Meet Your 2009 Chicago Bears Draft Picks!

 Here are your 2009 NFL Draft picks!

Let's run down our new prospects. All videos are courtesy of CloudyFuture.

 Jarron Gilbert, DT, San Jose State
Height: 6'5" ¼       Weight: 288 lbs. 

Combine: 4.87 (40); 28 reps (bench); 35 ½" (vertical); 9-11 (broad); 7.70 (cones); 4.56 (shuttle)

Breakdown (Fantasy Football Toolbox):

Gilbert gained fame when he made the now famous YouTube video in which he showed his athleticism by jumping out of the shallow section of a swimming pool in just one motion. He was very productive in college and was the Western Athletic Conference's co-defensive player of the year after registering 22 tackles for loss with 9.5 sacks.

Gilbert was the most impressive player at the San Jose State Pro Day. He ran a 4.76 40, which was faster than the 5.00 scouts projected. He has a good size/weight ratio and is very athletic and always in motion. Quick in and out of his stand, Gilbert is very flexible (can play inside or outside). He has good range and moves well in the second level.

However, Gilbert lacks mental toughness. He is still very raw and just needs more experience. He played most of his career as a defensive tackle, but has gotten by with pure athleticism against lesser opponents. His level of competition is a legitimate concern. Despite speed and agility, Gilbert moves awkward laterally. He also does not slide fluidly and tends to lose focus on inside plays.

Gilbert is a physical phenomenon; Big, strong and now, fast. The Spartan senior put up a show at the 2009 East-West Shrine Game. He followed his impressive showing with an even better one at the NFL Combine. Gilbert is a good third round pick who could pan out in the long run.

Video: Video 1; Video 2 

San Jose State fan's take (BaronVonCurrentEvents): Anyway, Gilbert is a hell of a pick for the Bears. I was hoping he'd last until the 49ers' pick in the third round because he'd be excellent for their needs. He's extremely athletic and fast and has great size. San Jose State's defense was their strongest suit last season and Gilbert was the anchor of the D. He's used to the 4-3, so he should fit in just fine. Since he was a round 1 or 2 talent, you guys should consider this at least a minor steal. Keep in mind I'm a bit biased because I go to San Jose State, but I'm so proud of my guys getting drafted. With Gilbert and CB Christopher Owens going to Atlanta in the third round, my crappy school already has two guys drafted.

WCG's Take: I know it surprised a lot of people and I think most of us have come to terms with this and are ok with it. The Bears reportedly had a player they thought they could get at 49, but the Raiders picked him 2 in front of us, so we traded out. We then pick up one of the top guys left on Day 2.

Angelo traded for Cutler and he got him two new receivers later, so at this spot he stuck to Bears football. Last year we could not get to the QB and we could not stop the run without using our linebackers. We brought in Rod Marinelli to coach up our D-line and now Lovie is going to call the defense. Angelo got those two a player they can work with and fit into the game where needed.

I don't know how he projects to the pros or what he will become, but despite the need at other positions, I like the pick.

ChiFan13's Take: There is no doubt about Gilbert's athleticism. Regardless of where the Bears are going to play him, he offers some versatility. If injuries occur at either DE or DT, we will be able to plug Gilbert in. I expect him to play at DT, but the versatility is the key to me. Like every other third round prospect, he's going to need some coaching. Do not expect him to walk into camp and have a starting spot ready for him. Let Marinelli work his magic; I promise it will pay it off sooner rather than later.

Juaquin Iglesias, WR, Oklahoma
Height: 6'0"7/8      Weight: 210 lbs.

Combine: 4.54 (40); 34 ½" (vertical); 9-8 (broad); 4.40 (shuttle)

ChiFan13's Breakdown:

Pros: Great route-runner....no character issues....great vision after the catch....appears to take pride in his blocking....will not go down after the first hit....will go across the middle....above-average awareness along the sideline.

Cons: More quick than fast; will not be a deep threat....has some past fumbling issues....separation from corners at NFL level is a question mark.

Video: Video 1; Video 2; Video 3

Crimson and Cream Machine's Take (courtesy of Matt): Juaquin Iglesias led the Sooners last season in both receptions (74) and receiving yards (1,150) and was second in yards per reception (15.5) and touchdowns (10). He's got very good game speed and great hands. Playing in the shadow of Malcolm Kelly for three of his four years at Oklahoma we had seen glimpses of Iglesias' potential but in '08 he had his breakout year by becoming Sam Bradford's go to receiver.
 
