Chicago had a very dissapointing 4-12 finish this year, but it was mostly attributed to injury problems. For the team to return to dominance next season, they'll need to add more depth to their porous bench, and solve major offensive problems.
The main problem offensively is John Shoop. He'll be gone very quickly is Chicago doesn't rebound this year. The A-Train proved last season that he cannot be relied on 100% of the time. The Bears need an offense that can take pressure off the defense. Jim Miller is not the answer at quarterback. I'm a big fan of the Bears spending a top draft pick on a QB, but Miller isn't even the answer for a temporary starter and mentor. Brian Griese will be released by June 1 by the Broncos. I feel that he's the best QB on the market, and he'd fit well into the Bears' offense. He could start this year while a rookie develops.
This brings the question to which rookie signalcaller the Bears chould take. I don't think they should reach for Leftwich with their number 4 pick. He's not what they need. They could wait until about the third round to address this issue, honestly. People like Simms and Ragone could still be around by then. Their 1st round pick should be spent on the best available player that can contribute immediantly. Maybe Newman (a bit of a reach) or Kennedy. They could trade down to acquire an extra 2nd or 3rd round pick and still get Newman, probably. The second round could be used to grab an elite rusher who can push Anthony Thomas, who looked worse than lackluster this year.
The Bears have too many gaping needs to fill for them to aquire a rookie receiver. They're deep at the position, even if they part ways with Robinson, and it's more important for them to acquire someone to throw the ball.
More later...
Posted by eric4793
at 7:53 PM EST
