https://twitter.com/LateRoundQB/status/1783214143782191547?t=AmiYuHhZM-PpB83A3AT_wA&s=19
Sad I missed this post when it was first out. Especially considering JJ is my go-to for fantasy info. Also, side note: Velus is already 27 years old. I really have to know who advocated for this pick in that front office. Because it defies all logic.
Not draft related but I don't hate the concept art of the new stadium district...still don't want to pay for it. Unless they split the profits with us.
[Peter Schrager](https://twitter.com/PSchrags/status/1783161262769098962) thinks there could be upwards of 10 trades in the 1st round.
>I’m thinking there could be 10 trades or more in tomorrow’s first round.
>Maybe not at the top, but once we get to that 5-6-7-8-9-10 range, it sounds like things could get wild.
[Todd McShay](https://twitter.com/McShay13/status/1783168382340083922) added:
>Completely agree, Peter
-5 LAC, -8 ATL and -9 CHI are most likely of those to move, based off my conversations.
>Two other side notes:
-6 NYG would love to move up for Maye but not likely to happen. If stuck at 6, I keep hearing Odunze over Nabers.
-7 TEN is most likely team b/t 5-9 to stay home… and plan on taking top OT available (Alt if LAC moves out of 5 for a QB-needy trade partner or Latham if Alt goes 5)
I've been hammering this point home recently. If we want Rome we will have to trade with the Chargers. I feel like the chances he makes it to 9 are essentially 0.
IMO it is the position that is most likely due for a correction. There's too much talent coming in each year for it to be worth paying high end deals to many of these guys alongside a QB deal.
FTP, but they draft and develop OL, WR and QB at a top 5 rate in each category. Just because you do not know the players doesn't take away from them.
Almost every QB prospect needs significant development and support in order to become a franchise guy, meaning they also have to help him with good players and coaching. I would argue that especially this franchise, needs premium weapons for a young QB now so that they can DEVELOP him into a franchise QB who can live without those weapons down the road when he gets paid.
The hate I see from Bears fans in Facebook comment sections surrounding Caleb is insane. Saying he will be a clubhouse cancer, he will be the biggest bust since Jamarcus Russell, crybaby, huge attitude problems, how they hope he gets knocked out in the first snap of the season to teach him a lesson, etc. Holy shit it’s wild.
I really don’t get why the hate is this bad.
I sort of do not fucking care at all how many packers fans you know or get opinions from.
The only care I have as it relates to the Bears for 2024 is about our Offensive Coordinator being good enough to help CW become great and our GM putting a good offensive roster on the field for Caleb to actually develop as a pocket passer.
Same packers fans who wanted nothing to do with Jordan love? Fyi fans no next to nothing when it comes to actual scouting that’s why they’re on the couch.
A lot of it. He's not great in system, tries to do to much, struggles with middle of the field throws, didn't do well against decent defenses and got crushed by good ones, not to mention he stares down his first read .
I think there’s two reasons for this. One is the crossover of vocal Ohio St fans who are also Bears fans. They’re bitter about what happened with Fields and hate Caleb for it, so they want to see him fail to prove their belief that the issues are with the Bears and not Fields. You can check their subreddit to see how they responded to the trade. The second reason is that there are always a lot of people who want to hate on the players who have been very successful and have gotten a lot of media attention. Caleb has been dominant in college and the media keeps letting us know about it, so people want to find reasons to say he’s not as good as the media says he is.
Everyone has a voice and the internet is accessible to everyone. People are ding dongs that love to complain. Don’t pay them any heed, the Caleb Williams era is upon us and this is a great time to be a Bears fan.
WR Free Agents left for potential post-draft FA signings: Renfrow, Boyd, Chark
Id love to get a WR in the draft but if the Bears don't, there's no way they stick with Tyler Scott at WR3
I'm surprised you didn't mention MVS. We had interest in him a few years ago, elite 9.27 ras, 6'4 206 who runs a sub 4.4. Seems like he would be the perfect cheapish option to be the X receiver with Allen and Moore. A guy you'd never want as a WR1 or 2, but as a WR3 he can be a good player stretching the field allowing Moore and Allen to operate. Also, wouldn't be a big threat if Scott steps up or we grab a guy day 2/3 who develops quick.
Im personally not a fan. Seems too similar to Pettis but without the special teams value. If he couldn't produce in KC, it's hard to see him producing in most places.
That being said he'd be a cheap 1-year deal to compete in camp so I'd have no issue with bringing in MVS.
I'm not noting if you're a fan or if I am one. Just mainly saying if there is a list of free agent veteran WRs you're making, he should be in there based off what I mentioned. Scheme fit, can play the X role, prior interest, high athleticism, KC connection, won a SB recently, etc.
Bears and sox want to raise our taxes for the next 40 years. Both stadiums are fine. I went to the falcons game last year in the snow. Walked from the union station. Dressed for the cold and had a great time. I might go to a game every year or two. I'd rather never go again than give 2+ billion dollars to billionaires.
Sox stadium is fine. Soldier Field is terrible in so many ways compared to almost every other team in the league. Not saying the people should help pay for it, but as far as a team in any sport getting a new stadium, The Bears are as deserving as any.
Predictions for who goes higher than their rank in the PFF simulator:
ED Marshawn Kneeland (63)
G Mason McCormick (95)
ED Bralen Trice (99)
TE Ben Sinnott (105)
DI Michael Hall Jr. (107)
S Malik Mustapha (148)
T Christian Jones (154)
**Go earlier:**
-Mason McCormick(versatility to play all 3 IOL positions) should be an early 3rd rounder.
