Commissioner Roger Goodell poses with top pick Jake Long of the Miami Dolphins at the 2008 NFL draft.
A 17-hour snooze-fest: That's what awaits Bears fans who tune in to ESPN's complete coverage of the NFL draft this weekend. Sure, the Bears will make eight selections, and you can get the lowdown on all of them as they happen by checking out Brad Biggs' outstanding "Inside the Bears" blog. But given that the Bears already have landed Jay Cutler --- who is far more exciting than any of the big names on this year's draft board -- feel free to hit the "mute" button at the first TV sighting of Mel Kiper and keep that remote channel-changer handy.
Remember one thing about Cutler, above all else, this weekend: He's only 25! It's not as though the Bears mortgaged their future to bring in a veteran QB and, as a result, must win now. Cutler gives them a combination of veteran savvy and youthful promise. This trade won't be a flop even if the Bears fail to reach the playoffs this coming season (and despite a bouquet of rose-colored 11-5 and 10-6 predictions by local newspaper experts, that remains a distinct possibility). They might still have some glaring holes that need to be patched, but Cutler fills their most important position for many years to come.
It's hard to believe anyone could think the Bears gave up too much to get their long-awaited franchise quarterback. Let's break down the cost of the deal:
*First-round pick this year: Cutler is far better than anyone they could have drafted.
*Third-round pick this year: No big loss because the Bears received a compensatory third-rounder for losing free-agent receiver Bernard Berrian last year.
*Kyle Orton: Cutler is your new quarterback, so no need to keep Kyle.
*First-round pick next year: This represents the only real "cost" to the Bears, but as we have seen, GM Jerry Angelo has an aversion to first-round picks, so who's to say he wouldn't have traded down this selection anyway? And if the Bears make the playoffs, this will be a late first-round pick.
It's hard to see any downside to this trade, and as an added bonus, you won't be missing much by skipping this weekend's draft telecast. Still planning to watch it anyway? I say get outside, enjoy the weather, put your sports focus on the Bulls and Blackhawks and look forward to watching Cutler throwing spirals at training camp in Bourbonnais come July.
Points well said, Stu (although most of us already pointed them out in Roman's old blogs, but you're right). However, I'm sure some of the diehard football guys will want to see about drafting another WR or will they go defense. I'll tune in the draft for a little bit, but probably after the 3rd hour of the telecast. Remember, this is still predominantly a football town.
STU-mendously written! Excellent read and advice! 17 Hours!!! Pah-leaze. Angelo and Briggs have at it! And don't forget the Sox and Cubs. Going to be a wonderful weekend!
Okay,Stu, welcome aboard the silly opinion express. There are some good ones ( opinions, that is ) as well, but the majority try one's patience. I humbly disagree with you, Keith, and Edgar. I believe the Bears can definitely help themselves in the draft in several areas and am going to follow their picks carefully. They may not get an immediate starter, but there are definite back-up needs in several positions. Injuries can kill a season if solid subs are not available, and many of those are products of the draft.
The real cost will be measured if Denver turns those picks into something GREAT.
The NFL Draft might just be the most overhyped happening on the face of the earth. Then, once it's over and the smoke clears (it clears quite quickly), it's almost as though it never happened and few of the first rounders amount to much in their careers. We all already know how super-hyped the Super Bowl is. These and many other examples prove how the NFL has hired the finest psychologists to reach into our collective psyches and make us pay dearly in time, energy and money to follow them around like a bunch of goofs.
Stu responds: Well said, Gig. On draft day, we watch the highlight reels and Mel Kiper makes every one of those first-round picks sound like a potential superstar. Then they get into the NFL, and many are never heard from again. Of course, Kiper usually blames that on coaching ("He had all the tools, but Team X's coaching staff didn't develop him properly!")
What opinion did you disagree with me on, Paul? Your post pretty much reinforced what I said about the Bears diehards who will follow the draft this Saturday. I wasn't even criticizing because I've watched the Draft specials before in full and I even said I'd tune in around the third hour because that's about how long it usually takes for the draft to get to the #49 pick, does it not? And yes, Chicago is indeed a football town. Take a poll and the Bears would win in popularity.
I agree that watching the NFL draft is about as complete a waste of time as you could possibly come up with. Not only is boring, but why waste 17 hours of your time when you could just flip to the web on Sunday evening and get ALL of the results in a nano-second?
