Bears 1st Round targets: OL, TE, & LB

          NFL Combine on tap this weekend; that means lock down time, with a laptop, an iPhone, and the NFL Network. Much of the Bears draft strategy is still murky. As of today, CHI has approximately $10 million in cap space for 2013. If they choose to re-work Peppers and Tillman, it may increase up to $20 million but Phil Emery has kept a lid on all off season strategies. Henry Melton presents another obstacle for CHI. If the Bears cannot agree on a long term deal with Melton, they'll have to decide if he's worth a Franchise Tag. Either way, Emery has to draft players that will be ready to step in and contribute from day one.
          After analyzing their needs, the Bears will be targeting OL, TE, and LB in the 1st Round. With the NFL Combine underway, Bears fans can start breaking down these players, who should be in play with the 20th pick.

Chance Warmack/OG-Alabama: Warmack is the best interior lineman in this draft. There is a long shot that Warmack falls to the 20th pick, if so, it's a no brainer selection.

Lane Johnson/OT-Oklahoma: Johnson impressed scouts with his size and athleticism at the Senior Bowl. If he has a great Combine may go top 15.

Tyler Eifert/TE-Notre Dame: Prototypical TE, can run down the seam, make the tough catches, and has the size and athleticism it takes to dominate at the next level. His 40 time will be huge.

Zach Ertz/TE-Stanford: Was caught behind Coby Fleener on Stanford's depth chart last couple of years, exploded in 2012. Great hands, size/speed prospect, and is a polished route runner. He suffered his first Combine drawback; arms only measured at 31 inches, which is real short for the TE position.

Manti Te'o/LB-Notre Dame: All World LB coming out of high school, lived up to expectations in career at Notre Dame. Had questions about pass coverage capabilities coming into his Senior year, then had 7 interceptions. Alas, not the brightest bulb in the world.

Alec Ogletree/LB-Georgia: Tremendous speed, attacks ball carriers, dominated in SEC play, potential superstar talent BUT has tremendous character issues. Te'o and Olgletree should be selected somewhere in the Top 12 but non-football questions will drop them in the 1st Round. Might reclaim top tier status with Combine workouts, both will be HIGH VALUE picks at #20.

Screw you Keith Law!

     The barren White Sox farm system has been derided both locally and nationally. Whether it's Dan Bernstein regurgitating "they're players NOT PROSPECTS!" every White Sox segment on The Score or ESPN baseball guru Keith Law rating their system 28th; the Sox get raked over the coals anytime prospects are mentioned. Dread not Sox fans, they have made some dynamic moves the last couple years and regardless of what the experts think, we have much to look forward to. Before analyzing where they're at today, let's try and find out how they got here in the first place.
     The White Sox have been aggressive in moving along their top prospects when warranted. John Danks, Gordon Beckham, Alexei Ramirez, Chris Sale, and Addison Reed all zoomed through without spending much time in the minors. Where would their system be rated if Beckham, Sale, and Reed all stayed down a year or two? Where would the Sox be if they weren't in the majors producing? Can you imagine AAA Charlotte with Sale, Viciedo, Reed, and Beckham in 2010 or 2011? Wouldn't Baseball America rank them top ten or top five? Teams who move along top prospects to the big club will always naturally be void of talent at the top of said list.
    David Wilder set back Latin American operations almost 10 years. Aside from committing fraud and damaging the Sox reputation; Wilder was overvaluing talent in order to skim money off the top of their bonuses. Since 2005, when Wilder assumed control of international scouting, none of those overvalued players advanced in their system. In turn, Buscones (street agents) kept their good players away and the White Sox Latin American operations ran aground. The ship wasn't righted until they hired Marco Paddy away from the Blue Jays in 2011. After spending only $740,000 on International Free Agents two years ago, the Sox dropped $2.9 million in 2012. Other teams have spent more but this is a drastic improvement for the White Sox.
     Rick Hahn, Buddy Bell, Marco Paddy, and Doug Laumann makeup the new Southside brass. They've had control for the better part of two years and 2013 becomes a critical evaluation point for the quartet.
If players reach immediate goals and potential, the Sox and their fans will have a lot to be happy about. Here are some key players who can/should advance in 2013:

