The Chicago Bears Should Sign Larry English and Joel Dreessen
By Erik Lambert
Aug 24, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) is sacked by San Diego Chargers linebacker Larry English (52) during the second quarter at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Part of building a winning team is finding talent at opportune times. For the Chicago Bears, that may be at hand.
English ends promising but disappointing tenure with San Diego Chargers
Being a 1st round draft pick meant that Larry English clearly had talent coming out of college. That is why the San Diego Chargers took. Unfortunately like so many top picks he ran into problems that were often out of his control. The only time he was able to play a full season was his rookie year. Otherwise it has been one injury after another that has held him back from becoming the promising pass rusher he was in college. That is why the team chose to cut him.
For the Chicago Bears, it is a fortuitous circumstance. English is actually a local product, having made his name at Northern Illinois University. He also did so playing as a 4-3 defensive end. So not only would signing English unite him with his hometown team and get him closer to family, but it would also put him back at his natural position. Granted the injury risks will remain, but the Bears could probably have him at a bargain and they can never have enough pass rushers.
Julius Thomas emergence made Dreessen useless to Denver Broncos
Another player to hit the open market recently was veteran tight end Joel Dreessen. For a good four-year stretch dating back to 2009 he was one of the underappreaciated players at his position. He put up some solid numbers in Houston before signing on with the Denver Broncos and becoming a dependable secondary option for Peyton Manning. However, the emergence of Pro Bowler Julius Thomas gave the Broncos a logjam at the position and the 31-year old Dreessen became the odd man out, especially given his third surgical procedure on his left knee.
That being said he’s proven himself as a solid reserve option at tight end and the Chicago Bears have serious need of one. Martellus Bennett remains their starter but the situation behind him on the depth chart is perilous. As it stands there is nobody to speak of with proven ability as a pass catcher. Dreessen, with his experience and his talent can offer them that.