Bears 10.0: GM and coach watch before the draft

[patryk7754]

The more I look into the offensive lineman for the upcoming the draft the more I’m impressed. Specially OT. The kid from Arizona looks like a menace. My concern with him is that word he be able to make the switch to full time LT. As of two my OT rankings would be

1. Josh Simmons
2. Kelvin Banks
3. Emery Jones
4. Jonah Savaiinaea
5. Aireontae Ersery
Honorable mention: Grey Zabel. I like most everything I see from him but his competition level gives me some pause.

If jones and savaiiaea were primarily LTs I think they’d be in consideration for being the first OL taken.


My do not drafts are will campbell and josh conerly. Campbell doesn’t really impress me with anything he does. From what I’ve seen, he doesn’t have any great attributes. No elite footwork or quickness or anything. Savaiinaea, for example, has very violent and active hands. He’s very good at chopping rushers arms down and then finishing them to the ground. Campbell hasn’t shown anything you can single out like that. And it looks like he’s moving at a walkthrough pace. Maybe it’s just that easy to him, but I think historically, that has lead to underperforming in the nfl.

As for conerly, I think his biggest strength is the type of offense he plays in. I think it benefits him greatly. Hes often slow out of his stance, late to his blocking assignments on the second level, I’ve seen him get pushed back somewhat often. I think he’s 100% someone who needs time to get good on the nfl level,nd I don’t think that’s the right path for us.

The Combine and individual workouts will tell Poles a lot. The only LT I've watched many times is Kelvin Banks from Texas. If he's on the board that's the guy I'd like to get. In fact I'd like to draft 3 of the Texas offensive linemen, Banks, Jake Majors and Cameron Williams who I'd put at Right guard.

I like Jonah Savaiineaa's size. And if Josh Simmons checks out medically he might be the best LT prospect out of the bunch. But I'd want medical personnel to really check on his injured knee.

Pretty good game last night. The Penn State QB blew the game throwing INTs. I thought Nick Singleton put on a good performance. He's the RB I'd like to draft with our 3rd round pick. He's got size, speed and is a good receiver as well. He'd be a really good 3 down RB, Really good athlete. And Abdul Carter showed why he's high on the draft boards. Even with an injured shoulder he was getting after it. He's going to be a really good EDGE rusher. But he'll be gone before we draft at # 10.

Singleton has had a great playoffs. I wouldn’t mind using the third in him. He’s a lot more physical than I realized. Especially last night against an excellent defense.

Watching the Texas oline against this Ohio st dline will be very insightful. Multiple guys we could draft from both units.

And I agree. Simmons might be the best pending injury issues. I believe he’s started every game this season and possibly last season as welll.. He also has penalty issues

[patryk7754]

If Bellichick truly is an option, then he should be a the top of the list.

Did something happen @ North Carolina?

It’s being reported that several teams are calling him. I doubt he’ll consider leaving. I believe he’s started has a buyout of 10m right now and 1m post June one. But teams are supposedly checking if that only applies to college.

I’d be surprised if he dumps unc in less than a month. He’s apparently been hitting the recruiting trail hard.

[molepharmer]

The Combine and individual workouts will tell Poles a lot. The only LT I've watched many times is Kelvin Banks from Texas. If he's on the board that's the guy I'd like to get. In fact I'd like to draft 3 of the Texas offensive linemen, Banks, Jake Majors and Cameron Williams who I'd put at Right guard.

I like Jonah Savaiineaa's size. And if Josh Simmons checks out medically he might be the best LT prospect out of the bunch. But I'd want medical personnel to really check on his injured knee.

Pretty good game last night. The Penn State QB blew the game throwing INTs. I thought Nick Singleton put on a good performance. He's the RB I'd like to draft with our 3rd round pick. He's got size, speed and is a good receiver as well. He'd be a really good 3 down RB, Really good athlete. And Abdul Carter showed why he's high on the draft boards. Even with an injured shoulder he was getting after it. He's going to be a really good EDGE rusher. But he'll be gone before we draft at # 10.

I think some team drafting in the mid-teens is going to get a heck of TE. PSU's Warren was the best player on the field last night, imo. Big, fast, versatile, good hands and can block.

[molepharmer]

I had no idea the Hula Bowl is tomorrow. Apparently Bears have talked to Iowa LB Nick Jackson twice already. The roster can be found here.....https://www.draftcountdown.com/all-star-game/2025-hula-bowl-roster-preview/

Found his tidbit "Unfortunately, the new management made some choices that will hinder the ability to find out anything from the game. Allegedly no media were credentialed for the game, only agents and scouts. There is also no live broadcast of the game this year. With only a 3 am Monday morning replay on CBSSN providing the possibility to see it." w.t.f.