• Courtney Hawkins-Drafted by Sox with 13^th overall pick out of high school in the 2012 First Year player draft. Struggled at first, he then caught fire when accelerated through Rookie, A, and Advanced A-Ball.  Had some contact issues but at 18 years old, it’s not a big deal right now. Hits for power, hits for average, has speed, has an arm, and can play defense; a true 5-Tool Prospect. Projects as a RF

Stat line: 8 HR, 33 RBI, 11 SB, .284 AVG, .324 OBP, .480 SLG, .804 OPS, .380 wOBA

Note: wOBA is a stat that gives linear weights to each plate appearance. Doubles > Singles/Walks, Triples > Doubles, etc…Average is usually around .330

• Trayce Thompson-Has athletic pedigree, dad and 2 brothers played in NBA. Thompson is a 4-Tool prospect but strikes out way too much (around 30%) Has serious power, speed, and is an excellent defender. His walks have increased the last couple of years, but will need to cut down on K's in order to fulfill expectations as a prospect. Projects as a CF

         2012 Stat Line: 25 HR, 96 RBI, 21 SB, .267 AVG, .352 OBP, .503 SLG, .854 OPS, .383 wOBA

• Carlos Sanchez-Signed as an International Free Agent from Venezuela two years ago as a 17 year old. Began to tear up A ball after his first year. Was promoted up to A+, AA, and AAA in 2012. Tapered off in 11 games at Charlotte then went to the AFL and won the batting title. Sanchez can play all infield positions, doesn’t have power but can hit to all fields, gets on base, has a lot of speed, and is a slick defender. Top of the order hitter who has shot up all prospect list and through the Sox organization. Projects as SS/2B

2012 Stat Line: 1 HR, 56 RBI, 26 SB, .323 AVG,  .378 OBP, .403 SLG .781 OPS, .355 wOBA

• Erik Johnson –Drafted in 2^nd Round of 2011, Johnson is a big righty with a power arm. Has a fastball, slider, and a developing change-up. Had a cup of coffee in Rookie Ball after he was drafted, then advanced two levels in 2012. Looked strong at A and A+ pitching 90 innings, and keeping a sub 3.00 at both levels. Projects as middle-rotation starter.

2012 Stat Line: 2.58 ERA, 94.1 INN, 30 BB, 89 SO, 1.230 WHIP

Other players to keep an eye on: Jared Mitchell/OF-produced after 2 years removed from broken ankle and is in a make or break year, Keon Barnum/1B-teenage prospect with huge upside. Was destroying rookie ball when he was shut down with a sore shoulder. Besides Mitchell, Barnum is the only other LH with power in the system, Scott Snodgress/LHP- drafted out of Stanford as a bullpen pitcher then converted into a starter. Has shown steady improvement his two years with the Sox and has the potential to be a number 3 or 4 starter, Andre Rienzo/RHP- electric stuff, was suspended 50 games for PEDs, came back and dominated through 2 levels and the AFL, Kevan Smith/C-Big Catcher who gets on base and hits for power and really good defensively, 2013 will determine if he's a starter or bench player, Marcus Semien/SS-Drafted twice by the White Sox, Semien took a big step up in production in 2012. Infielders who can hit for power are always in demand.

    

Bears Off-Season Report Part 4: WR

          Chicks dig the long ball; it's no different in the NFL. Teams like the Saints, Giants, Packers, 49ers and even the Ravens have invested team resources in WRs who have homerun speed. After years of sub par talent at the wideout position, Phil Emery traded for Brandon Marshall and drafted Alshon Jeffery. He's not finished yet. None of the Bears WRs have the homerun speed needed to stretch out a defense or scare opposing safeties. With players like Marshall and Jeffery, there should be mismatches down the field to take advantage of. There are a couple of big names on the free agent market, but considering other team needs, signing a Mike Wallace or Victor Cruz becomes cost prohibitive. Luckily for the Bears, this year is loaded with WR talent that will permeate through the first 5 rounds of the NFL Draft.


