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Chicago Bears
Posted: Sun April 19, 1998 at 9:53 p.m.
* compensatory pick
QB - They tried to put some deals together early that would allow them to trade up with Arizona and acquire either Peyton Manning or Ryan Leaf. They couldn't get the deal done, so they re-signed QB Erik Kramer to a 3 year deal. Kramer is a dec. NFL starter, but lacks the skills to get the Bears to the next level. Backup Rick Mirer could be a June 1st casualty, forcing the Bears to pick up a veteran backup or look for a young guy in the draft. #3 QB Steve Stenstrom is kind of an unknown to this point. They had an opportunity to play him at the end of the season, but chose to keep him on the sideline.
RB - The RB spot in Chicago is very muddled right now. FA RB Edgar Bennett was added, bringing questions as to the future of FA Raymont Harris and Rashaan Salaam. Harris has been designated their franchise player, and they are fielding trade offers. Harris carried this team last season, and if Bennett's achilles is not at 100%, they could be making a big mistake in letting him go. Salaam has been somewhat of a bust, and doesn't command much on the trade market. If the Bears can fit in under the cap, they would be wise to keep Bennett, Harris, and rookie Darnell Autry, while releasing Salaam.
WR - Injuries decimated this unit last season, and depth must be added through the draft. Star WR Curtis Conway was solid healthy, and Bobby Engram missed most of the 2nd half of the season with an ankle sprain. Their leading WR last season was Ricky Proehl, who was signed as a FA by the St. Louis Rams. The loss of Proehl leaves Chris Penn as the #3 WR. Help may be on the way though. A good posibility is that the Bears will stay in the #5 spot and draft WR Randy Moss, despite his shaky past. Moss is the best WR prospect to come out in some time, and would allow them to move smallish Engram into his more natural slot WR spot.
TE - They continue to address this position, and it's not bad when they have healthy bodies. The latest injury was John Allred who spent a lot of last season nicked up. Allred was a surprise 2nd rd. selection last season, and needs to start developing. FA TE Ryan Wetnight was re-signed this offseason, but he too has been very injury prone over his career. The Bears may need to add a veteran type before the FA signing period ends. With all of their past injury problems at TE, they couldn't have enough extra bodies on their roster.
OL - One of the stronger units on this football team despite the FA loss of RG Todd Burger. They are still solid with LT Andy Heck, LG Todd Perry, OC Chris Villarial, and RT James Williams. Mike Zandofsky was signed as a FA, and may be penciled in at RG... backup OC Evan Pilgrim can also play either OG spot. Depth is the biggest problem... any injuries at OT could be devastating, as seldom used Jimmy Herndon backs up at both spots. Hernon has good size, but marg. AA, and is a liability in pass pro. Look for them to add some depth at OT somewhere in the draft.
DL - Until recently, the DL position had been a solid unit. DE Alonzo Spellman is going through personal problems, and it is doubtful that he will ever return to form. Other DE John Thierry has been a complete 1st rd. bust, leaving the Bears with no quality starters on the end. The Bears could still try to make a deal with Arizona and move up to #3 to get their hands on DE Andre Wadsworth, who would have an immediate impact on their shaky front 4. There are no real viable options at DE if the Bears can't trade out of the #5 spot. They could also add some depth inside where the starting tandem of Jim Flanigan (re-signed) and Mike Wells (FA Det), don't throw fear into anyone. This unit should be a focal point in the upcoming draft.
LB - Another area of concern on the defensive side of the ball. Disgruntled MLB Bryan Cox will be traded or released on June 1st, leaving a big hole in the middle of their defense. Cox is no longer a playmaker, and his whining does not = his production or lack thereof. Barry Minte will likely be moved inside, which leaves two huge holes at the OLB position. Ron Cox, Sean Harris, and Michael Lowry are no better than backup types. Look for the Bears to grab an OLB or MLB early in the draft. If they can get an MLB, Minter can move back to his SLB spot.
DB - They didn't show it all the time last season, but this is not a bad unit. DC Walt Harris got off to a slow start, but rebounded at midseason. Other DC Tom Carter was fairly solid. They have some problems at DS though. FS John Mangum was re-signed, but he has only adq. speed, and is slow to react way too often. SS Marty Carter is much better vs. the run. They need to add some athleticism at the DS spot. More than anything they need someone to take on the leadership role that was lost when FA DS Mark Carrier defected to Detroit last season.
ST - Biggest area of concern is the return game. They signed Tyrone Hughes last season, but he was not the answer, and won't likely be back. Marshall WR Randy Moss could be the answer if they draft him with the #5 overall selection. Moss can return punts and kicks. The tandem of PT Todd Saurbrun and PK Jeff Jaeger are solid.
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