Who would you cut now?

The guy on our roster who has the most potential to move to MLB is Hardin. He has the size (height) and speed. Unfortunately, he lacks the tackling mechanics to stop bruiser RB's and TE's. He also hasn't played in 2 years.

What do you guys think about Dom DeCicco?  I know there were several people high on him, but I don't remember him getting much playing time if at all recently.  It appears he's still on the team and signed.

McClellin is absolutely 100% NOT a middle linebacker.

I'm so tired of hearing that idea.

He's a pass rusher.

I don't know what everybody's fascination is with this.  He is not now or ever going to be moved to LB unless we switch to a 3-4, then maybe.  He is in no way a 4-3 weak, strong or middle LB.  Emery himself has said as much and many Bears insiders have said the same thing.  There is no reason to hide this from the public so I don't think this is Emery keeping things tight to the vest.  He is a Defensive End, he is not moving, it is not going to happen.  That is something that would have happened in the JA and Lovie era where they tried to jam a square peg in a round hole.  I am confident in saying it is not going to happen because it was never the plan, he is a defensive end, I think Emery was hoping he would be the next Jared Allen, not enough of a body of work yet to judge but this season will be a better judge on his ability.

Brian Urlacher was a safety. He was already used to being in the middle of the field, covering, and backpedaling as well and coming downhill.

Shea hasn't done any of that.

All that I know is that I believe that  McClellin is not going to be an impact DE based on what I have seen.

How much have you actually seen?

 I'd guess about as much as you have. When Urlacher was drafted did you ever think that they drafted him as a safety? Hell no. When The Bears drafted McClellin was drafted did it make sense to have drafted him as a defensive end? I doubt it.

Consider this, Urlacher's skill set was not typical for a middle line backer. I'd say that he was certainly the most mobile middle linebacker in the history of the NFL. To think that any replacement would be required to have that skill set is ridiculous. Singletary didn't have it,  he had other great assets. Butkus didn't have it although he could cover better than anyone gave him credit for. And the murderer from the Ravens couldn't come close in coverage like Urlacher. Urlacher was and is unique.

In short,  good defensive position drafters amend their defenses to the qualities and capabilities to the talent around them not the other way around. I think that McClellin is a POSSIBILITY AT LINEBACKER.  I do not see the great future of the guy at DE. I do not see him strong enough to be a DE.  I also think that if they keep him there, he will likely be an over-all bust in a four three defense at DE.

I don't know what everybody's fascination is with this.  He is not now or ever going to be moved to LB unless we switch to a 3-4, then maybe.  He is in no way a 4-3 weak, strong or middle LB.  Emery himself has said as much and many Bears insiders have said the same thing.  There is no reason to hide this from the public so I don't think this is Emery keeping things tight to the vest.  He is a Defensive End, he is not moving, it is not going to happen.  That is something that would have happened in the JA and Lovie era where they tried to jam a square peg in a round hole.  I am confident in saying it is not going to happen because it was never the plan, he is a defensive end, I think Emery was hoping he would be the next Jared Allen, not enough of a body of work yet to judge but this season will be a better judge on his ability.

Tell me something, how much was Roach involved in dropping back into coverage?  I maintain that if McClellin could fit in a 3-4 defense then he also could fit in as a replacement for Roach.  Jared Allen????? Please. Jared Allen is a stud, strong, and with a motor that won't quit. His skill set is completely on a level different than McClellin. McClellins skill set is different. He does not have any bull rush capability. His only skill at DE is a speed rush at the quarterback. He gets sucked in a lot and does not contain worth a rip against the run.

I think McClellin was drafted to block the Packers. He definately is way too raw at DE and the Bears being a team in win now mode need guys who are fast explosive and more polished coming out of round 1 than what Shea was. He looks more like a 3-4 OLB guy than a hand down edge rusher. Time will tell but he was a reach considering what was available and the needs for Chicago...that still exist......

Jared Allen????? Please. Jared Allen is a stud, strong, and with a motor that won't quit. His skill set is completely on a level different than McClellin.

Al, don't get me wrong here, I don't think McClellin was a great pick by any means and as I stated, I believe EMERY thought he COULD be a Jared Allen type pass rusher at the Defensive End position.  If I picked a DE it would have been Chandler Jones who would have been a great addition to that line last year with Melton and Peppers, he had a solid season with the Patriots. 

