The 10 Most Important Bears for 2011 - #10 Henry Melton
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jun 28, 2011 11:00 AM CDT
in Roster Analysis
Email
Print
For the 3rd straight year I'll be bringing you my thoughts on who the ten most important Chicago Bears are for the upcoming season. On field impact, leadership, and position depth are a few things I'll think about when constructing my list, but not the only things. These ten Bears will be who I feel will need to contribute most towards the team's success in 2011. Leading off my list at No. 10, is the projected starter at three technique defensive tackle, the newly hulked up Henry Melton.
With Tommie Harris no longer on the roster, Bears fans can stop hoping Harris will regain his Pro Bowl form and we can turn our attention to hoping Melton can keep his quickness along with his new strength and provide the push up the middle. The 3 Tech DT is a critical piece of the Tampa 2 base defense, and it's been a few years since the Bears had someone at that position that was able to draw a double team. If Henry Melton can fulfill the promise he's shown, the Bears defense will be even tougher in '11. Last week Yahoo Sports had an article looking at the most likely NFC North players to have break out seasons, and Melton was the Bear mentioned.
He reportedly has added about 30 pounds of muscle this offseason in preparation for the role, and he apparently is weighing in at a little less than 300 pounds (he was listed at 260 pounds last season). Because of the lockout, it remains to be seen whether the added bulk has cost Melton any speed or explosiveness on the practice field, but head coach Lovie Smith and GM Jerry Angelo have been speaking highly of Melton all offseason, and they seem confident that he's in for a big campaign. Melton, who began his college career as a running back, showed flashes in '10 as a situational pass rusher. If the added muscle doesn't cost him any of the great burst he has showed, Melton could become the Bears' top player on the interior.
Since this is my list, I reserve the right to switch #10 to Stephen Paea if Paea looks to be the starter at the 3 Tech DT spot. Last year the Bears received average play at the position and had an above average defense, if this spot is figured out, the Bears can get back to some scary good play on D.
51 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
This is going to be a tricky year for this list
without the benefit of free agency. Here’s to hoping the CBA gets done before you do.
Above all; keep 'em guessing, never let them lose their sense of confusion.
I was thinking the same thing when compiling the list
A stud WR or LG could be signed and there goes my top 10!
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 Jun 28, 2011 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Not just WR and LG
You always have to think about Jerry signing a DT and I remember before the draft that the only 3 confirmed FA targets were Anthony Adams (no surprise), Steve Weatherford, and Cullen Jenkins with the possibility of Mebane if we failed to sign AA. If we sign Cullen Jenkins then he would be the starter at 3T imo and it would be a rotation between Paea, Adams, and Toeina at NT. If we sign Cullen Jenkins I also feel Harrison will be cut to make some room for him and Paea would be a solid player as a NT.
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jun 28, 2011 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions
I'd rather them not sign a DT
I’m OK with AA, Melton, Paea, and Toeania
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 Jun 28, 2011 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions
I too have high hopes for Melton
Especially since he is continuing to bulk up. I see him easily reaching 300 pounds by the end of summer.
And he definitely was our best player at 3T last season. He and Paea would make for a dangerous tandem in the interior next season.
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jun 28, 2011 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd really to see both Melton and Wooten step up this year.
It was nice to see Israel Idonije, have some success, but the D-line as a whole needs to generate a better pass rush. With Peppers getting double teamed all the time the 3-Tech and other DE have to step up and get to the QB more often.
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
Spot on sir
we need some much needed impact from the 3 Tech this year. Wondering if we’ll see both Paea and Melton line up with Pep and Izzy or Wooton. The more you talk about the possible line ups the better this D line looks.
When the world slips you a Jeffrey, stroke a furry wall.
- Aldous Snow
4 Possible Pass Rush Threats.
From all 4 positions.
I’m not saying that both Paea and Melton will be the next coming of Tommie Harris, but if they’re 50% each of what Tommie Harris was, that’s more dangerous IMO than 1 Tommie Harris.
Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...
by awfullyquiet on Jun 28, 2011 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions
How does one add 30 lbs. of muscle in a single off-season?
That’s some serious body modification… unless 290 is closer to his real weight and he slimmed down when playing DE.
Agreed. I called BS on this when it was first mentioned a while back.
Even the most juiced-up hardest of core (or corps) body builder could never add 30 pounds of muscle in a year.
