While the search for a new head coach and offensive coordinator continues, I am going to dissect what the Bears should do with the draft and free agency coming up in April. Before that though, I heard a report that Mike Singletary is scheduled to be interviewed for the head coaching position. I want to assure everyone that this is simply the “Rooney Rule” taking place and he is not seriously being considered for the position. While he was a great player, he was a horrible head coach and I think Emery knows that.
Now onto the draft and free agency. As it has been for what it seems to be forever, the Bears need a lot of help in more places than one. Last year’s draft was just a start and while we didn’t get to see everything we wanted to out of the guys drafted, this next draft will prove to be crucial. I was wrong last year on the new additions the Bears brought to the offensive line. I thought they had enough to make things work and a combination of injuries and an idiot walking out on the team because he was benched contributed to the demise of the 2012-2013 Bears.
I saw something on ESPN I believe a few weeks back on a team, which I can’t remember drafting four offensive lineman in the first six rounds one year. That may be what Phil Emery needs to do in April. Last year, it seemed as if he went defense heavy and this year, it needs to be the opposite. I am going to guess that the Bears have at least seven picks so that if they get, three or four lineman (early rounds preferred), that gives them three more picks to try to pick up positions like another wide receiver or running back. If there is a spare pick or two after all of that, then try to get a linebacker or safety. In fact, the Bears need about two linebackers at the very least, two safeties and a cornerback. Too many needs, not enough picks so we may have to wait another year on all of those.
As far as free agency is concerned, this where the Bears need to get at least another offensive lineman. Jake Long should be a free agent but I am sure health is a concern with him so unless he comes at a cheap price, the Bears should probably look elsewhere. With the backup quarterback position, the Bears should just thank Jason Campbell for stealing $3.5 million and tell him to go suck somewhere else. I actually liked Josh McCown as a backup but Lovie insisted on cutting him in favor of Campbell, who by the way, sucked in the preseason as well. There aren’t many options in free agency for a backup so maybe they should save one of their draft picks for a quarterback if they are going to be stubborn and not resign McCown.
To recap:
Draft (Seven possible picks): Three to four offensive linemen, quarterback, running back and linebacker/safety.
Free agency: Wide receiver, offensive lineman, linebacker and safety.
It’s no secret that Phil Emery has a lot to take care of in the offseason. As I mentioned earlier, not all of the possible needs can be addressed in one offseason. I said that same thing last year, but it needs at least two to three years of fixing since Jerry Angelo failed miserably at this. I am sure most of us will agree that after seeing Emery’s press conference on New Year’s Day, he is saying all of the right things. For the first time since I can remember, the Bears finally have a general manager that speaks clearly in press conferences without mumbling his words and sounding like a complete tool in the process.