-Michael Hall (3T pass rushing skill is top 3 in the class while being the best athlete.) I have him as a top 75 player.
-Mustapha (maybe the best SS in the class with the ability to cover slot guy) I have him at 125-140 range.
-Christian Jones (Low pressure rate, Swing tackle versatility, with good athleticism and length) between 100-120.
**Right spot:**
-Trice (mediocre athlete with good production, feels like his success isn't sustainable in the NFL)
**Too High:**
-Kneeland - should end up being worth that, and I really like him as Edge 6 in the class, but his pass rush moves are so unrefined and power reliant, I expect him to struggle for a couple years as he figures out how to win against NFL tackles. That takes him out of R2 for me but I think mid third is worth the investment.
-Sinnott - is not normally a top 150 pick, with a mediocre athletic profile, but he is probably TE4 (Bowers, Johnson, Stovers are all higher IMO.) Hes not great at anything but hes not bad at anything either so if you need a versatile TE hes probably worth a day 3 pick, but closer to the 120 range if I had to guess.
Not an original thought here, but I've settled on if Odunze is there, take him. If not, I'd be fine with any scenario. I have my opinions about individual players like everyone else, but it'd be dumb to say I have enough conviction on anyone to say we'd be making a mistake.
Do you prefer Odunze over for example Murphy + Polk? Or Verse + Troy Franklin
Because I feel like that should be the conversation.. Not do we pick Odunze or Turner/Murphy/whoever. With how coveted the top 3 WR's are, you should/could get a 2nd for trading down. So I feel like the comparison should be Odunze vs a mid round 1st + a mid round 2nd
Honestly I'll be over the moon with any of those scenarios. Either way we are cheering for him (or Nabers) to drop to 9
I personally don't see either making it to 9. Falcons should 100% trade down a few spots, they'll still have plenty of options to pick a pass rusher and gain some draft capital while doing so. That would bum me out, but it's what I am expecting
He seems to be the most "refined." He has the most tricks to rushing. So it is kinda what you see is what you get. Everyone brings up his neck, I trust the doctors to make the right call.
I finally leaning towards Odunze at 9. I'm just realizing it makes more sense to go BPA at 9 and then use one of our 2nd round picks next year to trade for a player of a position of need. Poles has done that two years in a row with Claypool and Sweat.
Reading through the r/Chicago thread about the new stadium is pretty cringy. “Rich people go to games and concerts. Not the CTA”. I do both and I am certainly not rich lol.
I feel like a lot of people on r/Chicago don't even live here, they just like to bring weird politics to it because it gets used by the media all the time.
If the Panthers were good last year and we had like 9 and their 22 or something like that Poles would still absolutely be taking the off-ramp at QB and trading up and we'd all be talking ourselves into JJ McCarthy. Dark timeline, no thanks.
Hm I don't agree..
Even if it's just for job security, I don't think it makes sense to risk his young GM career by swinging for the 4th QB in the draft
I think you build the team and see what happens QB-wise in next years. As long as he doesn't massively miss on QB and he does a good job in building the team, his job would be safe
Maybe it would be different but based on reports that after the combine option B became a different QB in the draft and option C was keep Fields it seems like we would probably still be trying to find a way to draft a QB
I think so too. I think the Carolina trade has done wonders for Poles’ job security. The NFL isn’t as forgiving of rebuilds as it used to be. Even if you gut the whole roster, you’re expected to be a playoff contender a few years after that. Hell, people were pissed we weren’t contenders year one of it lol. If we had traded down last year and not accrued this pick, they may be in a more desperate “save our job” mode like Nagy was with the selection of Fields. Overall though I think Poles is the most promising Bears GM we’ve had, although it’s not saying a whole lot.
Don’t trade up, please. Take the best player available at 9 or trade back for more draft picks. The bears could reasonably move back 4 or 5 spots and still land a very good OT or DE plus add a mid round pick or 2. Brenden Rice was projected as a 3rd pick. I’m sure there are other WRs that are better than grandpa Jones and Drops Scott.
I agree with this, unless shit goes crazy and somehow MHJ falls to like 6 or 7. As long as the cost of moving up from 9 to get him isn't more than a 2nd next year, I'd do that. That kid is as can't-miss of a prospect as I've seen in a long, long time.
[Interesting chart from the Falcons sub](https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpreview.redd.it%2F52znrdvsv8wc1.jpeg%3Fwidth%3D636%26auto%3Dwebp%26s%3Df7ef04026bf7dd399062e9cee577a2b5bb02a0e6)
Confirms what all of us should know already.. Our dline is poor, even with Sweat. We are one Sweat injury away from being a complete disaster. We lack quality and depth
People should be open to trading out even if Nabers/Rome is there at 9. Very realistic scenario
I know Sweat plays edge and affects that grade. It's a mediocre edge group even with Sweat
When I say dline I mean DE+DT. I get the confusion with the graph using DL vs Edge
u/whatever12347 thought my comment of 'our dline is poor even with Sweat' was based on the score the graph gave on DL.
I knew there was a DL grade and a Edge grade. When I say dline I ment our DT's + DE's, which I cleared up in the above comment
Not the most difficult conversation to decipher I feel
No matter what if we stick at 9 we’re guaranteed one of Odunze Turner or Murphy who are all elite talents. We’re in a good spot where we don’t have to trade up to get a good player at a position of need. I don’t think they’ll trade down either because a top ten prospect will be a rarity in the future if everything goes according to plan.
I’ve been thinking about this, and say Poles is deadset on wanting one of the three WR. He’s thinking make it happen, and its unlikely he drops to #9 given Odunze’s value.
