Angelo Says Benson Not Going to Be Released

Posted by Matt Loede on May 11th, 2008 filed in News
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Despite the issues that surround running back Cedric Benson with his latest arrest, GM Jerry Angelo says that cutting the former first-round back are not in the cards.  “There’s no plans to cut him,” he said to the Daily Herald.  “I’m a little surprised it’s an everyday story, but unfortunately it is and he’s having to deal with it.  I’m not anticipating any reason why he wouldn’t be [in training camp].  We’ll just let the courts decide what the facts are and we’ll go from there.”

Benson did not have a very strong 2007 season, with just 3.4 yards per carry, but right now he is still the Bears feature back, and while he didn’t have a great season, he did have a few games in which he showed flashes, like week two vs KC with 101 yards and week 11 vs Seattle with 89 yards and a touchdown.

It seems that Benson is still a big part of the Bears plans in 2008, and if he can get through this latest round of legal issues that surround him with the boating while intoxicated arrest, it looks like a no-brainer he’ll be on the roster and will be the starting running back when training camp opens and the season starts for Chicago.

Bears Banter Volume 6 (Post-Draft Edition) - Part 2 Of 3

Posted by Russ Loede on May 9th, 2008 filed in Bear Insight, Bears Banter, BuzzHype, Draft, Features, Game Stories, Inside The Bears, Main, Off Season Moves, Opinions, Rookies
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Round 2 Of A 21 Question Series From Site Editor Russ Loede To Columnists Eric Cook & Ron Norman

8. Site Editor Russ Loede: Are we going to regret passing both DeSean Jackson (Cal) and Limas Sweed (Texas) in the 2nd Round? Both were considered 1st round talents, possessing the speed to stretch the field. Either receiver could have filled our major need for speed/playmaking ability at the WR position, enabling us to add a legitimate go-to deep threat (replacing Berrian) for our aerial attack, while “catering” to our gunslinging, deep-ball happy QB.

Columnist Ron Norman: Both receivers are very talented but to draft a player that is probably two years away from contributing would put us in a vulnerable position, setting us back from making a playoff run this year (need for instant offensive weapons). Two playmakers that are going to bring life to our deep ball game are: The “Windy City Flyer” Devin Hester and my breakout/impact player of the year - WR Mark Bradley.

Columnist Eric Cook: Well in light of the recent arrest of Cedric Benson, I am growing more and more comfortable with our second round draft selection - Matt Forte. I honestly thought we had to address the runningback position ahead of wide receiver becuase it was a more pressing need. I think we will be pleasantly surprised with our 3rd round draft choice Earl Bennett.

9. Russ Loede: Why another pass-catching TE prospect when we already have two of ‘em that are good? We needed more of a 3rd string TE that can do the “dirty work” (Free Agency), one who would be a speciality blocker in the run department. TE was one, if not the only area on offense in which we did not need to address ~ we could have gotten Marcus Howard (LB, Georgia), my personal favorite Owen Schmitt (FB/Beast, West Virginia), Carl Nicks (OT, Nebraska), or Josh Johnson (QB, San Diego)! Instead we opt for a “raw” TE/DE with all these better options on the board. If you had a chance to re-do the pick, who would you’ve selected in the 5th Round (#168)?

Ron Norman: I totally was disappointed with this pick as I felt it was an excellent opportunity/time to take a chance on a QB, namely Andre Woodson. Drafting Woodson with our 5th round pick would have given us some flexibility (future starting QB?) to let him go if the throwing mechanics were unable to be corrected.

Eric Cook: I don’t quite understand the thinking on this one either Russ. I hear he is a physical specimen also, so maybe the Bears know something we don’t know about where they are going to play him, or the status of one of our other tight ends. Who would I have drafted instead of Davis in this spot - probably Kentucky’s Andre Woodson (QB).

10. Russ Loede: Who will get more playing time - Craig Steltz or Kevin Payne? Between Danieal Manning/Brandon McGowan? Name the two starting safeties who will be in on the field the most in ‘08. What do you think about the safety position and how to do you rate it? Is it a strength or a weakness? What are your thoughts on what what the safeties should focus to improve on the most - tackling/run support or pass coverage/ball awareness?

