24-25 NFL Thread

[Chisoxfn]

  On 3/14/2025 at 1:58 AM, southsider2k5 said:

Bears would have done great with my man Braden Fiske too.

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Very true. 

[WhiteSox2023]

 

[WhiteSox2023]

Mediocre WR signing to compete with Tyler Scott for the #3 WR spot.

 

[scs787]

OZ is very Tim Patrick-esque in that he's a good blocker and does all the lil dirty work. That's a thing in Ben's offense. 

[Chicago White Sox]

  On 3/14/2025 at 4:38 AM, WhiteSox2023 said:

Mediocre WR signing to compete with Tyler Scott for the #3 WR spot.

 

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Seems like a perfectly reasonable #3 WR signing (pending terms).  They will likely add another WR in the draft too.  Not sure why you hating on this?

[WhiteSox2023]

  On 3/14/2025 at 5:20 PM, Chicago White Sox said:

Seems like a perfectly reasonable #3 WR signing (pending terms).  They will likely add another WR in the draft too.  Not sure why you hating on this?

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I’m just not impressed with how Poles spread out his money.  He signed a bunch of good or above average players.  Zero game changers.  Also, just the fact that Poles had to sign this WR is yet another indictment of his WR failures — 2nd rounder for Chase Claypool, 4th rounder used on Tyler Scott, and a 4th rounder wasted on washed-up Keenan Allen.  Think about if he used all those picks on OL and DL, assuming he was good at drafting…

I am no longer drinking the Poles Kool-Aid.  He is on the same level as Getz as a GM at this point.

I think this will still be a mediocre .500 team at best even after the draft.

Edited Saturday at 01:05 AM by WhiteSox2023

[Chisoxfn]

  On 3/15/2025 at 12:59 AM, WhiteSox2023 said:

I’m just not impressed with how Poles spread out his money.  He signed a bunch of good or above average players.  Zero game changers.  Also, just the fact that Poles had to sign this WR is yet another indictment of his WR failures — 2nd rounder for Chase Claypool, 4th rounder used on Tyler Scott, and a 4th rounder wasted on washed-up Keenan Allen.  Think about if he used all those picks on OL and DL, assuming he was good at drafting…

I am no longer drinking the Poles Kool-Aid.  He is on the same level as Getz as a GM at this point.

I think this will still be a mediocre .500 team at best even after the draft.

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You forgot the 26 year old rookie who couldn’t catch (3rd rounder in his first draft)…aka Velus Jones 

[WhiteSox2023]

  On 3/15/2025 at 2:23 AM, Chisoxfn said:

You forgot the 26 year old rookie who couldn’t catch (3rd rounder in his first draft)…aka Velus Jones 

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What another bust.  He’s a WR, no wait, he’s a RB, no wait he’s a Return Man that can’t catch the ball as a receiver or return man!

I still can’t believe anyone still has faith in Poles.

Darnell Wright over Jalen Carter.

It’s time to admit that this guy gets things wrong way more than he gets them right.

 

Edited Saturday at 02:30 AM by WhiteSox2023

[Chicago White Sox]

  On 3/15/2025 at 12:59 AM, WhiteSox2023 said:

I’m just not impressed with how Poles spread out his money.  He signed a bunch of good or above average players.  Zero game changers.  Also, just the fact that Poles had to sign this WR is yet another indictment of his WR failures — 2nd rounder for Chase Claypool, 4th rounder used on Tyler Scott, and a 4th rounder wasted on washed-up Keenan Allen.  Think about if he used all those picks on OL and DL, assuming he was good at drafting…

I am no longer drinking the Poles Kool-Aid.  He is on the same level as Getz as a GM at this point.

I think this will still be a mediocre .500 team at best even after the draft.

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What would your offseason plan been instead?

[Chisoxfn]

  On 3/15/2025 at 6:22 PM, Chicago White Sox said:

What would your offseason plan been instead?

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I don’t disagree with the above. Poles hasn’t had a ton of draft hits. Now if we see Tyrique, Dexter take a big step forward in yr 3 and Kiran has a healthy offseason and full training camp and ends up being a legit LT (beating out Braxton)…than that would go a long way…but overall from a talent addition perspective outside of the no brainer trade I agree…but I like the approach this offseason but also recognize outside of Thuney, it isn’t like they added anyone special. 