I mean, it's not as though any of these lumps that are selected over the course of the weekend are going to have an impact before Monday morning rolls around.
Watching the draft is on a par with sitting through a 17 hour Andy Griffith marathon. In fact, the only thing that I find even remotely interesting about the draft are the interviews with some of the functionally illiterate students that somehow managed to snag scholarships to prestigious institutions of so-called higher learning.
I actually find it amusing that my wife, (who was born in Russia, and didn't even attempt to learn English until she arrived in the United States at the age of 31) speaks the language better than many of these dunces who were born and raised here. For this there is no excuse.
The Bears WILL go defense with the second pick. Our defense SUCKED last year (especially over the middle), and besides FS, their are other holes on defense that must be dealt with.
Further more, Mr. Angelo already asked fans not to get to upset with him "if" or more like when they don't go with a WR with the second pick.
As most of you already know, Mr. Angelo and Coach Smith look hard at the defensive line every year and I wouldn't be surprised if they drafted a D-lineman at 49. I'm not saying they will, but I would put money on a defensive player with both the 2nd and 3rd round picks.
Something that went under the rader was the 5th rounder that came along with Cutler. Mr. Angelo seems to have had a little luck with the 5th round the last couple of years and I also would put money down that he will get another starter with it. That means Jay Cutler and another starter...to be named later. Chris Harris was a 6th round pick (2005) and I think that we can get a great player like him with that 5th round pick.
Personally, I hope they go defense like they did in 2006. The only exception would be an offensive lineman and could start down the road like a center or guard.
Villano,
Slight disagreement...I'd rather sit through 17 hours of Andy Griffith IF Don Knotts ("Barney Fife") were starring. At least the seratonin from my consistent laughter would do my body good.
Totally agree with you Stu.
Who cares what Denver does with the picks? Those picks belong to them now and who is to say that the Bears would have taken the very same players that the Broncos draft?
I won't watch the draft (I only check out the Bears pick anyway) because in my mind the Bears already drafted a franchise QB and we won't have to wait 2 or 3 years to see him play either.
Newsflash Mgray It doesn't matter what Denver does with those picks!!! Jerry Angelo would have had to make the same exact picks to make this an apples to apples comparison. The thing about trading picks for players is that we'll never know what would have happened, who Jerry would have picked, etc. What we will know is how Jay Cutler and the 5th rounder Denver sent performs and hopefully that will be a Super-Bowl MVP!
A sporting event that only happens once a year is what you call, “overhyped”? Gig, I usually enjoy most of your posts and insights, but there are some topics you really should leave alone for criticism and the NFL Draft is one of them. The rants are almost sounding like someone’s girlfriend or wife complaining about too much sports sports sports. These drafts are the basics and the backbone of how some of our favorite sports team rosters are made up from. Teams are built through the entire draft, not just first round wonders, especially in football. Look, I realize that the tv coverage is way too long and it covers through an entire weekend, but for the teams themselves, it’s necessary because it’s a multi-million/billion dollar business and important decisions need to be made. For the casual fan, I’m sure you have better things to do, but for the diehards, most enjoy watching what goes on behind the scenes and are fascinated on how the process works and believe me, the stuff that goes on in a draft is not as easy as it looks and is certainly not as scripted and predictable as some of the real junk I see from tv and these so-called “reality” tv shows that come on every single week. For me, I can get around the marathon draft coverage because I usually just record the program on TIVO/DVR and then just watch it later and fast forward through all the unnecessary parts and commercials that I don’t need to pay attention to. Plus, I’ll tell you one thing, when it comes to tv vices, I’d rather admit to having tuned in to watching the NFL Draft than watching Top Model or a Law & Order marathon series for 1 day. It’s simple, if you don’t enjoy watching the draft, then don’t tune in and do your thing on a typical weekend day from tending to your garden at home or going to a kids birthday party, but I hate to break the news to you, your “overhyped” engine just happens to be one of the highest rated tv events that fuels news stories and chats in blog board discussions that the papers and internet sites so much crave for. Dog it all you want, but the NFL Draft is there to stay and no one person is better than the other for watching it or doing something else. Don’t you just love how stuff goes around in full circle, Gig?
I love the Draft.
I just kick back on my couch and nap in and out of consciousness all weekend. Love it.
