Bears need to address needs

A year ago, the Bears arrived at the annual NFL combine in Indianapolis for what amounted to a victory lap.

[boonasty51]

As stated before several times by writers and commenters alike, the need for offensive linemen is huge and should be addressed Day 1 and Day 2. They need to draft some cornerstones if you will at both the tackle and guard position and not rely on free agency to shore up those positions as the Bears are notoriously outbid and out smarted on a yearly basis when it comes to free agency. Going for the "best athlete" available has netted us Cedric Benson and Rex Grossman among other highly touted draft busts over the past few years. Going after a guy like Steve Slaton in the 3rd round would be ok, but going after Andre Woodson in the 1st would be awful.

The Bears have glaring needs on the offensive side of the ball, but there are also holes on defense. If Angelo can nab a safety it would be much appreciated as we have a huge hole in the secondary at that position. A defensive tackle would be nice, but the seriousness of building an offense has never been more present after watching this team flounder week in and week out trying to score points. The line is the place to start and it's possible that we might see some improvements in both the QB and RB positions. That said, they shouldn't rely on Benson and Grossman to save this team ... if nothing else, they should learn from the Cubs on that with their yearly gambles on Wood and Prior being in the rotation.

[James]

Does anyone see Mike Brown being kept around?

[Deke]

I would like to see them make a big push for Faneca and then draft a left tackle in the first round. Move Tait back to the right side where he belongs. Faneca and Kreutz would be nasty up the middle and would take pressure off the rookie. Sure there are still issue on offense but having a solid line makes average skill guys that much better.

See. Isn't that simple?:)

[boonasty51]

James wrote:

Does anyone see Mike Brown being kept around?

Depends ... haven't heard much about him in a while. Not too many updates on his rehab progress or anything like that. Either way, it's best to shore up some talent at the position and that doesn't mean keeping Archuleta -- because that is the exact opposite of talent. that's a liability -- because Brown is about as durable as a graham cracker. If they offer a contract, it better be filled with incentives, including one that demands he plays more than 10 games.

[northside mike]

Rex Grossman "the best available athelete": in what sport?