A year ago, everybody and their mother was pronouncing the Cleveland Browns the winner of the 2007 NFL Draft. It took nine months for us to realize that not only had the New York Giants won the draft but they’d had one of the great drafts of the modern era. Some idiot named Doc Sports even gave them a C+.
So I won’t attempt to evaluate the talent we’ve taken in the first three rounds of the draft. Instead I’ll look at the approach, the ideology behind each of the selections and try to find some subtext.
CHRIS WILLIAMS, Vanderbilt
Williams must get this contract done immediately and begin participating in the program. He must start at left tackle on opening day or this draft will have been a bust. If he performs well, we’ve just gotten better at left and right tackle, as John Tait will slide back to his natural side.
MATT FORTE, Tulane
Two points:
1. The Bears believe they can win and win now. The not-selecting a quarterback means they have no interest in rebuilding.
2. Something’s gotta give at the position. Look for Adrian Peterson to play a predominantly special teams-oriented role and Hungry Like the Wolfe to become the full-time third down back as Cedric Benson returns to the change-of-pace.
EARL BENNETT, Vanderbilt
Mel Kiper compared him to Hines Ward. (If he’s half the player, we just stole him.) Hands, Hands, Hands. That’s what you read when you research the EB. The Bears have now added Brandon Lloyd, Marty Booker and EB – three guys who don’t drop the football.
MARCUS HARRISON, Arkansas
Best player on the draft board situation, I assume.
#2 jeff said . . .First - Finally we see the safety drop. I only saw this guy at half speed this year. We must not like JD Booty because that would have been a good slot for him.
I'm so glad we now have 1/5 of the 7th round picks!!!
April 27, 2008
#3 Shady said . . .craig steltz was my favorite player in college football last year. he reminds me of gary fencik. i hope this pick becomes as valuable as i think it will.
April 27, 2008
#4 DTB said . . .I'd say good to great so far after the Steltz pick.
Sure Mendenhall would have been a nice pick, but the Bears couldn't afford to risk taking an OT who might not be able to start in 2008.
How Forte turns out in the next few years will really be the key to how well JA really did.
He's addressed every position that needed the most help, and hasn't gotten cute and risked any picks. Solid 4/5 through 4 rounds.
April 27, 2008
#5 jeff said . . .I watched quite a bit of LSU last season, night games/kid sleeping. Nonetheless, this Steltz kid is a football player. I felt going in that he was a much better version of Zibikowski. The SS you all were clamouring for. Plus Kiper just compared him to Doug Plank. Sweet!
April 27, 2008
#6 Max said . . .that doug plank comparison made me cry a bit. what do we think for a nickname: the steltz bomber.
April 27, 2008
#7 Spanish Bear said . . .Kerry Brown OG from App. St. Hes a sleeper and i think he would do real well.
And i still want Dennis Dixon, I know hes a project but theres a lot of upside and he still should be around late. . . considering we have 5 7th round picks
April 27, 2008
#8 Max said . . .We should trade up for Eric Young, Roy Scheuning or Drew Radovich
April 27, 2008
#9 jeff said . . .I like Steltz bomber. . . but i gotta go back to work
April 27, 2008
#10 Shady said . . .i take the best offensive lineman on the board here.
April 27, 2008
#11 DTB said . . .What about Andre Woodson?
April 27, 2008
#12 big rob said . . .One of these 5th round picks will be Woodson or Flynn. Sticking with the SEC theme of this draft.
April 27, 2008
#13 big rob said . . .here we go!!
April 27, 2008
#14 Spanish Bear said . . .corner?
April 27, 2008
#15 Phil from SATX said . . .Cornerback???
April 27, 2008
#16 Taylor said . . .I won't be surprised if another olinemen isn't taken until one of the legions of 7th's out there. It seems clear that JA feels that the 2 for 1 upgrade by getting Williams and sliding Tait plus Beekman will be enough. I will not be surprised a bit to learn that Ruben Brown's coming back. I think this also means that Angelo thinks that the line may have been bad last year, but disinterested and less talented running backs coupled with wide receivers who dropped balls were a considerable part of the problem as well. So what have we done?
1) Improved both tackle positions with Day 1 starters.
2) Improved the running game.