Bears are great late round draft pickers..so I look forward to seeing if we can find another small school Hesterizer or Forte.
FYI to all the Ortonphiles....aka delusional fools.
Broncos Looking To Trade Up For USC QB Mark Sanchez ...
Denver is expected to use the picks to move up in the April 25 draft to choose Southern Cals QB...
gridironfans.com/forums/latest-nfl-headlines/93811-broncos-looking-trade-up-usc-qb-mark-sanchez.html - 201k - Cached - Similar pages
Edgar,
Whoa! Nobody respects your opinions more than I do, but it seems like I really struck a nerve. First, I didn't think about three good points you brought up: 1. The efficient use of TIVO/DVR 2. Comparing it to some of the alternative garbage that's available. 3. That it can be a great hobby for those who choose it to be so. In your case, I wouldn't dream of it becoming a frivolous or pointless undertaking.
Thanks sincerely.
The "full circle" snap I'm afraid I didn't get, but I'm guessing it has something to do with hyprocrisy or "log in my own eye" of some sort on my part. If that's it, I don't yet see it clearly, but I'm not completely devoid of it. I, myself, have spent way more time than I should have on several things. For example, fantasy baseball has consumed me in the past.
At any rate, thanks for putting me straight somewhat. I still stand by what I said at a basic level however which would not include someone such as yourself.
Keep on keeping on.
Gig, try not to pay attention to the "tone" of the words. You didn't strike a nerve on me at all. I was merely just trying to convey some points with reason, that's all. What I meant in full circle was that there is more to the NFL Draft than how it looks on the surface as just a meaningless draft show of wasted information. What starts as a glorified tv program becomes a single event that impacts lives and businesses in so many ways that I can't even list at this time, and then , just like that, it ends quickly, but word of mouth carries on throughout the following days and weeks in the form of more news and round table discussions. I look at things in a big picture, not just a microscope of personal tastes. That's why you'll never see me criticize or make fun of someone in blog board because they share a passion to a hobby or a lifestyle (unless of course, the person breaks the law). You got it right, Gig. The circle comment had to do with almost being hypocritical. Sorry, I'm not quite the literary scholar to explain it better, but you get the idea.
So the Broncos are looking lo trade up for USC QB Mark Sanchez?
Nice!
Trade your pro bowl QB and then use the pick in hope that the QB you draft may some day, with a lot of luck, turn into as good a player as the one you gave away in a few years.
A QB who had all of one good season in college.
Hahahahaaaa.... idiots!
the draft is great background noise...and I like to know what all the teams are doing...football 365 24/7 is not a bad thing..., baseball is boring, lol, the bulls?...ummm, I'm waiting for a Cleveland/Atlanta series, and hockey?.. nobody is beating the Red Wings...again
and Bears fans crack me up on this day...lmao @ the franchise QB comment, Stu....
new slogan....6? that's all ya got? 6?
and Denver will get a high first rounder next year..
If dealing Hester means Anquon Boldin.... DO IT! I would hate to see him go but.... Cutler is going to need a bonefide threat. We need Bodin and one more guy.
Concerning the draft....to each his own.
Cutler wouldve been the #1 pick and best QB in this draft by a Denver MILE if he were in this draft.
That spot is worth more points in NFL draft value than the 18th the 84th and even if they get a top 5 or worse pick in next years draft COMBINED.
Anyway you look at it, the Bears got a steal. To say anything else is just numbskull pride talking. To say the Bears made a bad deal just exposes anyone who thinks they know ANYTHING about the NFL.
Orton wont start more than 3 games. And that may include Pre-Season.
OH NOOOO...the Bears blew it...they coulda had...
Robert Ayers (DE) Tennessee
WHO THE FREAK IS THAT?
or Better yet...we coulda hung on to the Side Arm Pirate and taken Percy the Pot Smoker....and they coulda been the wonder twins!
I accept that Cutler is the Bears # 1 pick and I am very happy with that but what is with this stupid trading down thing all the time with Angelo?
This is not a strong draft class with the exception at the WR position, which the Bears really need.
Get a WR with the 2nd rounder! Trade up and draft Robiski. Keep your pick and take Mohamed Massaquoi. If not a WR then go after DE Everette Brown. Draft a Safety. How about Philip Loadholt? Can’t he help with the O line?
There were quality players sitting there waiting.