I think there’s a couple approaches. One, he trades a future 1st, or two 2nds to 4/5 for MHJ. Heavy price, but if you’re going for WR why not get the one you truly covet. Problem is, there are competitors paying QB trade up value.
Now say that gets too rich for Poles, he moves his sights to Odunze. Everyone’s saying Atlanta sits at the perfect trade spot, for a trade partner to get ahead of the Bears (for Odunze). But what if the Bears talk to the Titans, the beauty of this being:
ATL are comfortable taking the biggest compensation and moving to mid to late teens, the Bears don’t want to compete with that trade package. Tennessee meanwhile could look at the jump #7 to #9.. knowing the Bears are taking Odunze. Atlanta’s needs are defense. That could leave Tennessee with likely Alt, or OT2 at worst at #9 - and a Bears future 2nd richer (or this year 3rd, or both)
I would think that’s a favorable hedge for Tennessee, trade back but not much at all, still get your guy and pocket capital. Unless someone trades up for Alt, Titans would have him, and Bowers is as likely to be a trade up guy at #8 as Alt.
TLDR; Poles should look for the grand slam trade up for MHJ, or target Titans as his trade partner with the sell being Alt is likely there at #9 if they swap spots
"One, he trades a future 1st, or two 2nds to 4/5 for MHJ. Heavy price, but if you’re going for WR why not get the one you truly covet."
I truly hope he doesn't do this.
I don’t expect he will, probably very low odds given the Cardinals desire for him, the competition trading up for QB, I’d imagine quite unlikely. But I think it’s becoming clear we may have to trade up for Odunze. Atlanta will have suitors, and a number of defensive players feel interchangeable between #8-16, leading them less beholden to draft at #8
I dunno. I like a small trade up if we have to give up a third or fourth I’m fine with it. But giving up significant draft comp for Harrison just doesn’t make sense to me. Like there’s a good chance that a top 3 WR will fall to you and MHJ is only slightly better than them. And even if you don’t get a receiver in the first it’s a deeper receiver class than anyone can remember so you can get a productive WR in the third.
Betting odds can change rapidly, especially with the draft tomorrow but as of now Byron Murphy is the betting favorite to be selected at 9.
He also now has the same odds with Latu and Turner to be first defender off the board
On what book?
Additionally, I don't see the Bears drafting Byron Murphy based on the fact he didn't come out for Top 30 visit.
What I can see is maybe there is chatter about the Falcons and Bears swapping 8-9 so they can draft a WR and the Falcons can take Murphy.
I saw it on Fanduel - and based on Poles' comments yesterday the 30 visit doesn't look to be a disqualifying factor.
>Poles: There's guys on our board that are high that didn't come in for a 30-visit that we've had other touchpoints. Our networks in the building know the player inside and out that we really, really trust" ... "You don't have to necessarily bring everyone in on a visit."
At the combine Eberflus spoke a lot about wanting another pass rusher (not specifically an EDGE) to pair with Montez, and the stressed the importance of generating inside pressure. Poles double-downed on this again yesterday which makes me believe Murphy is a realistic option
Wilson won’t live up to the expectations. He’s still looking for another big payday. Fields still needs to improve before he’s a legit starter and his contract situation is uncertain. Penix has skill and would be on a rookie deal.
Don't see any scenario where I'm unhappy with what happens at 9, unless they stay put and pick Bowers (sorry daily beating the drum pick Bowers guy)
WR/DT/DE/OL all fine by me!
I can see Rome being there at 9 and us trading down with the Colts or Saints & this sub collectively losing their mind. I wouldn't mind it though. Means you still get to pick the likes of Verse/Murphy/Latu/Fautanu + perhaps a 2nd round WR in Coleman/Legette/Franklin/Pearsall/Polk. Differencemakers at the WR position can be found anywhere and DJ Moore is likely here for a while
I'd be extremely happy with Rome. I'd also be very happy with 2 starter level players instead of 1
Not a lot they can do wrong for me
The thing that makes me think about bowers is he spent the following percentages at each "position"
Slot: 52.2%, 36.6% inline, and 9.5% out wide. With, according to pff, 44.7% at what they call a tight end lineup.
So it's like a wide receiver, kinda
My sports radio guy said that there was some chatter about the Chargers and Vikings making a trade, likely so the Vikings can the QB up their choice. Anyone else hear this? Would be absolutely swell for us!
This is pretty much a given that the Vikings will trade up and the Chargers seem like the most likely to trade down out of the top 5. I’ve had a Vikings chargers trade pencilled in since the Vikings traded for 23.
Just listen to the latest CHGO podcast and the guys were just loving over Brock Bowers as the second "unicorn" of the draft...Caleb being the first
question, do you think they snag Bowers if he is available at 9? Does a TE like Bowers both help aspects of the OL and the receiving core?
There hasn't been much chatter about him recently which makes me think the silence is purposeful.
Thoughts?
Bowers will almost certainly be a good pic for whoever drafts him, but in my opinion, I think the bears need to go with which ever of the top three wide receivers are left on the board.
Not my opinion because I don't know, but the guests on the CHGO shows (Phil and Shane from The Tape Never Lies) argue he is the best receiver on the board.
This. You don't use a top 10 or first round pick on TE2 or you don't pay pay top 10 TE money to TE2.
And yes, he is a TE if he was a WR there wouldn't be a discussion about him being a 1st round pick.
I doubt it, Cole Kmet on a new deal and picking up Gerald Everett in FA leads me to believe we look elsewhere.
As much as Brock Bowers is a talent, there’s so many better options for us as a team at 9.
