Chicago Bears 2008 NFL Draft Needs
June 8, 2008
After a rough 2007 campaign, the Chicago Bears’ recent Super Bowl appearance seemed like a distant memory. The Bears’ offense will almost certainly have a dramatically revamped look with open competition healthy for this team at quarterback and running back spots. A major reconstruction on the offensive line has to be in store as well. The defense finished ranked 28th in yardage allowed after finishing fifth in 2006. This dominant unit from previous seasons must undergo some dramatic changes if the Bears are to become a playoff-caliber team this season. ‘07 Rookies Greg Olsen and Trumaine McBride had their moments, but the overall draft didn’t make much of an impact. In free agency the Bears’ two biggest pickups in S Adam Archuleta and DT Darwin Walker turned out to be major busts. One thing is certain, the Bears can’t do much worse in the offseason than they did last year. Here is a look at Larry’s 2008 Chicago Bears Draft Preview along with some team needs.
2008 Chicago Bears NFL Draft Needs:
1.) Offensive Tackle
The best-case scenario for the Bears is to either find a Day One starter through the NFL Draft or through free agency. OLT John Tait will be moving to right tackle, a position he has played well earlier in his career. Fred Miller isn’t expected back at ORT after a horrible ