Sunday Mock Offseason- Week 12

Alright, I've been wanting to do one of these. Hope ya'll enjoy. If not, oh well.

Re-signings

WR Alshon Jeffery- 5 years, 57.5 Million, 28 Mil guaranteed.

Must re-sign. Not only is he a difference maker when he's on the field, but he's a huge need. The WR corps without him, just isn't good enough. Even adding Kevin White to the group next year, he's still unproven and the Bears would likely need to take another WR early if Jeffery walks. He's proven he's a #1 WR in this league, IMO. Guarantee the first 3 years of his deal, which coincidentally ends your obligation to him at the same time you have to pay White, if they decide to exercise his 5th year option.

TE Zach Miller- 3 years, 8 Million, 2.5 Mil guaranteed.

Important player to re-sign. The Bears have looked pretty good in 2 TE sets. Been forced into more due to injuries to Jeffery and Royal, but double tight has proved to be a weapon because of Miller's ability as a receiver. With Jeffery back, White and Royal healthy, Wilson more proven, and Bennett, the Bears should have a ton of weapons in the receiving game.

DL Jarvis Jenkins- 3 years, 9.2 Million, 4 Mil guaranteed.

Similar contract to what Corey Peters and Ricky Jean-Francois signed last year, Jenkins is on that level of player. Solid guy who can give you some snaps in the base D and provide a little pass rush in the nickel. I'd pencil him in to start again at the RDE spot.

LB Shea McClellin- 3 years, 10 Million, 5 Mil guaranteed.

Not sure how I feel about Shea yet, but I know how the Bears feel about him. I think he'll be back, and I'm OK with that even if he starts as long as you upgrade the ILB position next to him. Get more talent around him, make him a 2-down LB. The money is fine for that type of player.

OC Will Montgomery- 1 year, 1.5 Million. No guarantees.

He seems like a solid guy. Was playing well before he got hurt. I think he could really help Grasu improve his game and be a valuable backup so you don't have to necessarily uproot the entire OL by moving Slauson to C again.


Gone

RB Matt Forte - love the guy, have his jersey, but no reason to pay him what he'd be looking for
CB Tracy Porter- love the guy, has been outstanding this year, don't expect that long-term from a 30-year old CB going into 2016.
OT Jermon Bushrod- may be the end of his career. No longer a serviceable LT. Save $4Mil by cutting
CB Sherrick McManis- had hope for him at CB, special teams standout on bad special teams units, services no longer needed

Random players replaced by vet-minimum FAs, UDFAs, and camp bodies

S Ryan Mundy
RB Jacquizz Rodgers
RB Antone Smith
S Chris Prosinski
S Sherrod Martin
S Harold Jones-Quartey
WR Josh Bellamy
DL Ziggy Hood
DL Mitch Unrein
OG Vlad Ducasse
LB Sam Acho
WR Marc Mariani
CB Alan Ball
LB LaRoy Reynolds
OT Nick Becton


Free Agent Signings

CB Sean Smith, Kansas City- 4 years, 32 Million, 14 Mil guaranteed.

Don't like giving him that 4th year, but it's the same contract as Cromartie, Culliver, and Kareem Jackson and only guaranteeing 2 of those years. Good, not great CB who has some press-man experience and can match up with bigger WRs in the division (Johnson, Nelson). Starts opposite of Kyle Fuller.



DL Jaye Howard, Kansas City- 4 years, 28 Million, 12 Mil guaranteed.

This came down to Howard vs. Derek Wolfe,as I don't think the Bears spend the huge money for Wilkerson or Jackson. Wolfe has the length, but I think Howard is a better all-around player. Howard is 3rd on the Chiefs in total tackles with 43, which is a huge number for a starting NT. He also has 2.5 sacks and I think provides the versatility this line needs. I actually like him at the nose with Goldman moving to 5-tech and away from as many double-teams. Or if the Bears decide to play an under front, he can play the 3-tech with Goldman at the 0.



LB Danny Trevathan, Denver- 4 years, 26 Million, 12 Mil guaranteed.