3) Improved the passing game by bringing in Booker and working in Bradley, two guys who will catch balls thrown to them, and adding new stud Bennett.Consider the offense fixed. Is that premature? Yeah, so the fuck what! IT'S FIXED!
Love the addition of any safety who makes people say Doug Plank and Gary Fencik (hope that's not just cause he's white). He came from a big program with a great D.
We knew DT was going to be picked at some point - sounds like we took someone a little rough around the edges who dropped for that reason. There was another guy like that (NOT Tank) - his name was Dusty Dvoracek. No problems with him except for his injury issues.
I say 5/5.
Keep it going JERRY!
Update - Now it's 5/6 - they just picked a corner, Zack Bowman. Now THAT they didn't need, did they? I guess you can't have enough corners.
April 27, 2008
#17 said . . .What!?!?! I didn't see that coming. I hope they saw something really special in Bowman.
April 27, 2008
#18 said . . .Zach Bowman,CB, Nebraska?
6ft and ran a 4.38 - idk about this guy.
April 27, 2008
#19 Rancid said . . .He kinda looks like jerry azumah.
April 27, 2008
#20 Taylor said . . .My summary of Bowman after reading a few sites:
Has the body and ability to be a NFL shutdown corner, but no one knows because he's been injured since his 3rd birthday
April 27, 2008
#21 DTB said . . .He has a history of injuries.
April 27, 2008
#22 jeff said . . .I think if they were comparing white-ness and Steltz, at least it wasn't Archuleta. Thank God.
April 27, 2008
#23 Prefontaine said . . .i've said it to a bunch of people but the bears can waste one of those seventh round picks on this army kid and i'd be thrilled.
as for bowman, that's another top of the draft board deal. they're not trying to pinpoint needs in the fifth round. this is all luck now.
April 27, 2008
#24 jeff said . . .Did anyone see Nebraska's defense this past year. They were horrible!! I hope this isn't just a reach.
Lets get the Army guy in the 7th with the rest being OL.
I'm content so far this year. Not X-tatic but content.
April 27, 2008
#25 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .some of you guys did a tremendous job with your mocks....blog down, chicago bears, pissed off, dtb look like the leaders headed onto the back nine
April 27, 2008
#26 Catch-88 said . . .With the 5 round selection the Bears take CB Zack Bowman
BIOGRAPHY: Junior-college transfer who started four games last season totaling 29/1/6. Played five games with the first team during the 2005 season and posted 27/2/14. Tore a ligament in his left knee prior to the 2006 season and was sidelined for the year. Tore a patellar tendon in his right knee during spring practice in 2007.POSITIVES: Well-sized cornerback with terrific physical skills and a serious medical history. Fluid transitioning to run with opponents off the line, displays good footwork in all directions, and physical throughout the action. Shows a burst of closing and recovery speed, has a nice break to the ball, and gets vertical to defend the throw. Effectively reads the action when facing the play.
NEGATIVES: Loses positioning against opponents with his back to the ball and struggles locating the pass in the air. Does a lot of face-guarding.
ANALYSIS: Bowman is a physically gifted defensive back whose game and development have been slowed by injury. He showed flashes of ability when healthy and looked good in All-Star games prior to the draft. Medical exams on his knees will ultimately dictate his draft positioning
April 27, 2008
#27 Shady said . . .Didn't catch the Harrison pick as it happened (I can only stand ESPN in targeted, buffered doses), but read about it a few minutes ago. Knee problems, ACL, felony arrests -- I wonder why Angelo didn't pounce sooner?
April 27, 2008
#28 Prefontaine said . . .They're gonna have to pick up a guard in FA.
April 27, 2008
#29 Shady said . . .ON THE CLOCK...
5 bucks says we trade down for another 7th round pick!!!
April 27, 2008
#30 Prefontaine said . . .Kellen Davis. I like it!
April 27, 2008
#31 jeff said . . .TE????REALLY???? Why????
I don't get it. With the OL where it is, we don't need this one now!!! ARG
I guess I'll take the 6th round off.April 27, 2008
#32 Rancid said . . .top player on kiper's board at the time. we lost johnny gilmore, didn't we? this guy could become productive.
April 27, 2008
#33 Shady said . . .Bye Ainge. I think we missed the QB run.