Here are the best deep threat WRs in this year's Draft:

• Cordarrelle Patterson-TEN, 6'3: 200lbs: 4.40/40 Patterson has size, speed, and a physical preseance on the field. A part of and amazing WR core at TEN, he came in as a heralded JUCO player and produced for the Vols. Grabbed 46 REC, 778 YDS, and 5 TDs receiving. Had 2 TDs and 772 YDS returning. And finally 3TDs and 308 YDS rushing. Patterson still needs to work on his route running but he is a PLAYER. 1st Round Grade
• Tavon Austin-West Virgina, 5'9: 180lbs: 4.35/40 Austin is small, very small...BUT his speed and agility are OFF THE CHARTS. 4.35 is a conservative estimate of his 40 time, many expect him to run a sub 4.30 at the combine. He's is every bit quick as he is fast. Amazing start and stop ability, great in space and highly, HIGHLY productive. Went for 114 REC, 1289 YDS receiving, 645 YDS rushing and 16 TDs. 1st round Grade
• Marcus Wheaton-Oregon, 6'0: 185lbs: 4.45/40 Polished WR, has a quick step and gets down the field fast. Played in a fast tempo offense and increased his production every year. Impressed scouts with a great Senior Bowl. With a good combine, may get bumped to the 1st Round. 2nd Round Grade.
• Justin Hunter-TEN, 6'4: 200lbs: 4.45/40 Another one of Tennessee's "Freaks" Hunter played sparingly his freshmen and sophomore year then exploded in 2012. Was stuck behind Da'Rick Rogers and Patterson on the depth chart until Rogers was dismissed this past September. Hunter is a smooth size/speed athlete, has a large catching radius, and produced in the SEC at all three WR positions. 2nd Round Grade.
• Da'Rick Rogers-Tennessee Tech, 6'3: 200lbs: 4.45/40 Came out of high school as one of the top recruits in the entire country. Played as a true freshmen and tore up the SEC as a sophmore. Big, fast, physical, Rogers toy'd with DBs and Safeties in college. Consistently beat press, zone, and double teams. Rogers is a boss. Negatives; he's a drama queen that was kicked out of TEN last year. Transferred to Tennessee Tech and dominated as he should have. High Risk/PHENOMANAL Reward potential. 2nd Round Grade based solely on character concerns.
• Stedman Bailey-West Virginia, 5'10 200lbs: 4.48/40 Bailey took advantage of the attention demanded by teammate Tavon Austin to the tune of 114 REC, 1622 YDS, and 25 TD's. West Virginia plays in a dismantled Big East but Bailey has dominated non-conference opponents LSU, OK, OK ST, Baylor, and Clemson. Shorter WR, very good on deep plays, attacks the ball, and plays with toughness. Like Justin Hunter, Bailey has played all three WR positions. Lacks the elite athletic ability of Tavon Austin, but so does just about every other WR. 2nd-3rd Grade
• Marquise Goodwin-Texas, 5'9: 175lbs: 4.3/40 Goodwin competed in Track & Field for USA at the London Olympics. Had a pedestrian career at Texas, doesn't look good on film; then Goodwin showed up at the Senior Bowl and destroyed the competition. Like Austin, Goodwin is expected to run a sub 4.3 at the combine. 4th Round Grade
• Tavarres King-Georgia, 6'0: 190lbs: 4.48/40 King had an ok career at Georgia. Quick first step, gets down the field fast, and displays solid athleticism. While his numbers weren't that impressive he did average 22 Yards/Play. Has a slight frame and will need to put on weight, didn't catch the pall with the consistency needed to be drafted in first two days of the draft. 4th Round Grade.