Standing at an even 6-0 he most likely won't have the size to play on the outside but can be very dangerous from the slot and has proven that he only needs a little space to secure the ball.

WCG's Take: This is one of my favorite picks of our draft. I'm still reeling with all this talk about the Bears being on the phone with AZ about Boldin and not wanting to give up whatever else the Cards wanted, but I like this pick. In the SBN mock draft, I was considering Iglesias with our 2nd round pick. To get him with the 2nd 3rd round pick is value.

The thing I like the most about him is he has good hands. We have enough issues with dropped passes.  A few years back we had Moose, Hester has some issues, Davis got nicknamed based on his bad hands. The rumors that the Bears would take Massaquoi scared me. No way should we take anybody with questionable hands. Iglesias isn't a burner, but he doesn't need that. We have Hester. We need a possession guy and I think this could fill it.

ChiFan13's Take: "Iglesias is one of those players who you root for. He's a high-character individual who does a lot of little things right. The problem with drafting Iglesias is how he'll fit on an NFL team. He won't outrun anyone, which leaves him as a #4. If has a good 40 at the combine, his stock will dramatically rise."

That's what I wrote prior to the combine. I am thrilled with this pick. As WCG said, he's not a burner. He will not be a #1 or #2 WR. What he does do is run good routes and has great hands. He will be able to come into the Bears and help us immediately, which is something that Sir Jay desperately needs.

Henry Melton, DE, Texas
Height: 6'3"       Weight: 280 lbs.

40 time: 4.79 

Breakdown (SI):

POSITIVES: Relatively athletic defensive end with adequate size/speed numbers. Moves well on his feet, plays with balance, and fluid making plays in all directions of the field. Keeps his pads low to the ground, stays within his pass rush angles, and quickly gets into the backfield to disrupt the action. Works his hands throughout the play, and rarely off his feet.

NEGATIVES: Lacks top first-step quickness. Does not show a burst of speed. Raw at the position, and does too much thinking rather than playmaking.

ANALYSIS: After bouncing around as a reserve early in his Texas career, Melton may have finally found a home at defensive end. He possesses the build for a two-gap lineman, yet he is a developmental prospect who needs a lot of work on his overall game.

Video: Video 1

Burnt Orange Nation's take (courtesy of PB):

Melton didn't have the benefit of a redshirt year, playing right away at running back for Texas. Incredible speed for such a big body, but he wasn't cut for the tailback position (rushing instincts weren't great) and was moved to defensive end prior to his junior season. He was overshadowed by Brian Orakpo (#13 pick to Redskins) but played exceptionally well his senior year, garnering some all-conference mentions.

Chicago's getting a guy with tremendous physical tools whose played just two years at his position. He's the definition of high upside. A potential steal.

WCG's Take: I have to admit I know next to nothing on this guy, but I like the position.  It is never a bad idea to draft either side of the line. One more guy for Marinelli. Ogunleye has never lived up to his value. Mark Anderson is still a mystery. Alex Brown is the only guy we have that we know is a baller at that spot.

ChiFan13's Take: I like this pick for all the reasons PB mentioned. Do I think he was a bit of a reach? Yeah, but Jerry must have really wanted him. Melton is a guy who I compare to Danieal Manning in terms of being moved around throughout his career. Originally, he came to Texas as a RB. When Jamaal Charles started dominating, Melton was relegated to a spelling role. He was moved to DE his junior year and did fairly well. Is he a little raw? Yes. However, he's a physical specimen and I never heard anything negative about his coachability. Marinelli will work his magic and hopefully we'll have a mainstay DE.

D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
Height: 5'9"       Weight: 192 lbs.

Combine: 4.56 (40); 17 reps (bench); 39.5" (vertical); 9-10 (broad); 7.02 (cones); 4.28 (shuttle)

Breakdown (NFL):

Positives: Good upper body build for his size. Very quick to support the run or attack quick screens and passes in the flat. Quick reactions and instincts make him a natural in zone. Not contact shy, so receivers will expect to get hit on shorter routes. Sits on routes and closes very quickly to make quarterbacks pay if they birddog. Looks like he knows routes as well as the receiver does. Very good straight-line speed and will chase his teammates' receivers downfield. Tries to knock the ball out after securing the tackle. As a slot receiver, Moore has the strength to get off the line, elusiveness in the open field, reliable hands to adjust to poor throws and an ability to track the ball over either shoulder. Extremely quick feet on routes, accelerating past defenders. Uses those receiver skills after interceptions.

