts in zone coverage to be counted on to erase a deep half or the lateral quickness and acceleration to hold up in man coverage. Shows the ability to develop into a productive run supporter. Conte could be a seventh-rounder or priority free agent.
If you want to crown em...
It's okay Jerry,
the third round is hard.
You must have me confused with someone else, I have never been to Chicago.
[whispers] I sexually assaulted Scottie Pippen in 1997.
by DocPepper on Apr 29, 2011 9:14 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
two career picks
and apparently a strong safety on a team that has 3 strong safeties. awesome angelo. awesome.
Read one article
that said he was very instinctive. Hopefully with some coaching this guy becomes a starter.
http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/draft/2011/round/3/pick/29
E.F.K.
Haaaaahaha,
that article says he’s 5’2.
You must have me confused with someone else, I have never been to Chicago.
[whispers] I sexually assaulted Scottie Pippen in 1997.
Garrett Wolfe
would be like
“CARRY MY PADS, ROOK!”
You must have me confused with someone else, I have never been to Chicago.
[whispers] I sexually assaulted Scottie Pippen in 1997.
no guard, wr or corner available?
damn it jerry.
What's the chance the Bears move him back to linebacker
since he was one in college prior to losing 15 lbs?
You must have me confused with someone else, I have never been to Chicago.
[whispers] I sexually assaulted Scottie Pippen in 1997.
THIS JUST IN:
According to sources: “Jerry Angelo got over the stomach flu in time for the third round, and took the reins from those making smart choices.”
E.F.K.
by DaBearBus on Apr 29, 2011 9:19 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs
WTF!!!!
And I mean a giant WTF??? Really Jerry? You did so well with the first two picks. What the hell is this all about?
Coulda got this guy in the 5th round no problem...
Jeez….my mood about this draft just plummeted haha
He better redeam himself tomorrow after the 4th round is over!!!
So what, is he the next great LB to be converted from a safety?!
What.The.Hell.?.!!!
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Apr 29, 2011 9:24 PM CDT reply actions
This is a very cruel joke
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Apr 29, 2011 9:30 PM CDT up reply actions
I think someone feel asleep at the wheel
I mean to draft a guy in the 3rd round that has a rating of 7th or undrafted is just plain dumb……If he was going to take safety why not take the highest rated one on the board instead of going off the reservation (not that I condone a safety here)
by l3ig_lvlike_430 on Apr 29, 2011 9:30 PM CDT reply actions
Well, Im glad at least he didn't draft this guy in either the 1st round or 2nd
Actually minus this eff’ up he had a draft of a lifetime
I mean, who honestly believed he would draft Carimi AND Paea in the SAME draft?!
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Apr 29, 2011 9:33 PM CDT reply actions
I guess
JA is trying to draft Corey Graham’s replacement on special teams….cuz this will be all that he is good for
by l3ig_lvlike_430 on Apr 29, 2011 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Well now hopefully he will concentrate on obtaining a WR next time we draft
Terrance Tolliver has a slim chance of making it to the 5th round.
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Apr 29, 2011 9:49 PM CDT up reply actions
SI's scouting report
Positives: “Intelligent and fierce defensive back with an improving game. Quickly picks up assignments in center field and remains cognizant of what’s happening in front of him. Displays solid sideline-to-sideline range, gets outside the numbers to make plays, and shows a burst of closing speed. Stays with defenders down the field and shows the ability to burst to the ball out of his plant. Explosive run defender who aggressively lays his pads into ball carriers.”
Negatives: Lacks ball skills in man coverage. Marginally productive until his senior season.
Analysis: Conte watched his game takeoff as a senior and as a result is moving up draft boards. He possesses the physical skills and football abilities to be used in centerfield at the next level and enters the league with a solid amount of upside.
Projection: 4th
This pick ruined my day all that wait for this!!!!
I really hope he ends up being a stud but i doubt it!!
And JA shows his true colors
I am stunned at this pick. Probably shouldn’t be but after a solid 1 and 2, I had some hope.
What did the draft coverage say when this 5th – UDFA got drafted in the 3rd?
by TheMan1 on Apr 29, 2011 9:44 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
ESPN
skipped any tape on him like the Bears didn’t even pick……I was like well thats a good sign lol
by l3ig_lvlike_430 on Apr 29, 2011 9:45 PM CDT up reply actions
What the heck is this
ZachZaidman Zach Zaidman
Jerry Angelo: “This was a tough draft for me personally”
ZachZaidman Zach Zaidman
Jerry Angelo: “I wish I found a bottle on the beach.”
bears_insider Bears Insider
Another gem from #Bears GM Jerry Angelo. “Free safeties are like dinosaurs. You just can’t find them.”