Having said that, as evidenced by his Twitter avatar, he looks rather svelte.
"More cowbell" - Bruce Dickinson; "More bell cow" - Lovie Smith
280 would be 'ok'.
That’s not 280.
Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...
by awfullyquiet on Jun 28, 2011 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Its very plausable to gain 30 pounds of muscle in one year . A diciplined diet ...
… with the proper nutrition & a solid workout routine can do it easily .
" Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth. " ~
Mike Tyson
by MidWayMonster54 on Jun 28, 2011 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions
It's a physical impossibilty.
He (or anyone) would be experiencing astonishing growth to add half of that in a year. We’re talking lean muscle mass here, not fat, not water, not glycogen…and doing it steroid free.
It would be possible for an absolute beginner to add more muscle faster under stringent conditions (proper technique, diet and rest) but over time gains would taper off. His gains would be proportionate to the amount of weight he could lift.
Let’s say in his first year, for example, he had a one-rep bench press max of 200 lbs. After the second year, he doubled that to 400. In another year could he double that again to 800? And to 1600 the fourth year? Of course not because he would have to have added the muscle mass to do that. His gains will taper off proportionately as time passes. He will add muscle and continue to grow as long as he is stimulating muscle fibers but at a slower rate.
A professional athlete like Hemi has likely spent a good part of his life in the weight room and could not add muscle at the same rate as the beginner.
"More cowbell" - Bruce Dickinson; "More bell cow" - Lovie Smith
Well I'm no beginner and ...
… I added 13 – 15 pounds of lean muscle in about 7 months . I can guarantee I had no adders , PED’s or anything illegal . So if I wanted to I too could add about 30 pounds of muscle in the same relative time frame ( but thats too much for me ) . This guy has pro’s helping him add this bulk and to say he’s not doing it within the rules is just rumor mongering . Innocent until proven guility .
" Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth. " ~
Mike Tyson
by MidWayMonster54 on Jun 28, 2011 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Didn't Izzy used to continuously switch his weight from 260 pounds to over 300 pounds on a yearly basis?
It’s not a physical impossibility
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jun 28, 2011 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Pretty much ....
" Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth. " ~
Mike Tyson
by MidWayMonster54 on Jun 28, 2011 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm definitely not saying he's doing it outside the rules.
I’m thinking more along the lines of it being 30 lbs., yes, but not all of which is muscle.
See now thats a possibility as well . As long ....
… as hes doing it on the legal I’m kosher with it .
" Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth. " ~
Mike Tyson
by MidWayMonster54 on Jun 28, 2011 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Maybe he's been working out with Jay Cutler.
When the world slips you a Jeffrey, stroke a furry wall.
- Aldous Snow
by Ditkavsworld on Jun 28, 2011 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Greg Oden added 30 lbs in an offseason doing upper body workouts
These guys are not like us (physically or practically). This is all they have to do in a day.
by Sound_Automatic on Jun 28, 2011 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions
He weighed 294 in March already, according to Jensen.
http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2011/03/bears_excited_about_henry_melt_1.html
You're never a loser until you quit trying - MIke Ditka
Well Izzy used to do it
Idonje seemed to be oscillating between 270 and 300lbs every other season until last year so either Izzy is a drug cheat or it is possible with the right diet and training regimen. He seemed to be much bigger than 260 all last season and pre draft he was listed at 280lbs on all the draft sites (of course this may be drivel as he didn’t go to the combine). I would say not BS until proven wrong on this one.
See my reply above.
If he added weight and then lost weight it was water or fat. A guy weighing 290 lbs that loses 30 pounds didn’t lose muscle.
"More cowbell" - Bruce Dickinson; "More bell cow" - Lovie Smith
Left Guard in Free Agency
There most certainly will be left guard upgrades availablein free agency. Chris Williams is as ill suited to be LG as Blago was to be Governor. Who do you take?
Carl Nicks – New Orleans – Someone will throw left tackle money at this beast, who deserves it. We can dream.
Davin Joseph – Tampa Bay – TB will try to resign, but this former Pro Bowler could be acquired at a decent cost. Tampa has thrown a lot of dough at the line, and they consider this guy expendable. May have regressed a little last year, but was productive
run blocker on good running team.
Robert Gallery – Oakland – Raiders are moving on. Gallery is country strong, but wasn’t quick enough to play inside. Would still be a huge LG upgrade for Bears, if he isn’t scooped up by Seahawks and new line coach Cable, Gallery’s old coach.