[Chicago White Sox]

  On 3/15/2025 at 6:38 PM, Chisoxfn said:

I don’t disagree with the above. Poles hasn’t had a ton of draft hits. Now if we see Tyrique, Dexter take a big step forward in yr 3 and Kiran has a healthy offseason and full training camp and ends up being a legit LT (beating out Braxton)…than that would go a long way…but overall from a talent addition perspective outside of the no brainer trade I agree…but I like the approach this offseason but also recognize outside of Thuney, it isn’t like they added anyone special. 

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I’m not going to defend’s Poles’ track record because it deserves criticism.  But if someone wants to insult this specific offseason, at least provide a roadmap of what they would have done differently.

The interior O-Line was a mess and he added the top free agent Center, traded for one of the best OG’s in the game, and traded for another former Pro Bowl OG that has ties to our new HC.  Compare that to giving a free agent like Aaron Banks 4/$77M…I’ll take this set of moves all day long.  And all fit within Caleb’s rookie contract which is another plus.  We can still to the interior O-Line in the draft, but won’t be forced to use a 2nd round pick on one now.

The D-Line was also decking depth and needed reinforcements.  He went out and signed a former Pro Bowl 3T to pair with Dexter and a young EDGE with the size and versatility that Allen covets.  To me, the Jarrett move was a no brainer given the price point and leadership he brings to the table.  Dayo is definitely more of a gamble and I could see an argument for doing something bigger at EDGE given our need for more pass rushers.  Regardless, they offer the same plusses as above in terms of fitting into Caleb’s rookie contract and allowing us to not reach in the draft in order to fill the need.

Outside of that, he’s added a blocking TE and a guy who can compete for the #3 WR role.  I haven’t seen the terms of these deals, but the Zaccheaus signing is likely an astute one given the complete lack of depth at WR.  He graded out very well last year per PFF and appears to be a good fit for Johnson’s offense given his blocking abilities.  Complaining about his addition because of past misses not providing the depth we need is besides the point.

Overall, I’d give Pace a 9/10 for offseason work so far.  Again, outside of EDGE, I’m not sure there is anything different I would have done.

[Chisoxfn]

  On 3/15/2025 at 7:44 PM, Chicago White Sox said:

I’m not going to defend’s Poles’ track record because it deserves criticism.  But if someone wants to insult this specific offseason, at least provide a roadmap of what they would have done differently.

The interior O-Line was a mess and he added the top free agent Center, traded for one of the best OG’s in the game, and traded for another former Pro Bowl OG that has ties to our new HC.  Compare that to giving a free agent like Aaron Banks 4/$77M…I’ll take this set of moves all day long.  And all fit within Caleb’s rookie contract which is another plus.  We can still to the interior O-Line in the draft, but won’t be forced to use a 2nd round pick on one now.

The D-Line was also decking depth and needed reinforcements.  He went out and signed a former Pro Bowl 3T to pair with Dexter and a young EDGE with the size and versatility that Allen covets.  To me, the Jarrett move was a no brainer given the price point and leadership he brings to the table.  Dayo is definitely more of a gamble and I could see an argument for doing something bigger at EDGE given our need for more pass rushers.  Regardless, they offer the same plusses as above in terms of fitting into Caleb’s rookie contract and allowing us to not reach in the draft in order to fill the need.

Outside of that, he’s added a blocking TE and a guy who can compete for the #3 WR role.  I haven’t seen the terms of these deals, but the Zaccheaus signing is likely an astute one given the complete lack of depth at WR.  He graded out very well last year per PFF and appears to be a good fit for Johnson’s offense given his blocking abilities.  Complaining about his addition because of past misses not providing the depth we need is besides the point.

Overall, I’d give Pace a 9/10 for offseason work so far.  Again, outside of EDGE, I’m not sure there is anything different I would have done.

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I agree - he has done a very nice job so far this offseason on paper. He also hired Ben Johnson. Now I want to see him nail the draft - and start to hitting more across the draft too. 

