Bears 10.0: GM and coach watch before the draft

[molepharmer]

Poles presser this morning. Ben Johnson scheduled at noon for his presser.

Watch on YouTube

[Almost Retired]

Poles presser this morning. Ben Johnson scheduled at noon for his presser.

Watch on YouTube

Sounds like Ben Johnson is going to have a lot of input into personnel. Looking at the way the Lions were constructed you have to think he likes big O Linemen who are especially effective in the run game. He's an establish the run first kind of offensive coach. Then he uses a lot of play action off of that. He's going to want some big O-Linemen. He's going to want a bruising RB to run between the tackles. He's going to want another TE threat. There are some big dudes for the O-Line in this Draft. And it's also deep in running backs. And a decent TE can probably be had in the 5th round.

[biggestbullsfan]

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[Dresden]

Poles presser this morning. Ben Johnson scheduled at noon for his presser.

Watch on YouTube

Sounds like Ben Johnson is going to have a lot of input into personnel. Looking at the way the Lions were constructed you have to think he likes big O Linemen who are especially effective in the run game. He's an establish the run first kind of offensive coach. Then he uses a lot of play action off of that. He's going to want some big O-Linemen. He's going to want a bruising RB to run between the tackles. He's going to want another TE threat. There are some big dudes for the O-Line in this Draft. And it's also deep in running backs. And a decent TE can probably be had in the 5th round.

I think most of the best teams have an offense that relies fairly heavily on the run game. I know the 49'ers do, the Chiefs used to, PHI obviously does, the Patriots always seemed to be able to run the ball pretty effectively. You don't want to be a team that passes the ball 40+ times per game, ideally.

I wonder what Ben Johnson will think of Roschon. The Bears really built him up like he was going to be a key part of the offense when they drafted him. Maybe Ben can unlock something with him.

I liked that RB that got hurt in preseason, too- he looked sort of like Isiah Pacheco- big and fast and explosive. Maybe he'll get another look.

[Dresden]

I would really like an impact DT, either through the draft or FA. Getting that inside pressure really helps the LBs and edges.

It hurts that we used some key draft capital on DT's a few years ago, and neither of them look like impactful players.

[Almost Retired]

I would really like an impact DT, either through the draft or FA. Getting that inside pressure really helps the LBs and edges.

It hurts that we used some key draft capital on DT's a few years ago, and neither of them look like impactful players.

Gervon Dexter is serviceable. If we got consistent pressure from both EDGE rushers it would free up the interior a little bit more. Pickens has been a big disappointment. If he doesn't show more in training cap he won't be on the team much longer. There is also the possibility that both could improve with better coaching. The draft is pretty deep in Defensive linemen. Maybe Poles can get us some help there.

[El Ridda]

I would really like an impact DT, either through the draft or FA. Getting that inside pressure really helps the LBs and edges.

It hurts that we used some key draft capital on DT's a few years ago, and neither of them look like impactful players.

Gervon Dexter is serviceable. If we got consistent pressure from both EDGE rushers it would free up the interior a little bit more. Pickens has been a big disappointment. If he doesn't show more in training cap he won't be on the team much longer. There is also the possibility that both could improve with better coaching. The draft is pretty deep in Defensive linemen. Maybe Poles can get us some help there.

I think Dexter is really promising. One of the few players that stood out when watching the bears last year and still young / learning.

[jnrjr79]

I would really like an impact DT, either through the draft or FA. Getting that inside pressure really helps the LBs and edges.

It hurts that we used some key draft capital on DT's a few years ago, and neither of them look like impactful players.

Gervon Dexter is serviceable. If we got consistent pressure from both EDGE rushers it would free up the interior a little bit more. Pickens has been a big disappointment. If he doesn't show more in training cap he won't be on the team much longer. There is also the possibility that both could improve with better coaching. The draft is pretty deep in Defensive linemen. Maybe Poles can get us some help there.

Is Billings expected back? The difference when he was out last year was night and day.

