Depth Chart Discussion

[Friend_Of_Haley]

First depth charts released. Lets discuss throughout the preseason

http://www.chicagobears.com/team/depthchart.asp

Nothing real surprising.

Projected 45 man:
QB- Cutler, Hanie
RB- Forte, Taylor, Barber
FB- Eddie Williams
TE- Davis, Spaeth
WR- Hester, Williams, Knox, Bennett, Hurd
T- Webb, Carimi, Omilaye
G- Louis, Williams, Spencer
C- Garza
20

DE- Peppers, Idonije, Wotton
DT- Adams, Melton, Toeaina, Paea, Okoye
LB- Urlacher, Briggs, Roach, Thomas, Iwuh
CB- Tillman, Jennings, Bowman, Graham, DJ Moore
S- Harris, Wright, Steltz, Conte
22

K- Gould
P- Podlesh
LS- Mannelly
3

Next 8 is REALLY up for grabs. Its almost exclusively UDFA and other young guys. So you could really just group the rest all together and the top 16 make either the 53 man or PS. The closest to a guarantee is probably Enderle, but they could even opt to go with two QBs. Taking a stab though:
53 Man- Enderle, Bell, Sanzenbacher, Clark, Asaita, Gholston, Josh Moore, Ryan Jones

We could really use our available cap space on some other veterans for depth. Get a LB and DE.

[heir_jordan22]

Edwin Williams is a lineman. Eddie Williams is a fullback and I doubt we will keep a fullback on the roster, especially the game day roster. Gholston would definitely be on the game roster. I think either Josh Davis or Edwin Williams will make the final 53 man roster over Eddie Williams, the fullback.

[Friend_Of_Haley]

My mistake.

I could see us not taking a fullback, but then I think we will definitely keep a 3rd TE. Remember last year we were carrying 4 TEs on the 53 man and at least 3 on the active roster. So Eddie Williams could be replaced by Clark, but I think between TE/FB you will see 3 on the 45 man and possibly one more on the 53 man. So that spot is up for grabs between the borderline FBs and TEs.

I also agree Edwin Williams or Davis could make the 53 man, but then Asaita wouldn't. And acutally looking back at the depth chart, Asaita was listed as a third stringer, so maybe he has fallen out of favor since last year. Like I said though, with so many of the likely final 8 spots being young guys, whoever misses the final cut has a high probability of being on the practice squad.

[Friend_Of_Haley]

Also Gholston is no lock to be on the gameday roster. So far the few bits from camp haven't exactly left a great impression. He'll need to earn a spot. Melton, even with his added weight should be able to slide outside at times if we only have 3 DEs. 8 DL is probably a realstic number for the 45 man.

One spot in question for me is RB. From a talent standpoint, all 3 RB are guys that are active roster worthy, but none really project as special teamers, and I would think its a necessity to have your 3rd RB be a special teamer. Will be watching that battle closely.
For reference this is what we "averaged" on the active roster last year. This was for 44 guys. We get one extra spot this year.

Code: Select all

DB   9.25
DL   7
LB   5.625
OL   7
QB   2
RB   3
ST   3
TE   3.3125
WR   4.75


[kyrv]

^^ Good thread, the first thing that struck me was when they said they were (in theory) keeping Taylor was that, how do you keep 3 RB's and have them not be on special teams? Taylor is a luxury basically but played poorly enough that he is not a positive. Having him instead of someone who can actually help seems bizarre.

With no FB they start 3 receivers right? Or two TE's?

Side notes: You have Spencer under G (not C) and I think Desmond Clark was resigned as the 3rd TE. Decent TE core imo.

[Friend_Of_Haley]

Well with the FB, it would be used sparily, and as a blocker. Martz has had teams with and without FBs. Like I said, its either a 3rd TE or FB. But in both cases, you could call them a blocker. At least in regard to the 45 man roster. With the 53 man you could keep an additional TE as well. So between the two positions I think it will be one of the following:

TE Active:TE NonActive:FB
3:1:0
3:0:0
2:1:1

I put Spencer at Guard just because I think if he is needed, they will not want to move Garza from C because of continuity. Se he would have to fill in at guard. If there was still open competition on the Line, I'd have listed him at C. Moot point, he's a backup OL for both G and C.

[transplant]

Nothing much strikes me as "funny" on the chart...other than I'm still having a tough time believing that we're going to pay Spencer $3MM as a backup C...this would probably be some sort of all-time overpaying record and the Bears probably don't hold any of these records currently.

I'll speculate that Chester Taylor's contract didn't call for any sort of significant bonus at the start of camp. I can't see Barber and Taylor both making the team. They make too much money and don't play on special teams.