[chw42]

  On 3/15/2025 at 7:44 PM, Chicago White Sox said:

I’m not going to defend’s Poles’ track record because it deserves criticism.  But if someone wants to insult this specific offseason, at least provide a roadmap of what they would have done differently.

The interior O-Line was a mess and he added the top free agent Center, traded for one of the best OG’s in the game, and traded for another former Pro Bowl OG that has ties to our new HC.  Compare that to giving a free agent like Aaron Banks 4/$77M…I’ll take this set of moves all day long.  And all fit within Caleb’s rookie contract which is another plus.  We can still to the interior O-Line in the draft, but won’t be forced to use a 2nd round pick on one now.

The D-Line was also decking depth and needed reinforcements.  He went out and signed a former Pro Bowl 3T to pair with Dexter and a young EDGE with the size and versatility that Allen covets.  To me, the Jarrett move was a no brainer given the price point and leadership he brings to the table.  Dayo is definitely more of a gamble and I could see an argument for doing something bigger at EDGE given our need for more pass rushers.  Regardless, they offer the same plusses as above in terms of fitting into Caleb’s rookie contract and allowing us to not reach in the draft in order to fill the need.

Outside of that, he’s added a blocking TE and a guy who can compete for the #3 WR role.  I haven’t seen the terms of these deals, but the Zaccheaus signing is likely an astute one given the complete lack of depth at WR.  He graded out very well last year per PFF and appears to be a good fit for Johnson’s offense given his blocking abilities.  Complaining about his addition because of past misses not providing the depth we need is besides the point.

Overall, I’d give Pace a 9/10 for offseason work so far.  Again, outside of EDGE, I’m not sure there is anything different I would have done.

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Oh no, Ryan Pace is back?

For real though, I can't really complain much about the off-season so far. There's some I liked, some I didn't, but the overall grade has to be a positive. He's addressed the interior offensive line. The Thuney and Dalman moves are A+ type moves. They're both impact players IMO.

The Jonah Jackson move isn't one that I would have made, but I also don't know him like Ben Johnson probably does. That's probably something he personally requested from Poles. I would have rather paid an older vet like Zeitler for far less money for a year and drafted his replacement.

I'm sure the Bears would have preferred Mack or Sweat at Edge as opposed to Dayo. I'm not super opposed to the signing. They more or less paid market value for a guy who has more potential than production. The Grady Jarrett move initially puzzled me. But after seeing what the Vikings gave Allen and Hargrave, two guys who are around the same age with similar pedigrees, it actually feels about right.

I actually like the Zaccheaus signing. Like you said PFF graded him well and he seemed well-liked in Washington and on his previous teams. I was thinking that they might target someone like Tim Patrick, but Zaccheaus fills a similar role while putting up better numbers last year.

Edited yesterday at 12:29 AM by chw42

[WhiteSox2023]

  On 3/15/2025 at 7:44 PM, Chicago White Sox said:

I’m not going to defend’s Poles’ track record because it deserves criticism.  But if someone wants to insult this specific offseason, at least provide a roadmap of what they would have done differently.

The interior O-Line was a mess and he added the top free agent Center, traded for one of the best OG’s in the game, and traded for another former Pro Bowl OG that has ties to our new HC.  Compare that to giving a free agent like Aaron Banks 4/$77M…I’ll take this set of moves all day long.  And all fit within Caleb’s rookie contract which is another plus.  We can still to the interior O-Line in the draft, but won’t be forced to use a 2nd round pick on one now.

The D-Line was also decking depth and needed reinforcements.  He went out and signed a former Pro Bowl 3T to pair with Dexter and a young EDGE with the size and versatility that Allen covets.  To me, the Jarrett move was a no brainer given the price point and leadership he brings to the table.  Dayo is definitely more of a gamble and I could see an argument for doing something bigger at EDGE given our need for more pass rushers.  Regardless, they offer the same plusses as above in terms of fitting into Caleb’s rookie contract and allowing us to not reach in the draft in order to fill the need.

Outside of that, he’s added a blocking TE and a guy who can compete for the #3 WR role.  I haven’t seen the terms of these deals, but the Zaccheaus signing is likely an astute one given the complete lack of depth at WR.  He graded out very well last year per PFF and appears to be a good fit for Johnson’s offense given his blocking abilities.  Complaining about his addition because of past misses not providing the depth we need is besides the point.