Guess with that last one Angelo is going to draft a safety in every draft till the end of time…..
You’re my offensive line and I like you all but you are all terrible at what you do....And I feel that I should tell you…..I would cut everyone of you if I could…..
- Mike Tice to his 2010 Offensive Line
Yeah
Davon House or Curtis Brown would have still been available. I would have praised those picks.
Guess we can cheer for Conte on Kick and Punt returns
Makes me wonder about FA......
remember that the draft is only half of player acquisition.
in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Apr 29, 2011 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Conte said he thought he was the best safety in the draft
and was dissapointed 5 safeties were chosen ahead of him.
Please find Jay Cutler some help...
Sorry, haters...
I’m first on the Fire Angelo bandwagon… but I’m not going to let this unimpressive, but possibly-solid pick temper my enthusiasm over how much better this Bears team got over the last two days. Carimi and Paea are a dream come true for this Bears fan, the rest is just extra gravy over a boss steak and kick-ass mashed potatoes! Food metaphors FTW!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field
by jameslcrockett on Apr 29, 2011 10:06 PM CDT reply actions
Simple
Right click, save image as, give it a name. Go to photobucket (create an account if you don’t have one), upload photo, click direct link, click the tree ^, paste it in…
from zero to panic in 6 seconds.
you guys are just a riot.
Kid was All Pac-10 was impressive at the combine and his pro-day and all indications are that he is very coachable.
As much fun as it is to fling explatives at Angelo I see no reason to think this is a wasted draft pick. But then I expect the Bears to do their own scouting rather than wait for nfl.com’s final top prospects list.
I don’t see anyone mentioned by anyone who would be other than a Special Teams player to start out. And, a big part of the Bears success is due to their exceptional Special Teams play.
I am willing to give the kid a chance before pontificate about him being a wasted pick.
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
Conte May Even Become A Star
but the team still has many holes to plug, our CBs and LBs are getting old. We still need a G/C maybe even a WR. What I cannot understand is why JA wouldn’t fill teams needs instead of just stocking up on safeties, like he always does.
Oh wait, he is JA, my mistake. He’s back to his old self again.
I'm also wondering about Josh Moore.
Was this pick a sign of confidence in how the kid progress as a red shirt? I remember the bears dropping some good press about his progress at the end of the year. I wonder.
Not to mention, are the Bears eyeing a corner in FA?
in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Apr 29, 2011 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Peanut isn't the only CB we have
and we have the other Moore who is probably better than any CB they could have drafted instead of Conte.
I don’t see any good 4-3 LB’s left and no sure fire #1 WR’s. I want to see the Bears get a good prospect at OG but I’m sure a lot of people would say the same about a pick like that in rd. 3
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
Leave it to ed to be rational....
Agree with everything here.
in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Apr 29, 2011 10:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Why?
When did you see him play? I must have missed that….
in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Apr 29, 2011 11:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Ah....makes sense now.
in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Apr 30, 2011 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions
well said Ed
If you go in the bathroom, turn off the lights, and say "Da Coach" 5 times while facing the mirror... Ditka will appear and slap the wussy right out of you.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Apr 29, 2011 10:57 PM CDT up reply actions
OMFG BEARS FANS!!!!
Jus wait and see with the guy alright!!!! Everyone is saying they have never seen this guy play (I havent either) so we don’t know what he can do on the field whether it be positiveor negative. Give the guy a chance to see the field before u judge him! He could be a STer, Safety, or Corner idk we’ll find out. I remember clearly the last player we drafted whose last name ended with a “te” (Hint: First name-Matt) and he turned out pretty well didnt he!
Also, STOP IT with the “Fire Angelo” bullshit. He’s our GM. Deal with it. he draft will always and forever will be a crapshot. Hell for all we know Carimi and Paea are NFL Busts and Conte is our Mike Brown w/o the injuries. Do I know that for sure? No. Does Angelo know tat for sure? No. But do any of you know?…….didnt think so.
