More interested in the offensive line than defensive line for this upcoming draft.
The stuff I have been reading, even the top tackle prospects has some scouts wondering if they wouldn't be better kicked in to guard; you don't ever hear that about actual blue chip, top end tackles, so to me this is a weak tackle draft.
When I went through the prospects, it also occured to me there are very few pure right guards in this draft as well. On the flip side, there is an absolute GLUT of left guards.
I don't get into specific names, but my preference would be for the Bears to trade down and pick up another 2nd round pick.
Then go RG, DL, LG, Center with their first 4 picks (one in the first, 3 in the second round).
As for our current roster on offense, my impressions:
Kiran Amegadjie: I had some high hopes for him as a prospect, but while I do like his power when he can successfully engage a defender, I am afraid he hasn't learned a damn thing under Chris Morgan, who is a TERRIBLE O-line coach. He's not someone who should be counted on as anything but depth, going into this season, but I also wouldn't be surprised if in a few years he ends up a real powerhouse if the Bears get a good coach on the O-Line.
Larry Borom: Gus said he would like to see him away from his football world. I would agree.
Jake Curhan: I also agree, no more Curhan .
Teven Jenkins: I think Tevin walks. I don't think the team will resign him. This will leave a big hole.
Doug Kramer: When he was on the field and actually playing center, he was terrible. That said, if the incoming coach needs a fullback, he actually isn't a bad option to convert to that. Just please don't ask him to hold onto the ball.
Matt Pryor: Depth
Coleman Shelton: Not as impressed by him as Gus is (using that loosely of course). I think he's a liability on a good team. One year deal anyway, so he's likely gone. Not worth re-signing.
Darnell Wright: Average Right Tackle in the NFL on a good team. Disappointing for a #9 pick, but sadly he is the strongest part of your offensive line right now. You can get away with him playing right tackle while you fix the rest of the line, but once that is done, he is someone you can absolutely upgrade one the rest of the line is taken care of, unless he takes some big steps forward with better coaching.
Ryan Bates: Bust, at least for now. His injury and lack of availability this season means you can't count on him for next. In my perfect world, he's a backup who will have to push for a starting spot in training camp, but with him being gone in 2 years, I am drafting his replacement this upcoming draft.
Braxton Jones: I've said from the beginning, Jones is a swing tackle. He has had enough years to try to add an anchor, and it hasn't happened. He gets pushed into the pocket WAY too much and his technique at the position is TERRIBLE. He's a warm body you throw out there in case of an injury and gets you through a couple games.
Bill Murray: Just a guy. Not worth talking about.
Ricky Stromberg: It would be absolutely insane to count on a guy who was injured, but he is someone who is interesting at least. Again, if you are a good GM and a good coach, you cannot count on the guy since he really hasn't played. But I put him in the mix and let him battle for a spot. I likely draft a center in the late 2nd round or 3rd, and also sign a free agent designed to be cheap and replaceable. I then let them fight it out for a spot at center, best man wins.