Overall, I’d give Pace a 9/10 for offseason work so far.  Again, outside of EDGE, I’m not sure there is anything different I would have done.

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I don’t know what I would have done, as I haven’t followed free agency that closely.  But I do know what Poles has assembled isn’t enough to compete with the big boys of the NFC North.  They will win more games but it will be yet another disappointing season.

[Tony]

  On 3/16/2025 at 2:22 AM, WhiteSox2023 said:

I don’t know what I would have done, as I haven’t followed free agency that closely.  But I do know what Poles has assembled isn’t enough to compete with the big boys of the NFC North.  They will win more games but it will be yet another disappointing season.

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Wait, so you said word for word “I’m not impressed with how Poles spent his money” but you also “didn’t follow free agency that closely” so how would you know what he could spend his money on? By definition, using your own words, you’re uneducated on the topic. Why are you comfortable forming an opinion on something you are uneducated on? I know it’s 2025 and that’s what so many do…but doesn’t seem like the most logical decision making. 
 

[Snopek]

  On 3/15/2025 at 12:59 AM, WhiteSox2023 said:

I am no longer drinking the Poles Kool-Aid.  He is on the same level as Getz as a GM at this point.

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So you’re just skipping right past the rational middle ground and going from one extreme to the other?

[WhiteSox2023]

  On 3/16/2025 at 6:23 PM, Tony said:

Wait, so you said word for word “I’m not impressed with how Poles spent his money” but you also “didn’t follow free agency that closely” so how would you know what he could spend his money on? By definition, using your own words, you’re uneducated on the topic. Why are you comfortable forming an opinion on something you are uneducated on? I know it’s 2025 and that’s what so many do…but doesn’t seem like the most logical decision making. 
 

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The Bears needed a stud pass rusher.  Poles just got a guy.  What was the point of having so much money if you just grab second and third tier players?  I see them being a .500 team at best.

[Tony]

  On 3/16/2025 at 7:13 PM, WhiteSox2023 said:

The Bears needed a stud pass rusher.  Poles just got a guy.  What was the point of having so much money if you just grab second and third tier players?  I see them being a .500 team at best.

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1. They needed a bunch of things. 

2. If the Bengals want a 1st and 2nd for Hendrickson, should he have done it? You seem to not agree with trading draft picks. They called on Garret, and the Browns decided to pay him. And there is a reason Hendrickson hasn’t moved yet. 

You want to lay out a specific road map for how they should have approached the offseason, different than what they did…I’m all ears. But if you’re going to complain about moves then state “I’m mad but also don’t know what I’m talking about because I made the choice to be uneducated on the topic I’m talking about” then you open yourself up to be called a fool. 

[Chicago White Sox]

  On 3/16/2025 at 7:13 PM, WhiteSox2023 said:

The Bears needed a stud pass rusher.  Poles just got a guy.  What was the point of having so much money if you just grab second and third tier players?  I see them being a .500 team at best.

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Who are the second and third tier players you are referring?

[Rowand44]

  On 3/15/2025 at 12:59 AM, WhiteSox2023 said:

I’m just not impressed with how Poles spread out his money.  He signed a bunch of good or above average players.  Zero game changers.  Also, just the fact that Poles had to sign this WR is yet another indictment of his WR failures — 2nd rounder for Chase Claypool, 4th rounder used on Tyler Scott, and a 4th rounder wasted on washed-up Keenan Allen.  Think about if he used all those picks on OL and DL, assuming he was good at drafting…

I am no longer drinking the Poles Kool-Aid.  He is on the same level as Getz as a GM at this point.

I think this will still be a mediocre .500 team at best even after the draft.

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  On 3/16/2025 at 2:22 AM, WhiteSox2023 said:

I don’t know what I would have done, as I haven’t followed free agency that closely.  But I do know what Poles has assembled isn’t enough to compete with the big boys of the NFC North.  They will win more games but it will be yet another disappointing season.

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Thuney might be the best player that has changed teams this offseason so I think he counts as a game changer.  There's plenty of reasons to be skeptical of Poles but he's done everything that needed to be done this offseason.   And by your own admission you're not paying attention, you're whining just to whine.