[molepharmer]

Poles presser this morning. Ben Johnson scheduled at noon for his presser.

Sounds like Ben Johnson is going to have a lot of input into personnel. Looking at the way the Lions were constructed you have to think he likes big O Linemen who are especially effective in the run game. He's an establish the run first kind of offensive coach. Then he uses a lot of play action off of that. He's going to want some big O-Linemen. He's going to want a bruising RB to run between the tackles. He's going to want another TE threat. There are some big dudes for the O-Line in this Draft. And it's also deep in running backs. And a decent TE can probably be had in the 5th round.

I think most of the best teams have an offense that relies fairly heavily on the run game. I know the 49'ers do, the Chiefs used to, PHI obviously does, the Patriots always seemed to be able to run the ball pretty effectively. You don't want to be a team that passes the ball 40+ times per game, ideally.

I wonder what Ben Johnson will think of Roschon. The Bears really built him up like he was going to be a key part of the offense when they drafted him. Maybe Ben can unlock something with him.

I liked that RB that got hurt in preseason, too- he looked sort of like Isiah Pacheco- big and fast and explosive. Maybe he'll get another look.

Johnson was fortunate enough to become OC at Detroit after the Lions already had Sewell, Ragnow and Decker. So his O-line was pretty well set. They then went out and signed Zeitler ($6 mil per) after his PB season and added Glasnow ($6.7 mil per). Bears have a ton of work to do to approach anything close to that. And since they didn't have to use draft capital to build that line, it allowed the Lions to draft Gibbs.
From Ben's presser, it sounded like Bears staff has gone through everybody on the roster and every position to find what type of players they want/need; impact players. He also noted that you don't have to have a great running attack for play-action stuff to work.
The RB who got hurt in preseason was Ian Wheeler and he is signed for the upcoming season. Roschon simply doesn't seem to be able to stay healthy.

[fleet]

those EDGE contract projections make a DE @ 10 look a lot more appealing

edit: actually after a lil more research, i don't know where those numbers are pulled from (they're generally close to the "market value" estimations on the spotrac website, but not a 1:1 match), and it looks like spotrac's projections are pretty spotty on a case-to-case basis anyway in terms of matching up to real life contracts. i would not put a ton of stock into those figures (even if a couple of them feel right)

Cutting Walker would seem to indicate that that's what the Bears will do at 10. There's a good chance Mykal Williams will be available there. And if not, trade back.

I think it’s more likely saying we sign one or get one deeper in the draft. Dennis Allen will probably want to bring in his guys. Chase Young etc. This draft is heavy on edge, RB, DT deeper in the draft. Unless someone falls, i see us going OL at 10. Gotta start investing in the trenches asap. Especially with Ben’s offense

Once the top O-lineman is off the board, the top value trench players will likely be on defense. If we draft for perceived greater need at 10, that’s the road to football hell. My feeling is that the Bears will set themselves up in free agency to go BPA if they’re a smarter regime all of the sudden.

[ThisGuyFawkes]

I was looking at different mock drafts and most seem to have us taking Banks Jr. from Texas. I actually wouldn't be surprised if we take Membou from Mizzou though. Incredible strength and agility for his size (6'3", 330 lb). The downside seems to be that he doesn't have ideal arm length to play tackle and he's never played guard before.

He's an absolute mauler in the run game and has shown improvement in pass protection each of his college seasons. He just seems like a guy with a high RAS score and the type of player that Poles seems to like.

[patryk7754]

Poles presser this morning. Ben Johnson scheduled at noon for his presser.

Watch on YouTube

Even though it would be my preference to sign a high dollar LT in FA or draft a new LT in the 1st or 2nd, I've always had a feeling Poles wasn't ready to move on from Jones and would want to bring in someone to compete. His statement in the video kind of confirmed that for me.