Loved this guy at Kentucky. Wanted the Bears to draft him as a late steal. Well, better late than never. Obviously familiar with Fox and the 3-4 defense. Plays the Jack position, next to Shea at Mike and I think he makes Shea better. Sticks his nose in there in the run game, can run, can cover. Would still rotate Christian Jones in there in the nickel (for Shea) to get more speed in the nickel.



OG Ronald Leary, Dallas- 3 years, 12 Million, 5 Mil guaranteed.

Very strong run blocking guard, who is solid enough in pass blocking. Rated in the top 6 by PFF (yeah, I know) in run blocking last year, but relegated to just 3 starts this year due to injury and the Cowboys stealing La'el Collins. Started 31 games the previous 2 years on the best OL in the league. Allows the Bears to leave Kyle Long at RT and gives the team a strong right side of the OL. Only 26 years old.




CB Sterling Moore, Tampa Bay- 3 years, 8.5 Million, 2.5 Mi guaranteed.

I love this guy. Was a very good nickelback for Dallas in 2014 and has been good when able to get on the field for the Bucs. Has 4 starts this year, and in one of those had 3 passes defensed, an interception and a forced fumble. Not sure why he only got a 1-year deal last year, but that's our gain in this scenario. He competes with Callahan for the nickel position, and worst case is the league's best #4 CB ...just as he is this year in Tampa.



S David Bruton, Denver- 3 years, 6.5 Million, 2 Mil guaranteed.

Another player I really like. He's been a special teams ace for the Broncos and has several years experience as a backup safety in a D similar to what the Bears run. Signed a 3 year, 4.5 Mil deal in 2013. So, this is similar but a raise to convince him to leave Denver and play for Fox again. With Rolle's age and injuries this year gets a shot to compete and make Rolle a cap casualty if he performs well in camp.




2016 Draft

1. (15) OLB- Leonard Floyd, Georgia. 6'4", 231 lbs.

Listed weight is anywhere from 220lbs to 231 on the UGA website. If he's 231 now, I think he can get over 240 at the combine. Has 4.6 speed, long arms, can bend around the edge and has a wicked first step. Despite his small frame, he actually has pretty good functional strength. Uses his arm length very well to keep OTs off of him when rushing the passer. Doesn't hold up well at the POA in the run game, but I don't see that as a huge issue as he'll be a pass rush specialist in this defense. Ultimately, I envision a role similar to Clay Matthews in GB. Playing ILB in the base, rushing off the edge in the nickel, and A-gap blitzing. It's what he's done at Georgia this year, and I think Fangio would love that versatility.



2. (46) OT- Jason Spriggs, Indiana. 6'7", 305 lbs.

This is a very interesting player. As an IU football alum, I've seen most of his college games as a 4-year starter at LT. Never seems to get the props he deserves, especially for a guy that has faced top 100 NFL talent in Joey Bosa, Shilique Calhoun, Shane Ray, Carl Nassib, and Kemoko Turay the last couple years and allowed just 2 sacks over that time. Hope is he doesn't slip into round 1 as he will be a standout lineman at the combine, as he put up 33 reps, 37.5 inch vert, and ran a 4.82 40 at the IU pro day last year. Not as strong in pads as that bench would indicate, but a guy that is coachable and should improve. Can start off as the swing OT and compete to take over for Leno, should he falter next year.



3. (79) DL- Chris Jones, Mississippi State- 6'5". 300 lbs.

Production is a little down this year, which is why this 1st round talent is looking like a 2nd day pick. Ideal size for a 5-technique with extremely long arms and tree-trunk legs that give him a strong base. Playing a lot of 1-technique for MSU this year, which is not playing up to his talents. As most interior DL do, Jones has questions about his motor and effort at times.



4. S- Karl Joseph, West Virginia- 5'11", 197 lbs.

This is a guy I didn't like very much coming into this year. Has that Bob Sanders/Antoine Bethea feel to his game, which isn't very conducive to a productive career for anyone but those 2 guys. But this year, Joseph really added some coverage to his game. He led the nation with 5 INTs in 5 games before ending his season with an ACL tear. This may be a little hopeful to get him in the mid-4th round, but he was probably a borderline 2nd -3rd round pick if healthy, so ACL tear knocks him down a round. Should miss the combine, but may be able to work at pro day. Definitely good to go by camp. Similar player to Amos, with more playmaking ability.



