2014-15 NFC North/NFL Thread

[muarmy81]

There's no doubt Emery will go hard in the draft on defense but watching the Bear's pass rush this past season was frustrating and in the Tampa 2 scheme you can't have the QB sitting back there with all kinds of time running essentially a 7 on 7 drill.

...and the run defense was terrible but I think alot of that was poor discipline and technique by the young LB corpse.

[NavinRJohnson]

The Packers woes are their own. The Bears are historically known as a defensive team. I won't be suprised if they're a top 10 unit next year.

History doesn't put talent on the field. If it did, explain last season when they were a historically bad defensive team. New GM, new coach...their historical reputation couldn't be more meaningless. It'd be nice if it were that easy though.

[brandx]

The Packers woes are their own. The Bears are historically known as a defensive team. I won't be suprised if they're a top 10 unit next year.

Why????? Are you saying scheme and players don't matter?

[jesmu84]

I'll say this now, if the Bears sign Bennett, it will be a bad deal for both sides. Bennett isn't bad, but he's going to get paid like he's great.

Would much rather see the Bears go after Ward or Bryd, who are upper tier safeties. That's a huge need. If you're going to spend, ROI will be much greater on those guys.

I don't see the point of signing Bennett at the price point he'll command, when you can keep Peppers for another year. Why push out Bennett's cap hit into the future when you can rid yourself of Peppers next season, at similar production, less dead money.

aw shucks. the bears missed out on Bennett.

100% agree with you, Dish.

[Dish]

There is no way the Bears are a top 10 defense this coming season, that is absurd. History means squat, why would that even matter?

[wadesworld]

Just saw that after the Shields deal the Packers have $29.27 million of cap space to work with.  That is a lot of money to use.  Let's see if Ted actually makes a move or 2 in free agency.

[wadesworld]

http://fansided.com/2014/03/11/nfl-rumors-jared-allen-wants-sign-with-green-bay-packers/#!zlEEJ

Don't see Teddy spending money on an old defensive end who may not necessarily be the greatest fit for a 3-4 defense, but it would be interesting.

[NavinRJohnson]

Just saw that after the Shields deal the Packers have $29.27 million of cap space to work with.  That is a lot of money to use.  Let's see if Ted actually makes a move or 2 in free agency.

DeMarcus Ware come on down!

I know he's been banged up, but just released by the Cowboys. If he can play, man would he fill a need. That said, exactly the type of move Ted Thompson does not make.

[Dish]

I'm ok with the Houston deal, don't love it, sorta ok with it. Essentially 3 years, $21 mil, more thAn he is worth, Bears paying for a need.

He's very good against the run at least.

[hairy worthen]

DeMarcus Ware come on down!

I know he's been banged up, but just released by the Cowboys. If he can play, man would he fill a need. That said, exactly the type of move Ted Thompson does not make.

Thats what I am saying, 

TT may pull the trigger if he can get the guy for 2 or 3 years for a reasonable price. Maybe a deal heavy with incentives.  Woodson was close to 30 when they signed him.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

I'm ok with the Houston deal, don't love it, sorta ok with it. Essentially 3 years, $21 mil, more thAn he is worth, Bears paying for a need.

He's very good against the run at least.

Yea, fills a need. Bears can focus on drafting in the secondary now. Im ok with a Wooton and Houston at the ends.

[Dish]

The saints went from worst in history, to top 10.

I like their chances.

I need to drink your orange/blue Kool-Aid.

[jesmu84]

Yea, fills a need. Bears can focus on drafting in the secondary now. Im ok with a Wooton and Houston at the ends.

I think Wooten is expected not to return.

[Spotcheck Billy]

was Peppers cut or not?

been looking and haven't seen it confirmed

[jesmu84]

Two updated (3/11) mock drafts: (yes, two guys, same site)

http://walterfootball.com/draft2014.php

Round 1
1. Texans - Bortles; 2. Falcons (trade) - Clowney; 3. Jags - Mack

Vikes: Manziel, QB, TA&M(was Bridgewater, QB, Louisville)
Lions: Gilbert, CB, OKSt (no change)
Bears: Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama (was Donald, DT, Pitt)
Pack: Hageman, DE/DT, Minn (no change)

Round 2
Vikes: Su'a-Filo, G, UCLE (no change)
Lions: Matthews, WR, Vandy (was Ward, S, NIU)
Bears: Roberson, CB, Florida (no change)
Pack: Murphy, DE/OLB, Stanford (no change)

Round 3
Vikes: Loston, S, LSU
Lions: Brooks, S, FSU
Bears: Johnson, DT, LSU
Pack: Boston, S, UNC


http://walterfootball.com/draft2014charlie.php
Round 1
1. Texans - Clowney; 2. Rams - Robinson; 3. Jags - Bortles

Vikes: Manziel, QB, TxA&M (no change)
Lions: Evans, WR, TxA&M (no change)
Bears: Jernigan, DT, FSU (was Hageman, DT, Minn)
Pack: Shazier, OLB, OSU (was Clinton-Dix, S, Bama)

Round 2
Vikes: Su'a-Filo, G, UCLA (was Joyner, CB, FSU)
Lions: Adams, WR, Fresno (was Roberson, CB, Florida)
Bears: Easley, DE, Florida (was Roby, CB, OSU)
Pack: Bailey, S, USC (was Murphy, OLB, Stanford)

Round 3
Vikes: Martin, DE, UNC
Lions: Lawrence, OLB/DE, Boiset
Bears: Ward, S, NIU
Pack: McCullers, DT, Tenn

[jesmu84]

Blaine Gabbert - from top 10 pick to 6th round. nice career

[jesmu84]

I'll say this now, if the Bears sign Bennett, it will be a bad deal for both sides. Bennett isn't bad, but he's going to get paid like he's great.

Would much rather see the Bears go after Ward or Bryd, who are upper tier safeties. That's a huge need. If you're going to spend, ROI will be much greater on those guys.

I don't see the point of signing Bennett at the price point he'll command, when you can keep Peppers for another year. Why push out Bennett's cap hit into the future when you can rid yourself of Peppers next season, at similar production, less dead money.

Byrd just upped with the Saints. crap.

[Dish]

That's a ton of coin for Byrd. I liked him, but not at 9 mil per, 28 guaranteed, crazy numbers.

[brandx]

That's a ton of coin for Byrd. I liked him, but not at 9 mil per, 28 guaranteed, crazy numbers.

We knew it would happen with the bigger cap number.

[jesmu84]

That's a ton of coin for Byrd. I liked him, but not at 9 mil per, 28 guaranteed, crazy numbers.

Oh come on Dish.. you don't go from worst in history to top 10 without dropping some serious coin 

[ZiggysFryBoy]

was Peppers cut or not?

been looking and haven't seen it confirmed

Bears cut Peppers today.

[Dish]

I know no one wins Super Bowls today, but man did the Broncos clean up. If they have space to sign Ware still, wow.

[jesmu84]

I know no one wins Super Bowls today, but man did the Broncos clean up. If they have space to sign Ware still, wow.

I know they signed Ward and Caldwell, but can't find much else out there. What are you seeing?

[Dish]

Talib signed with Denver late tonight.

[hairy worthen]

Talib signed with Denver late tonight.

Lot of cash tied up in that secondary.  Horse face wants another ring but I think Manning starts to decline quickly.