I don't think Shea would make a good LB either, maybe a 3-4 pass rush specialist but just doesn't have good LB skills.  It really is and was a confusing pick by Emery who we all thought wanted to go to a 3-4 but now we just go an entirely new coaching staff but are keeping the 4-3.  I just know from everything being said, there is no way he is moving to LB which was the point I was trying to make.

When Urlacher was drafted did you ever think that they drafted him as a safety?

Everyone knew he was being drafted as a linebacker, and the Bears said from day one that would be his position.

Kinda like they've said from day 1 that McClellin would be a defensive end.

When The Bears drafted McClellin was drafted did it make sense to have drafted him as a defensive end? I doubt it.

He is a pass rusher. That is what he does.

Consider this, Urlacher's skill set was not typical for a middle line backer.

If you were to design a prototypical middle linebacker.............he'd look a heck of a lot like Brian Urlacher in terms of size and physical ability.

To think that any replacement would be required to have that skill set is ridiculous.

The problem is Shea has none of that skill set. There is no where to even begin with him. You don't take a career pass rusher and move him to the middle of the field where he has never been.

I'm sorry, it's just dumb.

Jared Allen????? Please. Jared Allen is a stud, strong, and with a motor that won't quit. His skill set is completely on a level different than McClellin. McClellins skill set is different. He does not have any bull rush capability. His only skill at DE is a speed rush at the quarterback. He gets sucked in a lot and does not contain worth a rip against the run.

How many defensive ends come in to the league with a complete set of moves and make an impact right away?

Maybe we should see what Shea does in year 2 before closing the book on him? Might be a bit more logical.

He does not have any bull rush capability. His only skill at DE is a speed rush at the quarterback. He gets sucked in a lot and does not contain worth a rip against the run.

I think what you mean to say is McClellin came in with those attributes.

And you have to remember, he was primarily used as a 3rd down, nickel or dime DE.

But to say that he couldn't (or hasn't) put on some muscle and learned some new techniques at DE is short-sighted.

 

 I maintain that if McClellin could fit in a 3-4 defense then he also could fit in as a replacement for Roach.

McClellin has about 3 inches and 40 lbs on Roach... Roach converted from safety to LB at NU. Shea has been chasing down the QB while playing very little coverage.

Can Shea convert to LB? Some think it's possible. I personally don't see it.

However, with Izzy no longer on the team, I think the odds of him not being a DE next year is really slim.

Maybe we should see what Shea does in year 2 before closing the book on him? Might be a bit more logical.

He's on the team, so we'll find out one way or another.  Al, while others here don't agree with you, I think the important thing is that it doesn't appear the Bears agree with you.  Though I'll eat my words if he comes out playing LB.  The Bears do play it tight to the chest.  I would just find it odd that Emery has said he will be a DE, he hired a 4-3 DC, they played him at DE all year....  I think they're going to fill LB some other way.

However, with Izzy no longer on the team, I think the odds of him not being a DE next year is really slim.

Wait, what?  Izzy is officially not being pursued to be brought back?  I can't find any news on this, you have some info?  He's getting up there in age, but he's a decent member of the D rotation.

Wait, what?  Izzy is officially not being pursued to be brought back?  I can't find any news on this, you have some info?

All I meant is that he's a free agent. So technically, he's not a Bear anymore.

For that matter, neither is Urlacher.

As far as a I know, Izzy hasn't received an offer.

Maybe a look at Dwight Freeney if the price is right. While is isnt in his prime he would drop right into the Bears system givin us another pass rusher. Id let Izzy walk. Im kinda worn out on high motor guys with no upside. We have had a good dose of that during the Lovie/Angelo years. 

Maybe a look at Dwight Freeney if the price is right. While is isnt in his prime he would drop right into the Bears system givin us another pass rusher. Id let Izzy walk. Im kinda worn out on high motor guys with no upside. We have had a good dose of that during the Lovie/Angelo years.

You think Izzy is just a "high motor guy"?  I don't agree at all.  Don't forget that Idonije is the same size as Peppers.  He's tall, he's big, and he is pretty athletic for a man of his stature.  He is a real force against the run and don't forget that he had 7.5 sacks last year.  I don't think he would cost all that much to bring back and gives some flexibility to play on the inside as well.  

I'm not sure what Emery is thinking at this point but the Bears definitely need to ink another DE - maybe they do decide to let Izzy sign elsewhere and bring in Freeney.