[patryk7754]

The Combine and individual workouts will tell Poles a lot. The only LT I've watched many times is Kelvin Banks from Texas. If he's on the board that's the guy I'd like to get. In fact I'd like to draft 3 of the Texas offensive linemen, Banks, Jake Majors and Cameron Williams who I'd put at Right guard.

I like Jonah Savaiineaa's size. And if Josh Simmons checks out medically he might be the best LT prospect out of the bunch. But I'd want medical personnel to really check on his injured knee.

Pretty good game last night. The Penn State QB blew the game throwing INTs. I thought Nick Singleton put on a good performance. He's the RB I'd like to draft with our 3rd round pick. He's got size, speed and is a good receiver as well. He'd be a really good 3 down RB, Really good athlete. And Abdul Carter showed why he's high on the draft boards. Even with an injured shoulder he was getting after it. He's going to be a really good EDGE rusher. But he'll be gone before we draft at # 10.

I think some team drafting in the mid-teens is going to get a heck of TE. PSU's Warren was the best player on the field last night, imo. Big, fast, versatile, good hands and can block.

And michigans TE might be even better. Doesn’t do all the extra stuff but as far as pure TE stuff, he’s arguably number one. Wouldn’t be surprised if chargers took him in the first round

As for Warren, the rams might be good trade back partners so they can draft him. It was recently reported that they tried to trade up for bowers. Bowers and Warren are very similar are far as versatility. But the rams might not be willing to pay the price since Warren most likely won’t be as good as bowers. Still very good, but bowers had all time great potential as a prospect, I don’t think Warren does.

[JohnnyKILLroy]

Use all of our draft picks on both lines.

[cocktailswith_2short]

Yeah I'm worried my niners take warren at 11 . Shanahan has to be drooling over him and kittle is old . Im keeping my fingers crossed for trenches .

[ThisGuyFawkes]

Use all of our draft picks on both lines.

It really depends on who we sign in FA. We could use another CB, RB, and possibly a safety.

[Dresden]

Use all of our draft picks on both lines.

At least our first three picks.

[cocktailswith_2short]

Well you went wr last year so has to be d line or edge if I had to guess .

[Jcool0]

Maybe the craziest interview this cycle

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[JohnnyKILLroy]

Use all of our draft picks on both lines.

It really depends on who we sign in FA. We could use another CB, RB, and possibly a safety.

Sure if they’re all 6-5 and over 300lbs

[cocktailswith_2short]

Maybe the craziest interview this cycle

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Rooney rule .

[Betta Bulleavit]

Maybe the craziest interview this cycle

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Rooney rule .

As a huge proponent of DEI, I hate the Rooney Rule. Not so much its intent, but what it causes…and that’s the annual engagement of sham interviews. There has to be a better way to encourage and enhance DEI among the HC ranks.

[panthermark]

Use all of our draft picks on both lines.

At least our first three picks.

Give me the first four picks in the trenches please.

Draft comes before Free Agency.

[patryk7754]

Use all of our draft picks on both lines.

At least our first three picks.

Give me the first four picks in the trenches please.

Draft comes before Free Agency.

Free agency starts March 12th

Draft: april 24

[patryk7754]

I feel like prioritizing drafting offensive linemen over signing them in free agency completely ignores the fact that the vast majority of lineman fail to succeed in the NFL or at least take several years to develop into good lineman. This is why there are so few good lines in the NFL. I think the best strategy is to mostly fill out the OL with established guys and supplement them with drafted players who can take the time to develop while on the bench. and we only really need to supplement older starters if we sign them. For example, if we sign Ryan Kelly to be our starter, we should draft a center in the second or third. If we sign Josh Meyers, we don't have to worry about drafting a "center in waiting" because Meyers should theoretically be the starter for 5 plus years.

With all the money we have, I'd much rather sign 2/3/4 starters and a couple bench guys and spend our 2nd and 3rd rounders on DL.

But, there is no one way that is the best, but I think the clear path to avoid (since we have many to choose from) is to not have multiple rookies in our starting unit and make up a good portion of our depth. I don't think the fan base will give them the time to develop and I think Williams needs a top OL as soon as possible. And I think the best way to do that is to sign vets and supplement them.

All that being said, the most important thing for the OL is getting the right OL coach with the right scheme and the ability to teach that scheme. Our OL was one of the worst in the league and one of the major factors in that was that the scheme was basically non-existent. It was mostly one on one blocking and not understanding blocking assignments. We can have 5 all pros on the line but they wouldn't do much better with trash coaching.

[panthermark]

At least our first three picks.

Give me the first four picks in the trenches please.

Draft comes before Free Agency.

Free agency starts March 12th

Draft: april 24

Am I thinking basketball?

OK, thanks

[patryk7754]

I think an extremely doable and maybe my favorite strategy for addressing the OL would be as follows....