Are you telling me that the Bears could not find a decent WR, DE or S in the 2nd round but they will be there in the 3rd, 4th and 5th rounds?
What is this man so afraid of?
They better get DE Michael Johnson and a decent WR like Juaquin Iglesias or Louis Murphy with these 3rd round picks. Trade up a few picks if you have too because stock piling 4th and 5th rounds picks means absolutely nothing.
Once you get past the 3rd round you are lucky to find a player that can even make it as a special teams player.
There are only so many spots on a NFL team and they are rarely taken by a 5th round draft pick.
To hell with this diamond in the rough nonsense.
Pick a diamond from the diamond pile for a change and stop going after a cheap prayer pick.
Stretch the other team’s defense and stop drafting players that are a stretch.
I have been giving just the Bears picks some eye and ear.
It's mid-4th round and the Bears just took Henry Melton projected for the 6th Round. O.K., the value was good for Gilbert and Iglesis, but why do teams reach like that?
By the way, the Minnesota Vikings showed once again that ever since they've played in the MetroDome, they have been one of the premier prostitute teams in the NFL. Good luck with Percy Harvin--I knew you guys would be unfazed by his character issues.
and now Kyle Orton has a better RB...
I'm sure he's crushed to be traded outta hellshalfacre
and robert ayers, my nowhereasgoodasme's...probably not as good as the DE we got...but we really don't need those...like the RB from texas who chases QB's now.....but because Jerry jumped the shark and mortgaged the future...we do
and the Iglesias boy?....lmmfao...wtf ever, man
Percy Harvin...better WR than Devin Hester...and GB...are ya watchin?...and Detroit?...ahead of DaQueers now..
I'm right...Jerrry's wrong...and my 97th percentile wife is the one that brought it up....thrice...so I'm right
yeah....6-10...Kyle pro bowl
Noshawn Wolfe? I mean Moreno? LOL
Overall, I think the Bears have had a fine draft even though the fifth round hasn't yet finished. It would be great if Chris Clemons the free safety were still available in the sixth round and they took him. Then, take an offensive lineman with the last pick and they would have had a great draft considering there was no first round pick to start.
My question regarding Melton earlier isn't so much a stab against the Bears. So many teams appear to have been reaching in similar fashion. I can understand taking "your guy" a round earlier than projected, but why two? That's just some information I'd like to find out with all due respect.
after further review, stu (which has a realliy nice ring to it, btw)
the reason not to watch the draft would be directly proportionate to being related to Ted Phillips, Jerry Angelo, or Lovie Smith...
aka...the top three on Kyle Orton's Christmas card list
6-10...and looking forward to it
Sorry Hitman but no one else gets that "special" feeling that you get over Kyle Orton.
People ask Hitman "When did you realize that you had these feelings and what happened to make you this way?"
And Hitman just avoids eye contact and softly says.... "You don't understand... I was born this way. It is not just a phase. It is who I am"
Yawn... another Hitman-bashing-Angelo/Bears session. What else is new? No matter who the Bears drafted or whatever move they made in the draft, Hitman will always criticize Angelo like some spurned lover. Hitman, if you're such a big fan of the Broncos and Orton, then leave FCP alone and continue to do your thing with the more Bears diehard bloggers in Brad Biggs' board. You'll get a lot more heated exchanges in there than here. I'm already getting used to your nonsense rants and predictions.
I bet to differ Phil. Orton was a good solid QB. Not a deep threat guy, but hey, neither was McMahon. Orton was a success here. Cutler is supposed to be so much better so I am looking for BETTER than Orton and that is a lot.
I said something nice...I said our DE was better than Denvers...but
doesn't negate the fact Angelo plugs people in with disregard to chemistry, time in the system...hence..who gives him the best chance to win
he jumps sharks
and you all jump right along with him
Rex was a success...he took a team to a SuperBowl.
Orton was a Neck Bearded Belly Flop!
If you list the top 20 Bears QBS of all time Rex would easily crack the list...Orton...wouldnt make the TOP 50. The Dude is a NO TALENT LOSER WITH A WEAK ARM AND WEAKER MIND. The Bears Saved The Season by Trading him.
Could you imagine having to Bear another season with him under the helm? You know who is the happiest guy on the Bears planet? Forte' cause now they cant stack the Box against him EVERY PLAY like they did when NoArmOrton was under center.
