Professor

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slu...v=st&type=lgns

Bears CB-KR Azumah announces retirement

March 23, 2006
LAKE FOREST, Illinois - Neck and hip injuries forced Jerry Azumah to announce his retirement after a seven-year NFL career with the Chicago Bears.

A cornerback, nickel back and kick returner, Azumah suffered the second neck injury of his career in the Bears' 29-21 divisional playoff loss against Carolina in January.

Azumah, 28, missed the first four games of the 2004 season after undergoing neck surgery for the first time. After the playoff loss against Carolina, he also underwent right hip surgery.


Last season, Azumah started just one game at cornerback and was used mostly at nickel back. He had 45 tackles, one sack and six passes defensed.

A fifth-round pick in 1999, Azumah started 49 of 105 games at cornerback. He made the Pro Bowl as a kick returner in 2003 after averaging 29.0 yards with two touchdowns. Azumah recorded four interceptions in 2003 and 2004.

The Bears on Thursday also matched a four-year offer sheet tendered to defensive end Israel Idonije by the Buffalo Bills.





Updated on Thursday, Mar 23, 2006 1:47 pm EST

Alvin Mack

I kind of saw this coming. My guess is that the bears may use a second round pick on a cornerback who can cover the slot receiver.

Vasher's play was acceptable, but help at cb is needed.

__________________
"We are running doggies into the end zone and the trail runs right over you're ***"

Pats Fan, Bears Fan, Draft Day Freak

Professor

im thing hill possibly.

Alvin Mack

If you are thinking Tye Hill from Clemson, I have no problem with him except his size.

I know he is fast and has great leap, but i don't know how he would fare against 6 foot receivers. Unless they take him in the first round (and don't ise the first pick on a TE) i don't see them getting him in the second round as he will be gone by then.

__________________
"We are running doggies into the end zone and the trail runs right over you're ***"

Pats Fan, Bears Fan, Draft Day Freak

bigboy

To tell you the truth I would bet that they take a DB in round 1 and wait on a TE...

Professor

I think they are eying lewis or pope for TE and one might slip to round two, but I doubt it.

Alvin Mack

A Big bruising pass catching TE fits perfectly into the bears scheme, and i just cant see them taking anyone other than Pope, Davis or Lewis in the first.

I am assuming that Davis will be gone by then and Pope (at 6'7) would be a great choice.

__________________
"We are running doggies into the end zone and the trail runs right over you're ***"

Pats Fan, Bears Fan, Draft Day Freak

Professor

davis will be gone in the top ten - I say to san fran. I think the bears have been eying pope, but will see they could use a LB or an upgrade at Tackle. They coud even go WR in the first to get a true starting WR opposite Moose. TE is certainly a big need.

bigboy

WR won't happen at all with Bradley, Berrian, and Gage there already there. They just really value D and Angelo was quoted a short time ago saying that he thinks the TE spot is deep enough to where he can wait until round 2...I think he's right.

Professor

none of those WR are true #2's IMO, but I agree with you, I think he goes D and then a TE.