April 27, 2008
#34 Alex said . . .I just know they're waiting for Colt Brennan with that 1st pick in the 7th...
There. I said it. Now it can't happen.
April 27, 2008
#35 animal said . . .The TE may be a DE!!
FROM NFL.COM:
Kellen Davis TE 6'7" 262 Michigan State
Pick Analysis: Davis played both tight end and defensive end last year at Michigan State. He is a talented pass rusher and has the size to make plays offensively as well. Ran a 4.59 in the 40, impressive given his size, and had four sacks in limited time on defense. There is some thought that his best spot could be at defensive end, but as Mike Vrabel has shown, it never hurts to have tight end skills as a pass rusher.April 27, 2008
#36 animal said . . .so whats the deal with those trades? what did we get?
April 27, 2008
#37 Shady said . . .the more I read the more I love the Earl Bennett pick. Sounds like he could be our best WR right now. Awesome that we did not pick on speed and/or potential (berrian, bradley) but on production and hands.
Can't wait to see this guy earn a spot.
Love the Steltz pick. dont get the TE pick when there were some promising QBs on the board. I get the Corner pick- we started T. McBride a lot of games this year... depth at corner never hurts.April 27, 2008
#38 craig said . . .Wow, Brennan went to Washington in the 6th. Before Woodson.
April 27, 2008
#39 ANIMAL said . . .Would it be a coup if we land Woodson, either by trading up into late the 6th or sitting on that 208th pick and getting him then if he's still there? I mean, two months ago people had us taking him with our 14th overall pick...
April 27, 2008
#40 craig said . . .crazy to see Woodson fall like this. From first round to 6 or 7...
I would be stoked to see us grab him here.April 27, 2008
#41 jeff said . . .Never mind. Giants just took Woodson.
Sooo.... as far as QBs go... we must be gunning for... ummm... uhhh.... ummm....
April 27, 2008
#42 Rancid said . . .i will assume the chicago bears had no interest in any quarterbacks in the world.
April 27, 2008
#43 Taylor said . . .The only QB left that I like is Sam Keller, Nebraska, and I don't really even like him that much.
April 27, 2008
#44 Phil from SATX said . . .Like someone said before, the bears want to win now, so drafting a QB doesn't help with that.
April 27, 2008
#45 Shady said . . .Did we not get a pick in the 6th? Can someone update?
April 27, 2008
#46 jeff said . . .Wow. Defensive end. Really?
April 27, 2008
#47 Shady said . . .how many quarterbacks are the packers going to take?
April 27, 2008
#48 animal said . . .Right before the Packers select Matt Flynn...
So now we have Brohm, Booty and now Flynn as guys the Bears have passed on only to go to division rivals.
April 27, 2008
#49 Shady said . . .Hmm. DE. At least his name isnt Bazuin.
They must be going highest players on the board, regardless of position.April 27, 2008
#50 craig said . . .haha LOOK at this guy:
http://newsok.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=46265&Sport=1
April 27, 2008
#51 Justin said . . .We have drafted ONE (1) offensive lineman, and ZERO (0) quarterbacks.
Ehhh... this Forte kid better be good. Like 1,900 yards with a mediocre line good.
April 27, 2008
#52 said . . .Am I the only one who thinks we goofed this draft? What did we select a DT with issues, a TE, a CB for?! Why did we pass on Brohm when we had the chance? And Woodson?? I guess we're gonna have to hope Rex or Orton (gasp!!) can make huge leaps. I was hoping Flynn or Brennon would fall to the 7th...too bad- another year of Rex or Orton is enough to make me vomit.
Is McNabb still on the trading block??
April 27, 2008
#53 animal said . . .Name: Ervin Baldwin
College: Michigan State
Position: Defensive end
AdvertisementStrengths: Baldwin is a sleeper who’s improved his draft stock with a solid performance at MSU’s Pro Day. His 40-yard dash time of 4.62 seconds went a long way in impressing scouts, according to Rivals.com. He has the ability to play any position on the defensive line and could benefit from several NFL teams needing help in that area. He possesses good power and quickness which makes him an effective pass rusher.
Weaknesses: Similar to Jonal Saint-Dic, at 6-foot-2, he lacks the ideal height of an NFL defensive end. According to NFLdraftscout.com, He needs to improve his explosion out of his defensive stance and sometimes has trouble keeping his feet when rushing the passer.
