Bears Day 1 Draft Grades

Posted by Ron Norman on April 26th, 2008 filed in Draft, Main, Norm's Notes

Rd 1 Chris Williams

Ht: 6-6

Wt: 317

College: Vanderbilt

Scouts say:

“Williams shows the athletic ability to be rated just below Jake Long. A smart player with sound technique, he really impressed NFL coaches and GMS at the Senior bowl. He will be at top 15 pick.”

Bottom line:

He is a versatile offensive lineman showing the ability to play both guard and tackle positions. Chris Williams played at a consistent high level surrendering only 2 sacks over the last 2 years at Vanderbilt.

Although I really wanted a Rashard Mendenhall at this spot, Chris Williams’s skills give us tremendous flexibility on the front line and enable us to slide John Tait to the right side.

Grade A

Rd 2 Matt Forte

Ht: 6-1

Wt: 221

Scouts say:

“Forte has good size with a solid build and makes sharp cuts to get through holes quick”

Bottom Line:

After watching Matt Forte he is a smooth runner who seems to always get positive yards with most of his runs between the tackles.

I really love this pick as Forte is a complete three down back. In addition to his 2127 yards rushing in 2007, he also had 32 receptions for 282 yards.

Grade B

What do you think of our Day one picks?



4 Responses to “Bears Day 1 Draft Grades”

  1. Kevin Says:
    April 26th, 2008 at 8:12 pm

    Very nice start! Williams provides synergy for the offense. Tait moves to a position where he has all pro talent, Rex gets better overall protection, and the run game improves because we can now run to both sides.
    Forte is also a good choice who can compliment and light a fire under Benson or carry the load by himself if necessary with the help of Peterson and Wolfe.
    Let’s grab another tackle and a quality guard in the third.

  2. phillytlee Says:
    April 27th, 2008 at 7:57 am

    forte will be one of chicago greatest rb ever

  3. Ron N Says:
    April 27th, 2008 at 12:18 pm

    Hi Kevin

    I 100% agree with you Kevin. Matt Forte will drive Benson to put in the work during the off season that is required to be a premiere NFL back. I was a little disappointed because I wanted the Bears to grab Jeremy Zuttah G from Rutgers in the third round but all in all we addressed several needs thus far.

    Thanks for your great comments

  4. Ron N Says:
    April 27th, 2008 at 12:21 pm

    Hi phillytlee

    Only time will tell if he will be the greatest ever but the way he runs in the holes coupled with his decisive cuts. He has a chance to possibly steal a lot of snaps from Cedric Benson as a rookie

    Thank you for your comments

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