Agreed
Lets all just chill for a little bit, take the pill that was our third rounder and wait for tomorrow. Up to this point I still think with Gabe Carimi in the 1st followed by Stephen Paea in the 2nd is one hell of a draft all on its own.
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Apr 29, 2011 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Jerry has been here 10 years
After 10 years the fans were happy to say goodbye to Ditka and welcome Wanny.
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
Speak for yourself
Not ALL the fans were ready to say goodbye to Ditka after 10 years.
I was so pissed I almost kicked my cat when I heard Ditka wasn’t the Bear’s coach anymore.
talking history Dan
I was a Ditka fan when he was a rookie, just saying that no matter who you are after 10 years a lot of fans will want a change especially when in Ditka’s case the media takes every chance they get to make you look bad.
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
Could have Drafted
this guy at WR for all of those who wanted a Wideout……..Landon Doss 6’2" 201
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2011/profiles/tandon-doss?id=2495449
by l3ig_lvlike_430 on Apr 29, 2011 10:32 PM CDT reply actions
He is still avaliable
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Apr 29, 2011 10:34 PM CDT up reply actions
He won't last much longer
WEAKNESSES
“Not too many holes in this guy’s game. Could do a better job high-pointing the football in jump ball situations. Does not have elite top-end speed or agility but as stated is still a playmaker. Willing and aggressive while run blocking but fundamentals need some work.”
by l3ig_lvlike_430 on Apr 29, 2011 10:35 PM CDT up reply actions
STRENGTHS
Doss is a nice combination of size and speed. Displays elite ball skills. Catches away from his frame and adjusts to the poorly thrown ball. Doesn’t lose speed in and out of breaks, sets up defenders, and gets open against zone. Has the burst and top-end speed to get vertical and make plays after the catch. Goes over the middle.
by l3ig_lvlike_430 on Apr 29, 2011 10:35 PM CDT up reply actions
And now we don't
have a pick till the 160th pick………he will def be gone by then…….graded at a 7.1
by l3ig_lvlike_430 on Apr 29, 2011 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Landon Tandon whats the difference!
If you go in the bathroom, turn off the lights, and say "Da Coach" 5 times while facing the mirror... Ditka will appear and slap the wussy right out of you.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Apr 29, 2011 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions
The difference is an " L " & a " T " .......... ;-)
" Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth. " ~
Mike Tyson
by MidWayMonster54 on Apr 29, 2011 11:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Speaking of Landon
Maybe we can get Landon Donovan to be our Punter……that would be sweet
by l3ig_lvlike_430 on Apr 30, 2011 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Hopefully now that he's a Bear....
He can somehow continue to be a “golden bear.” I think this kid could shine on this Bears team. And here’s why: VERSATILITY.
Among the more versatile draft-eligible defensive backs in 2011 is Cal’s Chris Conte, with whom the Seahawks recently had a private workout. The 6-foot-2, 197-pound Conte was a reserve cornerback for the Golden Bears from the 2007 through 2009 seasons before moving to free safety in 2010 and being awarded First Team All Pac-10 status at his new position. In 2010, Conte put up 72 tackles (46 solo), deflected three passes, intercepted one, and forced a fumble. For the Seahawks and other teams, Conte’s versatility is a primary selling point. He played 49 total games for Cal, and showed up just about everywhere in the defensive backfield.
The Bears are notorious (in my mind) for moving around our safeties to every last defensive back position. Our defensive backs (especially our safeties) have to know every defensive back’s position/role in order to get playing time it seems. So why not draft a guy who at the very minimum will be a very good to great special teams player, and at max could be a very versatile nickel package guy?
The article continues:
"It’s hard being in the season, when you’re moving around from position to position, but I think in the long run, to have the experience at all those positions is great," Conte said at the 2011 scouting combine about the change under new defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast. "When you’re in the season and trying to learn four different positions it can be a little bit difficult."
On the field, Conte’s athleticism shows up quickly and consistently – he can trail receivers pretty well for a safety, and he closes in on downhill plays with authority. He’s aggressive when getting to the ballcarrier, and he takes good angles to facilitate the takedown. On the downside, there are questions about his agility, instincts at safety, and overall size – he’ll most likely need to put on some muscle to hold up at the NFL level.
"Learning the whole secondary, there’s not that much after that you have to learn. You have to start learning what the linebackers are supposed to do, you start to put all the pieces together, it makes it a lot easier to know the whole defense and where everyone else is supposed to be, and you can give guidance also to younger guys who are learning the positions too because I’ve played pretty much everything."