Negatives: Barely adequate height for a corner. Thin legs. Not asked to press much. Lack of size could make bringing down bigger and quicker NFL receivers tough when closing fast. Can be dominated by good blocking receivers. A bit slow to react when receiver stutters and heads up the field. May not have the recovery speed to catch up to quicker NFL receivers using fakes or double moves, and his aggressive style could also cost him in this regard. Doesn't always secure the ball or make good decisions on punt returns while trying to do too much.

Video: Video 1; Video 2; Video 3

WCG's Take: Another great value pick. I've seen him projected to go as high as the second. Is he a better pick than Sean Smith or Rashad Johnson? He is ranked higher than Smith on nfldraftcountdown. He is a shade under 5'9", but he has a nose for the ball and I think that fits very well with what we do on defense.

ChiFan13's Take: Moore's going to need some coaching. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. If he can be properly taught, I think this could be a borderline steal. He fell hard down draft boards after mediocre performances at the combine and his pro day, but I think he's a great pickup for us. If anything, he offers some depth.

Johnny Knox, WR, Abilene Christian
Height: 6'0"      Weight: 185 lbs.

Combine: 4.34 (40); 35" (vertical); 10-2 (broad); 6.81 (cones); 4.15 (shuttle)

Breakdown (NFL):

Positives: Adequate height with wiry upper body strength and good muscle definition in his arms. Not your typical slight small-school receiver. Good initial quickness off the snap to get into his route. Reliable hands; snatches the ball and adjusts to poor throws. Gets up to high-point and secure the catch. Sinks his hips and displays quick feet going into and out of routes. Has good vision and is elusive running in the open field. Works hard to block downfield, and will sustain and even dominate against smaller corners. Experienced as a punt returner.

Negatives: Thin through the hips and legs. Gets a lot of his yardage after short routes, screens and swing passes. Lacks elite speed or quickness, but had enough to be special at the FCS level. Easily tripped up in the open field. Does not switch the ball to the outside hand. Despite his strong effort, he lacks the bulk and strength to be effective against NFL defenders. Dances and runs backward too much after the catch or on returns -- will not get away with that at the next level.

Video: Video 1 

WCG's Take: Has very good speed. Should be an immediate help on special teams. Another guy with return skills. Really too small to be a big time NFL receiver, but with our inexperienced squad, who knows?

ChiFan13's Take: Knox is a quick guy who can be immediately used in ST and maybe as a slot WR. With that speed, I see him as a poor man's (and smokeless) Percy Harvin. However, I realize that Knox is very raw and will need some coaching before he sees the field, at least on offense.

Marcus Freeman, OLB, Ohio State
Height: 6'0"       Weight: 239 lbs.

Combine: 4.74 (40); 30 reps (bench); 37" (vertical); 9-5 (broad); 6.98 (cones); 4.12 (shuttle)

Breakdown (NFL):

Positives: A bit shorter than scouts would like, but a well-built athlete with room for additional mass. ... Instinctive defender who flows to the ball quickly. ... Athletic enough to elude blockers and make plays at or near the line of scrimmage. ... Reliable open-field tackler. ... Breaks down well and can drive the ballcarrier into the ground. ... Good awareness and speed in coverage. ... Gets good depth on his drops. ... Reads the quarterback's eyes and closes quickly. ... Excellent special teams player. ... Tough and plays through pain. ... Solid week of practice at the Senior Bowl.

Negatives: A bit smaller than scouts would like. ... Likes to avoid blockers rather than facing them up and struggles in disengaging. ... Lacks the bulk to hold up when targeted in the running game. ... Athletic in coverage, but seems content to allow the reception to be made and make a secure tackle, rather than breaking on the ball. ... Has struggled with durability: torn knee ligaments and a subsequent staph infection forced him to redshirt the 2005 season. Had his knee scoped following the 2007 season for a possible torn meniscus. Struggled through the 2008 season with a recurring ankle sprain.

