Fixing a hole

Well Bears fans, we find ourselves with some significant holes to fill on the ol' roster before the start of the '09 campaign. Tackle. Receiver. Safety. How about a backup QB? Corner? Defensive line?

I do like the new guy we signed the first day of free agency, offensive lineman Frank Omiygale. He ain't sexy, but he has some upside. He is touted as versatile (tackle or guard), young (26), and meaty (6'4",  310 lbs.). All good. We just got bigger and younger on the offensive line. This is a good move.

Bears General Manager Jerry Angelo says Omiygale projects at guard. Tackle, on the other hand, is the bigger need right now. With only unproven newcomers Chris Williams (projected as starting left tackle) and ... ummm ...gulp ... Cody Balogh (projected as practice squad meat for Marinelli's guys) manning offensive tackle, the need for another starter quality player there should be apparent.

John St. Clair, last year's starting left tackle, is reportedly the Bears first choice. St. Clair was a trooper last year starting 16 games, but he looked bad in pass protection against top-tier talent. 

Whether or not St. Clair returns, and I hope he does, the Bears still need to add another starting quality tackle. You've got one guy in St. Clair who may or may not be on your roster who has even really played tackle in the NFL. And he didn't exactly light it up. 

So why so little interest in Kalif Barnes? Kawme Harris? You don't like Marvel Smith? I like Marvel Smith.

And why aren't we looking at Wide Receiver? Their are tackles out there. There are WRs out there. There are backup QBs and safeties out there. Don't pin all your hopes on the draft, Jerry Angelo! Bring in some guys through free agency. Get some competition going then make some cuts in pre-season. 

Give yourself the freedom to draft guys you like and not just have to reach for guys to plug the holes.