[WhiteSox2023]

  18 hours ago, Rowand44 said:

 

Thuney might be the best player that has changed teams this offseason so I think he counts as a game changer.  There's plenty of reasons to be skeptical of Poles but he's done everything that needed to be done this offseason.   And by your own admission you're not paying attention, you're whining just to whine.

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Okay, I guess I can expect them to compete with the Lions, Vikings, and Packers then.  We’ll see…

[Chicago White Sox]

  17 hours ago, WhiteSox2023 said:

Okay, I guess I can expect them to compete with the Lions, Vikings, and Packers then.  We’ll see…

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Those are three of the best seven teams in football last year.  The NFC North was easily the best division last year, so competing won’t be easy although I do hope the Lions & Vikings at minimum regress some.

The biggest two things that will allow us to compete with them is Caleb taking a big year two leap and Johnson reinventing the offense.  With the interior O-Line completely rebuilt and a quality RB all but certain to be added in the draft, I’m not sure what else is needed on the offensive side of the ball.  A LT to compete against Braxton Jones would be great and possibly a 2nd TE, but this should be a top 10 offensive unit if all goes right next year.

The biggest issue on the defense last year was the D-Line, both from a lack of a consistent pass rush and run stuffing issues after Billings went down.  Billings should be back and that will help solve the latter issue.  The Jarrett signing gives us a second 3T to pair with Dexter, which will improve the pass rush from the interior.  And the Dayo signing should at minimum be an upgrade over Walker at EDGE from a pressure perspective.  I’d argue more needs to be done in this area and the good news is the draft is very deep at both DT & EDGE.  There should be quality talent available at 39 & 41if we don’t like who’s there at 1.10.  But even without a true difference maker, the depth across the D-Line will be much improved and that should help protect Sweat some.

[Tony]

  8 hours ago, Chicago White Sox said:

Those are three of the best seven teams in football last year.  The NFC North was easily the best division last year, so competing won’t be easy although I do hope the Lions & Vikings at minimum regress some.

The biggest two things that will allow us to compete with them is Caleb taking a big year two leap and Johnson reinventing the offense.  With the interior O-Line completely rebuilt and a quality RB all but certain to be added in the draft, I’m not sure what else is needed on the offensive side of the ball.  A LT to compete against Braxton Jones would be great and possibly a 2nd TE, but this should be a top 10 offensive unit if all goes right next year.

The biggest issue on the defense last year was the D-Line, both from a lack of a consistent pass rush and run stuffing issues after Billings went down.  Billings should be back and that will help solve the latter issue.  The Jarrett signing gives us a second 3T to pair with Dexter, which will improve the pass rush from the interior.  And the Dayo signing should at minimum be an upgrade over Walker at EDGE from a pressure perspective.  I’d argue more needs to be done in this area and the good news is the draft is very deep at both DT & EDGE.  There should be quality talent available at 39 & 41if we don’t like who’s there at 1.10.  But even without a true difference maker, the depth across the D-Line will be much improved and that should help protect Sweat some.

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I said this a few weeks ago, but they need to find out, and most likely will, if Caleb is the guy. 

He had a good but flawed rookie season. Some of that was on Caleb, some of it was on the situation. The offensive line situation was a mess, and Caleb exacerbated it. They also had a coaching staff that voted worst in the league and there were public criticisms about a lack of preparation from the staff. 

Coaching hopefully will not be an issue moving forward. They also have significantly upgraded the offensive line, as you noted. Caleb should have the tools and infrastructure to be successful. If he isn't, and stays healthy for a majority of the season, we should find out if this is the guy for the Bears or not. And if he isn't....then this offseason was meaningless, as will the next couple of offseasons. 

But if he IS the guy, it's not even about 2025 W-L's. You had three teams in your division win double digit games. That won't last forever, but if you found your QB for the next decade, then it's a W. 

[Harry Chappas]

Poles drafted a punter in two of the last three drafts. 

His drafting resume outside of Caleb needs to improve. 

[Tony]

  4 hours ago, Harry Chappas said:

Poles drafted a punter in two of the last three drafts. 

His drafting resume outside of Caleb needs to improve. 

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I would hope Poles would agree with this as well.