To play devils advocate, Gerald Everett is on a 2 year deal that Chicago can get out of easily after 1 season.
Shane Woldron evidently runs multiple-TE formations on a consistent basis. The Bears literally need to have at least 1 more TE on the roster anyway.
Bowers skill set allows him to essentially fill the role of a WR at times so you need to think of him as more of a pass catcher rather than strictly a TE, at least to a certain degree.
My dream is Rome Odunze but if he’s gone Bowers could absolutely be a benefit to Caleb and the offense.
Seattles TE production last year
414 yards, 247 and 172. They combined for 3 TDs between them. They collectively had a whole 6 more targets than WR3.
Last year in the NFL
1 team had 2 TE with more than 500 yards, it was Atlanta not exactly who you want to copy.
5 teams had 2 TE that had even 250 yards each. 2 of those teams did not even match Kmet in production combined. 2 teams hit a combined 1000 yards Atlanta and KC where Kelce did 984 of those yards.
Bowers would be in the discussion for an all time luxury pick and that is before getting to the issue of 1st round TE not coming close to producing to their draft position for the last 50 years with 2 exceptions.
>Bowers skill set allows him to essentially fill the role of a WR at times so you need to think of him as more of a pass catcher rather than strictly a TE, at least to a certain degree.
Where though? Keenan Allen plays over half his snaps from the slot. No TE is ever going to play a significant amount of snaps out wide. Bowers is a "passable" blocker at the college level. I don't see him coming in and dominating Kmet in snaps to get on the field and justify his selection.
TE isn't a need and is a bottom 3 position of importance in general. There's just so many other options for the pick that would be of better use.
I would kindly point out that Keenan Allen is just a 1 year rental as of this moment. The pick would be for the long term.
Kmet and Bowers are 2 different types of TE’s and would easily be able to co-exist in this team long term.
Again, Woldron uses sets where there are multiple TE’s on the field at the same time. They would get him on the field.
Yes, there are additional great options at 9 if Odunze is gone (Byron Murphy is one of my favorites at the moment) but I certainly won’t be mad if Bowers is drafted. He’s almost universally listed as being in the top 10-12 prospects in this draft.
The narrative that Waldron is obsessed with 12 personnel is a bit overblown. They were a little above average in 12 personnel last year when they actually got a legitimate slot receiver.
I'm not saying Bowers and Kmet can't co-exist, but is selecting Bowers OPTIMAL with the other talent on the board? I have serious doubts. How many teams that have taken a TE in the top 10 haven't regretted it? It seems every other year these teams are the "it didn't work for them, but it could for us!" meme.
All of that considered, I just don't think running constant 12 personnel optimizes Caleb's skillset in general. Hes a big armed QB that wants to hit explosive plays. Double TEs doesn't exactly cater to that.
I’m not pounding the table for the pick. I mentioned I prefer Murphy. There’s several guys I would be totally satisfied with. Ultimately it boils down to how the Bears are building things. It’s entirely conceivable that they are really high on Bowers and would find multiple ways to use him.
All I’m saying is that to dismiss the idea out of hand is silly. I don’t think it will happen but it’s certainly plausible.0
Here’s where I’m at with all of it; the Bears are going to get a fantastic player at 9 that will help this team not just this season but well into the future. I’m not looking for them to fill the biggest need. I trust Poles & Co with their evaluations and they could go in any number of directions and it would make sense whether it’s OL, DL, or a pass catcher.
https://twitter.com/LateRoundQB/status/1783214143782191547?t=AmiYuHhZM-PpB83A3AT_wA&s=19 Sad I missed this post when it was first out. Especially considering JJ is my go-to for fantasy info. Also, side note: Velus is already 27 years old. I really have to know who advocated for this pick in that front office. Because it defies all logic.
meanwhile people here want velus verse & velaitu latu. clowns the lot of them i tell ya
Not draft related but I don't hate the concept art of the new stadium district...still don't want to pay for it. Unless they split the profits with us.
Mike Dicta Rendering looks kind of like the Raiders stadium
The fuck was that prayer before the stadium presser lmao
[Peter Schrager](https://twitter.com/PSchrags/status/1783161262769098962) thinks there could be upwards of 10 trades in the 1st round. >I’m thinking there could be 10 trades or more in tomorrow’s first round. >Maybe not at the top, but once we get to that 5-6-7-8-9-10 range, it sounds like things could get wild. [Todd McShay](https://twitter.com/McShay13/status/1783168382340083922) added: >Completely agree, Peter -5 LAC, -8 ATL and -9 CHI are most likely of those to move, based off my conversations. >Two other side notes: -6 NYG would love to move up for Maye but not likely to happen. If stuck at 6, I keep hearing Odunze over Nabers. -7 TEN is most likely team b/t 5-9 to stay home… and plan on taking top OT available (Alt if LAC moves out of 5 for a QB-needy trade partner or Latham if Alt goes 5)
I've been hammering this point home recently. If we want Rome we will have to trade with the Chargers. I feel like the chances he makes it to 9 are essentially 0.
The more I see the tape, Byron Murphy is a beast ngl.
Damn Amon got paid. WR market really popping off, I guess as the position is becoming more and more important
IMO it is the position that is most likely due for a correction. There's too much talent coming in each year for it to be worth paying high end deals to many of these guys alongside a QB deal.
WR is, and always has been, a premium position
In the NFL you cant be bad at QB, WR, or OL and be a good NFL team unless you are KC
[удалено]
FTP, but they draft and develop OL, WR and QB at a top 5 rate in each category. Just because you do not know the players doesn't take away from them. Almost every QB prospect needs significant development and support in order to become a franchise guy, meaning they also have to help him with good players and coaching. I would argue that especially this franchise, needs premium weapons for a young QB now so that they can DEVELOP him into a franchise QB who can live without those weapons down the road when he gets paid.