College highlights: Teamed with Saint-Dic to form one of the scariest defensive end tandems in the Big Ten. In 2006, Baldwin’s junior season, he picked off Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn and returned it for a 19-yard touchdown. As a senior, Baldwin led the Spartans with 18.5 tackles for loss.
College lowlights: He had two solid seasons with the Spartans, was always regarded as a hard worker and rarely had any low points in his career.
Who needs him: Bills, Panthers, Bears, Bengals, Browns, Broncos, Colts, Jets, Raiders, Eagles, 49ers, Rams, Buccaneers and Redskins.
When will he go: Seventh round or free agent.
April 27, 2008
#54 animal said . . .Not a total goof.
Remember, we had big holes at corner, safety and DT due to injury and departures. The corner and safety pics make a lot of sense. They sound like JA guys who we will end up in love with a la McBride, Chris Harris, McGowan, other late DB picks.
We got what could be a very solid RB and WR, filling needs. And it aint over yet.
To me this all says the QB crop sucked ass also.
Rex and Kyle have both led teams to the playoffs and needed talent around them.April 27, 2008
#55 Spanish Bear said . . .Here comes the King Dunlap or Drew Radovich pick
April 27, 2008
#56 animal said . . .a guard
April 27, 2008
#57 Shady said . . .....or Chester Adams. At least we finally got a Guard.
April 27, 2008
#58 bears99 said . . .Heyyy O-Line Help!
CHESTER ADAMS School: Georgia Position: Offensive guard/tackle Ht./Wt.: 6-4/331 Projected round: Free agent What NFL draftscout.com is saying: “Although the former tackle will likely have to move inside to make a team, Adams tends to struggle more with speed than strength. . . . He also needs to be more explosive coming out of his stance to be an effective drive blocker.”
April 27, 2008
#59 Shady said . . .We have four DEs already. Brown, ogunleye, anderson, and idonije. How much sense does it make to draft a DE and a TE that plays DE when we could have grabbed a QB. Unless any of these guys that we drafted can play QB I think Jerry really needs to pull his head out of his ass.
April 27, 2008
#60 bears99 said . . .There are a couple linebackers still out there who fit the Bears' scheme nicely:
Ali Highsmith LSU and J. Lehman ILLINOIS
Don't really need the depth, but could end up being value picks.
April 27, 2008
#61 tenacious d said . . .or grabbed more O line help
April 27, 2008
#62 said . . .bears99, we actually have 5 DE's already. You forgot Dan Bauzuin.
April 27, 2008
#63 said . . .THE ROCK!
No idea who this guy is...
April 27, 2008
#64 animal said . . .Racked up 103 tackles (68 solo) on the season for COC, with 17 tackles for loss that included 11.5 sacks. Of his two fumble recoveries, he took one in for a touchdown. LaRocque had a pair of pass breakups and two interceptions, one of which he took to the house. He tied for the team lead with the two defensive TDs.
The book on LaRocque is he's a high motor 'backer with speed and persistence, as evidenced by the double digit sacks. He clocked a 3.9 flat in the pro shuttle recently.
As a freshman, tallied 73 tackles, nine sacks and three forced fumbles.
As a senior at Agoura High School in Agoura Hills, California, he was named first team all-league, area and CIF.
LaRocque: "I am a sideline-to-sideline player. I get to the ball very fast."
April 27, 2008
#65 animal said . . .OK- back to back pics coming. Last shot at a QB (although there will be plenty of undrafted FAs)
Keller?
Oslander?
The dude from SIU?April 27, 2008
#66 Shady said . . .nice
Barton can play tackle or guard, is from a major program and was graded as high as a 4th rounder.
I like it. Hope he shows enough to make the team.April 27, 2008
#67 Prefontaine said . . .Kirk Barton (More oline help!!)
OverviewAny player who starts for almost four full years at The Ohio State University should be considered a very solid pro prospect. Barton's not likely to set the Combine on fire with great numbers, but teams can't time his effort with a stopwatch or measure his toughness with a yardstick. He will challenge for playing time early in his NFL career, if the opportunity arrives.
