Roy Williams – While I HATE the fact the he does the first down signal ever time he converts (I hope someone tells him to cut that shit out but I doubt Lovie has the stones to do it) he’s a big WR that gives the team something they didn’t have last year. I’d prefer Mike Sims-Walker because he’s younger and has more upside but a 1 year deal with $2 million base salary for a player like Williams is a good move. Grade: B+ that could become an A+ if this guy puts up numbers like he did in Detroit when Martz ran that offense.
Sam Hurd – This guy is basically a taller version of Rashied Davis (special team ace with few offensive looks) who was brought in as his replacement after Davis went to the Lions. I don’t think it’s a bad move; it’s just meh unless this guy really contributes to the offense or makes the Pro Bowl on special teams. Grade: C
Marion Barber – The Bears didn’t have a short yardage back last year. Chester Taylor can do a number of things but he probably shouldn’t be going off tackle on 3rd & 2. Barber fits a role and while he may poach a few goal line carries from Forte he probably won’t have more than 6 or 7 carries a game. Once again, a piece the Bears didn’t have last year. Grade: B- because he gets dinged up and is one dimensional.
Vernon Gholston – One of the biggest busts in recent NFL history, this guy was a combine stud who barely registered on the field and has nothing but upside. I can’t imagine the Bears gave this guy a lot of cash so if he absolutely sucks then you can just cut him next season. If he does ANYTHING, however, then you have to give Angelo and Rod Marinelli some props. Grade: Incomplete, ranging from B- if he doesn’t even suit up on game days to A+ if he has 28 sacks this year.
Amobi Okoye - Considering where he was drafted (10th overall), he's considered a bust since he's totalled 11 sacks in 4 seasons. That being said, he's had a better career then Vernon Gholston who's registerd a total of 42 tackles over 3 seasons. This guy is probably cheap and he's only 24 years old (he was 19 when he was drafted) so, once again, there's really nothing but upside. I'd figure that this guy breaks into the rotation before Gholston and hopefully continues to improve under Marinelli. Grade: Incomplete for the same reasons as Gholston.
Matt Spaeth – This guy is basically a replacement for Brandon Manumaleuna, who looked like a turnstile more than once last season. It’s hard to get pumped about a blocking TE but if that’s what the team needs to go four wide then I’m on board with it. Grade: B-
Chris Spencer - Olin Kreutz was 34 years old and didn't have a lot more tread on the tires. This guy is 5 years younger and has been a 16 game starter (when healthy) since his rookie season so it's clear he can play. Some people are bitching because he's more of a "technical guy" instead of a "hard nosed" player like Kreutz. A lot of people who use terms like that have never played football at any level; I personally don't care how hard your nose is if you can play ball and it's very clear that NOBODY who started on the offensive line last year is irreplaceable. I wonder why Chicago couldn't sign both players this year (with the of intent starting Spencer at guard and sliding him over after Kreutz retired) but this isn't a bad pick up. Grade: B because he's not an elite center but he should be a decent starter for 3-4 years.
Adam Podlesh – He’s a punter. Maynard’s numbers were brutal last year and it seems there was a little heat between him and Dave Toub when he left. Hopefully this new guy can put a little more leg on the ball. Grade: B-
Bears Free Agent Signings were unbuster Bear news. Keep coming back.
No comments:
Post a Comment