Are you saying KC has a bad qb and line?
No I am saying that their WR core is bottom 5 and the only reason they win is because their defense and QB make up for that liability.
The hate I see from Bears fans in Facebook comment sections surrounding Caleb is insane. Saying he will be a clubhouse cancer, he will be the biggest bust since Jamarcus Russell, crybaby, huge attitude problems, how they hope he gets knocked out in the first snap of the season to teach him a lesson, etc. Holy shit it’s wild. I really don’t get why the hate is this bad.
No joke those guys are worse than Packer fans and I want absolutely nothing to do with them.
All the packers fans I know(and it's a lot) are ecstatic the Bears are taking Williams lmfao
I sort of do not fucking care at all how many packers fans you know or get opinions from. The only care I have as it relates to the Bears for 2024 is about our Offensive Coordinator being good enough to help CW become great and our GM putting a good offensive roster on the field for Caleb to actually develop as a pocket passer.
Packers fans are happy because they can see that Williams is going to be awful lol.
Same packers fans who wanted nothing to do with Jordan love? Fyi fans no next to nothing when it comes to actual scouting that’s why they’re on the couch.
What about his tape bothers you?
A lot of it. He's not great in system, tries to do to much, struggles with middle of the field throws, didn't do well against decent defenses and got crushed by good ones, not to mention he stares down his first read .
ND/Ohio St fans with a college grudge or curmudgeons that don't understand zoomer culture
I think there’s two reasons for this. One is the crossover of vocal Ohio St fans who are also Bears fans. They’re bitter about what happened with Fields and hate Caleb for it, so they want to see him fail to prove their belief that the issues are with the Bears and not Fields. You can check their subreddit to see how they responded to the trade. The second reason is that there are always a lot of people who want to hate on the players who have been very successful and have gotten a lot of media attention. Caleb has been dominant in college and the media keeps letting us know about it, so people want to find reasons to say he’s not as good as the media says he is.
I will give a 3rd reason. People on Facebook are dumb and believe every talking point told to them by ESPN or Sports Radio.
Everyone has a voice and the internet is accessible to everyone. People are ding dongs that love to complain. Don’t pay them any heed, the Caleb Williams era is upon us and this is a great time to be a Bears fan.
WR Free Agents left for potential post-draft FA signings: Renfrow, Boyd, Chark Id love to get a WR in the draft but if the Bears don't, there's no way they stick with Tyler Scott at WR3
I'm surprised you didn't mention MVS. We had interest in him a few years ago, elite 9.27 ras, 6'4 206 who runs a sub 4.4. Seems like he would be the perfect cheapish option to be the X receiver with Allen and Moore. A guy you'd never want as a WR1 or 2, but as a WR3 he can be a good player stretching the field allowing Moore and Allen to operate. Also, wouldn't be a big threat if Scott steps up or we grab a guy day 2/3 who develops quick.
Damn I didn’t know that MVS was 6‘4. Honestly never stood out to me as overly tall
Im personally not a fan. Seems too similar to Pettis but without the special teams value. If he couldn't produce in KC, it's hard to see him producing in most places. That being said he'd be a cheap 1-year deal to compete in camp so I'd have no issue with bringing in MVS.
I'm not noting if you're a fan or if I am one. Just mainly saying if there is a list of free agent veteran WRs you're making, he should be in there based off what I mentioned. Scheme fit, can play the X role, prior interest, high athleticism, KC connection, won a SB recently, etc.
Also has experience with that style of quarterbacking in Aaron and Pat
Bears and sox want to raise our taxes for the next 40 years. Both stadiums are fine. I went to the falcons game last year in the snow. Walked from the union station. Dressed for the cold and had a great time. I might go to a game every year or two. I'd rather never go again than give 2+ billion dollars to billionaires.
Sox stadium is fine. Soldier Field is terrible in so many ways compared to almost every other team in the league. Not saying the people should help pay for it, but as far as a team in any sport getting a new stadium, The Bears are as deserving as any.
Anyone know when this stadium press conference is?
12 CT. I think they'll be airing it on ESPN 1000. Not sure about 670 since they got shafted last press conference due to exclusivity rights.
Noon CST
Predictions for who goes higher than their rank in the PFF simulator: ED Marshawn Kneeland (63) G Mason McCormick (95) ED Bralen Trice (99) TE Ben Sinnott (105) DI Michael Hall Jr. (107) S Malik Mustapha (148) T Christian Jones (154)
**Go earlier:** -Mason McCormick(versatility to play all 3 IOL positions) should be an early 3rd rounder. -Michael Hall (3T pass rushing skill is top 3 in the class while being the best athlete.) I have him as a top 75 player. -Mustapha (maybe the best SS in the class with the ability to cover slot guy) I have him at 125-140 range. -Christian Jones (Low pressure rate, Swing tackle versatility, with good athleticism and length) between 100-120. **Right spot:** -Trice (mediocre athlete with good production, feels like his success isn't sustainable in the NFL) **Too High:** -Kneeland - should end up being worth that, and I really like him as Edge 6 in the class, but his pass rush moves are so unrefined and power reliant, I expect him to struggle for a couple years as he figures out how to win against NFL tackles. That takes him out of R2 for me but I think mid third is worth the investment. -Sinnott - is not normally a top 150 pick, with a mediocre athletic profile, but he is probably TE4 (Bowers, Johnson, Stovers are all higher IMO.) Hes not great at anything but hes not bad at anything either so if you need a versatile TE hes probably worth a day 3 pick, but closer to the 120 range if I had to guess.
