The 2009 Chicago Bears: The Position Battles In Bourbonnais

Believe it or not, the NFL season is much closer than you think. So close, in fact, that, The position battles have started to take shape. The players will battle it out in training camp from July 31 through Aug. 21 at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais.

First on the list: No. 2 and Slot Receiver.

The wide receiver position is probably the second most important position in this offense only because of the passing. The ideal size of a wide receiver should be at least 6 foot 3 inches, and weigh about 210 pounds. To play effectively, a wide receiver must posses several traits and characteristics. For example, a wide receiver should have a high level of agility. The agility to change his body position is essential if a wide receiver is to be able to get his hips turned and his hands in position to catch a ball that is not perfectly thrown. Body control is particularly critical for a wide receiver who wants to get to the highest tier of play.

Wide receivers must also be durable. Durability contributes to dependability, and longevity. Speed also plays a role in a couple of ways. While pure (track) speed may be desirable, full-stride speed enables a receiver to beat the defender by stride. Wide receivers must also have the ability to focus on the field and off. The Coachability of the receivers depends on focus and execution of the plays.

Devin Hester will be the number one receiver for Chicago, and is the only receiver safe from losing his starting spot. Juaquin Iglesias and Earl Bennett are the two most likely candidates for the job, however rookie Johnny Knox, the 5’11” speedster showed speed and hands in the Bears recent camp. Last years Rashied Davis is also a contender, but following last years performance puts him unlikely as a starter. The battle of the number two slot receiver looks to be an all out war. Here is the player introduction for my first positional battle at the 2009 “Battle in Bourbonnais”

Juaquin Iglesias The 6-foot, 210- lbs., caught 202 passes for 2,821 yards and 19 touchdowns for Oklahoma, including 10 TD’s as a senior. Hehas the potential to compete for a starting position. Bears Jerry Angelo feels he can be effective in the middle of the field as a slot receiver, where Inglesias saw some time in Oklahoma in a pro-style offense. All that however will be challenge to prove, until Roger Drake ( Receivers Coach) is confident his rookie has adapted to the speed of the NFL’s Defensive Backs, and he’s capable of adjusting to the complex coverage schemes. In mini camp Juaquin Iglesias showed a burst off the line, ran crisp routes and caught the ball well. Sources state that he looked like the most NFL-ready reciever on the field.

Earl Bennett, Third round pick of the 2008 out of Vanderbilt, was SEC’s all-time leader in receptions, recording 75 or more reception in three different seasons, and piled up 2852 yards with 20 TD’s. Bennett had a disappointing rookie season because of coach-ability on his route assignments. Bennett has another Vanderbilt Alum on his team by the name of Jay Cutler. The two have shown great chemistry in Vanderbilt, however the NFL is another story. If Cutler and Bennett get the band back together in training camp, and he “bench studied” his offensive responsibilities and learn opponents defensive schemes, Bennett is a probable candidate at the slot position.

Rashied Davis, The 5’9 4th year receiver will have to earn his starting spot at training camp. Last season amassed just 35 catches and two touchdowns in 12 starts. He is now behind Earl Bennett on the depth chart. Rashied David will likely not be a starting receiver, however may see some third down time. He’s registered only 60 receptions in Chicago since 2006, however 42 of those were first downs.

Johnny Knox, 6’0 fifth round pick from Abilene Christian will show good initial speed and he has reliable hands. Knox ran the third-fastest time in the fastest 40-yard dash at the scouting combine at 4.34 seconds. In just 25 games for the Wildcats. He caught  118 passes, and logged  2227 yards with 30 touchdown receptions . He is very effective on short routs because of good vision, that allows him yardage after the catch.  Knox has a slight coachability issue on route assignments, and lacks strength against NFL DB’s. It would a challange to secure a starting role, however he has enough speed to stretch the secondary and become a legitimate threat.