Ron Norman: I think it will be a three-man safety rotation: Steltz, Brown (provided he can stay healthy), and McGowan. Craig Steltz gets the nod over Kevin Payne because of his intangibles - you can neither coach nor teach Steltz’s instincts/ball skills and his ability to be in the right place at the right time in the Cover 2 Defense. Steltz is also interchangeable with his experience to play both the free safety and strong safety position.

Eric Cook: Who will get more playing time - Craig Steltz or Kevin Payne?
Kevin Payne. Between Danieal Manning/Brandon McGowan? Danieal Manning. Name the two starting safeties who will be in on the field the most in ‘08. Mike Brown & Kevin Payne. What do you think about the safety position and how to do you rate it? I am praying for Mike Brown to stay healthy, but I like what we did to get Steltz to along with our young, intriguing, up and coming talent at the safety position. Is it a strength or a weakness? Right now it is most certainly a strength. We have more depth and experience at safety than we have had in years. What are your thoughts on what what the safeties should focus to improve on the most - tackling/run support or pass coverage/ball awareness? After watching last season, the whole defense needs to focus on tackling - period.

11. Russ Loede: A lot of SEC players, injury-prone athletes, and safe choices early - explain the reasoning behind the Bears strategy?

Ron Norman: I feel the Bears currently recognize the unique position they are in with a team that still has the chance to make a strong playoff run while also at the same time preparing to rebuild, investing for the future if they are not successful in ‘08. They chose the high risk/high reward propisiton/route with players like: CB Zack Bowman, DT Marcus Harrison, and WR Marcus Monk, as they hope to find that “diamond in the rough” a player(s) who can help provide a spark/lift and an immediate impact in ‘08, while also developing for beyond ‘08.

Eric Cook: Really, I believe the Bears focused on need, as they selected the best athlete available at each position of need. I realize that they took a lot of injury-prone guys but if it pans out in the long haul/end - they got major steals/values in the mid-late rounds, as they’ll look like geniuses if it all works out. If not, they have egg on their faces, but only one of those guys really has to pan out in order for them to be considered successful when we look back at this draft.

12. Russ Loede: Do we sign a veteran QB/OL before Training Camp? With June cuts coming up soon - do you see us doing anything in particular? Shane Olivea and Dylan Gandy are two serviceable offensive guards who are available. There’s a rumor that Chris Simms is almost certain to get released or traded - do we go after him or someone else? Who’s the best guard on are roster? Name the projected starting guards for ‘08 (include FA’s if you want).

Ron Norman: I have been “preaching” this all off-season: “Go Grab Shane Olivea”! He can instantly solidify and add depth to our offensive line. My starting guards this year will be: Shane Olivea on the left side and Roberto Garza on the right - with Josh Beekman waiting in the wings.

Eric Cook: I would love to see us go after one of those guys (Gandy or Olivea). Terrance Metcalf and Roberto Garza will be our starters until we see what we have in our draft picks and free agents (unless Beekman is ready). Let’s hope one of our 7th round picks (Chester Adams/Kirk Barton) or free agents beat out Garza. I wouldn’t mind seeing St. Clair give it a go at left guard next to Chris Williams. Most Likely one of the new addition guards beat out Garza or Metcalf. I think Chris Simms or another veteran QB would be worth an investment as an insurance plan unless we are sold on Caleb Hanie and Nick Hill.

13. Russ Loede: Cedric Benson got arrested - What do we do with him now? How do you feel about this situation?

Ron Norman: We should not do anything yet, simply because the Bears do not have all the facts yet. Let the legal process run its course and then make a decision. Cedric Benson still has to be a valuable part of our team if we are going to make a playoff run.

Eric Cook: Wait it out, don’t make a quick decision just yet. How do you feel about this situation? I am not a big fan of Benson, mostly because his on-the field production, or the lack thereof - is unimpressive. I still think we ought to wait and keep him around as an insurance policy though. That being said, he isn’t winning me over with his antics either!

14. Russ Loede: Fill in the Blank: Mike Brown, “The Heart & Soul Of This Defense” will be rewarding the Chicago Bears with a ________ season.

Ron Norman: Mike Brown, “The Heart & Soul On Defense” will be rewarding the Chicago Bears with a Pro Bowl season!

Eric Cook: Mike Brown, “The Heart & Soul On Defense” will be rewarding the Chicago Bears with a 6-game season!

