Thread: LB/ST depth-replacement for Dontarious

Seems we're still in the market for LB depth and special teams.
Brenden Ayanbadejo isn't being retained by the Bears.
He's a two time probowler for Special Teams, a bit light for LB, but maybe a fit in our Tampa2, which Lovie uses in CHI.
He's supposedly asking for 7.5 million over 5 years.
The way contracts are going, that don't seem like much to me, if he fits a need.
Or, maybe they've already targeted a draft pick there...

As he strolled off the practice field one afternoon last season, Bears special teams coach Dave Toub was asked which players could fill Pro Bowler Brendon Ayanbadejo's shoes.

"Darrell McClover, Nick Roach, Jamar Williams, Rod Wilson � they all have the ability," Toub said. "Having a guy like Brendon draw double-teams opened things up and allowed each of them to make plays."

The Bears won't have that luxury any longer as management has opted not to pursue Ayanbadejo.

But Ayanbadejo expressed a desire to be more a part of the defensive rotation at linebacker, a request that was unlikely to be granted by the Bears.

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/cs-080303-ayanbadejo-griese-bears,1,2560683.story

The price is not bad if he can fit in somehwere on the Defense.

I really hope we can get Xavier Adibi, from VT, he's a prototypical OLB for the cover 2.

Last year they had Dontarious slated as the top backup at all three LB positions.
We've still got Heath Farwell, Vinnie Ciurci, and Rufus should return from injury...So its not like the cubbard is bare.
But, it sure was nice seeing our ST improve last year!
I'd love to see that trend continue and I think that BA (Bad Attitude Barachus
;D) could help...and for a reasonable price.

Adibi would be a nice addition to the LB core for sure, but I've been seeing him as a 2nd rounder, and I think we might need that one for LDE or S depth...unless, maybe?
Do you think he could play some S too?

I think we're grooming Rufus Alexander to take the spot of Thomas. Ayanbadejo would NOT hurt at all though. Imagine that Special teams lineup with Ciurciu, Farwell, and Ayanbadejo...

I hope that Rufus can come along and learn from his time injured as Greenway did...

I'm excited for Rufus, he was quite the prospect; I remember people were very excited at the pick up.

Here's a guy a missed, another LB...he's the practice squad guy the Patriots signed for a week or two.
David Herron...looks like one ST tackle last year vs. WAS.

"mountainviking" wrote:

Here's a guy a missed, another LB...he's the practice squad guy the Patriots signed for a week or two.
David Herron...looks like one ST tackle last year vs. WAS.

Nice catch.

Truth of the matter is I currently have Rufus listed as the replacement for DT but am not sure he could play all the positions right away.

Additionally, if you look at his size, its a bit off when you look at our LB'rs in our 4-3 scheme.
He could probably add a bit of poundage to get in the 240 range but I would worry about his knees.

54 Dontarrious Thomas LB 27 6-2 241 4 Auburn
58 David Herron Jr. LB 23 6-1 239 R Michigan State
57 Alexander, Rufus* LB 6'1" 232 4/12/1983

Anyway, with that said, it appears we have two good candidates to take his spot.

"jessejames09" wrote:

I really hope we can get Xavier Adibi, from VT, he's a prototypical OLB for the cover 2.

yesss someone else wants him too!!

i will miss Donta, he was a cool guy who i had the privilege of playing basketball against a few times

"PurplePeopleEaters" wrote:

I think we're grooming Rufus Alexander to take the spot of Thomas. Ayanbadejo would NOT hurt at all though. Imagine that Special teams lineup with Ciurciu, Farwell, and Ayanbadejo...

That would be amazing.I doubt the Bears would have ever seen the SB 2 yrs. ago without superior special teams. It's such an important part of the game. I would love to see it get done.

PS What the hell are these Bears thinking letting all these good players go? Must be hell to be a Bears fan. I'm loving it! ;D