5. QB- Nate Sudfeld, Indiana- 6'6", 220 lbs.

Again, seen most of his college games. He definitely has some developing to do. Has had some injury issues, including a knee and shoulder injury. But I like this pick for the Bears as he kinda reminds me of Brock Osweiler, who Fox drafted in Denver. Big, tall, QB with some athletic ability in the pocket. Good arm that can make all the throws, but needs some protection.



6. RB/WR- Byron Marshall, Oregon- 5'9", 202 lbs.

A similar player to DeAnthony Thomas and Kenjon Barner before him at OU, Marshall can be a scat back or slot WR at the NFL level. Also, can return kicks with speed and shiftiness needed. Probably not as fast as DAT, but bigger and more of a threat to get carries out of the backfield. Probably at best a fun gimmick play guy, who helps out in the return game.



6. (from Carolina) OLB- Curt Maggitt, Tennessee- 6'3", 246 lbs.

One of the most polished pass rushers in college football. He has 2nd day level talent, 1st round level pass rush moves, but several injuries are keeping him from living up to that potential. Only played in 2 games this year due to various injuries. With McPhee, Young, Houston and Floyd on the roster, the Bears can afford to redshirt Maggitt if needed so he can get healthy for 2017. Could be a steal or flame out due to injuries. This late, it's not a big risk.



6. (from New England) CB- Nick VanHoose, Northwestern, 6', 190 lbs.

VanHoose is one of the leaders on a pretty solid Big Ten defense. He's not an elite athlete, but has excellent instincts and leadership ability as is typical for NW players. College game is similar to what I saw from Casey Hayward at Vandy, but he doesn't have near that athletic ability. Likely contributor on special teams, who won't kill you if he has to play some dime defense due to injuries.



7. TE Darion Griswold, Arkansas State- 6'5", 264 lbs.

Former basketball player, recruited as a college QB. But looks like an NFL TE. Lines up all over the place for ASU, but rarely as an in-line TE. Learning to block as an H-back, Fullback, and even out of the flex TE spot. A move blocker who doesn't have much experience blocking straight ahead. Intriguing option as a receiver, with long arms, huge hands, and a great catch radius. Average speed, but nothing special. Competes with Lee for 3rd TE, and option for special teams or practice squad.



Depth Chart

QB- Cutler, Fales, Sudfeld
RB- Langford, Carey, Marshall, Perry
WR- Jeffery, White, Royal, Wilson, Meredith
TE- Bennett, Miller, Lee, Griswold
OT- Leno, Long, Spriggs, Fabuluje
OG- Slauson, Leary, Omameh
OC- Grasu, Montgomery

DE- Goldman, Jenkins, Ferguson, Jones, Gaston, Washington
NT- Howard, Sutton
OLB- McPhee, Young, Houston, Floyd, Maggitt
ILB- Trevathan, McClellin, Jones, Anderson, Barrow
CB- Fuller, Smith, Callahan, Moore, Glenn, VanHoose
FS- Amos, Bruton
SS- Rolle, Joseph

Great job on both free agency and draft. Floyd Jones Howard Trevathan and Smith would make a huge difference to the defense.

How are you gonna let Forte walk when you own his jersey.. da fuq

Nice job :clap:

however I do think we keep forte and porter

I, too, have seen Spriggs play and think he would be a very solid pick. Not sold on Sudfeld but in the 5th? O.K. But you might be able to get him in the 6th.. And as long as your are going long on IU players, I'd kep Porter for another year or two. He is playing well and will lend some experience to the defense and in the locker room. And, pardon the thread drift, as an IU football alum, do you think they extend Coach Wilson's contract?

Maggitt would be great, but won't last that long. I think we build the secondary through the draft as well. Corners are so damn expensive these days. Sean Smith will break the bank

I enjoyed, OP. I will mention this in a Yelp review.