If we do bring in someone to compete with him, I prefer it to be a vet. Two actually. Dan Skipper and Jaylon Moore. They were both backups for their respective teams but came in and played well when the starting LTs went down with injury. I think Moore might be better than Skipper but Skipper has the experience with Johnson. Either way, I think they can both excel as a starter and/or backup. So even if Jones wins the job, you have two great backups at both OT positions. I think this is important because I think Kiran isn't ready to play at an NFL level - even as a backup. If Jones loses the job, I would be in favor of trading him. I think he would have almost no value to us a back up. We'd be set with our OT depth and we would still be able to get a decent return for him. An average to above average starting LT making pennies is very attractive. Especially to contending teams with extremely tight budgets. Someone like the chiefs or ravens would be all over it, I think.

Another option would be drafting the future LT and let Jones get a shot at being the starter one last time. I don't think this is the worst strategy because most of the time, I'm in favor of having offensive linemen start on the bench and adjust to the NFL. But, if a hypothetical 1st to 2nd round pick beats Jones out, that probably means they're ready for the NFL. In this case, I would be in favor of keeping Jones. The Rookie might beat jones out in camp, but could really struggle once the season starts, so it would be nice to have jones as a backup plan. I would also still like to sign one of Skipper or Moore, keeping Kiran out of the rotation.

Long story short, if the plan is to give Jones a chance to compete, I would prefer to bring in Moore and Skipper at about 3m a piece and let things play out. If one of those guys is our weakest link on the OL, then we will be in good shape.

LT: Jones, SKipper, or Moore
LG: Zeitler, Tyler Booker, or Donovan Jackson
C: Dalman
RG: Trey Smith or Will Fries
RT: Wright


Any combo of those players, I think we could see the best blocking since thomas jones was the starting RB

[Dresden]

Sounds like Ben Johnson is going to have a lot of input into personnel. Looking at the way the Lions were constructed you have to think he likes big O Linemen who are especially effective in the run game. He's an establish the run first kind of offensive coach. Then he uses a lot of play action off of that. He's going to want some big O-Linemen. He's going to want a bruising RB to run between the tackles. He's going to want another TE threat. There are some big dudes for the O-Line in this Draft. And it's also deep in running backs. And a decent TE can probably be had in the 5th round.

I think most of the best teams have an offense that relies fairly heavily on the run game. I know the 49'ers do, the Chiefs used to, PHI obviously does, the Patriots always seemed to be able to run the ball pretty effectively. You don't want to be a team that passes the ball 40+ times per game, ideally.

I wonder what Ben Johnson will think of Roschon. The Bears really built him up like he was going to be a key part of the offense when they drafted him. Maybe Ben can unlock something with him.

I liked that RB that got hurt in preseason, too- he looked sort of like Isiah Pacheco- big and fast and explosive. Maybe he'll get another look.

Johnson was fortunate enough to become OC at Detroit after the Lions already had Sewell, Ragnow and Decker. So his O-line was pretty well set. They then went out and signed Zeitler ($6 mil per) after his PB season and added Glasnow ($6.7 mil per). Bears have a ton of work to do to approach anything close to that. And since they didn't have to use draft capital to build that line, it allowed the Lions to draft Gibbs.
From Ben's presser, it sounded like Bears staff has gone through everybody on the roster and every position to find what type of players they want/need; impact players. He also noted that you don't have to have a great running attack for play-action stuff to work.
The RB who got hurt in preseason was Ian Wheeler and he is signed for the upcoming season. Roschon simply doesn't seem to be able to stay healthy.

Roschon likes to just run into people. Same with Brisker. They're both physical players, but unfortunately that leads to concussions.

Yes, Ian Wheeler, thank you. I think he has potential to be a RB1 or 2. Although it was only preseason that he looked so good in.

We had several TE"s in preseason last year that looked good as well- Sweeney, who probably signed elsewhere, Karlson, who also may have, and a rookie named Bates I think, who I believe signed with MIN. I think we can find one late in the draft, or pick up one cheap in FA. No need to spend big for that.