Flashback: Bears 2005 Draft Rewind

Posted by Russ Loede on May 8th, 2008 filed in Bear Insight, Draft, Features, Inside The Bears, Opinions, Your Turn
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Your Turn: Bears Blog Post Of The Week From “Muntz” @ Bear Report - (Chi.Scout.com)

Let’s See How The Bears ‘05 Draft Would Look If We Had A Chance For A Do Over!

Knowing That It Takes About 3 Years To Grade A Draft & Rate The Players Whether It Be A “Boom” Or “Bust” Pick - Here’s The 2005 Bears Draft “Redux”: (From Author) - I know, I know… Training Camp can’t get here fast enough! Now that we’ve had some perspective on the 2005 draft and how those players have panned out, if you could do it all over again, who would you draft this time around?

Review - Original Picks:

Round 1 (#4) - RB Cedric Benson
Round 2 (#39) - WR Mark Bradley
Round 3 (#70) - TRADED to Miami along with WR Marty Booker for DE Adewale Ogunleye
Round 4 (#106) - QB Kyle Orton
Round 5 (#140) - WR Airese Currie
Round 6 (#181) - S Chris Harris
Round 7 (#220) - LB Rod Wilson

Muntz - Author’s 2005 Re-Do:

Round 1 (#4) - LB Shawne Merriman
Round 2 (#39) - LB Lofa Tatupu
Round 3 (#70) - TRADE
Round 4 (#106) - RB Marion Barber
Round 5 (#140) - DE Trent Cole
Round 6 (#181) - QB Derek Anderson
Round 7 (#220) - LB Rod Wilson

Site Editor Russ Loede’s ‘05 Changes:

Round 1 (#4) - OT Jamaal Brown (2nd Choice: LB DeMarcus Ware)

Round 2 (#39) - LB Kirk Morrison (2nd Choice: RB Frank Gore)

Round 4 (#106) - S Kerry Rhodes (Other Options: RB’s Marion Barber/Brandon Jacobs)

Round 5 (#140) - DE Trent Cole

Round 6 (#181) - QB Derek Anderson

Round 7 (#220) - DT Jay Ratliff (2nd Choice: OG Scott Mruczkowski)

Notable Names/Honorable Mentions: 1st Round: OG Logan Mankins & LB Thomas Davis. 2nd Round: OT Michael Roos, DE Justin Tuck, WR Vincent Jackson.

Bears Sign RB Lawrence, Release Oshinowo, Jones

Posted by Matt Loede on May 8th, 2008 filed in News
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Bears released defensive tackle Babatunde Oshinowo and guard Mike Jones yesterday. Oshinowo was elevated to the Bears’ active roster for the final three games of last season and played in one contest. He signed with Chicago in Week Two of last season. Oshinowo has recorded two tackles in two career games since being selected in the sixth round of the 2006 draft by Cleveland. Jones spent the final seven weeks of the 2007 campaign on the Bears’ practice squad after coming into the league as an undrafted free agent with San Diego.

The team also agreed to terms on a contract with running back Matt Lawrence, who participated in rookie minicamp this past weekend as a non-roster invitee. The former Massachusetts Minuteman had 318 carries for 1,680 yards and 16 TDs last season, averaging 5.0 yards per carry and 121.9 yards per game. However, he was not much of a factor in the passing attack, catching just 17 passes for only 69 yards.  With the news that Cedric Benson could be in trouble with the long arm of the Texas law, Lawrence (6-1, 210) has a chance to land on the practice squad for a year.

Bears Cut Underachieving Archuleta

Posted by Russ Loede on May 6th, 2008 filed in Bear Insight, Inside The Bears, Main, News, Opinions, Rookies
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Better Sooner Rather Than Later - Don’t Let The Door Hit You On The Way Out!

With Intriguing Talents Like Kevin Payne & Craig Steltz Waiting For The Opportunity To Get On To The Field - The Time Was Now, And The Move Was Inevitable: 3 Things came to mind when I first heard about this greart move: 1. About Time! 2. We’ll get to see if the younger players are ready to make plays! 3. Ricky Manning Jr. is up next! The Bears on Tuesday parted ways with the disappointing, “can’t tackle nor cover” Adam Archuleta. Playing in 14 games with 10 starts in 2007, the veteran safety registered 63 tackles, two sacks, one interception and one forced fumble.