Second on the list: #3 Tight end

Four talented athletes in Desmond Clark, Greg Olsen, Michael Gaines and Kellen Davis all reside at the tight end position. The Bears will keep three on the roster witch makes this a great position battle. Desmond Clark has been a stalwart for the Bears and is a more than capable blocker and receiving threat. Greg Olsen is a much better receiver who’s still developing as a blocker. Kellen Davis showed promise in the 2008 preseason making some spectacular catches, but his blocking is not satisfactory. Davis will need to improve if he wants to stay with the Bears.

Chicago must find the athlete who best fits the team's approach to the offense. Chicago needs a tight end that has girth, ballast and strength. For Lovie, the tight end is one of the primary keys to his “West Coast” system because the size and physical tools to secure the point of attack. If his tight end is able to block a defensive lineman who is positioned on the edge, then his offense automatically has the likelihood of Matt Forte busting through with that single feature.

Greg Olson, the 6’5 255 pound end has great hands and agility. He has great that speed allows Chicago to run him deep to stretch the field. Olson has played 16 games with 54 catches, 574 yards and 5 TD’s. He is a great fit for this offense and his production should go up with Cutler at the helm. Olson’s blocking execution struggled a little, however Lovie utilizes his third string end for that roll. I look for him to be a starter in 2009 and could be the most productive receiver on the team.

Kellen Davis, 2008 fifth round pick from Michigan State, has excellent hands and made some spectacular catches in last years pre-season. Davis is a big target at 6’7 and has great reach. The Bears have made it clear however they are looking for a blocking tightend for the number 3 spot. Davis has struggled on blocking assignments that will be an uphill battle for a roster spot this year at training camp in Bourbonnais. 

Michael Gaines, Signed a one year deal by Chicago with a base pay of $620,000 up to $1.25 million with incentives, making him the probable number three spot. Gaines caught 23 passes for 260 yards and a TD for the Lions last season. His 6 years in the league has shown good initial pop blocking, and he has the ability to get out to the second level and hit the moving target. At 6-feet-4 and 277 pounds, it’s clear the bears want their No. 3 tight end to be a powerful blocker.

Desmond Clark, 6’3 249 pounds and is an exceptional blocker with good speed. This 11 year veteran has shown to be very effective with the outlet pass. He posts 303 receptions, 3,343 yards and 25 career TD’s. Clark has great awareness that allows him to get behind the linebackers and has been known to force safeties out of coverage. Clark also has the advantage against the cover 2 because he can exploit the middle; witch creates separation on the outside receivers. Clark should have a good camp, and look for him to start in the 2009 season. One concern for Clark and the Bears is his ability to stay healthy after 11 years in the league.

Third on the list: Safety

Probably the weakest position on the Bears entire roster, newly signed free agent Josh Bullocks, former fourth round pick out of Louisiana State Craig Steltz and kickoff returner, Danieal Manning are all competing. Former fifth-round pick out of Nebraska Zack Bowman will also be making the move from cornerback to free safety. Bowman showed excellent ball skills in his lone playing time during a Week Seven game against Minnesota. Bowman intercepted a pass to clinch a 48-41 win for the Bears. Corey Graham is now officially working out at the safety position, and looks to be front runner for that role as well.

Corey Graham, 6’0 and 193 lbs, University of New Hampshire star who started  all 42 games registering 302 tackles)with 12 interceptions, 31 passes defensed, 1 TFL, 4 forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries. In 2008 he emerged into a productive corner back in the shadows of six veterans all of wich have been selected Pro Bowlers. The young Graham shows great seed, and solid tackling. He’s a  physical and is great at run protection and equal on the pass coverage. Graham showed his colors in 2008 playing the Minnesota Vikings.Graham booked 11 tackles and interception, his first in the NFL . In Atlanta, he led the defensive unit with 12 tackles and a staggering hit, causing the fumble that generated the defense’s only takeaway in that contest. I look for Graham to start in the secondary unit somewhere. 

