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2009
NFL Draft Needs - Chicago Bears
by Gregory Cox
Senior Writer
4/21/09
Picks (8): 49, 99*, 119, 140, 154, 191, 246*, 251*
*-compensatory picks cannot be traded
Wide Receiver – Now that a quarterback who can sling the ball
is in place there can be a renewed emphasis on quality receiving
options. It is no wonder the offense struggled considering converted
cornerback/return man Devin Hester led the team with 665 yards
receiving. Tight end Greg Olsen had a good second season and rookie
rusher Matt Forte accounted for over 1,700 total yards. Having talent
in those spots is helpful, but it is difficult to draft a receiver who
will make an impact as a rookie. Perhaps being reunited with Jay Cutler
will spark Earl Bennett who had a horrible first season. Then again,
the team thought bringing Marty Booker back to the Windy City would
work out. After one season he has been released. The words early and
often come to mind.
Cornerback – Nathan Vasher has only played a dozen games in two
seasons since the Bears lost Super Bowl XLI. He certainly has not lived
up to his current contract. Zackary Bowman might develop into a steal
after being taken in the fifth round last April. He is one of a handful
fifth round or later picks from the past two drafts on the depth chart.
Generally there is a reason teams pass on these guys. It might be time
to seek out someone a little earlier in the proceedings who can nail
down the nickel spot and eventually slide into the starting lineup. By
the way, the Bears gave up 3,859 yards passing last year.
Defensive End – Fresh off steering the first ever team to go
0-16 Rod Marinelli is charged with fixing the defensive line and it
starts with the pass rush. Their failures in pass defense can be blamed
in part on a low sack total (28). There are capable players on hand
including Adewale Ogunleye, Alex Brown and Mark Anderson. The trouble
is that this group has not produced and is generally in decline.
Someone needs to come in and put a charge into the rotation.
Linebacker (strong) – Even after the historic Jay Cutler trade
Brian Urlacher remains the face of this franchise. He is coming off a
down season, the first full campaign of his career south of 100 total
tackles. Lance Briggs is chugging along nicely on the weak side. The
issue is their third starter Nick Roach. He took over for Hunter
Hillenmeyer whose new claim to fame is hailing from Cutler’s old
college (Vanderbilt) or no one would mention his name these days. Roach
might turn into a solid contributor or he might not be up to the task.
Either way it makes sense for the Bears to draft someone who can be on
his heels in practice trying to take his starting spot.
Offensive Tackle – I am adding this because experience has
taught me that adding an aging veteran is often chased by a late round
draft pick. Orlando Pace turns 34 during the season and while he helps
replace John St. Clair (Browns) what happens if he is injured? Suddenly
it becomes imperative that last year’s barely used first round pick
Chris Williams is healthy. The plan is to use him at right tackle. In a
disaster scenario Pace and Williams are both hurt. What then? Kevin
Schaffer (Browns) and Frank Omiyale (Panthers) were also added, but
this is a lot of turnover. With turnover there is also much uncertainty
and the more the merrier when it comes to competing for starting jobs.
A late addition seems in order as they focus on keeping Cutler
protected.
Michael
Abromowitz's 2009 NFL Mock
Draft - 7 rounds
Gregory Cox's 2009 NFL Mock
Draft - 6 rounds
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