2023 NFL Draft General Discussion

[Grizzled]

For whatever reasons, Poles seems determined to not draft a DE nor a C. How could more competition at those positions be bad considering how weak the team was at them in '22?

[BreadNCircuses]

For whatever reasons, Poles seems determined to not draft a DE nor a C. How could more competition at those positions be bad considering how weak the team was at them in '22?

C at least is understandable -- Between Whitehair, Patrick, and Doug Kramer, I can see deciding it's not a need THIS year
I wanted JMS so bad.

From the trade to the eagles, I've just kind of thrown my hands up and said "I'm going to trust the process this year, because I don't see it"

[Heinz D.]

For whatever reasons, Poles seems determined to not draft a DE nor a C. How could more competition at those positions be bad considering how weak the team was at them in '22?

He must think that with all the various possibilities he already has on hand, that they can figure out C. Not sure I'd have thought that, but whatever.

DE is kind of a head scratcher. I'm guessing he has some faith in Dominique Robinson--but apparently not so much in Kyler Gordon and Velus Jones Jr. He may well sign a DE after the draft, too.

[Bearfacts]

Tyler Scott. NFL site had him projected to go in late round 2 or early round 3. Small but fast. Former sprinter. PR possibilities. Size and traits similar to Darnell Mooney. Looks to be a good pick for value here just as Mooney was.

Tyler Scott, then Noah Sewell.

Holy flirking shnit.

Sewell is another Jack Sanborn type without Sanborn's instincts or so his scouting report says. Downhill stud tackler in a phone booth and a possible kid who could bull rush from an edge position. There were players I would rather have had here but I could see him subbing for Edmunds whenever they want to stack the line on a goal line play. Definitely not starting material.

We knew Poles would add a WR and Scott seems to be good value where drafted. Competition for Velus Jones and a possible replacement for Mooney next year if he's not extended.

[IE]

Tyler Scott, then Noah Sewell.

Holy flirking shnit.

Sewell is another Jack Sanborn type without Sanborn's instincts or so his scouting report says. Downhill stud tackler in a phone booth and a possible kid who could bull rush from an edge position. There were players I would rather have had here but I could see him subbing for Edmunds whenever they want to stack the line on a goal line play. Definitely not starting material.

We knew Poles would add a WR and Scott seems to be good value where drafted. Competition for Velus Jones and a possible replacement for Mooney next year if he's not extended.

I don't know who we is - I certainly didn't know he'd draft a WR and actually thought the opposite. Especially not in the 4th round where he has to keep him on the roster as WR7 - because he just re-signed Pettis before the draft.

He has to figure out the Pool and Mooney situation - who he keeps. He has to see if Velus can play WR or if he's just a KR/PR/Gadget. And ESB is going to get his blocking reps. He's got 6 WRs who are going to play this season and there was zero reason to draft a WR. Even if he lets both Pool and Mooney walk he's got DJ Moore, ESB and Velus locked after '23. Plus certainly Pettis who is a decent WR 5/6.

WR was purely a BPA need.

[thunderspirit]

[Ditka’s dictaphone]

Mental Note: Never get excited about an off season potential again.

Poles really pissed on my chips this year, with FA and now the draft. His decisions are just plain weird.

[Bearfacts]

Sewell is another Jack Sanborn type without Sanborn's instincts or so his scouting report says. Downhill stud tackler in a phone booth and a possible kid who could bull rush from an edge position. There were players I would rather have had here but I could see him subbing for Edmunds whenever they want to stack the line on a goal line play. Definitely not starting material.

We knew Poles would add a WR and Scott seems to be good value where drafted. Competition for Velus Jones and a possible replacement for Mooney next year if he's not extended.

I don't know who we is - I certainly didn't know he'd draft a WR and actually thought the opposite. Especially not in the 4th round where he has to keep him on the roster as WR7 - because he just re-signed Pettis before the draft.

He has to figure out the Pool and Mooney situation - who he keeps. He has to see if Velus can play WR or if he's just a KR/PR/Gadget. And ESB is going to get his blocking reps. He's got 6 WRs who are going to play this season and there was zero reason to draft a WR. Even if he lets both Pool and Mooney walk he's got DJ Moore, ESB and Velus locked after '23. Plus certainly Pettis who is a decent WR 5/6.

WR was purely a BPA need.

I don't see Pettis as being guaranteed a roster spot but if Poles was gonna bring any 2022 WR back Pettis would have been my choice as well. The other issue I bolded is what I believe picking Scott is all about.

