Rebuilding the OL: Think Tank

WindyCity · Joined: 26 Jun 2009 Posts: 6831

It is clear that the OL is a huge need and that we need to add at least 2 starting quality players at OT and OG.

A couple of thoughts,

-I think Lance Louis needs to move to LG. Not only is a he a really good athlete, but he is our best puller and trapper. I also think it would help him because he tore his left ACL which would be his plant leg on the right side, which puts a ton of weight and stress on it. If he moves to LG he can kick with his injured leg, which has less stress on it than a post foot.

-I think it will be easier and cheaper to sign a RT and solidify that position, which is arguably worse than Webb, who graded out as our best OLmen. Webb is not great, but the RT position is a need and we may get a better player for less money. I am also interested to see what Kromer can do with Webb, he has had a ton of success with big late round players.

Louis would also help Webb if he was at LG.

-I think if we can afford to we need to replace Roberto Garza who has rapidly declined and no longer brings much to the table. Garza would not kill us at C this season, but we are getting close to Kruetz territory.
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DaMike · Joined: 21 Nov 2010 Posts: 3349

Our OL needs an overhaul so that leaves so many options. It's really hard to pinpoint it at this time.

AZBearsFan · Joined: 04 Feb 2006 Posts: 8904

WindyCity · Joined: 26 Jun 2009 Posts: 6831

wiscbearsfan · Joined: 06 May 2006 Posts: 6290 Location: WI

IronMike84 · Joined: 17 Jun 2009 Posts: 5916

I think I've mentioned this once, maybe twice, but the Bears have no offensive linemen signed long-term.

Through 2012: Louis, Spencer, Scott
Through 2013: Webb, Garza, Williams
Through 2014: Carimi

Now, think about how many of those guys are seriously worth keeping around. Personally, I think the Bears need four new faces on that line over the next two years, and that's if they re-sign Louis. I don't see Cory Brandon or James Brown as legitimate options. Their development should be a bonus, not a gamble.

Webb-wise: if Emery can replace him, he should replace him. I don't care how he graded out; why gamble if there's a chance to get somebody better in there? Webb may be better served as a swing tackle than a starter.

Best-case scenario, I would like to see the Bears land a left tackle, as well as a center who perhaps could start out at guard if the new staff isn't ready to move on from Garza.
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ConVict90 · Joined: 20 Sep 2009 Posts: 1888 Location: San Diego

I was hoping to hear that Tice packed Webb up with him...

The only lineman we have with serious potential is Carimi and that's at playing him at guard. As a matter of fact I doubt that Louis or Webb would be a starter for any of the 31 other teams which in laymen terms we need legit starters and no more of these late round "project players".

If I were in Phil's shoes then this would be at the top of my Things to Do list.

LT- Bushrod/Albert/Volmer/Clady
LG- Johnathan Cooper
C- Garza (need to find his future replacement this offseason)
RG- Carimi/Louis
RT- Webb/Louis /Carimi

badaboom badabing!
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Mudderfudder77 · Joined: 14 Jan 2005 Posts: 1298

ConVict90 · Joined: 20 Sep 2009 Posts: 1888 Location: San Diego

Madmike90 · Joined: 25 Jan 2009 Posts: 18574 Location: Scotland

WindyCity · Joined: 26 Jun 2009 Posts: 6831

Louis is a keeper.

I know this is unpopular but Webb is a keeper, maybe not as a LT but as a swing OT or RT.

I would say our needs right now are,

1. LG

2. a) LT, if we can get a valued upgrade over Webb we should.
b) RT, if we can't get an upgrade over Webb for good money then solidify the other side.

3. C, we need a replacement sooner than later.
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WindyCity · Joined: 26 Jun 2009 Posts: 6831

I don't know how Louis who played really well at RG last season does not have more future potential than Gabe Carimi who was benched at RT and RG last season.

It hurts to admit is but Carimi is not going to be our saviour on the OL he is BAD.
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Superman(DH23) · Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2013 9:51 am Post subject:

Mudderfudder77 · Joined: 14 Jan 2005 Posts: 1298

Madmike90 · Joined: 25 Jan 2009 Posts: 18574 Location: Scotland

It’s going to take at least two years to fully improve our Oline…everyone on that line could be upgraded and as has been pointed out no one is under contract long term…for me we this offseason we have to…

1. Find a new LT…wither it’s a guy like Bushrod who will give us time to find a franchise LT or to draft a guy like Lane Johnson at #20.
2. Find a new LG…again wither it’s in FA with a guy like Levitre or draft a guy in the 2nd or 3rd after a trade down.
3. Decide early what we are going to do with Carimi…Dan Pompeii says he felt Carimi could be this year’s Tim Jennings in the way he bounces back…we have to decide if he is a guard who will compete for a spot there or if he is a RT who will compete there with Scott and Webb.

I think if we can just add two talented starters to the left hand side of the line it would allow us to scheme help for the right hand side…then next offseason we can get a centre early and then draft another guard or tackle in the mid to late rounds.