[CBFF] Aspiring To Make A “Wave”, Bears Search To Regain “Forte”: Team Eyeing Tulane RB, Hoping To Rediscover Power Attack » Bears Gab - Sent Using Google Toolbar

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Aspiring To Make A "Wave", Bears Search To Regain "Forte": Team Eyeing
Tulane RB, Hoping To Rediscover Power Attack » Bears
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Aspiring To Make A "Wave", Bears Search To Regain "Forte": Team Eyeing
Tulane RB, Hoping To Rediscover Power
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[image: forte-td.jpg]

 <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bbaIF22NGQ>*Check Out Tulane RB Matt
Forte's Highlights <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bbaIF22NGQ>*

*In Need Of A Backfield Boost: *As Draft Day nears, whispers have a way of
sneaking out from Halas Hall, with the* "Make or Break"* weekend in April
(26-27) approaching, GM Jerry Angelo (*whether you believe the
reports*:* Cancel
Rashard, Insert New Plan, RB In 3rd
Round<http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL/NFC/NFC+North/Chicago/WWHI/2008/wwhi031908.htm>
*) says the focus/desire to select a RB in the 1st round ahead of an
Offensive Lineman has diminished with the on-going (more private workouts
scheduled April 3) development of a certain Tulane product. This bruising
ballcarrier has a power running style that fits the scheme in which the
Bears are seeking. On top of his impressive repertoire, Mr. Forte has a
strong resume, part of the reason the team is extensively working out this
relentless back who has the chance to bolster their less than stellar ground
game.

*Corey Dillon Comparisons: *At 6-foot 2, 225-pounds, the record breaking
wrecking ball from Tulane is the type of the runner Chicago wants in their
backfield and he should be available in the 3rd round. The Green Wave
prospect is rising up draft boards and it looks like he is an intriguing
back that interests the Monsters of the Midway enough to pass on Rashard
Mendenhall, addressing their major need, the offensive line, with their
first round choice (#14). If Chicago is indeed serious about drafting a RB
later (mid-round) instead of sooner (1st round), a talented RB like Forte
would be worthy enough to wait for. It appears that the team is over the
"hype" of the Illinois standout (Mendenhall), as they are now shifting their
attention to a star from Conference USA.

*Impressed: *I must say his *productivity*, *vision*, *toughness*, and
*quickness
*for a guy his *size*, may be too good to overlook in the *3rd round*. Forte
could have Bears fans believing he's capable of being the featured back the
team was expecting to find in Benson. Envision a scenario where Chicago
chooses a pair of OL Day 1, while upgrading their offensive skill positions
with Forte and either a WR/QB in the 3rd round. While going this route gives
the team more flexibility (easier to go OL early, getting the "best athlete"
available later) and eliminates the pressure of targeting a RB (conscious
about history of 1st Round RB's) that would be counted on to succeed as the
go-to-guy behind an inconsistent line, Chicago has to do extra study and
research to make sure they are not passing up on an elite "Adrian
Peterson-esque" back who has the ability to make a legitimate impact as a
playmaker on a sputtering offense without any true gamebreakers. *Barring a
trade down, it's safe to say the 14th pick will be used on an OL - not a RB.
In spite of all the rumors in midst of the mad speculation, Forte is the
back the Bears covet, though I'm convinced we would be making a big mistake
(unless Top 5 caliber falls) by not snatching the hometown hero everyone
wants, because if we miss in this year's draft it could set the offensive
rebuilding process back - another five years. Rashard Mendenhall has too big
of an upside unlike Chris Williams (OT, Vanderbilt) to overlook, and for us
to revive the ground game, we need to get into "aggressive mode" by boldly
going for it all, choosing the draft's finest playmaker not named McFadden,
executing a move that could decide to be a key piece in waking up a
lackluster offense, while putting back together a once strong, yet now,
dismal rushing attack. * * *

*NFLDraftCountdown.Com & FFToolBox.Com Scouting Reports: *

   - *Matt Forte, RB, Tulane - 4.46 (40 Time)*
   - *Strengths:* Has excellent size…Real *versatile*…*Tough and **
   physical*…Very good blocker…*Great vision and instincts*…*Runs hard
   and with power…Does a nice job in short-yardage situations*…Good hands
   and he can catch the ball out of the backfield…*Productive*.
   - *Weaknesses:* Lacks great timed speed and quickness…Needs to get
   stronger…A 'tweener who may not have a true pro position…*Is not
   explosive or a big play threat*…Won't be a traditional lead blocker…*Not
   real elusive*…*Has some durability/health concerns.
   *

*Going In-Depth With Forte: *He is an experience back, with a strong build.
*He's a **very tough inside runner, is able to break tackles and gains yards
after contact.* *Forte is patient, allowing the blockers to do their job
before hitting the hole.* He protects the ball well, is a capable receiver
out of the backfield and can extend his hands to catch out-of-reach passes.
*He is a better than average blocker, with good blitz awareness*. *He lacks
speed* (4.46-40), he is *not elusive and will sometimes get caught from
behind.* *He has difficulty turning the corner* also also needs to improve
his route running. Forte was a solid college running back. But there were
questions regarding his game. *Is he a one year wonder?* *Could he perform
at the same level against top competition?* *He put those questions to rest
with a very impressive 59 rushing and 38 receiving yards effort in the
Senior Bowl. His performance earned him the MVP trophy.* *Forte had
consistently showed that he is a force while running between the tackle.* *He
wears down defensive linemen.* *Forte is a solid and consistent back, who is
able to move the pile and posses the necessary work ethic to perform at the
next level.* Though, his lack of speed and elusiveness is a concern. Before
the postseason, Forte was expected to go in the middle to late rounds of the
draft, but a solid, if not spectacular postseason had launched him to the
late third or early fourth round area. In fact, several scouts believe that
with time, better coaching and more effort, *Forte could challenge for a
starting role within three years.*