Day: April 22, 2015

Leonard Williams Would Make Bears Fans Smile

AP-NFL
AP-NFL

Todd McShay looks to bring great joy to Chicago in his latest mock draft:

“Leonard Williams Chicago Bears (5-11)
COLLEGE: USC Class: Jr HT: 6-4 WT: 302 POS: DE

“Analysis: To be clear: Williams dropping to No. 7 here has nothing to do with my opinion of him as a player. He’s the No. 2 prospect on my board and I’ve had him ranked as one of the top players in this class since the preseason. But this scenario does show how he has the potential to drop a little bit if he gets out of the top two picks based on the needs of teams picking third through seventh. He wouldn’t fill a huge need for the Bears, but at this point he’s too good of a value for them to pass up, especially given how bad their defense has been the past two seasons. The Chicago Bears ranked 31st in the league in scoring defense? That’s just not right. Williams is an impact run-stopper and above-average interior pass-rusher who can play multiple roles in different schemes. If Williams isn’t available here, then WR Kevin White would be the pick.”

“He wouldn’t fill a huge need?” You’ve got to be kidding me. The Bears needs on the defensive line are probably they’re greatest. Regardless they’re need for impact players at any position is an overriding priority.

The Bears wouldn’t just dash to the podium to take Williams. They’d do cartwheels all the way. Heck, if there was more room in my living room, I’d do cartwheels.

New Schedule Offers Bears Fans a Chance to Get Some Rest

Brad Biggs at the Chicago Tribune reviews the newly released Bears 2015 season schedule:

“The Bears went from being a big draw for networks in prime time, playing five night games in 2014 and 12 over the three seasons before that, to getting just two this season. The first is a visit with the Chargers on ESPN’s ‘Monday Night Football’ in Week 9 on Nov. 9 and then they are at Lambeau Field on Thanksgiving night when the Packers will induct Brett Favre into their ring of fame Nov. 26.”

Alle-freakin’-luia. It looks like Bears fans are going to get to go to bed early more often this year (Biggs does point out that games would be flexed into prime time if – against all expectations – the Bears turn out to be any good).

The only minor problem I have is that this could throw off the Bears evaluation of quarterback Jay Cutler. Cutler is notorious for falling apart in big games against good opponents. This was especially true in prime time last year. In other games he has a habit of looking pretty decent. You could argue that this increases the chances that Bears head coach John Fox could be fooled into thinking Cutler is a good quarterback.

But overall, I’m relieved and happy. Cuter’s situation will eventually work itself out. One way or the other, whether he’s actually better with the new coaching staff or not, the truth will eventually come out. And I’d rather get some sleep.

Some Creativity May Be Required to Find Safety Help As Well

In , I highlighted the Bears need at safety. However, the safety class in this year’s draft is rather thin. I thought that Kevin Fishbain at chicagofootball.com came up with an intersting solution to this delema in his most recent mock draft:

“Round 2, Pick 39 (potential trade-up):Connecticut CB Byron Jones

“For a feature on the safety position in our Chicago Bears Draft Preview magazine, Solomon Wilcots singled out Jones as a college corner with the athleticism and instincts to play safety in the NFL. Whether he is a corner or safety in the pros, a good defensive coordinator will find a place for the Combine workout warrior.”

As in the case of teams with a need at tight end, its clear to me that teams are going to have to get creative if they wish to find safties this year. Converting athletic corners that don’t excel in man coverage may be one option.