And in the end, that may be Conte’s main asset for the Seahawks were they to draft him – with a defense that’s getting younger by necessity, it’s more important than ever to bring in players with physical talent mixed with on-field acumen.
Conte is currently graded by NFLDraftScout.com’s rankings as a third- to fourth-round prospect.
by Hurricane.Ditka on Apr 29, 2011 11:34 PM CDT reply actions
Article was taken from...
Another interesting piece here.
Some interesting excerpts from the second article:
Chris Conte originally was a safety in high school. A very good safety actually (top 25 by Rivals, top 70 by Scout).
When Clancy Pendergast did put him there? Nirvana. Conte has a special skill for putting ball-carriers on their butts. He has great instincts, great tackling form, good awareness on the field. Conte specializes in open-field tackling, where he approaches his man, puts him square up, and takes him down. He’s also excellent in pursuit and taking proper angles when having to chase down the guy with the ball. Basically, he just takes people down.
by Hurricane.Ditka on Apr 29, 2011 11:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Conte is currently graded by NFLDraftScout.com’s rankings as a third- to fourth-round prospect.
But, But…..he would have been available in the 5th! I know it! Fire Jerry!
in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Apr 29, 2011 11:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Not neceassirly true...
I do think there were better draft picks available in the third round, but I am not so sure there were any better safeties out there. So if the Bears were dead set on drafting a safety. Then the pick was a fine one. I guess I’m just REALLY hoping the kid is a bit Devin Hester-ish in that people booed when we drafted him, he didn’t have a true position and moved around a lot, and yet he made JA look like a genius. So, hopefully, there’s a little bit of that going on. I know the kid doesn’t have the athleticism of Hester, I’m just saying I hope his on-field acumen and his knack for laying it on the receiver is a bit under-estimated.
by Hurricane.Ditka on Apr 29, 2011 11:45 PM CDT up reply actions
I actually don't believe that he would have been there in the 5th.....
I was joking about the reactionary comments that followed the pick, lol. I’m pretty optimistic about the kid.
in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Apr 29, 2011 11:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Why not trade down then?
Pick up a 4th.
"Our ideas held no water but we used them like a dam" - Modest Mouse
I wouldn't have had a problem with that.
in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Apr 30, 2011 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Maybe The Reason Why JA Picked Conte Is
he wants Yahoo sportswriter Michael Silver (who’s a Cal fanboi) to like him?
LMOA!
thanks for the smile, Gaak :)
in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Apr 29, 2011 11:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Conte's Fine . . .
it’s just that after the first two picks, I wanted more of the same. I wanted a Green Bay-smashing pre-emptive strike like Taiwan Jones. Instead, I guess we watch the sad decline of Chester Taylor and the unfulfilled life of Garrett Wolfe. Harvey Unga must be one helluva back to pass on Taiwan w/o even a prayer of getting him in the 4th.
Did Jerry trade his 4th so the league wouldn’t take it away from him?
No we traded the pick to ....
…. say nanny nanny boo boo to the Ravens .
" Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth. " ~
Mike Tyson
by MidWayMonster54 on Apr 30, 2011 12:10 AM CDT up reply actions
The more I think about this...
and the more I read about this kid, the more I like the pick. Sure, it may have been a little high to draft him, but we no longer had our 4th pick when he was selected. And who knows, it kind’ve sounds like the kid has a chip on his shoulder, and people that have watched Cal games like the kid a lot.
I guess it would be prudent to see how the kid pans out and we see him on the field before we (I am guilty of having bad knee-jerk reactions as well to the pick) jump on the kid’s back.
E.F.K.
Even if Conte is a horrible pick
And I’m not saying he is. Personally, I think Conte might end up being a bit of a steal for us. But even if he ends up being a horrible pick, Angelo has a history of making horrible picks in the early rounds, then getting his act together and picking up decent players later in the draft.
So if Conte does turn out to be an Angelo brain cramp pick, it appears he’s reversed his normal trend by picking high value studs early in the draft and saving his “wha…” picks for later in the draft.
I’ll take that over his normal drafts any day:)
Another STS ace in the 3rd round?
If this guy doesn’t start in the first two years then he’ll be labeled as another bust. Very strange pick indeed.
"Our ideas held no water but we used them like a dam" - Modest Mouse
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