God D*mn...Does it feel great to have that Disaster wearing another Uni....
SEE YA KYLE...(that is, if they ever pan to the Broncos bench during games.
Dont under throw your clip board holder!!!!
SUCKA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh..and one more thing...
Saying something is "Jumping the Shark" hasnt been "en vogue" since the late 90's
no matter how many times you say it.
Rex Grossman:
http://www.nfl.com/players/careerstats?id=GRO597298
Kyle Orton:
http://www.nfl.com/players/careerstats?id=ORT716150
Their career stats are almost identical.
Games Played - Wins/Losses - Passer Rating - Fumbles - You Name It.
Looking at all these numbers, I fail to see any top 20 argument for either one of them. It just isn't there.
Just putting out the stats dont mean anything....
Let me make it more clear for the peanut gallery.
How many QB's have played in the NFL total over the history of the league? 500? 1000?
How many SuperBowls have there been? 42
So how many QB's in the History of the NFL have played in a Superbowl? 84?
That means less than 5% of QB's ever sniff the BIG GAME.
So Rex is part of the single MOST ELITE GROUP of QB's EVER TO PLAY.
If you polled every QB in the history of football and asked them...what would you rather have...good stats or a SUPERBOWL START?
what do you think the answer would be?
Dont step to me with your weak garbage...Villy...I will block that junk it into the 5th row every time.
You'll have to do better than that. The numbers don't lie.
Hey guys ... I love it when you fight over me like this!!!
But what's with this "Top 20" BS? I'm numero uno, and you all know it. Sid Luckman couldn't carry my jock, let alone fill it.
Anyway, I'm still looking for work. How the greatest quarterback in Chicago Bears history remains unemployed is baffling, isn't it? It must be some sorta conspiracy.
I was thinking about moving to Arizona. Perhaps try my hand at selling real estate. I wonder if the Warners are in the market for a new house?
Well, I've got to run now. I need to spend a little quality time with my Kyle Orton doll. I think I'll stick a few more pins in him, and then set him on fire.
lmmfao...Rex...waiting for the 2010 Arena League Season to start
Kyle...starting QB in the NFL...and he will out perform Cutlist
Jerry doesn't get it..
and Brett Favre to Minnesota is on the way
Scared Money Dont Make Money Hitless...
Wanna bet your last 2 cents on your MOUTH?
Thanks Hitman.
I was looking forward to snagging a job in the Arena League.
But the GM that I spoke to (my agent quit on me) said I would have to work my way up through their developmental league.
He told me I could have Kurt's old job stocking shelves at Piggly Wiggly. He said if I did good they'd move me up the depth chart to the Produce Department.
Beats holding a clip board!
Culzie, you haven't honored the first bet you lost to me...
but....Favre will be a Viking
and...Orton will have a better season than Cutler...Tom Waddle just might be the best WR in Chicago today
Hitman..seriously dude...I honor mine. Ask Keith. If my guy didnt have a better year, then at least it was a draw. But, clearly, you are affraid to put up or shut up. So, ill just leave your weakness alone.
I say Orton doesnt make Pro-Bowl....you have to wear a Horses A** Costume and send picture to FCP for publishing. Ill even say just straight up, who has a better year. Cutler or Orton.
But you wont take it.
Skered...
DENVER NEWS
Kyle Orton isn't a lock to start in DenverHe'll compete for the starting job with Chris Simms, who was acquired as a free agent earlier in the off-season.
Orton likely has the edge long-term, but since Simms has already been tutored for several weeks by head coach Josh McDaniels, he's in the lead for now.
ESPNnews
Orton, Simms say competition is goodComment Email Print Share Associated Press
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The quarterback quandary in Denver is over. Not so the competition.
Kyle Orton and Chris Simms have been told they have to earn the right to replace Jay Cutler, who was traded to Chicago last weekend, ending a six-week soap opera that began when the Pro Bowl passer decided he didn't want to play for new Broncos coach Josh McDaniels.
You tell 'em Culzie!
In fact, I think I might just take a trip out to Denver, and show those rubes what a real NFL quarterback looks like. (I keep a picture of Favre in my wallet)
Mark...enough with the Fake Rex....once was funny. Twice was annoying, but now its so annoying, I even miss just the plain old regular annoying MarkV.
Someday, ill tell you how I know it was you.