Analysis
Positives: Dependable, strong-willed lineman who will be there every play of every game. ... Good strength at the point, able to seal the edge. ... Solid punch that can get his man off-kilter. ... Can quickly get his hands inside the defender's jersey and extend to get maximum leverage. ... Once he's locked in, Barton can bring his feet and move out the defender. ... Uses arm-bar to keep his man locked up if necessary. ... Can combo block if linebacker is fairly close to the line. ... Usually adept at picking up blitzer. ... Does best work against larger ends who rely on bull or one-move rushes.
Negatives: Lacks great lateral movement and flexibility to shadow fast defensive ends after their initial move. ... Reaches too much to make up for his slow feet. ... Stands up too quickly in pass set, looking really stiff in the process. ... Doesn't get to second level quickly. ... Really schooled by quick Florida defensive linemen in 2006 season title game, and did only marginally better against LSU in ?07. ... Plays guard occasionally in goal-line situations, and may be better off there in the long run.
Marcus Monk! WR
Overview
Monk's size and strong hands made him star in the SEC since first stepping onto the field as a freshman. Unfortunately, his lack of burst out of his breaks and rather pedestrian downfield speed make him little more than a red-zone specialist in the eyes of NFL scouts. Two minor knee surgeries in August limited his effectiveness as a senior and give Monk, one of the most recognizable names at the position, a legitimate chance at not getting drafted at all.
Analysis
Positives: Elite size. ... Linear build with long arms and big hands. ... Even muscle distribution with room for additional growth. ... Uses his size well to shield defenders from the ball. ... Strong hands to snatch the ball out of the air. ... Flashes physicality as a downfield blocker and to break tackles after the catch.
Negatives: Lacks burst out of his breaks and the vertical speed to challenge deep. ... Flashes physicality, but doesn't play with the toughness or aggression you'd expect for a player his size. ... Only adequate competitiveness in going across the middle or in fighting in a crowd for jump balls. ... Hampered for most of his senior season after undergoing two surgeries in August to repair torn cartilage in his right knee.
I like those picks... Solid draft Bears. Good, not great.
April 27, 2008
#68 craig said . . .Two straight years I was betting on QB....two straight years Lovie and JA let me down. I know he wouldn't play this year, but give me something for the future!!!
April 27, 2008
#69 Megan said . . .Like the late OL picks. Still think we could've passed on the DE and TE, but hey, what do I know?
Oh, I know that we have just two QBs on the roster. That's one thing I know.
April 27, 2008
#70 bears99 said . . .Weeee hooooo!! It's over!
So, generally, are we happy?
April 27, 2008
#71 Justin said . . .Oh, just HOW in the world could I have left out Dan waste of a pick Bauzuin. The only thing I liked out of this draft was the O line drafted and Steltz. I still cant beilive how we passed on brohm.
April 27, 2008
#72 Prefontaine said . . .To answer your question Megan...No...you need a QB to win consistently in this league and unfortunately we do not have one. We needed to draft a QB to challenge Rex and for future development at the position. At some point you have to take a chance and get guys in here to compete for the starting job (I was thinking Brohm, Woodson, Brennon, Flynn, Henne) even if you're not 100% on them (look at Tom Brady -he was a nobody). Green Bay understands this (what would they have been without Favre) so they took 2 young guns. Right now I think we will not win our division (I think we might squeeze into the playoffs as a wildcard...but that's a BIG maybe).
April 27, 2008
#73 Polygonhell said . . .I give this draft a B. Needed more offense. Grade could move to a B+ if the OL guys pay off, but needed a QB to get an A from me.
April 27, 2008
#74 jeff said . . .In the end I think this was a solid draft.
They filled needs, I was disapointed not to see a QB late. But later picks are about sticking to bear available, and the Bears clearly didn't rank any of the QB's left that highly.
They'll clearly need to pick up a 3rd QB in free agency, Tampa has what 8 or 9 QB's on their roster, Chris Sims is probablly going to be available for a trade, so who knows, maybe one of our extra DE's or LB's in trade.
The offseason isn't over yet and I'd expect to see some moves to fill the remaining wholes over the next few weeks.April 27, 2008
#75 Shady said . . .i can't get riled up about not drafting a quarterback being that i didn't like any of the quarterbacks in this draft. they targeted what needed targeting and now we wait and see if the players play well.