Assuming Mooney is still is former self post injury he's still in a contract year and Spotrac estimates an MV of nearly $15 mil AAV for a 4 year deal. With Moore as the #1 and also earning $16 mil per year through 20245 - 2025 I don't see Poles being willing to pay Mooney anywhere near $15 mil per year. Scott and his rookie deal could then be Mooney's replacement if he leaves as a FA.

Poles spent a very costly top 2nd round pick on Claypool and Claypool in addition to being big and fast is also a tremendous run blocker just like ESB. As long as he can also produce as a receiver like he did initially in Pitt I have to believe he's the guy Poles will bring back on a second contract. He offers more of what Getsy is looking for overall in a more versatile WR and I have to believe his cost for any extension would be somewhat similar to Mooney's or possibly a bit less. JMHO here.

If Scott busts out early as Mooney did there's also a possibility of trading him this fall getting something back in the way of another 2024 pick. And while I hate to see Mooney go IMHO drafting Scott is a strategic move that points in that direction. I just don't see Poles paying three WR #1 or nearly #1 kind of money and he has a top 2nd round pick invested in Claypool vs the 5th round pick Pace spent on Mooney. Just spit ballin' here but this is where the logic takes me.

[HisRoyalSweetness]

We knew Poles would add a WR and Scott seems to be good value where drafted. Competition for Velus Jones and a possible replacement for Mooney next year if he's not extended.

I don't know who we is - I certainly didn't know he'd draft a WR and actually thought the opposite. Especially not in the 4th round where he has to keep him on the roster as WR7 - because he just re-signed Pettis before the draft.

He has to figure out the Pool and Mooney situation - who he keeps. He has to see if Velus can play WR or if he's just a KR/PR/Gadget. And ESB is going to get his blocking reps. He's got 6 WRs who are going to play this season and there was zero reason to draft a WR. Even if he lets both Pool and Mooney walk he's got DJ Moore, ESB and Velus locked after '23. Plus certainly Pettis who is a decent WR 5/6.

WR was purely a BPA need.

Just because they signed ESB and Pettis doesn't mean they have to make the opening day roster. Pettis has played for 5 teams in 5 years and has yet to pass 1,000 receiving yards in his career. ESB hasn't either in his 4 seasons. They're both on one year deals and cost next to nothing to cut. (ESB $85,000, Pettis $152,500). They're exactly the sort of veterans you want younger guys to push off the roster.

[UOK]

[southdakbearfan]

Some of you all either need to have a drink or 6, or pick another sport. Poles proved last year he hit a lot more than he missed nabbing a starting LT, S, CB & LB all without a #1. Until he blows a draft I figure he is a professional with a lot of professionals under him that have made this their life's endeavor. They know a heck of a lot more than all of us weekend warriors here.

[HisRoyalSweetness]

For those who do the whole twitter thing:

[BreadNCircuses]

Some of you all either need to have a drink or 6, or pick another sport. Poles proved last year he hit a lot more than he missed nabbing a starting LT, S, CB & LB all without a #1. Until he blows a draft I figure he is a professional with a lot of professionals under him that have made this their life's endeavor. They know a heck of a lot more than all of us weekend warriors here.

All I can do is shrug and trust the process

[HisRoyalSweetness]

[Grizzled]

Mental Note: Never get excited about an off season potential again.

Poles really pissed on my chips this year, with FA and now the draft. His decisions are just plain weird.

I share some of your frustration, DD. But Poles is very disciplined. He has a plan for rebuilding the Bears and isn't going to cut corners doing so. This includes not signing free agents who he thinks are overpriced nor trading away valuable draft picks (2nd, 3rd rounders) to move up. He's building through the draft but his way. He recognizes that '23 is still a rebuilding year and not all holes are filled in one or 2 years if he does things his way. Look positively on this upcoming season: lots of new weapons for Fields, much better OL protection. Successful NFL teams win with great offenses and top 10 defenses and the Bears are working towards that.

BTW, did you escape the dreaded wife 'honey do' list Friday? I remember in chat session Thursday night you said you were taking the day off and hoped to not get stuck doing chores.

[Heinz D.]

If Scott busts out early as Mooney did there's also a possibility of trading him this fall getting something back in the way of another 2024 pick. And while I hate to see Mooney go IMHO drafting Scott is a strategic move that points in that direction. I just don't see Poles paying three WR #1 or nearly #1 kind of money and he has a top 2nd round pick invested in Claypool vs the 5th round pick Pace spent on Mooney. Just spit ballin' here but this is where the logic takes me.

Picking up Scott in the fourth is just flat-out nuts (as is Sewell in the fifth). What a weird freakin' draft!

But yeah, you hit the nail on the head there. If Scott works out (and I'm betting he will), then there are options aplenty. And I'd imagine that cutting Va-Jay-Jay is looking like a real possibility to Poles.

[Heinz D.]