The Bears acquired Archuleta from the Washington Redskins on March 22, 2007 in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick. The former Arizona State athlete had been benched by the Redskins midway through the 2006 season after signing the richest free-agent contract by a safety in NFL history.

With the Bears, Archuleta struggled in run support and pass coverage mightily (an understatement)! He broke his hand in a Week 3 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, sat out one game, and then returned the following week. He eventually lost his starting job in late November to Brandon McGowan.

The 5-foot 11, 215-pound defensive back had a tough, short-lived season in the Windy City, as he failed to return to form and deliver the type of consistent production the team counted on at their injury-plagued safety position. Archuleta was not his former self in ‘07, as he showed more timidness than boldness, playing with a lack of confidence and fire. He once was a hard-hitting safety who displayed adequate skills in St. Louis when Bears coach Lovie Smith and defensive coordinator Bob Babich were Rams assistants. Now he’s a slow-footed safety who has lost more than just a step, while being endanger of having to hanging it up (calling it quits). He will try to rebound from his past two forgettable seasons - pending a team is ready and willing to take a chance on him during the downside of his career. Will he ever return to form and be a starter again?

Now as we move on let’s look at Chicago’s plans at the Safety position: You have Danieal Manning, Kevin Payne, Craig Steltz, Brandon McGowan, and the “heart and soul of the defense” when healthy - Mike Brown, all expected to be in line as participants for the two starting roles. The outlook for this all-important position, because they play a lot of Cover 2 defense, is to implement Mike Brown as much as possible, hoping you can play him at full-strength throughout the year to anchor the defensive backfield at Free Safety. Brown will be the FS because he has the most awareness/smarts, instinctiveness/ballhawking ability, and he’s the best playmaker out the bunch. Look for Payne, McGowan, and Steltz to battle for the Strong Safety spot - with Danieal Manning switching in & out for Brown and whoever is in at SS. I’m really intrigued by Payne, he’s the biggest hitter out of the group and has the right skills to succeed at SS. Payne reminds me of a younger version of Mike Brown and has the versatility and ball skills to start every game. He is terror on the field and has the best combination of strength and speed out of the young guns. Steltz is a rookie who can make an immediate impact - but is way too slow. I expect him to ease in and relieve only if there are injuries - it’s going to take awhile for him to adjust to the NFL game speed. McGowan on the other hand has the physical talent that Steltz doesn’t necessarily have, but is the most inconsistent and unreliable of the safeties. He still is getting a “feel” for the Cover 2 and his responsibilities as a coverage defender and his tackling is shaky at best in the open field. As for Manning, he’s more of a FS and has been up and down like McGowan, but should improve in ‘08 because he has that natural God-given talent that can help him to become the starter next to Mike Brown if Brown stays healthy, as I see Manning going back to FS and Mike Brown moving back to his original home at SS - being that constant force as a run supporter and good open field tackler while Manning works his way up (most experience at FS) as the playmaker he should be at FS.

Back 2 Fundamentals - Overcome ’07’s Lackluster Performance: If the safety position is in any way, shape or form like it was against A.P. & Co versus Minnesota in Week 6, we could be in for yet, another long year on defense, and if that’s the case it’s obvious to expect more problems to continue.  If you get what you expect to get out of a “healthy” Mike Brown, who we are counting on again in ‘08 - taking a big chance/risk, we can get back to being a Top 3 Defense that is one of the elite in the NFL because Brown will help mentor Manning, Payne, McGowan, and Steltz with just his presence on the field - with his health being the biggest reason we get this defense back to the upper echelon level where it should belong!

Lovie Smith Is Disappointed With Cedric Benson

Posted by Matt Loede on May 5th, 2008 filed in Main, News
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Bears’ Benson Vows To Fight Charges

Posted by Matt Loede on May 5th, 2008 filed in News
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Cedric Benson will fight charges of boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest stemming from a Saturday night incident in Texas.  Officials near Austin arrested Benson on Lake Travis after a random safety inspection.  Lower Colorado River Authority officials pepper-sprayed Benson after claiming he failed a sobriety test on a boat.  But Benson told the “Chicago Tribune” he did not resist authorities, and was not drunk at the time.  Benson says an officer sprayed him, even though he was not touching the officer or making any threats.  Benson also claims the officers held a water hose over his face after handcuffing him.  Benson is free on bond.  It’s not his first brush with the law — Benson’s previous arrests came in Midland, Texas in 2002 for marijuana possession and in Austin the following year for criminal trespassing.

