Bears 7 Round Mock Draft

Posted by Ron Norman on April 22nd, 2008 filed in Draft, Features, Main, Norm's Notes, Opinions

Norm’s Notes - Special 7-Round Mock Draft Edition

Playmakers Ahead Of OL: I will give you my keen insight, taking a shot at a Bears Mock Draft. After recently watching the Philadelphia game (19-16 Comeback Victory) on replay, what is apparent to me is the need for offensive playmakers. I don’t want to totally ignore the offensive line but our focus in this draft needs to be on adding weapons.

Going Inside The Bears - Insightful Bears Gab Links:

Who Do You Pick?

3 Round Mock Projection

Draft Picks/Needs

1st Round Analysis

2nd Round In-Depth Look

SportingNews Draft Profiles:  Rashard Mendenhall/Branden Albert

Round 1 - #14: Rashard Mendenhall, RB (Illinois)

Complete three down back. We can then bring in a fresh Ced Benson off the bench to soften up the D-Line. Rashard possess the proper speed/strength combo in which Bears are looking for. Illini standout has ideal skill set that is needed in becoming the next true playmaker.

Round 2 - #44: Duane Brown, OT (Virginia Tech)

Athletic tackle with the lateral quickness to handle the elite pass rushers.

Round 3 - #70: William Franklin, WR (Missouri)

Speedster with the size and hands to be afuture #1 receiver.

Round 3 - #90: Dexter Jackson, WR/Returner (Appalachian State)

Three reasons for this selection:

1. If Hester is playing more WR he will need a breather every now and then.

2. Dexter Jackson will make a real good slot receiver

3. I am really not sure how Brandon Lloyd is going to work out. There was a reason why he did not see the field in Washington. (Please see: ex. Adam Archuleta)

Round 4 - #110: Kevin O’Connell, QB (San Diego)

Love his size and athleticism - in addition to leading his team in rushing.

Round 5 - #142: Mike McGlynn ,OG (Pittsburgh)

Shows good instincts and awareness - Both Garza/Metcalf’s time running up… Is Josh Beekman (’07 - 4th round, BC) ready yet?

Round 6 - #175: Carlton Powell, DT (Virginia Tech)

3-technique tackle that would fit nicely into rotation with Harris and Dvoracek.

Round 7 - #222: Jacob Hester, RB (LSU)

Short yardage machine, adds bonus via catching swing passes outta backfield.

Round 7 - #243: Dominique Barber, S (Minnesota)

Adds important depth/versatility to a key, hurting position. Savvy like Mike Brown but without the injuries. Strong special teamer, very smart/instinctive, and good against run. Brother of RB Marion Barber.

Round 7 - #247: Shannon Boatman, OT (Florida State)

You never have enough offensive linemen, there’s just no such thing, especially at the tackle spot. By the way, “Shannon” Sharpe had a great “HOF” career…




7 Responses to “Bears 7 Round Mock Draft”

  1. Doc's Sports Picks Guru Says:
    April 23rd, 2008 at 2:57 am

    I’m a diehard Bears fan so I have a lot of interest, naturally, in your thoughts on their upcoming draft strategy. But I have to say, your mock of their selections has to be a Worst Case Scenario, in my mind, when it comes to their top three picks.

    First, we desperately need offensive linemen. This is what I was hoping we would take in the last two drafts. We didn’t. So instead of finding someone that we could have groomed behind All Pro guys like Rueben Brown and Fred Miller we now have to grab a guy and thrust him into a starting spot.

    Second, this draft is FULL of solid running backs. We need to get an offensive lineman first, hope that Chad Henne is there in Round 2 for us to grab, and then PRAY that someone like Ray Rice is still around in Round 3.

    Finally, we need some linebackers. Regardless of the Urlacher situation (which I think is much ado about nothing) we need to keep building our core.

  2. Russ Loede Says:
    April 23rd, 2008 at 6:48 am

    Linebackers! It seems like we draft one every year to groom (Jamar Williams/Owko) and on defense I’d rather develop a Safety or DT ahead of LB.

