This is the first round of a mock draft that will focus solely on the Chicago Bears. I will continue to add picks round by round in separate blog entries. I came across an article on the internet that had a possible trade of draft picks that would include the Bears and it was very interesting. I figured I would do a normal Bears mock first and then I will approach the trade topic after that so stay tuned. Also, questions and comments are appreciated so dont hesitate to send one my way. Anyway, on to the draft. With the 14th pick of the first round the Chicago Bears select (hopefully).....
Round 1 Pick 14-Chris Williams|OT|Vanderbilt
Bears' View: The Bears have holes just about everywhere on the offensive side of the ball, including the skill positions. It is my firm belief that a succesful offense begins and ends with a solid offensive line. While it may be more exciting to see the Bears draft a flashy and explosive player such as Illinois' RB Rashard Mendenhall, no amount of talent in the world will help you if the blocking isn't there. The release of underachieving Fred Miller coupled with the steady aging of 33 year old John Tait leaves the Bears in desperate need of a good young tackle. With Jake Long long gone (no pun intended), and Ryan Clady likely to get snapped up by either Kansas City or Denver, that leaves Williams and Jeff Otah as the top options left on the board. Otah may turn out to be a more dominant player, but in the end Williams gets the nod because he is a safe, solid choice who can step in and play right away.
Pros & Cons: Williams is a player who could be a fixture at left tackle for a decade. Stellar in pass protection (only 2 sacks allowed in two full years starting), but needs improvement in the run game. He has the quick feet, good balance, and solid athletic ability to handle speedy edge rushers. Very smart player. Could show more fire and passion.
Bottom Line: A solid if not spectacular first pick for the Bears that should go a long way toward shoring up the offensive line and improving the passing game.
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Comments (9)
I don't think it would be a bad choice.
dude44 | 03/19/08, 01:17 PM
Report Offensive CommentThis pick is ok if they get the running back from East Carolina that runs 4.2
I will be happy with Otah, Williams, Mendenhall, or Jonathan Stewart in the first round.
Maunakea Rick | 03/20/08, 03:00 AM
Report Offensive CommentI think you made a good choice but I would like to see us get a good quarterback. I think we can do better than what wev'e got.
tczar | 03/20/08, 04:58 PM
Report Offensive CommentI am wondering why some mocks have a RB/WR on the Bears this high. I agree with the FaNNation - The Bears need OL, without OL a RB is useless. Lets get a OL and see what Rex/Benson can do then. Williams would be nice I only hope that Angelo does not trade down and screwq us out of a good OL.
Yeop, we need RB/WR but OL comes first.
Randy23 | 03/24/08, 03:17 PM
Report Offensive CommentNot a bad pick. I like it, but would love it if Clady were still available at 14. But I like Williams. Draft him, then we should slide the aging Tait back over to RT, where he belongs. All of a sudden, our protection just gets much, MUCH better. Even the pathetic Benson would benefit from that.
cubs/bears | 03/25/08, 03:42 PM
Report Offensive CommentRyan Clady has arguably the most upside of any lineman in the draft, and I would be thrilled if he somehow landed in the Bears lap. Your right though either way we'd be able to move Tait to the right side which should help because he's losing the athleticism to play LT.
andrew peiffer | 03/25/08, 04:34 PM
Report Offensive Commenti like that idea but nobody brings up sam baker...why does everyone forget him??....USC had a massive offensive line and he would be great to fill that void..he may be gone before Clady for sure....
Meteora16 | 03/26/08, 09:54 AM
Report Offensive CommentBecause of the fact that you just got finished bringing up: The very real possibility that Baker may be gone before Clady. It's that simple, really.
cubs/bears | 03/26/08, 03:54 PM
Report Offensive CommentJust as a side note: I apologize for posting the same thing twice. My computer had a hiccup of sorts, and the post ended up getting posted twice.
cubs/bears | 03/26/08, 06:40 PM
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