Benson Arrested, Sprayed and Dragged After Failing Sobriety Test on a Boat

Posted by Matt Loede on May 4th, 2008 filed in News
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It has not been the best of years for Bears RB Cedric Benson, and now things appear to be getting worse. The former first-round draft pick was arrested in Austin, TX after failing a sobriety test while operating a 30-foot boat. He then decided to resist arrest and had to be peppered spray, and then was dragged ashore by officers.

The back now faces charges of boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest. He was released from jail Sunday on a bond of $14,500. He was operating the boat with 15 passengers aboard when it was stopped for a random safety inspection. Instead of being smart and doing what the police said, he fought with them after failing the sobriety test, and they had to rough him up.

Benson put up 3.4 yards per carry last season as the Bears feature back. He ran for 674 yards, but had problems holding onto the ball and scored just four times before he went on IR in November. Overall he ran for just 3.4 yards per carry average. Benson has rushed for 1,593 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 3.8 yards a carry. It will be interesting to see what hot water this latest run in with the law puts Benson in with the team.

Bears Banter Volume 6 (Post-Draft Edition) - Part 1 Of 3

Posted by Russ Loede on May 2nd, 2008 filed in Bear Insight, Bears Banter, Draft, Features, Inside The Bears, Main, Opinions, Rookies
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Part 1 Of 3:  21 Questions From Site Editor Russ Loede To Columnists Eric Cook & Ron Norman

1.  Site Editor Russ Loede: Convince Bears fans Chris Williams was the right choice.  Personally, I am not sold on Williams, I wanted to trade down and select either Rashard Mendenhall or Branden Albert.  Is Williams better than both of these players?  We had a chance to trade down - why didn’t we?  Any concerns with the rumors and reports eluding to Williams’ lingering spinal issue?

Columnist Ron Norman: I also wanted the local product Rashard Mendenhall but deep down I was uneasy about drafting a RB in the first round because I knew how big of a drop it would be from a first round left tackle to a second rounder.  There are two reasons why Williams was an excellent choice…  First and foremost, [we don’t have to worry about Rex getting stripped from the blind side.  Second, he instantly “ups” our athleticism and flexibility; for instance, we can move John Tait back to the right side (where he was an All-Pro) and let Metcalf and Beekman battle for the left guard position.

Columnist Eric Cook:  Let me answer the injury concerns first:  I have heard numerous reports from many sources that the Bears knew about  Williams’ injury situation, as they had their doctors check it out and ultimately they were comfortable it would not be a major problem/factor.  He missed no time due to this injury in College, so I think that’s the most important item of interest. Why Chris Williams?
1) He is a Technician
2) Extremely Smart/Instinctive
3) Eliminates Mental Breakdowns
4) 2 Sacks in 2 Years Allowed Against The Nation’s Best Conference - SEC
5) I know I have heard the whole strength issue, last time I checked we had one of the best strength and conditioning coaches in the NFL (Rusty Jones).   You can build strength, you can provide motivation and attitude.  What you cannot do ( and should not have to do) at this level is teach “Brains & Technique”.  I heard all this stuff about Clady, Otah, and Albert…  they have upside, talent, or about how they are still new to the game - you know what that says to me?  They aren’t there yet, we have not seen the fruit, finished product or fulfilled potential.  Rex Grossman has a lot of talent and upside also, yet he’s wildly erratic.   Chris Williams is “there”.  His technique is there, mentally he is there, he doesn’t make many errors, breaking down in pass protection, and he has the proper technique necessary along with the focus to become a franchise LT for years to come, maybe even a decade.  He’ll obtain/amass plenty of strength come ‘08 Regular Season Kickoff against Dwight Freeney & Indy. Hands down best pick for the Bears at this spot.  I was not sold on Mendenhall, I didn’t think he would be an every down back, and I didn’t think he would’ve fit the Bears  plan of having a power running attack.  In essence, yes - Chris Williams is a better pick than Mendenhall.