[ThisGuyFawkes]

Poles presser this morning. Ben Johnson scheduled at noon for his presser.

Watch on YouTube

Even though it would be my preference to sign a high dollar LT in FA or draft a new LT in the 1st or 2nd, I've always had a feeling Poles wasn't ready to move on from Jones and would want to bring in someone to compete. His statement in the video kind of confirmed that for me.

If we do bring in someone to compete with him, I prefer it to be a vet. Two actually. Dan Skipper and Jaylon Moore. They were both backups for their respective teams but came in and played well when the starting LTs went down with injury. I think Moore might be better than Skipper but Skipper has the experience with Johnson. Either way, I think they can both excel as a starter and/or backup. So even if Jones wins the job, you have two great backups at both OT positions. I think this is important because I think Kiran isn't ready to play at an NFL level - even as a backup. If Jones loses the job, I would be in favor of trading him. I think he would have almost no value to us a back up. We'd be set with our OT depth and we would still be able to get a decent return for him. An average to above average starting LT making pennies is very attractive. Especially to contending teams with extremely tight budgets. Someone like the chiefs or ravens would be all over it, I think.

Another option would be drafting the future LT and let Jones get a shot at being the starter one last time. I don't think this is the worst strategy because most of the time, I'm in favor of having offensive linemen start on the bench and adjust to the NFL. But, if a hypothetical 1st to 2nd round pick beats Jones out, that probably means they're ready for the NFL. In this case, I would be in favor of keeping Jones. The Rookie might beat jones out in camp, but could really struggle once the season starts, so it would be nice to have jones as a backup plan. I would also still like to sign one of Skipper or Moore, keeping Kiran out of the rotation.

Long story short, if the plan is to give Jones a chance to compete, I would prefer to bring in Moore and Skipper at about 3m a piece and let things play out. If one of those guys is our weakest link on the OL, then we will be in good shape.

LT: Jones, SKipper, or Moore
LG: Zeitler, Tyler Booker, or Donovan Jackson
C: Dalman
RG: Trey Smith or Will Fries
RT: Wright


Any combo of those players, I think we could see the best blocking since thomas jones was the starting RB

If we drafted a LT, I'd wonder if Jones could bump inside to LG. He'd be a huge guard (6'5", 310), but that seems to be what BJ prefers. And that would solve 2 problems with 1 draft pick.

Guys like Banks and Membou are tackles that might be better as guards in the NFL. Just draft one of them and try them out in different spots to get the best result. Jones/Membou/Dalman/Jenkins/Wright could be a really solid OL with maulers in the run game. They wouldn't be have to be the best pass protectors if we can establish the run and then use play action off of it.

[ThisGuyFawkes]

Just some Membou love because I've been talking about him.

Watch on YouTube

[molepharmer]

Likely to be a lot of tweets coming out today and tomorrow with tidbits of info. Bears have a formal interview set up with Jeanty and ...

Read on Twitter

[patryk7754]

Poles presser this morning. Ben Johnson scheduled at noon for his presser.

Watch on YouTube

Even though it would be my preference to sign a high dollar LT in FA or draft a new LT in the 1st or 2nd, I've always had a feeling Poles wasn't ready to move on from Jones and would want to bring in someone to compete. His statement in the video kind of confirmed that for me.

If we do bring in someone to compete with him, I prefer it to be a vet. Two actually. Dan Skipper and Jaylon Moore. They were both backups for their respective teams but came in and played well when the starting LTs went down with injury. I think Moore might be better than Skipper but Skipper has the experience with Johnson. Either way, I think they can both excel as a starter and/or backup. So even if Jones wins the job, you have two great backups at both OT positions. I think this is important because I think Kiran isn't ready to play at an NFL level - even as a backup. If Jones loses the job, I would be in favor of trading him. I think he would have almost no value to us a back up. We'd be set with our OT depth and we would still be able to get a decent return for him. An average to above average starting LT making pennies is very attractive. Especially to contending teams with extremely tight budgets. Someone like the chiefs or ravens would be all over it, I think.

