With The 14th Pick In The 2008 NFL Draft…

Posted by Eric Cook on April 26th, 2008 filed in Bear Insight, Draft, Features

Is it Chris Williams? Jeff Otah? Or Ryan Clady?

I still go with Chris Williams, but with all the possibilities of teams trading up in the first round, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to Jerry Angelo trying to get involved somehow. I sincerely hope that we do not pick any other position with our first pick other than Offensive Line. Whether Angelo trades out of the first round or not. I have been adamant about this from day one. After watching the dismal offensive line from 2007, and losing two guys from last year’s roster, we have no alternative.

I know picking an offensive lineman isn’t a “Sexy” pick as some like to put it . But it is a need. After reading a recent article posted by Dan Pompei in the Chicago Tribune, states: ” An incredible 90 percent of the 41 linemen taken in the first round over the last 10 years have become solid starters.”

This is as opposed to 57% of the Qb’s, 56% of running backs and 46% of the Wide Receivers.

I am not certain where he came up with his statistics but it is hard to argue with the numbers. I recently was reading an article on Chicagobears.com by Larry Mayer, where he was answering a fan question about the last time we took two offensive lineman early in the draft. It was 2002 with Marc Columbo (1st Round) and Terrence Metcalf(3rd Round).

I have heard that Angelo cannot evaluate offensive talent. But the Iast time I checked Metcalf is a starter for the Bears on 1st string and Marc Columbo is a starter on the Cowboys offensive line 1st string. I admit, Columbo was injured quite a bit but is now contributing. Both selections are solid starters. Hmm maybe Angleo can draft O-line talent. Mayer goes on to point out “Angelo did not select an offensive lineman in the first three rounds in his next five drafts through last year.”

Hmmm… Perhaps It is time again Jerry!