2.  Russ Loede: Let’s take a shot with an “early inside look” at trying to project the Bears 53-man Roster…  Name three players that you want to see released.  Name three on the bubble that you want to keep.

Ron Norman:  I can give you a solid three - the same three players are my bubble players. 1. Ricky Manning – got burned all last year and cannot man up in one-on-one coverage anymore like he used to. We can fill that 3^rd corner spot with Trumaine McBride or Zack Bowman.  2. Adam Archuletta – missed too many tackles and can’t cover tight ends or receivers. Two words:  Craig Steltz. I know this is not going to be a popular pick, but my final player on the bubble is:  3. Hunter Hillenmeyer- although he is adequate, when I go back and watch footage of game film he seems to miss more tackles than he makes. I feel we can get by with Jamar Williams or try first year guy Michael Okwo, who was a mean hitter at Stanford.

Eric Cook:  Cuts: 1. Adam Archuletta  2. Brandon Rideau  3. Tyler Reed.  On The Bubble/Spot: Matt Toeaina, Garrett Wolfe, Mike Hass

3.  Russ Loede: Best Day 2 Pick?

Ron Norman:  This is a toss up between Craig Steltz (LSU) and Marcus Harrison (Arkansas) - so I will have to go with with the safety, as Steltz will become an eventual starter, stabilizing our backline sometime during the middle part of the ‘08 season.

Eric Cook:  This is hard - So I have to say it is a toss up between two Razorbacks/Hogs DT Marcus Harrison and WR Marcus Monk.  If Monk plays like I think he can (ie. Marques Colston), he will be the steal of the draft.

4.  Russ Loede: Worst Draft Selection?

Ron Norman:  Too Easy - LB Joey Larocque  - Who Is He?

Eric Cook:  I’ll have to side with Ron - Joey Larocque!

5.  Russ Loede: Matt Forte - Over/Under 850 Rushing Yards

Ron Norman:  I predict Matt Forte will become the starting RB by the 3^rd game of the season, while eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark rather easily…

Eric Cook:  Under - Only because he pushes Benson to play better this year and Peterson gets more time because of his pass catching/blocking skills.  In 2009, it’s a whole different story.

6.  Russ Loede: Fill in the blank:  Bears leading WR/TE in receiving yards & in TD’s.  Name the ‘08 Bears Starting Pair of WR’s?

Ron Norman:  Breakout year - Mark Bradley (Receiving Yards) and Greg Olsen (TD’s).  Starting Pair of WR’s:  Marty Booker/Mark Bradley.

Eric Cook:  Receiving yards - I will go out on a limb here - Marty Booker and TD’s - “Windy City Flyer” Devin Hester. Starting Pair of WR’s:  Booker/Bradley (First Half) & Booker/Bennett-Monk (Second Half).

7.  Russ Loede: Why Earl Bennett over the likes of…  LSU’s Early Doucet, Michigan’s Mario Manningham, and Mizzou’s Will Franklin?  Bennett is not the deep threat the team is looking for to suite Rex’s arm strength nor is he as talented as the aforementioned.  Bennett’s being compared to Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro tough guy WR Hines Ward - do you see any similiarities?  Is he/comparison legit?   Can Bennett become a starter right away or in that case, eventually in ‘08?

Ron Norman: Earl Bennett got the nod over the other receivers because he has the fewest negatives/weaknesses (safest pick).  He has a long track record of stability and production.  I don’t see him starting in 2008 but see him as a valuable possession receiver and third down option in key situations.

Eric Cook:  Well, Earl Bennett is the SEC’s All-Time leading receiver.  He is the first ever SEC wideout to record 75 receptions in three different seasons.  He did this while being double teamed most of the time.  I guess you can’t argue with this kind of high level production.  He regularly and consistently makes tough catches in tight spots and is a sure handed target.  With Rex Grossman throwing him the ball this is a good thing.  As you know I liked Mario Manningham, I am not sure why the Bears chose him over these two guys, but the more I learn about Bennett, the more I like Him!

Grading The Bears Draft

Posted by Eric Cook on May 1st, 2008 filed in Bear Insight, Cook's Corner, Draft, Features, Inside The Bears, Main, Opinions, Recap
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Well, now that the smoke has begun to clear, and the dust is settling, I think it is timethat I begin to grade the Bears Draft.

