NFL Network: Bears' Briggs, 31st Pick for Skins' 6th Pick?

[freddyg12]

Originally Posted by JoeRedskin

I think I am scared - Not b/c I think this trade is for crap and that it's going to happen - b/c I think I agree with 56Fanatic.

After reading the comments to the story on ESPN, it looks like Bears fans think they are getting rooked. While not true - the 6th pick is an incredibly good bargaining chip - it's really not that one sided.

Briggs is the franchise player, a straight up trade for him is 2 1st rounders. In this trade, we actually keep a 1st rounder and get a pro-bowl player.

My only real problem with the trade is that we have such a big hole on the DL and by trading down we lose the opportunity to trade the 6th for more shots in the annual crapshoot. Plus, I guess this means Rocky is pretty much a bust.

I'm with ya, I don't think on paper this is a bad deal, in fact if we hadn't drafted Rocky it would be a great deal for us. I think everyone's getting all upset over this based on the assumption that Rocky WILL be our starter at wlb. I hope he's ready to be, but as someone said maybe he's a bust, or just hasn't convinced the coaches yet. maybe they see him as a 3rd down LB or to spell both LB spots in some packages?

The other concern is the $. What's the difference between paying the #6 pick & Briggs? Both will get a hefty bonus, but Briggs is a proven commodity.

At #31 we can get a good DE, one that will start. I have reservations about the deal from a team chemistry standpoint more than a talent/value standpoint. As JoeRedskin said, a pro bowl LB & a 1st rnd. pick for a high 1st pick is a good deal. There's more certainty that Briggs will be a top player than the #6 will be. See the recent history of 1st round D-line picks if you disagree.