Agree that Gholston's not a lock to make the team. Everything I've heard/read says that he looks great until the action starts...which unfortunately, is exactly what they said about his time with the Jets (looks like Tarzan - plays like Jane).

If the Bears keep a FB, they're really keeping a special team stud.

One way or the other, I sure hope they find another legit backup linebacker.

[kyrv]

I forgot to pay attention - did the Bears start the game with a FB? Or did they go straight to 2 TE's or 3 wide outs?

Also, do they really want to set it up so that Knox and Williams have to take turns playing? Really? Come on now Martzie.

Thanks on Spencer Haley - I wasn't sure if Spencer was a legit G and they love the continuity thing so I agree woudn't surprise me if they put him at G and keep Garza at C, although that seems odd it does seem a Bears thing to do.

Not all sacks were the O-Line's fault I didn't think but they looked in mid-season form.

[BIGGIEsmalls 23]

I forgot to pay attention - did the Bears start the game with a FB? Or did they go straight to 2 TE's or 3 wide outs?

I believe they started with a FB, Kyrv.

I kinda remember them showing Eddie Williams' picture when the announcers were introducing our offense before our first snap. Also, that first play was a Hester reverse for 2 yards. I think the FB is in on that formation.

Which begs the question: How in the hell is our execution still so poor on that play?...Arguably the fastest player in the NFL gets 2 yards on that play 90% of the time.

[Chewie]

Nothing much strikes me as "funny" on the chart...other than I'm still having a tough time believing that we're going to pay Spencer $3MM as a backup C...this would probably be some sort of all-time overpaying record and the Bears probably don't hold any of these records currently.

Unfortunately, I have to report that Frank Omiyale says hi. The deal he signed in 2009 pays him $11.5m over 4 years with playing time escalators that could make the contract worth $14m. Great work, Jerry !!

That being said, I agree that the play of either Louis or C Williams will find Spencer in the starting lineup sooner rather than later. I know Spencer has played some guard in the past - and maybe it was due to a wrist injury? - but I've seen quotes from him stating he firmly sees himself as a center. If Spencer can learn Martz's playbook that would mean Garza sliding back over to OG where he's more comfortable.

[ChronicKerr]

If Louis looks like he did on Saturday for a few more preseason games he'll be coming out and Spencer wil be going in. Whether he comes in at guard or center is TBD.

[Friend_Of_Haley]

If they can make the switch to Spencer in the starting 5 before the 3rd preseason game, I think they would still put him at Center. That way he'd have a few weeks of practice and the longest preseason game to get comfortable with Jay. If it happens week 3 of the regular season I don't think the Bears would go with that unfamiliarity. JMO.

[Icness]

I forgot to pay attention - did the Bears start the game with a FB? Or did they go straight to 2 TE's or 3 wide outs?

I believe they started with a FB, Kyrv.

I kinda remember them showing Eddie Williams' picture when the announcers were introducing our offense before our first snap. Also, that first play was a Hester reverse for 2 yards. I think the FB is in on that formation.

Which begs the question: How in the hell is our execution still so poor on that play?...Arguably the fastest player in the NFL gets 2 yards on that play 90% of the time.

Williams started the game but by my count got 3 snaps, one of which he motioned out.

To answer your question, Hester is chicken bleep to turn the ball up the field. He runs east-west until there is a giant hole. Sometimes it comes, most of the time it doesn't because the Bears have the weakest run-blocking WRs I've ever seen (Roy helps though). They used to run it with Az Hakim in STL and he couldn't ever do much either and he was a forerunner of Hester. Tough play to block, it's easy to read based on Hester cheating inside with his foot stance, and Hester is too tentative. It sounds crazy because he's fearless on returns, but he has earned a rep around the league as a guy who is afraid to get hit when he plays offense.

[TrentF]

I really like our defense and think they'll be the most important part of the team. I don't think our offense will be scoring much, so I think it will be up to our defense to keep the scores low and perhaps even score some off interceptions and fumbles. I think we've got a lot of older veterans for RBs and WRs and sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn't. I guess we'll see.

[NLK]

I reviewed the roster, watched all of last year's games and this pre-season's tune-ups...

Defensively, if Rod Marinelli game plans appropriately for each team on this schedule; THIS SIDE OF THE BALL SHOULD WIN our BEARS at least 3-GAMES. When healthy (as evidenced last year) we have a very solid Defensive-line rotation at the very least, obviously the Linebacking core is a strenght of the D. Where we have some questions is our Defensive backfield (outside of Chris Harris and 75% Peanut Tillman). With some maturing and depending on the teams we face (i.e. QBs), Marinelli's should utilize more Zone Blitz packages (esp. against teams like Minnesota, Detroit, Seattle, Denver, Oakland, and San Diego). We have a ton of speedy CBs, its time for them to chase these QBs into some uncomfortable plays.

