Chicago Bears: How the 2012 Offseason Should Go

When it comes to the Chicago Bears, excellence is not appreciated - it's expected.  The Bears are one of the NFL's premier franchises with a fan base that rivals the best in any sport.  Year in and year out, the Bears should be expected to compete not only for a playoff spot, but for a Super Bowl.  

That is the kind of franchise this is...that's the kind of city they reside in.

However, some questionable coaching decisions, personnel decisions and horrible drafts have set the Bears franchise back a bit, all while the NFC North division continues to get tougher and tougher.  

The root of these issues, former GM Jerry Angelo, has recently been fired - making this offseason the most optimistic non-playoff offseason in recent Bears history.

This story will be a short and simple offseason blueprint, outlining the plan to fill the vacancy at General Manager, how to conduct the all-important first day of the NFL draft and how to handle free agency.  

This story is devised for feedback from the fans so comment away!

Hire Les Snead as GM

Eric DeCosta and Reggie McKenzie are off the board of candidates for the Chicago Bears General Manager position, leaving one guy that I think can flourish in the role.

Les Snead is that man.

The 37-year-old Director of Player Personnel for the Atlanta Falcons has the pedigree to fall right into a system that is being built around head coach Lovie Smith's philosophy.

Snead is a football guy, having played for Auburn and the Falcons in the NFL.  He's been with the Falcons for the past 13 years, overseeing the signings of guys like Michael Turner, Tony Gonzalez and a vaunted offensive line.  

His drafts have been successful as well, turning out a franchise QB in Matt Ryan, wide receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones (doesn't that sound nice Bears fans?) and many others.

Day One of the NFL Draft

Round 1 - Janoris Jenkins CB North Alabama

Great man-to-man corner, supplementing Tim Jennings cover corner skills.  Played great as a true freshman at Florida, but got into trouble and had to transfer.

Round 2 - Brandon Washington OG Miami FL

Coming out as a junior, started every game his sophomore year at left guard, and every game at left tackle his junior year.  Very versatile and smart, something the Bears O-line needs.  First team All-ACC as a sophomore.

Round 3 - Sean Spence OLB Miami FL

Attitude and youth at the linebacker position. Something the Bears need and the U can provide.

Ryan Broyles WR Oklahoma

Hopefully he drops this far, and he probably will.  Excellent talent with an unfortunate injury.

Round 4 - Russell Wilson QB Wisconsin

Seasons can be saved when you draft, yes draft, and groom a backup QB.

Re-Signings

Apply the franchise tag on Matt Forte (upwards of $8 million)

Resign DT Amobi Okoye , TE Kellen Davis, QB Josh McCown, CB Tim Jennings, RB Khalil Bell and DB Corey Graham.

All of this should cost the Bears around $16-$17 million.

Free Agency

Plan A

Sign New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston

Sign Indianapolis Colts defensive end Robert Mathis

—these two signings will probably take up all the cap space available to the Bears after the draft and resignings, so there are other options.

Plan B

If you cannot get Colston, that may indicate that Robert Meachem will be there.

If you can't sign or affort Robert Mathis to attack opposite Julius Peppers, sign Cliff Avril from the Detroit Lions.

If Les Snead is brought in as GM, he will get running back Jason Snelling here to be the bruiser, because...

Cut Barber and Omiyale

By cutting Barber and Omiyale, the Bears will save about $3.5 million against the cap.

The Bears will immediately get smarter and better at blocking, because revolving doors can't block.