BearFanJohn said:

I, too, have seen Spriggs play and think he would be a very solid pick. Not sold on Sudfeld but in the 5th? O.K. But you might be able to get him in the 6th.. And as long as your are going long on IU players, I'd kep Porter for another year or two. He is playing well and will lend some experience to the defense and in the locker room. And, pardon the thread drift, as an IU football alum, do you think they extend Coach Wilson's contract?

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Yeah I think Wilson is back. Not like they're going to find better. He is at least developing guys for the NFL offensively with Coleman, Spriggs, Sudfeld, and guard Feeney.

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There is something to be said for rewarding Porter with a contract. If they don't, it will send the wrong message to the rest of the team that the Bears don't take care of their own no matter how well you play. Same can be said for Prosinski also.

Menchifus said:

There is something to be said for rewarding Porter with a contract. If they don't, it will send the wrong message to the rest of the team that the Bears don't take care of their own no matter how well you play. Same can be said for Prosinski also.

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Prosinski? LOL. What? Dude is going back to the bench next week when Rolle is healthy. Also, I disagree about Porter also. Dude was a 1-year vet minimum contract that made the team despite missing most of the preseason. He's going to be 30, not a Bears lifer. It's not like he's Urlacher level or anything. And this comment looks even more insane when you consider they'll pay Jeffery top 8 WR money. You know Jeffery, one of their actual own homegrown players.

Good mock and FA. I'd like to go a different route in the first, but the rest of the mock is really nice. Not a huge fan of Floyd.

I would also add, I think the team retains Porter.

rawdawg said:

Yeah I think Wilson is back. Not like they're going to find better. He is at least developing guys for the NFL offensively with Coleman, Spriggs, Sudfeld, and guard Feeney.

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I think he will be back but I don't think he deserves an extension.

I would resign all of the same players but add in Porter, he's played to well to not reward him. The Bears have a ton of cap space and I think they spend it this off season. I'd like to see them go after CB-Johnson, OLB-Irvin, DE-Jackson (maybe Wolfe, if we can't afford his teammate), and RT-Massie.
Draft-1st-ILB Smith (I think we will still be in a spot to draft him). 2nd-S Kearse or Cash. 3rd-OG Kirkland.
Spend the rest to fill in holes.

Like most of it.

Personally I worry that Floyd does not have the power and strength to be a difference making OLB in the NFL

That free agency would be an aggressive approach, not sure I see them being that aggressive, but I like the players.

A 2nd round pick should be expected to start, which means Leno goes to the bench, which would be a shame.

Tall Glass Of Jeffery said:

Good mock and FA. I'd like to go a different route in the first, but the rest of the mock is really nice. Not a huge fan of Floyd.

I would also add, I think the team retains Porter.

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Same for me in the 1st but he did a pretty good job with his choices in FA and draft.

WindyCity said:

Like most of it.

Personally I worry that Floyd does not have the power and strength to be a difference making OLB in the NFL

That free agency would be an aggressive approach, not sure I see them being that aggressive, but I like the players.

A 2nd round pick should be expected to start, which means Leno goes to the bench, which would be a shame.

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Floyd is functionally stronger than he looks. Uses his arms really well. Leverage > strength. Really not much different than Bruce Irvin was coming out.

Goldman didn't start. Bostic didn't start, despite Williams missing all of camp in 2013. Jeffery didn't start out as a starter. There will be injuries. No need to start him because of where he was picked.

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I think you've done a nice job. We all have our preferences but I respect the effort and thought. I'd really like to see Porter get a 1 or 2 year deal. Also, with one of the 6th round picks, Trevone Boykin would be a great selection. The Bears could use him in the slot. He's an amazing athlete and has great hands. He actually played a fair number of snaps at WR. He's 6' 2", has exceptional change of direction, short area quickness and excellent long speed too. He would kill coming out of the slot. I was at a game against West Virginia where he caught 11 passes. Every once in awhile they could line him up at QB and run some read option as a change of pace.

Jason Spriggs looks like one of those guys that is going climb the boards big time and for good reason. Really like him and I have no doubt he will climb into the first round.

By the way, Karl Joseph is a hammer. Smart receivers are aware of where he is at all times.