April 27, 2008
#76 said . . .QB Nick Hill from SIU is not a Bear, I think he's a lefty:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orXFy8cHn3c
April 27, 2008
#77 Gale Sayers said . . .Excuse me, NOW a Bear.
April 27, 2008
#78 said . . .I grade our draft a C minus. I feel we did not address our OL problem by drafting Williams. He is mediocre at best and we still have only 2 QBs, both of whom can't play. We are in for another losing season, thanks a lot Angelo you moron! How do you pass on Albert or Mendenhall? Why do you draft a CB and DE when we are loaded at those positions? And another TE? Gimme a break. Playoffs?! Are you kiddin me?! Playoffs?!
That guy "JA" should be fired and Indicted on criminal charges for being such a fucking retard. He is a glorified scout. That's it. To call him a GM is a JOKE!
April 28, 2008
#79 PTMACK said . . .It seems as if the Bears are in love with drafting players from lower tier college programs and avoid big names as much as possible. You should draft with the mentality of ensuring every pick has the potential to be a starter. Instead the Bears are drafting players who've had major surgeries who could have been signed as free agents. Woodson, Booty, Dixon aren't players that aren't guaranteed to turn things around but QB is a need especially if you are preaching an open competition. Woodson doesn't throw a lot of picks so I would be ok taking him instead of another corner with two bad kness and a tight end who at best will be 3rd string. Jerry Angelo is arrogant beyond reason and seems to want some credit as a talent evaluator but he is failing miserably. Should have drafted at least 1 QB for goodness sake the Packers drafted 2. Not Good. C-
April 28, 2008
#80 Matt said . . .Overall, I was relatively happy with this draft class. We came into the draft with significant holes at: OL, RB, WR, QB, DT, and S. Most of these holes have been addressed.
Drafting C. Williams will allow Tait to move back to his more natural RT, in the process strengthening two spots. Another positive were the pick-ups of Bennett and Monk. We have 4 WRs who have decent hands: Booker, Lloyd, Bennett, and Monk. Hopefully two of them will excel over the others in Bourbonnais. It's essential to our RBs and possession WR's ultimate development that Hester and Bradley are able to stretch the field. Same goes for Olsen.
I think Angelo did a fair job at providing a lot of competition for training camp at the offensive skill positions, outside of QB. If 2-3 of our 5 seventh round picks can at least contribute on special teams, the seventh round can be deemed a success.
After Harrison, Angelo started to get a little too cute with his selections--he also did the exact same thing last year. We had a serious need at LG, which I don't feel we adequately addressed. Chilo Rachel and Zuttah were just out of our reach, and could have been had if we would have moved up a few slots. Hopefully, one of the two later drafted OLmen can contribute.
I think it's about time we cut the cord on Terrance Metcalf. After re-watching some of last year's game he looks so slow and plodding. Furthermore, for a bigger LG he's not even that strong. He was consistently manhandled by bigger & stronger DTs, and beaten to the punch by quicker DTs.
Let's hope that 2 of our now 6 safeties can figure it out and stay healthy. In a perfect world I'd like to see D. Manning and M. Brown out there together, I think they compliment each other's skills. But, in order to have that, they both need to consistently perform on the field. Manning looked brilliant in stretches, but then he'd blow coverage or miss a tackle on the following play. And Brown--my favorite player--has only played in 21 games in 4 seasons. That's just sad. Anyway, sorry for rambling. I always read the blog and this is my first real post.
P
April 28, 2008
#81 Bears99 said . . .I'm going to blow out both of my knees this year, which should increase my draft status for the Bears.
April 28, 2008
#82 HesterFan23 said . . .Im going to start playing TE and attend a D II school so JA will blow a load when he see's my average stats
April 28, 2008
#83 Max said . . .I'm happy with the draft through Steltz. I like what we added in the first four rounds.
I'm not sure exactly what we got after as far as talent, but I'm hoping a few of those guys turn out to be steals.
April 28, 2008
#84 DTB said . . .I give this draft a C-
I like Williams. . . Forte might be alright. . . Bennett sounds solid, not sold on Marcus Harrison, and after that. . . . maybe Steltz.