Video: Video 1

We Will Always Have Tempe's Take (courtesy of Sam): In many ways, I consider Marcus Freeman a superior pro prospect to his former teammate James Laurinaitis. The Bears got a late round steal with this guy. Freeman is faster than Laurinaitis, he defeats blocks far better, and has the quickness and toughness to bring down any back for minimal yardage. He lacks, however, in football smarts at times; he has been known to bite on play-action on occasion, and can overpursue and get himself out of position to make the play. He just overthinks a little often, and I think that's why he dropped as he did. Nonetheless, Freeman is a pure athlete, and with the right coaching, he could develop into a lethal run stuffer for the Bears. He has all the tools one could ask for.

WCG's Take: Another good pick. Nfldraftcountdown has him as a 2nd or 3rd rounder.  The strong side is obviously one spot we haven't nailed down yet. Freeman has very good speed. He has the range and ability to cover a lot of space. Special teamer to start, but may have a shot at starting at some point.

ChiFan13's Take: Hey, I will never complain about getting great value out of a prospect. Freeman looks to have a lot of the tools to succeed. Again, it's not a sexy pick, but it's a necessary one. Freeman will help us on ST right away, and I wouldn't be surprised if he eventually displaces Hunter Hillenmeyer or Nick Roach, whoever the Sam backer ends up being.

Al Afalava, S, Oregon State
Height: 5'11"     Weight: 213 lbs.

Breakdown (NFL):

Positives: Good build for the position. Instinctive defender who reads the quarterback's eyes well and breaks on the ball. Very quick to read run and come up in support. Physical hitter who can be an intimidating presence over the middle. Reliable open-field tackler. Willing to take on blocks to make the play. Durable performer with experience at strong and free safety.

Negatives: May lack the speed and agility for NFL coverage. Makes most of his plays coming downhill and isn't the same playmaker with his back to the quarterback. Questionable deep speed. Lacks the hip flexibility to turn and run with receivers one on one. Rarely tested deep in this defense due to Oregon State's good pass rush and veteran press corners - both of whom will be drafted this April. Character red flag: Suspended for the first game of 2008 after he crashed his car into an empty bus shelter and left the scene on foot. Reached plea agreement to reduce original DUI, hit-and-run charges.

Video: Video 1 

WCG's Take: Again my one issue is we needed a safety. However, is this guy worth passing up Johnson or Clemons?

ChiFan13's Take: I have problems with this pick. I actually have huge problems with this pick. Afalava is a SS and we need a FS. Second, he was just recently arrested on a DUI charge. I know that Henry Melton did the same, but Melton did it during college and has stayed clean since. Afalava ran into a shelter and then ran. I don't like people who do that. Regardless, he'll be a good ST player and decent depth in our secondary.

Lance Louis, TE, San Diego State
Height: 6'3"      Weight: 300 lbs.

Breakdown (source):

Positives: Gets out and pulls well. Athletic. Quick feet.

Negatives: Needs work on angles and keeping his anchor. A project who may intrigue a team. Will probably need a year or two on a practice squad and NFL weight training.

WCG's Take: Coming soon

ChiFan13's Take: Y'all said it. We have Kellen Davis and a host of other people who can block. This was my big "duh" pick of the draft. 

Derek Kinder, WR, Pittsburgh
Height: 6'1"      Weight: 210 lbs.

Breakdown (SI):

POSITIVES: Nice-sized receiver who struggled making his way back from injury last year. Consistently looks the ball into his hands, makes the difficult over-the-shoulder reception, and not afraid to get vertical in a crowd for the catch. Possesses strong hands and pulls the fastball from the air. Comes back to the ball out of breaks, effectively using his frame to shield away opponents.

NEGATIVES: Marginally productive last season. Inconsistent as a blocker. Lacks the speed to get downfield separation.

ANALYSIS: Kinder possesses NFL size and displayed a lot of skill in the past. His game took a step back last year, and he must return to prior playing form for any chance to make a roster this summer.

Video: Video 1; Video 2

WCG's Take: Coming soon

ChiFan13's Take: I like this pick. We took a risk on a guy who was injured with an ACL injury. He has nice size and decent speed. If he doesn't work out, we didn't really lose anything.