On the offensive side of the ball, I think we'll see a bit of a repeat of last season when it comes to the offensive line (Atlanta's front line is going to get after Jay, followed by Detroit, Minnesota, and Tampa Bay). Notice I didn't put GB on there. Its because I believe the team will be ready to face them in the first meeting. The running ought to be the strength of this side of the ball given its depth and speed/toughness. Its the only way to keep Cutler off his backside. Traditional running plays aren't going to work with an inexperienced line. Best bet is to opt with the DRAW or rely on two back sets (Forte & Barber) and have one/both in the flats to open up the game, get the opposing defenses second guessing (or back on their heels). This is where Martz has to be smarter and creative this season when it comes to his play calling when utilizing this group. Obviously, we still don't have that Big Receiver, but we do have two speed guys (Knox is more of a natural route runner than Hester) and one natural receiver (Bennett). I was and still am not a big fan of the Roy Williams signing, given his catches to drop ratio, not to mention is his influence in the locker room. He didn't last in Detroit, nor Dallas...Although, the Sam Hurd signing isn't bad, but it wasn't good either.

Nevertheless,I believe we'll be at 4-3 at the bye week. Overall, I see a 10-6 season at worst, 12-4 best case. Green Bay may finish ahead of us or behind us. I believe its a toss up there.

[kyrv]

They didn't start the FB tonight but said they would probably have one FB on the roster.

Doesn't that seem - stupid? One? No backup? Doesn't sound like they really need one that bad? /shrug

Also, Williams and Knox can't play at the same time? Really? In theory Roy/Knox/Bennet should be the best receivers right? And should play together a lot? Maybe they will in 3 wide sets?

[Chewie]

I wonder if Williams even sticks at this point. Was his 1 year deal guaranteed?

I wouldn't have a problem with Knox, Bennett, Hester, Hurd, Sanzenbacher as the guys.

Of course, I'm hearing MSW is catching everything thrown at him in Rams camp and saw Plax make a highlight reel catch in the Jets last preseason game but we'll overlook that right now.

I totally forgot Roy Williams did that stupid thing where he signals a first down. Ugh. That's not the Bears way. Act like you've been there, loser.

Wasn't happy with the WRs overall last night, though.

-Knox didn't fight for a deep ball which was the knock on him last year.
-Hester dropped two.
-Williams had one bounce of his hands for an INT
-Even Sanzenbacher dropped one

Bennett, on the other hand, continues to catch everything thrown his way. Don't get me wrong - I'm not drafting him on my fantasy team - but he should get on the field more.

[kyrv]

I wonder if Williams even sticks at this point. Was his 1 year deal guaranteed?

I wouldn't have a problem with Knox, Bennett, Hester, Hurd, Sanzenbacher as the guys.

Of course, I'm hearing MSW is catching everything thrown at him in Rams camp and saw Plax make a highlight reel catch in the Jets last preseason game but we'll overlook that right now.

I totally forgot Roy Williams did that stupid thing where he signals a first down. Ugh. That's not the Bears way. Act like you've been there, loser.

Wasn't happy with the WRs overall last night, though.

-Knox didn't fight for a deep ball which was the knock on him last year.
-Hester dropped two.
-Williams had one bounce of his hands for an INT
-Even Sanzenbacher dropped one

Bennett, on the other hand, continues to catch everything thrown his way. Don't get me wrong - I'm not drafting him on my fantasy team - but he should get on the field more.

Williams makes an arse of himself after first downs. What an idiot.

I hadn't really considered that Wiliams could possibly NOT make the team but I'm with you, I'd consider it at this point. I do think Bennet is their best receiver and pretty valuable. Not to say as you noted that people should be all over him for fantasy teams or that you would want all Bennets on your corps but I guess he's what they call a possession receiver or in the Bears case, the guy who catches a ball for a living that actually catches the ball.

[heir_jordan22]

If Williams doesn't show something I really don't see how they can justify keeping him. It will be a while before I ge over the Bears not signing Mike Sims-Walker. He basically begged to sign with us but the Bears didn't want to give him a one year deal. Half the guys we sigend got 1 year!

Bennett was impressive. Took some big hits and just would not let go of the ball. He will be Cutler's best friend again soon.

Line played well. Louis had a GREAT game. Carimi still struggling with false starts and staying on his feet.

Briggs will get his money because they can't survive wth only Urlacher. Briggs just makes plays and we don't have any legitimate starters outside of him and Lach.

Forte needs to get paid.

[Chewie]

Will be interesting to see some of the cuts around the league. I know we've got Forte and Briggs with their hands out but we're under the cap by a good amount here and should be looking hard at cap casualties esp. if we consider ourselves contenders.