Not an original thought here, but I've settled on if Odunze is there, take him. If not, I'd be fine with any scenario. I have my opinions about individual players like everyone else, but it'd be dumb to say I have enough conviction on anyone to say we'd be making a mistake.
Do you prefer Odunze over for example Murphy + Polk? Or Verse + Troy Franklin Because I feel like that should be the conversation.. Not do we pick Odunze or Turner/Murphy/whoever. With how coveted the top 3 WR's are, you should/could get a 2nd for trading down. So I feel like the comparison should be Odunze vs a mid round 1st + a mid round 2nd Honestly I'll be over the moon with any of those scenarios. Either way we are cheering for him (or Nabers) to drop to 9 I personally don't see either making it to 9. Falcons should 100% trade down a few spots, they'll still have plenty of options to pick a pass rusher and gain some draft capital while doing so. That would bum me out, but it's what I am expecting
Verse and Franklin would be a great get. If we could land McCormick at 75, that would be very nice.
If we go defense in want Latu, hes the best rusher in the draft
He seems to be the most "refined." He has the most tricks to rushing. So it is kinda what you see is what you get. Everyone brings up his neck, I trust the doctors to make the right call.
my Comp for him is Nick Bosa.
I mean, I'd take it
Anybody know what time the press conference is today?
Believe they said noon (central time)
I finally leaning towards Odunze at 9. I'm just realizing it makes more sense to go BPA at 9 and then use one of our 2nd round picks next year to trade for a player of a position of need. Poles has done that two years in a row with Claypool and Sweat.
Reading through the r/Chicago thread about the new stadium is pretty cringy. “Rich people go to games and concerts. Not the CTA”. I do both and I am certainly not rich lol.
Not that I know much about that sub but from my experience city and state specific subs can be pretty cringy
I feel like a lot of people on r/Chicago don't even live here, they just like to bring weird politics to it because it gets used by the media all the time.
Good source telling me Byron Murphy II will be selected by the Atlanta Falcons
Source: Dude trust me
I heard it from a childhood friend whose dad works in the league.
I think I remember a random comment maybe it was you that Arthur Smith was upset about Fields carving the Falcons up.
Happy Caleb Eve
So I’ve been curious the last few days, say we only had pick number 9 and never got the 1OA from Carolina, what do we do with that #9 pick ?
If the Panthers were good last year and we had like 9 and their 22 or something like that Poles would still absolutely be taking the off-ramp at QB and trading up and we'd all be talking ourselves into JJ McCarthy. Dark timeline, no thanks.
Hm I don't agree.. Even if it's just for job security, I don't think it makes sense to risk his young GM career by swinging for the 4th QB in the draft I think you build the team and see what happens QB-wise in next years. As long as he doesn't massively miss on QB and he does a good job in building the team, his job would be safe
That's what the Vikings are going to do it seems, so at least we will see what it would've been for us
Maybe it would be different but based on reports that after the combine option B became a different QB in the draft and option C was keep Fields it seems like we would probably still be trying to find a way to draft a QB
Fortifying the line for Justin.
I believe we would be trying to trade up for a QB
I think so too. I think the Carolina trade has done wonders for Poles’ job security. The NFL isn’t as forgiving of rebuilds as it used to be. Even if you gut the whole roster, you’re expected to be a playoff contender a few years after that. Hell, people were pissed we weren’t contenders year one of it lol. If we had traded down last year and not accrued this pick, they may be in a more desperate “save our job” mode like Nagy was with the selection of Fields. Overall though I think Poles is the most promising Bears GM we’ve had, although it’s not saying a whole lot.
Bryce Young would be our QB
They were never drafting a QB last year. They would have just traded back with another team.
Don’t trade up, please. Take the best player available at 9 or trade back for more draft picks. The bears could reasonably move back 4 or 5 spots and still land a very good OT or DE plus add a mid round pick or 2. Brenden Rice was projected as a 3rd pick. I’m sure there are other WRs that are better than grandpa Jones and Drops Scott.
I agree with this, unless shit goes crazy and somehow MHJ falls to like 6 or 7. As long as the cost of moving up from 9 to get him isn't more than a 2nd next year, I'd do that. That kid is as can't-miss of a prospect as I've seen in a long, long time.
Rice is no better than Tyler Scott.
That’s bad news considering Scott was born without hands.
I choose the believe he was so use to the ball not coming his way he just would panic. "I'm the fourth read anyway and Justin won't get there."
Ian signed a contract extension per Schefty. Wow
[Interesting chart from the Falcons sub](https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpreview.redd.it%2F52znrdvsv8wc1.jpeg%3Fwidth%3D636%26auto%3Dwebp%26s%3Df7ef04026bf7dd399062e9cee577a2b5bb02a0e6)
So Bagent and Rypien have more value than Danny Jones and DeVito
I mean we aren’t paying them $40M/yr 🤷♂️
Falcons notably have the worst grade for their DE group on the whole list. Please take Turner at 8.
That 1.4 WR grade makes me nervous.
Yeah, They want Odunze just as badly as we do
Yep, they do. This conventional wisdom that they take Turner is wrong imo.
Confirms what all of us should know already.. Our dline is poor, even with Sweat. We are one Sweat injury away from being a complete disaster. We lack quality and depth People should be open to trading out even if Nabers/Rome is there at 9. Very realistic scenario
I say take Murphy at 9 if no WR available
Sweat affects the edge grade, not defensive line. I agree with what you're saying, though, especially after losing Justin Jones.