We needed more O-line help. A QB would have been nice and honestly, i think we could have (and should have) traded up with Washington at pick 19 or whatever and picked Mendenhall. I am not overly happy with this draft. I hope im wrong like with Hester, but I wont be holding my breath. . . Over all, im not that pleased.
April 28, 2008
#85 Viva said . . .How many of these guys are going to get the Bears red-shirt this year. I can see three right off the bat with Monk, Bowman and Baldwin. All three of which have missed significant time in recent years. The BT knows that all of those picks are not going to make the team, so why not slap the IR tag on em now.
April 28, 2008
#86 jeff said . . .It is way to early for grading this draft class. I am going to assume the BT is sold on Beekman.
We will know this draft is a success if they get signed and report to camp on time. Speed in this process is essential (one of our strengths).
We are going to have 2 rookies starting in our offense this year.
April 28, 2008
#87 Rancid said . . .mel kiper's take:
Chicago Bears: GRADE: B
Chris Williams is the left tackle the Bears need from a pass-protection standpoint, and he'll start as a rookie. Matt Forte is a hard-nosed running back. He's not flashy but is elusive. I like what the Bears did on Day 2, starting with Vanderbilt WR Earl Bennett, who reminds me of Hines Ward. Arkansas DT Marcus Harrison lasted until the third round because of some off-the-field concerns, and Nebraska's Zack Bowman is a big corner who was once projected as a first-round pick, before he suffered injuries to both knees. LSU safety Craig Steltz -- who reminds me of former Bear Doug Plank -- will be a solid special teams player and could push for a starting job. With his height, Arkansas WR Marcus Monk could be a red zone threat and he qualifies as a very good seventh-round pick. He looked like second-rounder after his junior year, and ran a 4.42 in the 40-yard dash, which is excellen for a 6-foot-4, 220 pound receiver. Tight end Kellen Davis has tremendous athletic ability but he needs to be more consistent.April 28, 2008
#88 Phil from SATX said . . .After some medication I am ok with the fact we didn't pick up a QB. For us to take a 3rd string they need to be a potential starter some day. We have a guy who we're giving a "last shot" to (Rex) as well as a guy who I like as our backup (KO). If the BT didn't believe any of the guys left after the 4th had a shot at ever being that next guy, then fine. I like the first 2 rounds a lot. I love the Williams pick and I am beginning to really like Forte. The more I read about him, the better I like him. I like Bennet, I'll have to deal with Harrison, and I like Steltz. I can't think of the last time I really liked 4 out of the Bears first 5 picks. So I'm pretty happy. With this many picks they probably did draft injured guys on purpose with the intent of using the IR red-shirt. With 12 picks they can't all make the team this year.
April 28, 2008
#89 Pissed Off said . . .I'm a Bearimist. Even if I wasn't, I would have loved this draft and given JA high marks. Our most important 4 areas of need were addressed -
LT - Great pick in Williams, more ready than Otah - two-fer in making Tait better
RB - Great pick in Matt Forte - just the guy we need - solid everydown back with speed and making people miss, if not gamebreaking speed
WR - Great pick in Earl Bennett - possession receiver with great hands who outfights dbs for the ball - the perfect antidote for what we lost
I was looking for a guard with the second third. The lack of taking guards until 7th round convinces me that the BT views themselves as better set at guard than I had them. I'm willing to go with that - as long as Terrence Metcalf isn't starting the season. They used a 4th rounder on Beekman, he's a very smart player and we remember from that great article that left guard is the second-easiest position to play, next to center. I assume that they feel Beekman will be ready. Maybe there will be a FA pickup here as well. But there were guards to be had, and they didn't take one, so they obviously didn't feel they needed one.
So instead they take DT Harrison. From what I've seen and read, he plays somewhat like Tommie. He drops because of pot use (I think) and injury issues. I'm okay with the pick - they needed DT help and they must have thought he was an okay kid and it sounds like if injuries don't reoccur, he's a steal where he's taken. How about rotating Tommie, Dusty and now Marcus? In addition to the Big Toe and Izzy? We are building a formidable line here.
S - (last of the four needs) Craig Stelz is our safety help. Strong safety, great against the run, played virtually every down in one of the best, if not the best, D's in college last year. I don't know why he's in the 4th round if he's that good, but he sounds like just what the doctor ordered for us. Plus a special teams monster - so he's replacement for BA. Starts the season in that role, if not at safety. (still wondering where D Manning fits in - will he start at strong safety? If not he, is it Stelz?)