    Chad Henne!?!?! Sorry Doc, don’t agree with you on that pick. Flacco, Brohm, or just any QB later would be fine for our Bears. Watched Henne on numerous ocassions - did not impress…

    RB Class is @ its Deepest and Fullest like you said. You are correct - though I’d like to address RB situation with either Chris Johnson, Matt Forte (Bears High On Him), or Jamaal Charles. Ray Rice is too much like that 3rd round selection we all loved and did next to nothing - Garrett Wolfe.

    OL - We need linemen big-time! I Agree with what you said, but it’s hard to pass up on a player the caliber of Rashard. He’s a back that has all the right skills/tools to become the next playmaker (we NEED Offense Period!) and a perennial Pro-Bowler in the NFL. He needs OL there to block for him… So I’d take Branden Albert or Clady @ 14 if not for Rashard. Though, I’m 50/50 Rashard/Albert.

    What do you think about our WR’s and your thoughts on James Hardy (6-foot 7 target from IU, 2nd round) specifically? Would to want to draft him if he’s there 2nd round?

    You want 2 OL in the first 3 rounds? What’s your order of needs for us? Who are the “intriguing” mid-round OL you are looking at?

    Doc - I have an offer to propose to you… You obviously know a lot about our BEARS and love the DRAFT! So would you want to write for us here @ BearsGab? We need more writers/columnists and we are seeking some help for Draft Day/Weekend, and everything leading up to it, since I’ll be outta town. It seems like you love football and have that passion/enthusiasm, and would want to get with us here @ BearsGab! We’d love to acquire your talent as a writer and have you here writing for us on the site.

    E-Mail me @ aceconnection111@yahoo.com if you are interested and want to consider it. You could have a special daily/weekly segment/column called “Doc’s Diary” or something along those lines…

    Or you can just pick the games, seeing that you are a “Sports Picks Guru” for the upcoming ‘08 Season for our Bears - or for the NFL on the main NFL Gridiron Gab Site…

    Thanks A Lot For Your Comment/Feeback - We would love to obtain your Insight at Bears Gab!

    Russ

  3. Eric Cook Says:
    April 23rd, 2008 at 8:16 am

    Just to throw my two cents in here~

    I agree with Doc on Both Henne and Offensive lineman. I will say it again (although I am beginning to feel like a broken record). Play-makers will not solve our offensive woes, if the offensive line is not solid. The O-line was horrendous last year, and we lost 2 starters.

  4. Russ Loede Says:
    April 23rd, 2008 at 8:37 am

    Just Like The Saying Goes (Everyone & Their Brother Knows By Now - It’s Been Said So Much) The O-Line Makes Playmakers Look Good, But Let Him Throw In A Twist By Saying: Maybe The Same Could Be Said And True About Offensie Playmakers Making The Offensive Line Look Good/Play Better? Has Anyone Really Thought Of That.

    Nowadays, It Kind Of Seems Like The OL, Which Always Was Proclaimed To Be The Position Which Got No Love, Glory, Nor Credit Because They Do The So Called “Dirty” Work, Maybe Gets Too Much Hype, Honor, And Praise For A Success Of A Team In This Recent Day & Age… Could This Be True????

    Also, You Can Always Find SOLID OL In The Mid Rounds Of Drafts - Though There’s A Significant Dropoff After The Group Of 1st Round Talent Offensive Tackles - The Linemen Still Look Good After Round 1.

    Maybe The RB, WR, And QB Woes (Lack Of Offensive Playmakers) Should Receive/Shoulder More Of The Blame Rather Than The Awful OL?

    Think About It.

    It’s An Interesting Topic Up For Debate…

    Thanks For Everyone’s Comments/Feedback,

    Russ

  5. Ron N Says:
    April 23rd, 2008 at 11:51 am

    First of all I appreciate all the responses on the mock draft as it is good to see this enthusiasm about the Bears draft and us setting the foundation for a super bowl run this year.

