Laurence Holmes NFL Draft Preview (April 25th, 2006)

Legal issues aside, the Bears made a good move in signing Ricky Manning. Manning is a veteran that has spent a ton of time playing the third Cornerback spot or "Nickel." With Jerry Azumah retiring the Bears had a need to fill and Manning is the right guy.

Over his career he’s got 13 interceptions. You may remember the NFC Title Game in 2004, where Manning haunted Donovan McNabb and the Eagles with three picks in that game.

He also has experience playing the Left Corner Back spot and said (and I’m paraphrasing here): "...I don’t plan on being a nickel back for the rest of my career." Charles Tillman is the Bears starter at LCB, but he struggled staying with smaller, shiftier receivers. I can only imagine the type of fierce competition that will be going on in Bourbonnais. It’s getting to be put up or shut up time for Peanut.

What’s troubling about Manning’s arrest (beyond the obvious) is the timing. He was getting ready to sign the biggest deal of his life and he was out looking for trouble?

I still believe that the Bears will look for a DB in the draft, but maybe not in the 1^st round, which brings me to my next point . . .

Jerry Angelo likes depth and he likes multiple picks. In getting Manning, the Bears lose a 3^rd round pick. That leaves them with five picks total. I would not be surprised if Angelo traded out of the 1^st round completely because the pick is so low (26) and they can get what they want: Tight End, Linebacker or Corner in the 2^nd. It’s a deep draft at all positions.

To extend that thinking further, there’s the issue of teams, namely Indianapolis, taking a long-hard look at trading for Thomas Jones. Like I said, Angelo loves picks. Cedric Benson is his guy and he wants him to play now. It’s my belief that there will be a negative effect in the locker room if Jones is traded. While Benson isn’t hated by his teammates, I’m not sure he’s understood. NFL locker rooms are still very "macho" places and Jones played through bruised ribs and a twisted knee and never complained. Can Benson be that type of guy?

Comments

[Bear fan Bob]

I do not understand the idea of trading T.Jones but if it is the right deal, wide out,proven te,A middle linebacker who can tackle someone head on and not get draged down the field it will be ok for me. NO DRAFT PICKS FOR JONES

[Brian DraftPickalo]

Long time listener, 1st time poster :)

It's only fitting that Manning would get arrested around the same time he signs with the Bears. He fits right in with the fumbling and bumbling front office of the Chicago Bears.

Angelo never should have drafted Benson and used his pick on a TE or WR that the Bears needed last year. Thomas Jones would have not been but in a position where he is the odd man out because of money and ego. However, who knows if Thomas Jones would have had the career year he had if he wasn't fighting for his starting spot. Would he have played hurt if Andrian Pederson was his backup?

They really don't have any choice, but to trade him. You can thank Angelo for that and if Benson fails then it's only a matter of time before the deflect the blame on to Lovie Smith.

Great blog. I wish more score hosts create one. Would love to talk to Mike Murphy (miss his morning show) and Mike North always has his opinions, good or bad. Love the score, love your show, keep up the good work and can we get a whiff sound bit for every time J.Jones strikes out with men on base. You do a J.Thome homerun sound bite, as a cubs fan I would love to hear a J.Jones Strikes out again sound bite.

Later,
Brian Drafpickalo

[Brian DraftPickalo]

Forget the whiff sound bite. Just give me an "Ohh no!" from Santo every time he strikes out with men on base.

Thanks!

[Kenneth Coe]

The Bears should trade to move up in the draft. How about a deal that includes: T. Jones, K. Orton and a switch in #1 draft spots and get the other trading teams 3rd round pick. They would be making great use of excessive assets. The Bears #1 need, seems like since Ditka, is tight end and by all accounts, the best ever TE prospect Verson Davis from Maryland is in this draft. Why not do whatever it takes to land this guy and finally end this madness at the TE position for the Bears.