Ethan Pocic, would look mighty good in a Bears uni. The Bears could build one heck of an OL out of the FA's this year. There actually is a lot of young and solid talent that will be on the market at G, T & C. All three.
Some great young talent here. If Poles wants to open up his pocketbook, this is a great year to fill that OL out with free agents with legit real talent. With all of our other needs. This unit may be best upgraded with some great veterans who are still ascending young players.
Bears bought an OL the last time they were in the SB:
LT John Tait LG Ruben Brown* C Olin Kreutz*+ RG Roberto Garza RT Fred Miller
only one of those guys was a Bear's draft pick.
Funny you should mention that, Brasil. I was thinking the exact same thing today. It wasn't a great OL, but it wasn't a crap OL either. It seems like it has been forever since we've had a non-crap OL here in Chicago. I'd like to see the Bears bring in the best OL talent this year for Fields. We simply do not have the draft resources to fix the team's pitiful roster in 2023. This particular year there should be very solid OL guys available in FA. Better than some of the other positions of need on the Bears this year. So leverage that and invest your money there in some good players. They could actually get all three positions of need in this FA - RT, C & LG. Then I'd draft a solid OL in the top 3 or 4 rounds every single draft year. As the older vets drop off in talent, one by one, you can just reload at that position.
Yes, it will be very expensive to "buy" your OL at full retail prices like this. But it would be a wise investment considering where we find ourselves in 2023. JMO.
Some great young talent here. If Poles wants to open up his pocketbook, this is a great year to fill that OL out with free agents with legit real talent. With all of our other needs. This unit may be best upgraded with some great veterans who are still ascending young players.
I really don't see how Whitehair survives this offseason. He's now over 30, has declined last two seasons, had some injuries, and is carrying a big cap hit going forward.
Poles really ought to be able to find a vet FA LG that's at least as good as Whitehair, probably better at this point, and for less money.
At the very least bring in competition from FA and the draft.
Bears bought an OL the last time they were in the SB:
LT John Tait LG Ruben Brown* C Olin Kreutz*+ RG Roberto Garza RT Fred Miller
only one of those guys was a Bear's draft pick.
JA bought those guys in 2004-2005, and the Bears enjoyed two solid seasons with them. Then in 2007, they all went over the hill together as a cohesive unit.
If they buy one or two players, but there needs to be youth on the line. I wonder if Poles is gonna go with Patrick as the center this year.
Bears bought an OL the last time they were in the SB:
LT John Tait LG Ruben Brown* C Olin Kreutz*+ RG Roberto Garza RT Fred Miller
only one of those guys was a Bear's draft pick.
JA bought those guys in 2004-2005, and the Bears enjoyed two solid seasons with them. Then in 2007, they all went over the hill together as a cohesive unit.
If they buy one or two players, but there needs to be youth on the line. I wonder if Poles is gonna go with Patrick as the center this year.
I saw a tweet that said most FA, no matter the position, will give you 2 good years at the maximum. So they should be used to patch holes. Rarely can you find a young player in FA who will turn into a 6-8 year starter. It happens people, don't @ me with the exceptions to the two year rule.
Find 2 starting OL in FA, add whoever you like in the draft. If you add FAs you can push drafting OL into next year. (might not be optimal but you can approach the draft with that in mind.)