An Early Look at the Draft

by Adam T on Jan 3, 2007 8:20 AM CST in News

Sure it is way too early, but is it ever really too early to start talking draft? For me, no. Just based on record we are picking 30 or 31st. Of course that will change after we win the Super Bowl. Here are the names that are popping up on the mock drafts for the Bears.

Zach Miller, TE, Arizona St

Miller is by far the vote leader right now, that said so was Leonard Pope last year and we didn't take a whiff of him.

Rufus Alexander, OLB, Oklahoma

This is obviously thinking that we will not be able to resign Lance Briggs this off season.

Greg Olsen, TE, Miami

Again while Desmond Clark did have an excellent season he is still seen as an average TE.

There is then the list of random wide receivers like Steve Smith from USC and Jeff Samardzija from Notre Dame.

There is even an occasional site that calls for us to waste our first rounder on a QB. The name mentioned most is Drew Stanton.

Of course, we all know our GM, so a trade down for some guy we don't know is likely and after the draft he pulled off last year I think we will all buy into whatever he does until they prove to be bad picks.

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Time for offensive line however Jerry likes...

picking these guys up as free agents.

Jeff Samardzija is already a Cub so why not also make him a Bear.

I think they will be looking at Cornerback and safety in the draft.

by beardown on Jan 3, 2007 8:36 AM CST reply actions

There were assorted other picks

I saw one for SS, CB and OL. I just went with the ones I saw more than one draft pick.

by Adam T on Jan 3, 2007 8:51 AM CST up reply actions

Needs and Wants

Angelo always seems to have a very good strategy on the draft, and I remember him once talking about needs vs. wants.

I'd say our needs going into next year are OT to replace Miller, G to replace Reuben Brown, SS to replace Mike Brown. If Briggs isn't retained, then WLB is a need as well.

by tacologic on Jan 3, 2007 11:19 AM CST reply actions

I would definitely like to

bring in some linemen, but I am just curious if the first pick in the draft is the place to get them. If we want depth, than you get that later. I would rather spend some free agency money on starters if that is the need. JA has shown the ability to do that Kruetz is the only guy on our line we drafted.

I think we need some depth at SS, but again not first rounder.

I get the feeling we are very close to being a monster on offense, so with Grossman having a season and another training camp under his belt if we can give him that one extra piece, be it a TE or WR than do it. Otherwise, I leave it to JA to make that call.

by Adam T on Jan 3, 2007 11:35 AM CST up reply actions

On the Offense

I agree that our offense is very close to being a monster squad, but I don't think another WR or TE is what we need. When Rex has time and is being "good Rex" he delivers. Last game against Green Bay, he was under constant pressure. Even when he wasn't sacked, their CBs knew that he had to deliver quickly and jumped routes. If Rex consistently gets time to deliver, he will.

Also, Des Clark may not be the best TE in the league, but he's near Pro-Bowl quality. Drafting WRs in the first round really hasn't worked for anybody lately.

There are of course exceptions to every rule, but tackle seems to be one of the better uses of a first round pick across the board.

by tacologic on Jan 4, 2007 1:14 PM CST up reply actions

If we can get a rookie tackle

who can start now or one through FA that upgrades our line I am all for it, I just don't see one that will be able to take over now.

by Adam T on Jan 5, 2007 7:51 AM CST up reply actions

Angelo

Angelo has my blessing now that he has thrown my idea of "Draft a TE, bring in Randle El" back in my face.

That said, the Bears conceivably can pick "the best player on the board" with regard to a variety of positions. I put their needs in this order

OL -desperate need to get younger
CB - groom someone when either Tillman or Vasher doesn't get re-signed. (at this point, I'm letting Vasher walk)
OLB - Ideally you franchise Briggs and groom the pick for a year, getting him ready for '08
S - If Mike Brown could stay healthy for 10 minutes, this wouldn't be a problem. I would go in this direction around the 3rd round
TE - Clark is getting old and I believe has a year or two left after this year. I'd look for this around the 4th round
WR - Because Moose is also getting old. Not that much of a desperation yet
QB - Grossman will probably get re-signed but if Angelo falls in love with the likes of either Drew Stanton or Troy Smith, he could possibly let Grossman play his ass off for a contract (with someone else) next year and groom someone

by SouthernSlam on Jan 3, 2007 11:56 AM CST reply actions

Inevitably

somebody will want to move up to the bottom of the first to get somebody that they value or that has slipped. I say we offer it up, move into the beginning or middle of the second round and pick up an extra pick down the way. I am all for giving JA a few more picks.

by Adam T on Jan 3, 2007 11:59 AM CST reply actions