Offensive line Coach Top Choices

1. Steve Oliver: Currently the Lions asst OL coach. Probably makes the most sense, especially if Johnson becomes our HC
2. Luke Butkus: Should already be our OL coach. might as well see if he wants to come home and hurt the packers in the process
3. T.J. Paganetti: Currently the eagles asst OL coach/run game coordinator.
4. Shaun Sarrett: Currently the vikings asst OL coach and before that had the same role with the chargers.
Honorable mention: Jeff Stoutland. The eagles OL coach. I thought for sure the Eagles would be looking for a new HC making Stoutland possibly available. I'm still holding our hope that Siriani is so unlikable that the only thing that can save his job is a SB

Offensive Linemen to bring back
1. Matt Pryor: I think he's a great backup who was asked to do too much. He's also versatile.
2. Ricky Stromberg: We signed him to the practice squad in the middle of the season and just signed him to a futures contract. He had a bad knee injury but his potential intrigues me. I believe he was like the 2nd rated center in his draft and was only 20 when he was drafted. With Bates, I think he makes for a really good candidate for "center in waiting"

Potential Starters from FA

Offensive Guard: My preference would be to sign two starters. One long term starter and one short term.

1. Trey Smith: Clearly the Belle of the ball
2. Kevin Zeitler: IMO, he's a top value signing. Immediately improves your unit and will be dirt cheap. Gives you the opportunity to develop your OG of the future.
3. Dalton Risner: He's nothing special but he gets the job done. If he's the "worst" starter on your line, then you are in great shape. He'll be relatively cheap as well. Depending on who you put around him, he might be a better option than Smith, considering the amount of cap you will save.
4. Will Hernandez: Another short-term guy. He's servicable but I think he'd get at least a 3 year deal. I'd probably prefer having our 2nd round pick start if that's the case.
5. Cam Robinson: I think he's better suited as a guard and I think he can play at a high level with the right scheme. But I think he breaks the bank this offseason with how he's played taking over for Darrishaw. He's the perfect example of how important OL coaching is. He's been pretty inconsistent his whole career and has significantly leveled up in Minny

Centers:
1. Josh Meyers: Top 5-10 center and relatively young. We'd get him in the middle of his prime and hurt the packers at the same time.
2. Ryan Kelly: Another top 5-10 center but older. He'd be perfect as a bridge center for someone we draft (not necessarily in this draft) or Stromeberg. \
3. Bradley Bozeman: Copy and paste Ryan Kelly strategy. Bozeman has been one of the most underrated centers in the NFL. Wanted him for a couple of years now. I think he's been overlooked because he's spent time in Carolina, but he's been really good with the Chargers.

Potential Depth from FA

Offensive Tackle: It'll be important to have a vet back up at LT since we will most likely have a rookie as a starter
1. Dan Skipper: I think he has starter potential, but with his age, I don't see him getting a starting role. Also makes perfect sense if we bring the Lions coaches
2. LaRaven Clark: Stared with the Bills and did well. Got replaced and is now a backup with the eagles. He'll bring in great experience and can be depended on for a hand full of games.
3. Cody Ford: Another guy who has starting experience and is versitle. Has played RT and OG for the bengals in a backup role this season


Potential draft starters:
I would start with trading Braxton Jones. I think we can get a 3rd or 4th. Thats great value for a back up who won't be here long term. Especially since he's not good.

1. Josh Simmons, LT
2. Kelvin Banks, LT
3. Emery Jones, LT (converted from RT)
4. Jonah Savaiinaea, LT (converted from RT)

I think I'd be most comfortable with Jones and Savaiinaea starting on the bench since they'd be playing a newish position but that would ultimately come down to how they preform during camp.

Potential Draft depth

Tackle:
Grey Zabel

Guard:
1. Donovan Jackson
2. Jonah Savaiinaea
3. Cam Williams )convert from OT)
4. Paker Brailsford
5. DJ Campbell
Honorable mention: Tyler Booker. Only an honorable mention because he's a day one starter and probably won't be an option for us

Centers:
1. Jake Majors
2. Paker Brailsford
3. Seth McLaughlin
4. Jonah Monheim


My Ideal Aquicsitions:

1. Kevin Zietler, OG: 1/5m
2. Trey Smith, OG: 5/100m
3. Josh Meyers, OC: 4/48m
3. Dan Skipper, OT: 2/6m
4: LaRaven Clark, OT: 2/4m
5: Josh Simmons, LT: Round 1 (after potential trade down)
6: Donovan Jackson, OG: Round 2
7: Seth McLauglin, OC: Round 5 or 6
8: Grey Zebal, OT: Round 5 or 6

Depth Chart:

LT: Simmons/Skipper (Amegadjie , Zebal on practice squad)
LG: Smith/Pryor
C: Meyers/Bates (Stromberg on practice squad)
RG: Zeitler/Jackson
RT: Wright/Clark

Coach: Steve Olivier

[fleet]

This could be bad. And it goes against the narrative.

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