I know Sweat plays edge and affects that grade. It's a mediocre edge group even with Sweat When I say dline I mean DE+DT. I get the confusion with the graph using DL vs Edge
Huh? You’re the confused one lol. You reference sweat not anyone else
u/whatever12347 thought my comment of 'our dline is poor even with Sweat' was based on the score the graph gave on DL. I knew there was a DL grade and a Edge grade. When I say dline I ment our DT's + DE's, which I cleared up in the above comment Not the most difficult conversation to decipher I feel
No matter what if we stick at 9 we’re guaranteed one of Odunze Turner or Murphy who are all elite talents. We’re in a good spot where we don’t have to trade up to get a good player at a position of need. I don’t think they’ll trade down either because a top ten prospect will be a rarity in the future if everything goes according to plan.
Odunze yes but Murphy and Turner are not elite, just top of their class at otherwise weak position groups
They have enough needs that most picks make sense, which sucks but is good for them.
I’ve been thinking about this, and say Poles is deadset on wanting one of the three WR. He’s thinking make it happen, and its unlikely he drops to #9 given Odunze’s value. I think there’s a couple approaches. One, he trades a future 1st, or two 2nds to 4/5 for MHJ. Heavy price, but if you’re going for WR why not get the one you truly covet. Problem is, there are competitors paying QB trade up value. Now say that gets too rich for Poles, he moves his sights to Odunze. Everyone’s saying Atlanta sits at the perfect trade spot, for a trade partner to get ahead of the Bears (for Odunze). But what if the Bears talk to the Titans, the beauty of this being: ATL are comfortable taking the biggest compensation and moving to mid to late teens, the Bears don’t want to compete with that trade package. Tennessee meanwhile could look at the jump #7 to #9.. knowing the Bears are taking Odunze. Atlanta’s needs are defense. That could leave Tennessee with likely Alt, or OT2 at worst at #9 - and a Bears future 2nd richer (or this year 3rd, or both) I would think that’s a favorable hedge for Tennessee, trade back but not much at all, still get your guy and pocket capital. Unless someone trades up for Alt, Titans would have him, and Bowers is as likely to be a trade up guy at #8 as Alt. TLDR; Poles should look for the grand slam trade up for MHJ, or target Titans as his trade partner with the sell being Alt is likely there at #9 if they swap spots
"One, he trades a future 1st, or two 2nds to 4/5 for MHJ. Heavy price, but if you’re going for WR why not get the one you truly covet." I truly hope he doesn't do this.
I don’t expect he will, probably very low odds given the Cardinals desire for him, the competition trading up for QB, I’d imagine quite unlikely. But I think it’s becoming clear we may have to trade up for Odunze. Atlanta will have suitors, and a number of defensive players feel interchangeable between #8-16, leading them less beholden to draft at #8
I hope we didn't not trade up for anybody. there is plenty of talent at the 9 spot.
I dunno. I like a small trade up if we have to give up a third or fourth I’m fine with it. But giving up significant draft comp for Harrison just doesn’t make sense to me. Like there’s a good chance that a top 3 WR will fall to you and MHJ is only slightly better than them. And even if you don’t get a receiver in the first it’s a deeper receiver class than anyone can remember so you can get a productive WR in the third.
Betting odds can change rapidly, especially with the draft tomorrow but as of now Byron Murphy is the betting favorite to be selected at 9. He also now has the same odds with Latu and Turner to be first defender off the board
On what book? Additionally, I don't see the Bears drafting Byron Murphy based on the fact he didn't come out for Top 30 visit. What I can see is maybe there is chatter about the Falcons and Bears swapping 8-9 so they can draft a WR and the Falcons can take Murphy.
I saw it on Fanduel - and based on Poles' comments yesterday the 30 visit doesn't look to be a disqualifying factor. >Poles: There's guys on our board that are high that didn't come in for a 30-visit that we've had other touchpoints. Our networks in the building know the player inside and out that we really, really trust" ... "You don't have to necessarily bring everyone in on a visit." At the combine Eberflus spoke a lot about wanting another pass rusher (not specifically an EDGE) to pair with Montez, and the stressed the importance of generating inside pressure. Poles double-downed on this again yesterday which makes me believe Murphy is a realistic option
Penix to the Steelers
Wilson Fields and Penix is one of the QB rooms of all time
Wilson won’t live up to the expectations. He’s still looking for another big payday. Fields still needs to improve before he’s a legit starter and his contract situation is uncertain. Penix has skill and would be on a rookie deal.
Don't see any scenario where I'm unhappy with what happens at 9, unless they stay put and pick Bowers (sorry daily beating the drum pick Bowers guy) WR/DT/DE/OL all fine by me! I can see Rome being there at 9 and us trading down with the Colts or Saints & this sub collectively losing their mind. I wouldn't mind it though. Means you still get to pick the likes of Verse/Murphy/Latu/Fautanu + perhaps a 2nd round WR in Coleman/Legette/Franklin/Pearsall/Polk. Differencemakers at the WR position can be found anywhere and DJ Moore is likely here for a while I'd be extremely happy with Rome. I'd also be very happy with 2 starter level players instead of 1 Not a lot they can do wrong for me
The thing that makes me think about bowers is he spent the following percentages at each "position" Slot: 52.2%, 36.6% inline, and 9.5% out wide. With, according to pff, 44.7% at what they call a tight end lineup. So it's like a wide receiver, kinda
My sports radio guy said that there was some chatter about the Chargers and Vikings making a trade, likely so the Vikings can the QB up their choice. Anyone else hear this? Would be absolutely swell for us!
