Post by jj30 on Feb 26, 2017 22:39:25 GMT -6
The Bears play at tackle was some of the worst in the league. Bobbie Massie has been a huge bust since signing, and the team would save $5 million if it moves on from him. On the other side, Charles Leno was arguably even worse, and he becomes a free agent next season. The Bears have some depth inside and may flirt with moving Kyle Long back out to tackle, but it seems pretty unlikely, and would probably not sit well with Long. Chicago should hold onto its interior depth and instead look for some outside help to improve at the tackle position.
The first place they should look is free agent Ricky Wagner. Wagner is a former Raven and will likely be testing the market this year. He’ll be a prized free agent, but if the Bears focus on the other positions in the draft and use the money saved from cutting Massie, they could take a swing to solidify the line. It will tougher to find a left tackle, especially if they invest a lot of money in the right tackle Wagner. Andre Smith may be a risky bet with injury issues, and Matt Kalil may not have too much of a market.
These names are bets, though, and for a left tackle, they may look to the draft. There won’t be a name worth a first round pick, but in rounds two through four, the Bears may take a swing at a player of their liking.
Nothing seemed to go right for the Bears in 2016. What can they do to make sure 2017 goes a little bit better?
The list of Bears who missed more than one game in 2016 makes for painful reading. Jay Cutler, Alshon Jeffery, Eddie Goldman, Jerrell Freeman, Danny Trevathan, Kyle Fuller, Kyle Long, and that’s not even all of them. These are not just any injuries either, but injuries to the core of the team. It’s hard to imagine the Bears will have the same bad luck moving forward, which means there are reasons to be optimistic heading into 2017. However, they still have big holes to fill at important positions. The Bears could develop into a serious sleeper candidate in 2017 if they’re smart this offseason, but what are their biggest needs?
Wide Receiver
The big question for the Bears this offseason will be about Alshon Jeffery. He’s expected to be a hot commodity and while the Bears may want him back, he may get more than he warrants on the market. Kevin White is a nice thought, but he’s hardly played in two seasons. Cameron Meredith is a great secondary piece, and a potential big slot type. However, besides those two, the group is pretty lackluster. Josh Bellamy and Daniel Braverman are depth options, but this team needs another name to stick with White and Meredith.
Kenny Britt is a free agent and could be a cheaper Jeffery with a similar skill set. He would at least be a big body who could make some plays in the red zone. However, if the Bears lose Jeffery, their best bet is to look to the draft.
Since they pick third, it’s hard to justify the Bears taking a receiver in the first round. But since it appears only two wide receivers will go in the first round, there should be a wide selection available in round two. John Ross and Juju Smith-Schuster are just two guys who may be able to play right away, and they have the upside to be game-breaking talents. They should take a receiver in the first three rounds, especially if they don’t find a name that can start in free agency.
Cornerback
Kyle Fuller missed the whole season in 2016. The injury truly exposed how little depth and talent there is at cornerback on this roster. Even with a healthy Fuller, there’s no way this team can go into the 2017 season without improving on their cornerback situation of last season. Tracy Porter got torched, and Crevon LeBlanc and Bryce Callahan proved to be depth names at best.
Chicago is likely going to address the cornerback position in free agency in the draft. There’s no cornerback in the draft worth a top three pick, but there’s plenty of depth at the position, and there’s a chance the Bears can walk away with two in the middle rounds of the draft.
However, there’s a chance they can find a 2017 starter in free agency. A.J. Bouye is the name everyone seems to be talking about. However, that could open up slick deals for Morris Claiborne, Trumaine Johnson and Stephon Gilmore. Logan Ryan would be a nice fit in the slot, and even Dre Kirkpatrick would be an improvement over what they have right now at the right price. No matter what, expect at least two new faces next season.
Safety
The Bears drafted a couple of safeties last season, but it looks like they’ll be going back to the well again. Those were late round picks, and while Deon Bush and Deandre Houston-Carson may serve as useful depth moving forward, it’s tough to say either is going to be a starter.
Tony Jefferson would be an interesting fit in this defense. He has a diverse skill set, and he and Adrian Amos could become a great tandem. Another free agent worth looking at is Barry Church. He’s also versatile and can help in both the run and the pass.
If they miss on those two, their best bet for a long term starter is the draft. The big debate here will be whether or not Jamal Adams is worth the number three overall pick. He’s been compared to some big names, and if the Bears think those comparisons are warranted, he might be worth the pick. They could also wait until round two, and if Jabrill Peppers is there, he would be a great fit in the defense. Either way, the Bears need some starter-quality talent at safety right away.
Nov 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) throws a pass against the Southern California Trojans during a NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterback
Chicago can add all the other pieces it wants, but if it doesn’t have a quarterback, nothing will matter. Jay Cutler seems to have worn out his welcome, and the new coaching staff has no desire to bring him back. Matt Barkley showed he’s a capable backup, but he likely doesn’t have the quality to be a long-term starter. Plus, he’s a free agent. Brian Hoyer is in a similar situation. He’s a free agent, and doesn’t seem be anything more than a stop-gap for a better option. The question is: who is that other option?
Tyrod Taylor, Tony Romo and Jimmy Garoppolo are the most intriguing options. The Bears will likely have to win Taylor and Romo in free agency. Garoppolo is will be available as part of a trade, but the Patriots are going to ask for a lot. It would be a better bet to hope on one of the other two.
Then there’s the draft. Aside from safety, the Bears biggest needs can be addressed in the middle rounds (or free agency), which means it will be tempting to use the third overall pick on a QB. They could use their free agent cash at tackle and wide receiver, and with a running back installed, any rookie signal caller would be walking into a solid situation. The draft is likely the best place for the Bears to find their new quarterback. The only question is which one.
