Instead of the flashy, "news worthy" picks of some other NFL teams, the Bears 2008 Draft came off more like a nurse's sneaker: simple, sensible, with a little padding for extra comfort. Some may speculate that there were better offensive lineman in the first round, but the more I come to know about Chris Williams, the more I understand the logic of Drafting him over the other guys. This is a smart, athletic kid who, after benefitting from NFL workouts and subsequent muscle gain, will easily start for the 2008 Bears.
Drafting a RB from Tulane is perhaps cause for criticism, but all the reports suggest that Forte has great downhill speed and good power, and everyone is in agreement these days that a 2-RB system is the way to go. Hopefully his signing will motivate Benson to get his head out of his ass and start playing like he did in Texas. I have much more faith in (our) Adrian Peterson than Benson. Either way, drafting a RB was a good move early on and I think the Bears got a good bargain.
Apparently, the same scout that targeted Williams also reccomended WR Earl Bennett, also hailing from Vanderbilt. Bennett's known as a physical Wide Out, which is a good improvement over the suspect blocking of receivers like Muhammad. The Bears have some good competition at the WR position now - let's hope that competition does indeed beget success.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Bears draft without a early defensive pick, and the Bears didn't disappoint. Although the Bears pride themselves on picking "character players," they are not above taking a chance on some otherwise questionable characters either, i.e.: Tank Johnson. Before we lambast Williams or the Bears, I say, let's see if this kid can stay healthy and back up Harris like he's supposed to.
The biggest steal has to be safety Craig Steltz from LSU. Mike Brown better take some vitamins and get his body back into shape or the Bears just might have a new safety who's durable enough to also be a special teams standout. Good move, Bears.
All this laudation can't answer the QB question though, and truthfully, I have no answers to why the Bears settled for an undrafted singing than drafting the kid from USC. I just don't get it. But, I'm hoping that with some better protection, the QB situation won't be as much of an <gulp> issue.
I've stopped reading all the reactionary comments to the Draft, those calling for Angelo's resignation or even his head on a stake. Let's be honest, last year's performance uncovered some gaping holes in the Bears' scheme, but a road once pock-mocked and lunar with deficiencies has now been filled...to the extent that it's smoothed over, we'll just have to wait and see.
Julie Henderson
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Agreed. The bears had a great draft. I think they may have been able to pick up Malcolm Kelly or other "highly" touted receiver in the second round and still picked Forte in the third. However, that being said, I still like WR Bennett. He seems like a smart kid and shows great skill on tape. Although it would have been nice to have a tall receiver. Maybe that is the 7th rounder Marcus Monk (6'6" with 4-5 speed). Not bad!
How many receivers do the Bears have this year? Marty Booker, Devin Hester, Mark Bradley, Rashied Davis, Brandon Lloyd (Ughh), Mike Haas, Earl Bennet and Marcus Monk. There are going to be a few let go I am sure, but who? My guess would be Lloyd, Haas and Monk. However, I know Haas is a burner with great hands and Monk is a BIG target. It is exciting to see how it turns out.
Not sold on Stelz yet, but we will see. I would have loved to see Dennis Dixon and Rashard Mendenhall in Bears Orange and Blue, but you can't win them all. Good solid draft.
smudgers
Charleston , SC
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