Jerry Angelo Raises the Bar

1 2008 1 14 Chris Williams T CHI 0 0 0 Vanderbilt
2 2007 1 31 Greg Olsen TE CHI 2007 2007 0 0 0 14 39 391 2 Miami (FL)
3 2005 1 4 Cedric Benson RB CHI 2005 2007 0 0 1 35 420 1593 10 26 180 0 Texas
4 2004 1 14 Tommie Harris DT CHI 2004 2007 0 3 4 60 19.5 Oklahoma
5 2003 1 14 Michael Haynes DE CHI 2003 2005 0 0 0 42 1 5.5 Penn State
6 2003 1 22 Rex Grossman QB CHI 2003 2007 0 0 2 32 489 900 5907 31 33 52 76 1 1 -4 0 Florida
7 2002 1 29 Marc Colombo T CHI 2002 2007 0 0 2 55 Boston College
8 2001 1 8 David Terrell WR CHI 2001 2005 0 0 1 54 4 14 0 128 1602 9 Michigan

I mean for a GM who's seen more busts than Joe Francis, Jerry Angelo has really outdone himself. I mean, David Terrell(2001, 8th overall) was so bad he never started for anyone but Chicago and is out of the league. At least Terrell caught on with another team before being bounced from the league after a 4-year career in Chicago.

Then there was that double blockbuster of 2003 when Jerry boldly traded back to take Michael Haynes (14th overall) and Rex Grossman (22nd overall). Haynes managed to make it three years with Chicago, started 4 games, and was then bounced out of the league. Grossman, luckily for him, is with Chicago, the team that will keep you around indefinitely if you're a 1st-rounder and they can keep finding excuses for your lack of development.

Then of course, let us not forget Cedric "Two yards and a cloud of Bust" Benson (4th overall, 2005). Angelo sold this bag of shit as a "high character guy" and a "workhorse type back." After Benson proved both of which were false, he still was given the job as the starter despite showing neither talent nor desire. Thomas Jones was traded for a sack of magic beans after carrying the offense in the 2006 Superbowl run. Much like many oter first rounders of Angelo, Benson is enjoying his life with his millions and no NFL job.

But this season. THIS SEASON. Angelo raised even his bar. With everyone else in the NFL moving Chris Williams down their board because of injury concerns, Jerry Angelo used his 14th overall pick on Williams. Of course, Williams has already rewarded Chicago by making it through HALF A PRACTICE before needing surgery for that same back issue others were warned about.

Think about it. Michael Haynes actually needed 3 years to prove he was a bust and leave the NFL for good, never playing a meaningful down for any team except the Chicago Bears. But Chris Williams? He could actually set the record for being the biggest bust in Bear history by making it through only half a practice in his NFL history. His $9 million in garaunteed money, Williams could end up his career with a job that paid him about $1.5 million per minute he practiced!

Even Matt Millen has to tip his hat to such a colossal fuckup! Al Davis is green with envy (and possibly his lack of soul). Jerry Angelo you worthless bag of shit, please do everyone a favor and resign this position that you have spectacularly showed you cannot handle. Eat a bag of dicks you fucking hack!

Preaseason Game #1: Notes

I meant to post these the day after the game, but a flooded basement and the headaches that come with it got in the way. Here's my stream of consciousness as I watched the first game of the preseason:

Brandon McGowan is a stud ... 3rd down and long play McGowan separated receiver from ball but no one caught it. The missed call lead to the opening drive touchdown.

Trumain McBride looks absolutely terrible. I mean FUCKING terrible. He has regressed badly since last season.

Matt Forte looks ok ... Definite upgrade the way he hits the hole and sheds people. He also doesn't fall down after 2 yards so Jerry Angelo will probably try and trade him soon.

Grossman is Grossman ... Orton is safe but never going to be an all-star.

The d-line was consistently beat off the line in that first drive ... They recovered later but only showed some flashes. Including Mark Anderson putting good pressure on the QB in at least two occassions.

Rookie Marcus(?) Harrison looked good, but will he be consistent? And will he behave off the field?

Big fucking surprise, we wasted a pick on Chris Williams and his disc injury (more to follow in an article later) ... Rashard Mendenhall anyone?

Garret Wolfe made a statement that he belongs in the NFL ... He's got many detractors but you cannot dismiss his big play ability even though he's a gadget player.

Return guys were unimpressive .. no one can match Hester ,... Wolfe was drafted with that idea so let's use him when we're keeping Devin Hester safe.

Mike Hass once again showed why fans are clamoring for him making another great catch on a tough throw ... He later makes an uncharacteristic drop.

Hanie showed some feet when the play breaks down ... A mobile QB with good pocket awareness in Chicago is as rare as a good M. Night Shyamalan film.

PJ Pope continues to be a preseason rockstar ... why not give him a chance?

Rookie QB Caleb Hanie shows off some touch and some arm with a pass to fellow rookie Kellen Davis and follows up with a gun to to Brandon Rideau for the TD.

Rookie Zack Bowman with a good hit on kickoff return submarining the Chiefs returner.

3rd and short with a QB Hanie who is on fire and Bears run a FB ... Is that the coaches desperate effort to not add Hanie to the QB competition?

Draft Bits from Day 1

Keyshawn Johnson compares Matt Ryan replacing Mike Vick to replacing Dan Marino. You know if Dan Marino wasn't a hall of famer with a great record, millions of fans, and not in prison.

From Brad Biggs of Suntimes: "Mike Mayock of NFL Network reports that Vanderbilt
offensive tackle Chris Williams may be off draft boards for some teams because of a
``neck and cervix’’ injury. Williams was a model of durability during his college
career."
OMFGWTFBBQ! That is some fine reporting. Apparently we learned that WIlliams is not
only injured but he's also a bit of a pussy. A "cervix" injury? You may want to
check your sources. (Biggs did update his blog and thanked me for pointing out his misprint)

Chris Williams and his "cervix" will come to Chicago as Jerry Angelo did exactly what I predicted he would do: draft safe in the first round and then reach for a running back in round 2. In Brad Biggs's continuously updating blog, I hit it right on the head. Angelo continues to lead us down the path of mediocrity.

For those who want to question my moves: I would have selected Rashard Mendenhall with the 14th overall pick. Anthony Collins and Carl Nicks are still on the board as we head into Day 2 and either could have filled our need at tackle.

Draft Scenarios: Targeted Picks Round #1, Pick 14

With the 14th overall pick, here is where the Bears should set their sites on April 26th. This is in order by preference, draft the highest rated player still on the board:

1. LT Ryan Clady - A solid LT who could start on opening day.
2. RB Rashard Mendenhall - A rare specimen of speed, power and game-breaking ability.
3. LT Chris Williams - A still-developing LT but definitely NFL-ready
4. OT Jeff Otah - Projects as a mauling RT with his huge size
5. OG Brendan Albert - Though some believe Albert could be a LT at the next level, that transition would take time. He'd be an opening day starter at Guard for any team.
6. LB Keither Rivers - The best LB in the draft and a possible need given Brian Urlacher's medical questions and Lance Briggs's attitude (and possible jail time).
7. QB Brian Brohm - If Matt Ryan is #1 in the draft, Brian Brohm is 1A. A solid QB with a good arm who could develop into a franchise quarterback in the NFL.
8. RB Johnathan Stewart - Coming back from turf-toe I do not like taking anyone who will be questionable heading into the season. That's why Brohm grades out ahead of Stewart.