Any of these guys could line up next to Carimi and get the job done. The line as it stands today still has a major weakness.
Just wondering...
Am I the only person (not been around here all that much before) who actually thinks Chris Williams played pretty well at LG last year?
When he returned to the starting lineup he was bumped inside and probably hadn’t played LG for at least three seasons even in practice. His blocking after the bye was pretty good, especially movement blocking in the run game and his pass blocking was not the problem on that line. I would much rather replace Garza than Williams. His short(ish) arms aren’t a problem inside like they were at tackle and he has plenty of size, when he does keep his pad level low he tends to wash guys out of plays. I would like to think that Tice will be able to sharpen up his technique if they can keep him at guard and hopefully the Bears have a pretty good lineman.
If part of the reason why drafting OTs in the first round is perceived to be good value is that a poor tackle can become a good guard then the Bears should at least try to persevere with him at guard.
Your not the only one . Once he settled ......
….. into his new position he did get better . His run blocking is so-so still yet , but he does have room to improve .
" Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth. " ~
Mike Tyson
by MidWayMonster54 on Jun 28, 2011 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions
You're not.
He hasn’t played LG for 3 seasons. He hasn’t had 2 years in any one position either.
Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...
by awfullyquiet on Jun 28, 2011 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions
That's oddly worded.
He’s suffering from DMS. Keep him in one position (LG) and he’ll do a fine job. Can Tice and Garza help him pull like a champ?
That’s a good question.
Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...
by awfullyquiet on Jun 28, 2011 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Don’t know if they’re sold on replacing Williams at this point. I think they’d take any quality guard they could get and let Tice work out the best combination of players, as he did last year. Obviously, there are fewer pieces to the puzzle now as we know that Camiri will be starting at at least one tackle position and Williams obviously won’t be. Without knowing who the starters are for certain, it’s good to create some depth, we just don’t know how deeply into the market the Bears are willing to dive. (*Don’t forget they still need a WR, too.)
But when you’re looking at guards, you’ve obviously got to consider New Orleans’ Carl Nicks, who is coming off a Pro Bowl season. The Saints are in a tight spot, having just made Jahri Evans the highest paid guard in the league and with a few other free agents on their line, they likely won’t be able to keep everyone. Nicks could also be restricted, but we won’t know until the labor deal is settled.
by teejaysplace on Jun 28, 2011 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Don't forget,
Nicks is a restricted free agent, and he’s been given the highest tender. Willing to sell the farm for him? Some might be, but I doubt Jerry will.
by DieHardBearsCubs on Jun 28, 2011 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions
he might not be restricted
depends on the rules agreed upon
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 Jun 28, 2011 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions
See below
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jun 28, 2011 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions
However, under the new CBA Nick's tender won't be valued
As he has gained the 4 years necessary to gain UFA status, so Carl Nicks will be available. And he is a must sign for the Bears as he is perhaps the best young LG in the NFL and our LG position doesn’t have a legit starter. To top it off Nicks is the best possible fit for us with his size and athleticism.
Chris Williams is not a legit starter for us. The Bears don’t seem commited on him being the starter where as possibly the other 4 positions are set. We need a LG and I expect the staff to be fielding suitable vets at LG and I anticipate on them signing someone good to play LG.
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jun 28, 2011 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions
My bad,
for some reason I thought he was only a 3 year pro. Stupid mistake on my part.
by DieHardBearsCubs on Jun 28, 2011 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions
IMO the whole line stank last year.
or they just hate Jay Cutler and Chester Taylor.
they can all go far as i am concerned.
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
Even Kreutz?
Idk about Kreutz and Webb as Kreutz has been our best O-Lineman for a long time where as Webb has potential.
Now there is potential for Kreutz to retire as I seem to remember him not liking JA and also remembering Kreutz having to fight through ankle injuries for a good while now. We seem to be wanting to go towards a youth movement along the O-Line but also risk the fact there will be absolutely no continuenity along the O-Line. If Kreutz does indeed retire (which I doubt) then we should target Baas and Nicks in FA. Then you have your C and LG positions solved. I would then consider an in house move to improve our RG as I feel Herman Johnson can really become a solid player for us. Then leave Webb at RT and Carimi at LT. There you have an O-Line to protect Cutler for many years.
