[CBFF] NFL.COM: Offseason update: Chicago Bears

[Steve Behrens]

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      *By Vic Carucci <http://www.nfl.com/writers/carucci>
National Editor, NFL.com*

  <http://www.nfl.com/emailafriend/index?location=http://www.nfl.com%2Fnews%2Fstory%2F10186077&headline=Offseason%20update%3A%20Chicago%20Bears>

(May 17, 2007) -- *This is what I like about the Chicago Bears' offseason
moves*: They added a game-breaking force in first-round draft pick Greg
Olsen <http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/502524>, an explosive tight end
from the University of Miami who made a surprising slip to the 31st overall
spot. Olsen is an outstanding athlete who runs nice routes and shows superb
hands. His receiving skills, especially his ability to get open in the seam,
should do plenty to help quarterback Rex
Grossman<http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/396159>gain much-needed
confidence as a passer.

  [image: Greg Olsen should help the Bears' passing game become more
consistent.]   *Greg Olsen should help the Bears' passing game become more
consistent.*    The Bears devoted the rest of their draft to acquiring
players who are solid enough to help immediately in various roles and who
have a good chance to break into the starting lineup within the next two
seasons.

One is second-rounder Dan Bazuin<http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/406200>,
who joins an already crowded defensive end position. The former Central
Michigan standout could use some bulk on his 265-pound frame, which he will
have a chance to do in the next year or two before becoming a starter. For
now, Bazuin's quickness, his ability to make good use of his hands, and
consistent playmaking as a pass-rusher and run-stopper should allow him to
see action right away.

The Bears made two intriguing third-round choices in running back Garrett
Wolfe <http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/535079> and linebacker Michael
Okwo <http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/417979>. Wolfe made a strong
impression on scouts with the way he caught the ball in pre-draft workouts,
and could see some situational action. Okwo covers a lot of ground and
should provide decent depth. Offensive lineman Josh
Beekman<http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/406273>,
the Bears' fourth-round pick, has the talent to be a solid reserve at guard
or center.

*This is what concerns me:* Defensive tackle Tank
Johnson<http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/492969>,
who already served 60 days in jail for violating probation on a weapons
charge, is awaiting word on a suspension by Commissioner Roger Goodell. The
Bears are a better team with Johnson on the field. Having him miss any
significant time could hamper their hopes of defending their conference
championship.

  Ask Vic!

The Bears parted with a key offensive sparkplug when they traded running
back ThomasJones <http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/187390> to the New
York Jets. They also seemingly should have done better than  merely swapping
second-round picks with the Jets. Whether inconsistent Cedric
Benson<http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/406400>is up to the
challenge of carrying the bulk of the rushing the load remains
to be seen.

Linebacker Lance Briggs <http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/395932>, one
of the Bears' more talented players, is threatening a holdout because of his
frustration over being slapped with a franchise tag. The Bears have the
upper hand; Briggs either plays for the tag price (a guaranteed one-year
contract for $7.2 million, the average of the five highest-paid players at
his position) or he doesn't play. They still could work out a long-term deal
with him. But if nothing changes, Briggs appears headed toward making
himself a distraction. How will he perform if he chooses to play? Who knows?
And if he holds out, the Bears defense loses plenty.