Mental Note: Never get excited about an off season potential again.

Poles really pissed on my chips this year, with FA and now the draft. His decisions are just plain weird.

Never heard "pissed on my chips" before. What an interesting saying!

I was puzzled by him only selecting one O lineman, going CB in round two instead, and the lack of a DE.

Hard for me to dislike the draft though, as the players he did get all have potential, and he really got serious about bolstering the defense.

What were your issues with FA?

[EricTighe]

Mental Note: Never get excited about an off season potential again.

Poles really pissed on my chips this year, with FA and now the draft. His decisions are just plain weird.

I guess bitchin just to bitch is some kinda talent.

[Ditka’s dictaphone]

Mental Note: Never get excited about an off season potential again.

Poles really pissed on my chips this year, with FA and now the draft. His decisions are just plain weird.

I guess bitchin just to bitch is some kinda talent.

Weird isn’t it, commenting on the team on a fans message board.

What are the odds?

[Ditka’s dictaphone]

What were your issues with FA?

Our greatest positions of weakness DT and DE he went shopping at bargain basement. Then failed to get a DE (not even one) in the draft.

[dplank]

I guess bitchin just to bitch is some kinda talent.

Weird isn’t it, commenting on the team on a fans message board.

What are the odds?

I feel you DD. You are free to express how you feel IMO and it doesn’t bother me at all. You’re not picking fights or strawmanning other peoples takes or anything. It’s a board designed to exchange ideas, group think is boring AF. I’ll keep trying to pull you into the light, I’m loving where we are right now

[Heinz D.]

What were your issues with FA?

Our greatest positions of weakness DT and DE he went shopping at bargain basement. Then failed to get a DE (not even one) in the draft.

Well, to be fair, Walker might be a find. Also, as I said earlier, he clearly trusts that DRob will be a contributor. I think that's probably a mistake...but I've been wrong about shit so often lately, I could well be wrong about that, too.

I was angry about the lack of a high quality DT myself. I mean...why accumulate all that cash if you're not going to spend it to fix the team? The frustrating part is that by not doing so, Poles limited his avenues of opportunity, which I don't think was strategically sound. But, I really liked the guys he did get...so that lowers my a great deal. "Bargain basement" or not, they're good players, and cleatr upgrades. Wouldn't you agree?

[HisRoyalSweetness]

Mental Note: Never get excited about an off season potential again.

Poles really pissed on my chips this year, with FA and now the draft. His decisions are just plain weird.

Never heard "pissed on my chips" before. What an interesting saying!

We Brits love a colourful turn of phrase.

And just to avoid any confusion...

[Heinz D.]

We Brits love a colourful turn of phrase.

And just to avoid any confusion...

So. its basically "pissed on my french fries", then?

We Yanks sport a similar, equally distasteful phrase-- "pissed on your cereal", OR the more specific "pissed on your cornflakes".

What a wonderful cross-continental discussion we're having!!!

[HisRoyalSweetness]

Don't mistake nice chunky chips for skinny French fries.

I don't know the origin of the phrase but I'd imagine it has its roots in "piss and vinegar", vinegar (along with salt) being the most common condiment for putting on your chips.

[thunderspirit]

Don't mistake nice chunky chips for skinny French fries.

I don't know the origin of the phrase but I'd imagine it has its roots in "piss and vinegar", vinegar (along with salt) being the most common condiment for putting on your chips.

...and now I want fish n chips.

[Heinz D.]

Don't mistake nice chunky chips for skinny French fries.

I don't know the origin of the phrase but I'd imagine it has its roots in "piss and vinegar", vinegar (along with salt) being the most common condiment for putting on your chips.

Yeah...I really like the differentiation between the bigger, sort-of "steak fries" (that being an American term), and the regular fries. Wish we said "chips" and "fries". Leads to a lot less adjectives that way...

[Rusty Trombagent]

[Bearfacts]

Seems to me like this should be considered a successful draft. Poles added at least 6 potential core players.

As for the not drafting a DE deal to anyone following previous picks we could see quite of few DE/Edge guys being drafted prior to the Bears pick at #53. Even players who carried a 2nd round grade were being taken earlier. When it came time for Poles to pick at #53 demand for DE/Edge had outstripped supply so he went DT shopping instead. We needed them too.

There's more than enough cap space left to rent a pass rusher or two if that's what needed.

[The Marshall Plan]

Don't mistake nice chunky chips for skinny French fries.

I don't know the origin of the phrase but I'd imagine it has its roots in "piss and vinegar", vinegar (along with salt) being the most common condiment for putting on your chips.

One of my absolute favorite dinners is fried fish and chips. Malt vinegar being the ideal condiment there.