    Doc,

    I totally agree with the need for offensive linemen but the fact of the matter is by the time we get on the clock Ryan Clady , Branden Albert , and Chris Williams will be long gone. My feeling that is shared by a growing number of scouts is the next best tackle Jeff Otah of Pittsburgh, Is not that far ahead of the next tier of tackles and probably project best at right tackle. Normally you can find right tackles and guards that can fit your system in rounds 2 and beyond which is why I feel that we can live with John Tait on the left side(for one more year) , draft a tackle in round 2 and add a free agent player like G/T Shane Olivea formally with San Diego. These moves will drastically improve our offensive line play from last year.

    As far a QB is concerned don’t you guys remember the fact that Chad Henne struggled to hold down the starting job last year at Michigan and at very best is 2 to 3 years away from seeing the field. Additionally some scouts feel he will be nothing more that an average pro QB on the NFL level and last I checked we have that with Kyle Orton. So why grab him that early?

    By the way in listening to the Jerry Angelo’s press conference this morning the Bears are looking to find 4 starters with the first four picks so I would be shocked if they select a QB before round 4.

    Again thanks for the responses and keep them coming GO BEARS!!!

  6. Russ Loede Says:
    April 23rd, 2008 at 1:38 pm

    Mr. Ron Norman,

    Good Stuff, I’m so glad to have you writing for us at Bears Gab!

    I Agree with you on everything. Though I don’t see how are first four picks are going to be all starters. Maybe two, probably three at the most - but if that’s what GM Jerry Angelo says - that’s what he says and I hope that happens.

    What a Draft this will be for our BEARS!

    May I Say ~ Make-or-Break Draft - this Draft will determine the Success of the Bears Future - We Need to get some key players that we can develop into integral pieces for this team for many years to come because we have some holes that we need to fill (I’ve heard that countless # of times already, so I’ll say it again because it’s worth repeating) obviously.

    I think G/T Branden Albert will be AVLB @ 14 - at least I hope so - I know he’s getting a lot of rave reviews and hype lately, but will that be enough for him to surpass Clady & Co. in the rankings for O-Linemen…?

    Henne - I don’t like him @ all - well maybe it’s because I’m an OSU fan! Just thought he had an awful senior campaign despite all the inj’s.

    Shane Olivea - I said this when he first got released - I would Absolutely LOVE (Seriously) to sign him because he can play both Guard & Tackle positions very well. He is a solid lineman and he would start right away on our OL. I say we try to Draft Albert, then get a Tackle in the 3rd or 4th round.

    Thanks,

    Russ

  7. Bleed red and blue Says:
    April 24th, 2008 at 4:18 pm

    A lot of people are very quick to point out that this year has a deep RB class. But what they neglect to mention is the fact that the tackle class is just as deep. There are guys we can quite easily pick up in Round Two, and they should do just fine. Anthony Collins of Kansas is an example. The guy is big, quite physical, played for a Kansas team that won the Orange Bowl, and most importantly, can play LT. We can pick up Mendenhall in Round One, Collins in Round Two, a WR in Round Three, and so forth. The writing is on the wall: The top tackles will most likely be gone. And Albert seems like a stretch at 14. I would be pissed if Angelo got him in the First Round, unless we moved down and got him.

    Also, take into account the fact that Mendenhall already knows Turner’s system. Hell, Turner recruited the kid. He knows exactly how Mendenhall plays, what his strengths are, and what he needs to work on. That can be a tremendous advantage, as Turner, Mendenhall, and RB coach Tim Spencer can get to work on that as soon as Mendenhall comes into the fold.

    It is also important to point out that Mendenhall hasn’t been overused. He is still fresh. Perhaps that is a part of the reason why Benson is a bust. He was used a lot at Texas, all four years in fact. Mendenhall doesn’t have that problem.

    Plus, there is the simple fact that he’s a local boy. As a longtime Chicagoan, I want to see him succeed. I would also love to see the guy remain in orange and blue.

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