Josh Bullocks, former fourth round pick out of Louisiana State & unrestricted free agent from the New Orleans Saints. The 6’1 207lb safety played the 2008 season as a career worst. He lost his starting role, and playing time was cut to just 6 game starts, at witch he had 41 tackles. The good side his, he started 51 of 62 games as a career. In the 51 games he piled up 256 tackles, 1 sack, and 24 passes defended.

Craig Steltz at 6’1 and 210lbs, this 2^nd year safety has a shot at the starting role. He has good speed in pursuit, very strong, and best of all he hits hard. He’s All-American, after registering a team-high 101 tackles and an SEC-leading six interceptions with three forced fumbles, five tackles-for-loss, one sack and one fumble recovery at LSU. His work ethic is strong and if he is healthy, he will have a good camp.

Danieal Manning at 5’11 200lb free safety has 32 career games (29 starts) he has accounted for 178 tackles, 4 INTs, 7 PBUs, 4 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery and 8 special teams tackles… Also has 4 kick returns for 81 yards (20.3 yard avg.) very effective returning.

Kevin Paynehis third season and coming off shoulder surgery and should be ready for organized team activities beginning May 20. In 2008 Payne had 89 tackles, 1 sack, and 4 interceptions. The 6’0 will battle it for the starting role. Payne showed good play last season before the injury. He’s shown good vision and quick feet on the field but time will tell if he’s 100% from his injury. Payne could start at strong safety, however if Graham shows better production Payne will likely start at one of the cornerback slots.

Zack Bowman will be making the move from cornerback to free safety saw action in 22 games, including 9 starts as a Cornhusker. Compiled 56 tackles 17 PBUs, 3 INTs and 2 TFLs in Lincoln. Earned junior college All-America honors and was the No. 2 junior college recruit in the nation in 2004 Notched 10 INTs - including 2 for TDs. SENIOR:Appeared in 11 games, including 4 starts at CB... Notched 29 tackles (22 solo), 1 TFL, 6 PBUs and 1 INT. Bowman did undergo surgery to repair a biceps injury, and should not effect his play.

Al Afalava 5’11 at 213lbs out of Oregon State had two interceptions, eight pass break-ups and only 36 tackles in 2008, however his junior year he has 64 tackles. His Afalava's linebacker size as allowed him to hammer in the secondary coverage, and is a perfect in-the-box safety and special teams player.

Forth on the List: Strongside Linebacker

Hunter Hillenmeyer was removed from his starting position for Nick Roach midway through the 2008 season. Both will be competing with Marcus Freeman who has great all around athleticism.

Marcus Freeman 6’0 239lbs he helped lead a defensive unit that has ranked among the nation's elite ever since he moved into the starting lineup in his second year. In his three years in the lineup, the Buckeyes have ranked fifth in scoring defense in 2006 (12.77 ppg), led the nation in total defense (233.0 ypg) and scoring defense (12.77 ppg) in 2007 and gave up just 293.77 yards per game. He also totaled 152 tackles, including 29 behind the line of scrimmage, and eight sacks as a junior. As a senior, he recorded 127 tackles, four sacks, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He participated in the 4x100-meter relay with good speed. He’s quick, and can get penetration for the early tackle. Freeman was injury prone his senior year, however his athleticism gives him the ability to play all three linebacker positions effectively. Freeman has a strong shot at winning the starting position.

Nick Roach 6’1 234lbs played with the Chargers practice squad for the 2007. Attended Northwestern (2003-06) where he started 32 career games… Finished his career with 241 tackles, 9.0 sacks, 16 TFLs and 2 interceptions. Roach played limited time with the defense but still captured 33 tackles.

Hunter Hillenmeyer signed with the Bears after being cut by the Packers at the end of the 2003 preseason. In 2004 the 6’4 238 lbs Hillenmeyer became the starter at strong side linebacker. Last year Hillenmeyer lost his starting position to Nick Roach midway through the season. Limited playing time showed in his 2008 stats recording 18 tackles and just 1 sack. Judging buy his past with career total’s of 292 tackles, out of witch 223 were solo’s Hillenmeyer can regain his position back.