Best of the rest: Ace Sanders/South Carolina, Marcus Davis/Virginia Tech, Chris Harper/Kansas St, Denard Robinson/Michigan

The Bear Off-Season Report Part 3: TE

     What can be said about the Bears TEs that hasn't been said already. Atrocious. Dastardly. Beyond Contempt. Putrid. Okay, I guess I found a few new adjectives. It's safe to say that Kellen Davis and/or Matt Spaeth are probably out. Ditto for Kyle Adams. So what can be done at TE? There are some decent free agents available, a couple of prime time 1st Rounders, and a lot of depth in the middle rounds of this year's draft. Emery and Trestman will have to decide what the priorities are on offense. Do they look at O-Line in the first round? What kind of TE do they need? Is getting a deep-threat at WR more important? Whatever the decision, talent will be there for the taking. The Bears lacked any real threat going down the seam consistently. Edwin Rodriguez surprised many with his ability to block but was seldom used in the pass game. Even in an expanded role, he's still more of an H-Back. Look for the Bears to lock up a big, pass-catching TE (who at the very least won't fall down every time the ball hits his hands)

The free agent crop of TEs is well stocked. A lot of young guys coming off their rookie deals who have been productive. Free Agents:

• Jared Cook-TEN: Cook is big, fast, athletic and productive. Has put up numbers even though QB play in TEN has been suspect. He's 25 and coming off his rookie deal. TEN probably will  Franchise Cook (which carries a modest $5 million) so the Bears may be out of luck. He's the top available free agent.
• JerMichael Finley-GB: Bears fans are familiar with Finley. He's talented and fits like a glove in Green Bay's offense. Very productive, as are most weapons in Green bay. Missed a large chunk of the 2010 season with a knee injury but bounced back in 2011. Green Bay has put a lot of money in their offense with long-term deals given to Jordy Nelson and James Jones. Greg Jennings will likely be allowed to walk while Finley's status remains up in the air.
• Dennis Pitta-BAL: Pitta is a very interesting story; walked on to BYU as a WR, switched to TE, played his freshman year, then when a a two year mission in the Dominican Republic. Came back to BYU and broke all kinds of NCAA TE records. Drafted by BAL in the 4th round of the 2010 Draft and was slowly developed. Had a breakout year this season and is now in the Super Bowl. BAL would love to re-up with Pitta but they have a huge Joe Flacco problem. Because of his Mormon mission, Pitta is older than either Cook or Finley (he's 27)

          Best of the rest: Martellus Bennent-NYG, Brandon Myers-OAK, Fred Davis-WAS

The draft has provided a lot of value TEs in recent years. Coby Fleener, Kyle Rudolph, Jimmy Graham, etc...This year isn't any different. TE Prospects:

• Tyler Eifert-Notre Dame: There are two TEs that have 1st round grades and Eifert tops that list (although that may change after the NFL Combine.) Everyone has seen his highlights; Great hands, attacks the ball at the high point, was one of the few Notre Dame players in the National Championship game who showed up (clowned Alabama 1st Round CB prospect Dee Milner ). 2nd Team All-American, Mackey Award Winner in 2012.
• Zack Ertz-Stanford: The only other TE with a 1st Round grade thus far, Ertz is another size/speed prospect with great hands and a lot of production at Stanford. Had to sit behind Coby Fleener for his chance to display his skills and came through with 69 REC, 898 YD, 6 TD. May be faster than Eifert while being just has physically imposing
• Jordan Reed-Florida: Undersized at 6'2 but makes up for it with speed, quickness, and agility. Might be fastest TE in the draft, played in a anemic Florida Offense but still managed to produce solid numbers. Needs to bulk up and not as polished a route runner as Ertz or Eifert. 3rd Round Grade.
• Travis Kelce-Cincinnati: Has experience playing with his hand on the ground and in the slot. Exploded with production for the Bearcats this year; 45 REC, 722YD, 8TD including an 80 yard TD vs Duke with 44 seconds left to win the prestigious Belk Bowl. Kelce will be the first Bearcat taken and is a prospect with huge upside. He presently has a 3rd Round Grade but with a good combine can shoot up draft boards.

           Best of the rest: Vance McDonald-Rice, Gavin Escobar-San Diego St., Dion Sims-Mich St,   
           Nick Kasa-Colorado