LT- Gabe Carimi
LG- Carl Nicks
C- David Baas
RG- Herman Johnson
RT- J’Marcus Webb
That I think would also be the largest O-Line in the entire NFL.
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jun 28, 2011 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Even at the end of the season they were the worst OL in the league.
They Stank
some of them stank more than others
but they all stank
some of them better start playing better, not because they don’t deserve to get kicked to the curb, but because we can’t come up with 5 new guys that are better this year. So far we got one and he is a rook.
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
Yes they stank up the place last year
But not nearly as much as in the second half of last season as opposed to the first half of the season.
I will agree with you on the motion that if an opportunity to find upgrades fell in our laps then we should at least consider said opportunity.
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jun 29, 2011 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions
they started the year giving up almost 4 sacks per game
and ended giving up 3 sacks per game which is better but it still stinks.
Peyton Manning has been sacked an average of once per game over the last 13 years.
They need to do what ever is necessarily to get those averages down to 2 or under and then perhaps we will see some real improvement in the offense.
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
Four guys in their first year starting under Tice?
I’d like to at least keep Garza at the RG spot. While he isn’t great there, he is the epitome of solid but unspectacular. Plus, he’d be a good mentor to Webb on the right, still pulls with decent efficiency, and combo-blocks as well as anybody out there.
We could also save some money and move Garza to Center
Although I’m not sure how well he would fit into Tice’s scheme. And I’m not strongly opposed to seeing Garza being our RG, rather I just feel if there is someone on our roster who hasn’t received as much playing time but has the potential to being a better fit and player for Tice then at least give him a look.
And with Herman Johnson he hasn’t started yet but its not like he’s coming into a new world under Tice. They signed him late last year for a reason, and I feel it was to give Johnson time to learn the new system before heading into training camp, which might give him a better chance of winning a starting job. Yes there would be hypothetically 4 new starters but if this CBA can get done soon leaving new players with some time to get ready then I feel we could pull it off.
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jun 29, 2011 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions
I feel Herman Johnson can really become a solid player for us
Based on what? We’ve seen nothing of Johnson.
Cosmis: JESUS LORD IN HEAVEN DANIEAL MANNING JUST KILLED A MAN
That's his guy
He’s been on him all off season…
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 Jul 1, 2011 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree with Melton being on this list for the fact he's the 3 tech on the team with some experience.
It might take Paea a little bit of time to get adjusted to the NFL level so Melton will be counted on heavily in the early going to fill that position.
by Dominique Blanton on Jun 28, 2011 6:56 PM CDT reply actions
The balls still in Bradys hand
and he’s around #76 with his outside arm free… I wouldn’t call that crushed.
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 Jun 29, 2011 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions
seems flattering to me
If melton is coming from the outside and Izzy inside, seems like some kind of switch was made. In fact it seems like melton crushed the pocket faster than expected.
Encouraging professional football in Israel
by BearDownIsrael on Jun 29, 2011 10:10 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I've always seen Melton...
as an Izzy-type tweener. But whereas I saw Izzy better suited for the DE position because of his height, i see the opposite for Melton at 6’3". Both guys have been moved about in a steady rotation the Bears seem to like to use to keep the front 4 fresh. I do see he and Paea fitting in at the 3-tech role and the early nod will go to Henry as the experienced vet. I am not sure Melton will ever be a “star” 3-tech, but he will likely be the above average D-linemen Izzy has become and keep his value as a solid spot starter/utility rotation player. He always appeared to have the desire and “intangibles” that Gilbert lacked, so he’ll always be a fan favorite as the hard-worker/over achiever. I like his tenacity and he seems to be avoiding the injury bug so far. Let’s hope the drastic weight gain doesn’t hurt his durability and keeps his longevity as he fights for gap control in the middle. Again, I do not see him “breaking out” as a star, but if he plays just above average, his impact (especially on passing downs) may justify his top 10 status in this list. Good call Lester.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Community Guidelines
Related FanPosts on Windy City Gridiron
Related FanShots on Windy City Gridiron
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Wisconsin state assembly passes resolution declaring 12/12/12 as ‘Aaron Rodgers Day’
- Training Day: Working with the quarterbacks, and not breathing
- Tom Martinez, Tom Brady’s mentor, dead at 66
- Brady Quinn apologizes for Tebow remarks, claims an ‘inaccurate portrayal’
- Stanford Routt’s road to Kansas City could be paved with professional redemption
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
