Bears show Arkansas RBs some love
Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 3:20 pm
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/859187,lovieweb032508.article
Lovie Smith had lunch with Arkansas RBs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones yesterday.
Benson's ankle is just the excuse Angelo needs to make a change. If he were to go RB with a healthy Benson in the wings, this would be admitting it was a bad high pick. With Benson coming off injury on the other hand, Angelo is off the hook and has every reason to go RB in the top 2 rounds. Who wants to go into next year with a gimpy/unproved Benson, Adrian Peterson (better on special teams), and Garrett "Too Tall" Wolfe ? And if you're convinced that McFadden is THAT MUCH better than the other options there at #14, you owe yourself to talk to the guy in case that option presents itself.
That being said, the Bears would be more likely to look at Felix Jones in Rd2 rather than move WAY up in Rd1 but it doesn't hurt to talk to both, right ? All the speed in the world isn't going to help McFadden create holes for himself with our current offensive line, unfortunately.
Lovie Smith had lunch with Arkansas RBs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones yesterday.
If the Bears' interest in either one or both is genuine, it could signal Benson's rehabilitation from a fractured left ankle is behind and the possibility would then exist he will be phased out of the team's plans. Benson had the walking cast he was in removed Dec. 31, and general manager Jerry Angelo said following the season he still believed the fourth pick from the 2005 draft could be a featured back. But actions speak louder than words, and if the Bears were to maneuver up in the first round of the draft to grab McFadden, or down to snare Jones, it would likely signal the end of the road for Benson.
``Darren is the best player in the draft,'' Chicago-based agent Ian Greengross said late Monday when asked about the lunch. ``Every team is interested in him. Whether or not it is reality for the Bears will depend on what happens on draft day. The Bears are well aware he will not be there when they pick at 14.''
Benson's ankle is just the excuse Angelo needs to make a change. If he were to go RB with a healthy Benson in the wings, this would be admitting it was a bad high pick. With Benson coming off injury on the other hand, Angelo is off the hook and has every reason to go RB in the top 2 rounds. Who wants to go into next year with a gimpy/unproved Benson, Adrian Peterson (better on special teams), and Garrett "Too Tall" Wolfe ? And if you're convinced that McFadden is THAT MUCH better than the other options there at #14, you owe yourself to talk to the guy in case that option presents itself.
That being said, the Bears would be more likely to look at Felix Jones in Rd2 rather than move WAY up in Rd1 but it doesn't hurt to talk to both, right ? All the speed in the world isn't going to help McFadden create holes for himself with our current offensive line, unfortunately.