The Chicago Bears enter the off season with plenty of needs, most of them on the offensive side of the ball.  I know, many people are saying that Chicago needs a pass rushing specialist to take the heat off the secondary.  I myself think Rod Marinelli and Lovie Smith will fix some of what ails the Bears defense.  Marinelli knows how to coach a defensive line and will have the Bears D-line performing well in 2009.  Lovie Smith will be making all of the defensive calls in 2009, he will have the players playing at a higher level and have them in the right position to make plays.

We all know that the Bears need Offensive play-makers, they found one in last years draft in Matt Forte who led all rookies with total yards from scrimmage with 1715 and was first among running back with 63.receptions.  The Bears need a Wide receiver to compliment the rapidly rising Devin Hester.  So I will rank the needs as I see them on offense.

1) Wide Receiver – Devin Hester emerged as a threat towards the end of the season, but needs a legitimate #1 or 2 beside him.  The depth chart is full but no one besides Hester distinguished themselves last year so there will be some house cleaning.   Lloyd and Booker are free agents and I do not expect them to get another chance next season, unless Lloyd sings cheap.

I love Anquan Boldin, but historically the Bears are too cheap, or the quarterback position scares a potential free Agent away, not to mention the Cardinals have him signed for 2 years they don’t HAVE to do anything.  I like Antonio Bryant, T.J Houshmandzadeh is NOT coming to the Bears, other guys I like are Cedrick Wilson from Pittsburgh, I happen to think Amani Toomer may have some left in the tank.  I also think maybe Hank Baskett or Darrell Jackson may be worth a look, ( Mike Furrey is on the market and may be a cheap addition for depth).  But I think the Bears will go after a wide out in the draft.

2) a) Offensive Lineman (a versatile Tackle) We all know that Chris Williams is waiting in the wings, I think John St. Clair could hold down the right tackle spot next year, or we could move him to left guard if we think Tait still has it ( I think Garza is struggling and John Tait is on the downside of his career).  I think it is a priority to sign St. Clair in the off-season because of his ability and versatility.

2) b) Quarterback- I am a little wishy-washy on this one because, I know that generally rookies don’t start in the NFL, and there is really no free agent that I would like to see the Bears get although Warner is tempting he will stay with Cardinals.  I know (see Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan: both successful rookies) well they are an exception rather than rule.  So I put this below Receiver and Tackle, but if the right guy is available in the first or second round this need trumps others.

I guess what we adress in the draft here, really depends on who is available when it is our pick, as well as what we have done in free agency.

Free Agents:  There aren’t a whole lot out there who are better than Orton(not that Orton is great, but there is a reason these guys are free agents.)  We already mentioned Kurt Warner, David Garrard is a possibility if the Jaguars do not resign him, I also think JP. Losman and Kyle boller are possibilities, now will these guys beat out Kyle Orton?  I am not sure, but they would add depth, Warner obviously would, but I believe he will either stay in Arizona or retire.   I also think if we are talking depth and possible starting potential I think Detriot’s Dan Orlovsky definitelyhas potential, although he really had no line to speak of.

My three round Mock Draft for 2009

First Round (18) – Darius Heyward Bey Wr Maryland (If Jeremy Maclin is on the board then Him) Angelo may  pick Defense with ( De Tyson jackson LSU, or De Michael Johnson GT)

Second Round (49) – Nate Davis QB Ball State, I know I am dreaming but hey this is MY mock,

Angelo Probably goes defense Here (sensing a trend here?): William Moore S Missouri,

but could go O line with  Ebben Britton OT Arizona

Third Round (84)  -  Michael Hamlin S Clemson or Courtney Greene S Rutgers

This is where it gets a bit dicey – If the Bears go Offense in the first couple rounds, then Defense is a must here, and depending on who is on the Board you are looking at Safety or DE- My Opinion is safety is more important than End – because I think Marinelli will get production out of the current D Line.  Plus Haynseworth and Peppers are Free Agents, oh thats right that would cost $.  Offensive Tackle here is a possiblity if Angleo has already gotten defense Happy in the first couple rounds he goes offense here with: Fenuki Tupou, T Oregon or Maurice Miller, T Ole Miss.