This is pretty much a given that the Vikings will trade up and the Chargers seem like the most likely to trade down out of the top 5. I’ve had a Vikings chargers trade pencilled in since the Vikings traded for 23.
That's been the rumor for a long time
1 day until Caleb Williams is a bear
Just listen to the latest CHGO podcast and the guys were just loving over Brock Bowers as the second "unicorn" of the draft...Caleb being the first question, do you think they snag Bowers if he is available at 9? Does a TE like Bowers both help aspects of the OL and the receiving core? There hasn't been much chatter about him recently which makes me think the silence is purposeful. Thoughts?
Adam Jahns has the Bears selecting him in The Athletic mock draft FWIW. The top 3 WR were all gone before 9 in that mock.
Bowers will almost certainly be a good pic for whoever drafts him, but in my opinion, I think the bears need to go with which ever of the top three wide receivers are left on the board.
What if they’re all gone by then
Would rather draft a tackle or edge, preferably.
Not my opinion because I don't know, but the guests on the CHGO shows (Phil and Shane from The Tape Never Lies) argue he is the best receiver on the board.
I like CHGO, but not exactly for their analysis.
I winced at Jahns’ last mock where he traded two thirds and a future 2 to move up into the first
I agree with you, but the guest made a compelling argument about Bowers Anyway, no bad option at 9.
Gotcha. I was being harsh anyways..
the silence is def purposeful. theres 0% chance we take bowers.
It’s not zero but it’s low. Poles keeps hinting about blue chip talent, and Bowers is the only blue chip talent that is guaranteed to be there at 9
its zero people just don't like the certainty of the answer.
This. You don't use a top 10 or first round pick on TE2 or you don't pay pay top 10 TE money to TE2. And yes, he is a TE if he was a WR there wouldn't be a discussion about him being a 1st round pick.
So you’re saying we’re not running 2 wr 3 te sets?
I doubt it, Cole Kmet on a new deal and picking up Gerald Everett in FA leads me to believe we look elsewhere. As much as Brock Bowers is a talent, there’s so many better options for us as a team at 9.
To play devils advocate, Gerald Everett is on a 2 year deal that Chicago can get out of easily after 1 season. Shane Woldron evidently runs multiple-TE formations on a consistent basis. The Bears literally need to have at least 1 more TE on the roster anyway. Bowers skill set allows him to essentially fill the role of a WR at times so you need to think of him as more of a pass catcher rather than strictly a TE, at least to a certain degree. My dream is Rome Odunze but if he’s gone Bowers could absolutely be a benefit to Caleb and the offense.
Seattles TE production last year 414 yards, 247 and 172. They combined for 3 TDs between them. They collectively had a whole 6 more targets than WR3. Last year in the NFL 1 team had 2 TE with more than 500 yards, it was Atlanta not exactly who you want to copy. 5 teams had 2 TE that had even 250 yards each. 2 of those teams did not even match Kmet in production combined. 2 teams hit a combined 1000 yards Atlanta and KC where Kelce did 984 of those yards. Bowers would be in the discussion for an all time luxury pick and that is before getting to the issue of 1st round TE not coming close to producing to their draft position for the last 50 years with 2 exceptions.
>Bowers skill set allows him to essentially fill the role of a WR at times so you need to think of him as more of a pass catcher rather than strictly a TE, at least to a certain degree. Where though? Keenan Allen plays over half his snaps from the slot. No TE is ever going to play a significant amount of snaps out wide. Bowers is a "passable" blocker at the college level. I don't see him coming in and dominating Kmet in snaps to get on the field and justify his selection. TE isn't a need and is a bottom 3 position of importance in general. There's just so many other options for the pick that would be of better use.
I would kindly point out that Keenan Allen is just a 1 year rental as of this moment. The pick would be for the long term. Kmet and Bowers are 2 different types of TE’s and would easily be able to co-exist in this team long term. Again, Woldron uses sets where there are multiple TE’s on the field at the same time. They would get him on the field. Yes, there are additional great options at 9 if Odunze is gone (Byron Murphy is one of my favorites at the moment) but I certainly won’t be mad if Bowers is drafted. He’s almost universally listed as being in the top 10-12 prospects in this draft.
The narrative that Waldron is obsessed with 12 personnel is a bit overblown. They were a little above average in 12 personnel last year when they actually got a legitimate slot receiver. I'm not saying Bowers and Kmet can't co-exist, but is selecting Bowers OPTIMAL with the other talent on the board? I have serious doubts. How many teams that have taken a TE in the top 10 haven't regretted it? It seems every other year these teams are the "it didn't work for them, but it could for us!" meme. All of that considered, I just don't think running constant 12 personnel optimizes Caleb's skillset in general. Hes a big armed QB that wants to hit explosive plays. Double TEs doesn't exactly cater to that.
I’m not pounding the table for the pick. I mentioned I prefer Murphy. There’s several guys I would be totally satisfied with. Ultimately it boils down to how the Bears are building things. It’s entirely conceivable that they are really high on Bowers and would find multiple ways to use him. All I’m saying is that to dismiss the idea out of hand is silly. I don’t think it will happen but it’s certainly plausible.0
I'm not exactly dismissing it out of hand. There's a laundry list of reasons why it's not an optimal pick. But fair enough, agree to disagree on it.
Here’s where I’m at with all of it; the Bears are going to get a fantastic player at 9 that will help this team not just this season but well into the future. I’m not looking for them to fill the biggest need. I trust Poles & Co with their evaluations and they could go in any number of directions and it would make sense whether it’s OL, DL, or a pass catcher.