Fifth on the list: Guard and Center

The signings of Orlando Pace, Kevin Shaffer, Frank Omiyale and a healthy Chris Williams, gives the offensive line new look in 2009. The foundation of the west coast offense is rooted on the offensive line, especially on the run protection.

Here is the breakdown of the offensive line projected lineup.

LT – Pace
LG – Beekman
C – Kreutz
RG – competition between Garza and Omiyale
RT – Shafer
Bench – Williams, Garza/Omiyale

Chris Williams 6’6 at 312lbs was first team all-SEC at Vanderbilt and appeared in 36 games at left tackle and left guard. Williams the 14th overall pick in the 2008 draft had missed the first seven games and all of the preseason in 2008 while recovering from surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back. Now that he’s 100% Chicago is excited about what he can do. He is practicing, and making progress, and will be ready for training camp in Bourbonnais.

Roberto Garza at 6-2 at 310lbs Has been impressive since coming to Chicago in 2005, starting 39-of-48 games played, including 32 straight, while the Bears have rushed for 5,347 yards (14th in NFL, 8th in NFC) He logged 7 NFL seasons with the Bears and Falcons, making starts at each of the interior line positions. Has played in 64 consecutive regular season games and appeared in all 16 games 5 times during his career (2001, 2004-2007). In 2006 Garza signed 6-year contract extension with the Bears that will go through the 2011 season.

Frank Omiyale 6’4 at 310lbs was selected in the fifth round (163rd overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. As a rookie in 2005, Omiyale was inactive for the regular season for the Falcons. In 2006, he made his first NFL appearance for the Falcons in 2006.Omiyale, who can play both tackle and guardwas placed on waivers by the Falcons on September 1, 2007. Omiyale will create depth for the O-line, and appears to be a prospect at guard than tackle. eye’s are in the next few weeks, and must have production at camp for the starting role at tackle.

Kevin Shaffer 6’5 at 315lbs was drafted in Atlanta Falcons in 2002. Shaffer agreed to a three-year, $8 million contract with the Chicago on March 25, 2009. He has started 86 out of 100 career games. Shaffer is solid stop (gap) blocker making him  a contender at RT, and young enough to be a fixture with great production. He held his own last year with (Browns) 4.5 sacks allowed (15 starts) but there is no sign he’s an effective swing tackle.

Josh Beekman 6’2 at 310lbs Selected by the Bears in the fourth round (130th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft. Beekman made his NFL debut at GB (10/7/07), appearing in 1 game for the Bears... Saw action in all 4 preseason games, tallying 1 special teams fumble recovery. He a versitle player that can play guard and center, with good athleticism and speed.  Beekman has value at left guard; however the Bears are looking at back-up center also.

Sixth on the list: Nose tackle

Injury prone Dusty Dvoracek was unable to stay healthy and has not been impressive in his time at the position. The 2007 free agent signing of former San Francisco 49er Anthony Adams to the Bears, and he’s been impressive in his time at defensive tackle. Although he has the size to do it, we’re unsure if he can make the transition to defensive nose guard.

Dusty Dvoracek 6’3 at 303lbs, signed in 2006 out of Oklahoma where he started 26 of 48 career games played and totaled 131 tackles with 16 sacks, 45 TFLs, 1 INT, 3 fumble recoveries and 2 PBUs. First two NFL seasons with the Bears have been cut short due to a knee injury. In 2008 he had only 29 tackles due to limited play time.

Anthony Adams 6’0 at 307lbs, was signed in 2007 where he logged 47 tackles. His total career stats are 204 tackles, including 6.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery in 69 games played with 42 starts in five NFL season.  Has played multiple positions along the defensive line during career, spending most of his time at DT… Versatile athlete who has played fullback in short-yard situations.