Another option would be drafting the future LT and let Jones get a shot at being the starter one last time. I don't think this is the worst strategy because most of the time, I'm in favor of having offensive linemen start on the bench and adjust to the NFL. But, if a hypothetical 1st to 2nd round pick beats Jones out, that probably means they're ready for the NFL. In this case, I would be in favor of keeping Jones. The Rookie might beat jones out in camp, but could really struggle once the season starts, so it would be nice to have jones as a backup plan. I would also still like to sign one of Skipper or Moore, keeping Kiran out of the rotation.

Long story short, if the plan is to give Jones a chance to compete, I would prefer to bring in Moore and Skipper at about 3m a piece and let things play out. If one of those guys is our weakest link on the OL, then we will be in good shape.

LT: Jones, SKipper, or Moore
LG: Zeitler, Tyler Booker, or Donovan Jackson
C: Dalman
RG: Trey Smith or Will Fries
RT: Wright


Any combo of those players, I think we could see the best blocking since thomas jones was the starting RB

If we drafted a LT, I'd wonder if Jones could bump inside to LG. He'd be a huge guard (6'5", 310), but that seems to be what BJ prefers. And that would solve 2 problems with 1 draft pick.

Guys like Banks and Membou are tackles that might be better as guards in the NFL. Just draft one of them and try them out in different spots to get the best result. Jones/Membou/Dalman/Jenkins/Wright could be a really solid OL with maulers in the run game. They wouldn't be have to be the best pass protectors if we can establish the run and then use play action off of it.

I don't think Jones will be successful as a OG. He struggles with power and that's all he's going to face on the inside.

I do like Membou and think he has the ability to move inside successfully. He'd be great value in the 2nd round. The one thing about him or any other OL (other than Tyler Booker) is that I wouldn't want them to be starters right from the jump. I think the vast majority of offensive linemen need to be given time to develop to NFL level play. If (when) we do add a rookie lineman, I'd like to see them serve as our backup to a "bridge" vet. Unless its booker. I think he can translate to the NFL at a high level right away.

[Dresden]

It hurts that we used some key draft capital on DT's a few years ago, and neither of them look like impactful players.

Gervon Dexter is serviceable. If we got consistent pressure from both EDGE rushers it would free up the interior a little bit more. Pickens has been a big disappointment. If he doesn't show more in training cap he won't be on the team much longer. There is also the possibility that both could improve with better coaching. The draft is pretty deep in Defensive linemen. Maybe Poles can get us some help there.

Is Billings expected back? The difference when he was out last year was night and day.

Agreed. I think he was possibly our best def. lineman last year, and can be a key element of the defense this next season.

[patryk7754]

Unsurprisingly, Harold Landry has been granted permission to seek a trade. He was on my list of edge players I would like to see us inquire about. I think the max I would give up fro him is a 3rd (plus a late round pick or two). Someone suggested maybe the Titans would do a swap of Edmunds for Landry. I think that would be excellent. Would probably to have to through in a couple extra late round picks, but that would be ok with me. Landry's contract expires in after the 2026 season and he will be 30. Since we wouldn't be giving anything significant for Landry (I don't consider Edmunds significant. i'd straight up dump him if we could) I don't think I would extend him and instead let him serve as a bridge DE for whoever we draft in the 1st or 2nd. If we plays too well to let him walk, sign him to a new contract or tag him.

Trade Edmunds for Landry would only come with a 2.5m cap hit. I would then replace Edmunds with Alabama's LB.

[Dresden]

Likely to be a lot of tweets coming out today and tomorrow with tidbits of info. Bears have a formal interview set up with Jeanty and ...

Read on Twitter

Right now, he seems like a pretty good outcome for the #10 pick if we keep it. I'd rather get that EDGE we need at 10, then go O line with both second round picks. That allow us to use our FA money on 1-2 interior O lineman, and possibly a DT.