Chicago Bears Off Season To Do List: Resigning Forte should be Priority #1

Chicago Bears off Season Check List

2011 Outcome (8-8)

There are years where everything seems to go your way. The Bears experienced that in the 2010-11 season…well except for a close loss in the NFC championship game. The 2011-12 season was the opposite. When the Bears were 7-3 everything seemed good but then Matt Forte and Jay Cutler were lost to injuries, and the season spiraled downward. Now the Bears have a lot of questions regarding an aging defense and an offense that lacks weapons. We will see what the new GM will do upon arrival.

Coach Seat Temperature

General Manager, Jerry Angelo, was cut loose. Lovie Smith was retained so he must have the faith of the owner. In my opinion, he has earned that trust. The Bears are well coached and with Mike Tice taking over as OC the Bears should improve. Martz was a dinosaur whose game planning went out of style in the early 2000’s. DC Rod Marinelli is a very sound DC who works well with Smith.

2011 Draft Class Rating (C-)

This class yielded only 5 picks. Gabe Carimi appears to be a very solid OT, but injuries cut his season short. Many wonder if he will stay at RT or move to LT to replace Webb. Stephen Paea flashed talent at DT in his rookie season but was inconsistent. If anyone is going to get him up to his potential it is Marinelli. The rest of the selections are depth players.

2010 Draft Class Rating (C)

Cutler trade should be factored into this draft. Major Wright is struggling at safety and appears lost in coverage. Wootton and Webb are facing major seasons if they are to be part of the future. The rest of the selections are nothing to brag about.

2009 Draft Class Rating (B)

Cutler trade should be factored into this draft. Henry Melton appears to be a solid rotational DT who can apply pressure to the QB. Johnny Nox is a solid depth WR who is a deep threat. DJ Moore is a very good slot CB who is adept at creating turnovers. The rest were misses.

Current Needs

Offense: WR, TE, OL

Defense: DE, DT, OLB, CB, S

Current FA

Matt Forte: Forte is the one weapon that Cutler has. They should franchise him and work towards a long term deal. I know it is risky business signing a RB to long term but Forte is entering his prime.

Israel Irondeje: Israel is 32 years old but is very solid verse the run and can still get 6 sacks a season. The Bears should make an effort to retain him.

Current Mock

1. Luke Kuechly MLB BC

2. Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin

3. Danny Trevethan OLB Kentucky

3. AJ Jenkins WR Illinois

4. Brandon Boykin CB Georgia

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