Thomas Jones

**Diets17** · January 18th, 2006, 11:02 PM

Again though, if im a GM im not looking for a superstar running back that you have to pay 6 million dollars or more a year for. Thats not how you build a solid team, id much rather have a 1200 yard back im paying 2 million a year for than a 1600 yard back that im paying 5 or 6 million or more per season.

Sure its great for the fans to have a superstar running back on your football team, but if your gonna want a solid well rounded team Id like to put more money into other positions. Maybe I didnt clarify that before. Im just saying value wise its better to have a guys whos productive that you dont have to cash strap your team for than it is to have your superstar running back whos hurting the cap, and is one ACL injury away from ending your hopes for that season.

**imported_mega** · January 18th, 2006, 11:16 PM

It still just depends what your team needs are though and what the depth is of other positions in the draft. You cant tell me that Mike Williams/JJ Arrington would have been a better choice than Benson/Bradley. The latter choices are better on both occassions. Now the Bears may have drafted the wrong running back, but considering Jones never made it through a full season and Peterson was a lifetime backup, there was not any proof to say, dont draft a running back. Just like with the chargers, they had all but given up on Drew Brees(though they could have had Rothlesburger or Manning). Brees turns out to be great and they are stuck with Rivers.

Its a tough situation for both teams, but at the same time, Chicago is still 17 million under the cap, it doesnt really matter that Benson eats up some cap space not to mention he is probably the best backup running back in the league. Its sort of important that they have 3 good running backs considering they are a running team.

**Diets17** · January 18th, 2006, 11:36 PM

Im not really even talking about Chicago's situation from last season though. Im just saying in general that I wouldnt draft a running back in the top 5. Trust me im not Benson hating or anything, I told you before last years draft that I felt Benson was the best of the backs in the draft. I still believe that, I just hope character issues dont get in the way of that for him. Hes got the skills thats for sure.

Again though, Im just saying in general that if you want a well rounded team that you dont put very much money in your starting running back position.

Quick, name all of the first round starting running backs that were drafted since the beginning of the salary cap era to lead or at least start for his team in a super bowl victory. Ummmmmm Marhsall Faulk maybe, which did it for a team that he wasnt even drafted by? Who else? Lewis's rookie year with the Ravens? Anymore?

**sirhoopalot** · January 18th, 2006, 11:41 PM

With the pick they had 4th, they could have gotten more than Bradely for a wideout. He's good, but not that good. All I'm saying is how about a little love for the guy. Hell, he's from our area and that doesn't happen hardly ever. [img]/LDPforum/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img]

**imported_mega** · January 19th, 2006, 12:22 AM

Bradley is better than Mike Williams, Troy Williamson, Roddy White,and as good if not better than Mark Clayton. His upside and potential is that of a pro bowl reciever. His run after catch ability and ability to get off the line of scrimmage are some of the most impressive abilities in the nfl and Im not even being biased. Mark Bradley will be a star if his knee injury doesnt hamper him.

Braylon Edwards looked great before he tore his acl, he was the best reciever in the draft without a doubt.

Diets, almost every team that has won the superbowl in the salary cap era had a star quarterback. You mentioned Faulk and Lewis, Eddie George was 1 yard away, and DeShaun Foster was a kick away too. This year Alexander and Bettis both have a good chance to win. I'll agree that Quarterbacks are alot more important that running backs in the playoffs, but generally speaking, teams that have star running backs are usually teams that are good year in year out. I understand what your saying, but I just feel that your formula for success is only right about half the time. When the new collective bargaining agreement gets worked out, rookie running backs arent going to make half of what they are making now because there is going to be a rookie cap, would you draft a running back high with a rookie cap?

**Diets17** · January 19th, 2006, 10:20 PM

Yep, if there was a cap and it was a need though again if I think I can get someone just as good in the next round id pass. Though if it was someone with exceptional skills then Id definely take him at the top of the draft if its something I need and not gonna kill me cap wise.

**imported_mega** · January 19th, 2006, 10:25 PM

But you realize that it was all a plot to draft Benson in the first so they could sign Owens this offseason. [img]/LDPforum/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/LDPforum/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] [img]/LDPforum/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] [img]/LDPforum/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img](schitzophrenia is setting in for me if they pull that trigger as being reported)

**Diets17** · January 19th, 2006, 10:31 PM

haha.. I sorta think it would be a long term mistake for the Bears to sign Terrel Owens. Though right now, he would improve the offense. Though do you get rid of Musin? Or keep him for another year?

He didnt even make the top 10 free agents signings for SI. [img]/LDPforum/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]

**imported_mega** · January 19th, 2006, 10:35 PM

Keep both of em. With 17 mill under the cap and little of it devoted to draft picks this year(picking 26th) they can afford Owens and resign Briggs next year. Owens wouldnt get any better than a 2 year deal unless they just want to spread out the signing bonus. Keep in mind, they will get Haynes 3 million off the books soon and TJ probably wont be resigned if he keeps getting 1300 yards unless Benson is traded.