Zack Bowman looks to be good enough to be an immediate backup #2 corner, and according to Haugh could be immediately used in nickel thus making Ricky Manning moot and fired. He came from a big program and is big and fast. Looks like a good 5th round selection.
Kellen Davis is the new John Gilmore, but looks like an upgrade there.
After that we're talking 7th rounders, no grade necessary until one of these makes the roster.
To me, there is only one legitimate reason to give this draft anything less than an A, and that's not taking a guard with a high pick. And I'm okay with the concept that the Bears think they have sufficient guards in Beekman and Garza. Again, if Metcalf starts the season, my grade immediately drops (as do some of my hopes).
But not drafting a QB is NOT a reason to downgrade the Bears' draft performance, although drill down on every pundit and you'll realize this is what they're perplexed about (as are some on this board) and the sole reason for downgrading the Bears' draft.
Can we all say it together? From a QB perspective, 2008 is all about Rex and Kyle (really about Rex, imo). No rookie is taking us to a SB next year. If these guys don't get it done for us this year, then...
2009 is the year of the drafting of a franchise QB for the Bears.
It makes perfect sense to me. So don't get exercised that the Bears could have taken Andre Woodson or John David Booty or whoever. There will be more of those to choose from next year, and hopefully better choices.
Nice job Jerry! You get an A from me!
One last thing - what's all this nonsense about Jerry only likes small schools? Everyone after the first 3 picks (which I believe are picks most of us like) are from big programs - Harrison from Arkansas, Steltz from LSU, Bowman from Nebraska, Davis from Michigan State, all of the rest of our picks were big programs! There was no "getting cute" here.
Finally (one last last thing, I guess) - what do you Illinoisians think about the 3 year deal for Nick Hill? Don't know anything about him, but his personality and attitude seem great. Physicals 0kay at 6'3". Also, how about our boy Flacco going at #18???? Great for him, although clearly signals rebuilding for the Ravens.
April 28, 2008
#90 Duff Diggler said . . .I think the draft was a success on paper. We wont know until it plays out cuz there are certainly going to be a couple of busts in there just like every team has, lets just hope they are a couple of the later positions drafted and the first 4 work out. I love Bennet. I Love Williams, him or Otah I would have been cool with but I think Williams is the better talent and thats why he was taken, I projected Otah cuz I though Williams would have been gone by 14th. I kept seeing Clady slip and I thought there might be a chance we'd get him but Williams'll do. I ws lukewarm on Forte, but after viewing some film, etc, he looks a like a good runner. The Bears had previously met him before the draft so I guess it shouldnt have been a surprise pick. Glad to see Stewart went before Mendenhall, IMO Stewarts the better back and it looks like some NFL team agreed with me.
I dont know much about Harrison but we needed a little extra help inside for depth if nothing else. If DD, Tommie, the Big Toe all stay healthy, we're good to go, plus Izzy can play some DT or DE. If it all falls into place Harrison might not see any time but that means we're healthy and I'm OK with that.
April 28, 2008
#91 Duff Diggler said . . .RE: #88
I would have liked to see a QB other than a Buffalo and a Suluki. I liked O'Connell. Not in the third round, but I guess the cheaters liked him too.
Anyway, I agree with you about our holes. If we can stay healthy, I see only one blaring hole for the 2009 draft (...given that rex and kyle are still rex and kyle).
Hmmm....
not to get ahead of ourselves, but maybe they pass the Gator-Gaurd torch and trade up for Tebow.....
April 28, 2008
#92 Duff Diggler said . . .Overall, I give us a B+ with A upside....
I also like the fact that we drafted some teamates. That'll help their comfort levels at the camps, and could catylize better play. We'll see.
April 28, 2008
excuse me....
Colorado State, not Colorado.....
so what's that? ...a Ram, right?
April 28, 2008
Here at DaBearsBlog, you are free to kill us or the Bears as you so wish. You are not free, however, to be an asshole. So if you spew racism or ill-meaning foul language (cursing about football is just fine) or anything of that ilk, your comments ain't gonna last long, jerk.