I think there are two key points of critical criteria you need to look at when initially grading the draft:

1) Were needs met at critical positions?

2) Was there good value in the talent drafted?

With that said, I think the answer to the first question is a resounding yes. The second question is where it gets a bit more difficult/troubling to grade.

I think as do many NFL analysts, that at least three of these picks will be starters for the Bears this season( OT Williams, RB Forte, WR Bennett). But I think there is a chance you see at least 2 more of these guys if someone, (PLEASE NO) goes down with an injury. (S Craig Steltz, DT Marcus Harrison). So at least as far as these picks are concerned the answer to the second question is yes.

I do not disagree with any of the first three picks. What I, and many others are scratching our heads about, is that the Bears didn’t select a quarterback to develop for the future this year. The closest they came to selecting a quarterback occurred in the fourth round, but general manager Jerry Angelo explained that he “didn’t want to pass up a player that was a starter to take a quarterback that maybe could be a good backup.” I could only hope that we do not live to regret this decision. When was the last time the Bears were able to “groom” a quarterback for the future?

The Bears have used all 3 quarterbacks on their roster a total 5 times over the last 8 seasons, and only 1 season did the they use same starting QB (2006, Rex Grossman) throughout the entire 16-game season! Which means, if you are a rookie on the Bears roster, their is no chance to be “groomed”, you most likely will start. If history repeats itself, we could see Nick Hill (Southern Illinois) or Caleb Hanie (Colorado State) under center. I myself believe - this may be one of those rare years where we only use 2 starters (Rex Grossman starts, gets benched, insert Kyle Orton, vice versa). This could have been one of those rare years in Chicago Bears recent history, where a rookie QB could come in, watch, and be “groomed”. But hey, what do I know? I am just a “schmuck” behind a keyboard, your typical everyday “Monday Morning Armchair Quarterback”, per say. But what I do know, is that this draft was a “poor” draft for QB talent, but a 5th round pick isn’t too much a reach (ex. Josh Johnson, Andre’ Woodson) - All I can say is this: Only time will tell!

So I like our first five picks: Williams, Forte, Bennett, Harrison and Steltz at the least give GM Jerry Angelo & Co the grade of a B+.

I will break the rest of this draft down by Defensive and Offensive picks.

OFFENSIVE PICKS:

Kellen Davis, a 6′7″ 262-pound Tight End out of Michigan State Round 5 Pick 142.

Did I put him in the right category? I am not sure, he played both Tight End and Defensive End at Michigan State. He ran a 4.59 40 at the combine. My guess is Tight End, a replacement for departed TE John Gilmore. I think he is a good value pick here.

Chester Adams 6′4″ 331lbs OG out of Georgia Round 7 Pick 222

He is big and we need lineman, I hope not to just add another name to the roster like Tyler Reed.

Kirk Barton 6′5″ 310lbs OT The Ohio State University Round 7 Pick 247

I watched the Buckeyes a lot over the years, Kirk Barton is tough and plays mean, and he knows how to run block. I hope that he makes the roster.

Marcus Monk 6′4″ 222lbs Wide Receiver out of Arkansas Round 7 Pick 248

He ran a 4.42 40 at the combine, his size makes him a red Zone threat to go along with Greg Olsen. He was projected to go as high as the third round in 2007, but injuries and inconsistent quarterback play hurt him in 2007. Let’s hope he is this year’s Marques Colston.

Grade B +

DEFENSIVE PICKS:

Zackary Bowman 6′2″ 197lbs CB out of Nebraska Round 5 Pick 142

Ran a 4.43 at the combine and was another high projection in 2007 (round 2), and opted to return for his senior year, where he played but never to the level of 2005. If he is not injury prone and stays healthy, he could be a steal in round 5.

Ervin Baldwin 6′2″ 258lbs DE out of Michigan State Round 7 Pick 208

He is small for Defensive end and many project him at linebacker in the NFL. This makes sense because the Bears are loaded at Defensive End.

Joey Larocque 6′2″ 226lbs OLB out of Oregon State Round 7 Pick 243

Adds depth to the Linebacking core but most likely a special teamer.

Grade without Bowman D, w/ Bowman C+.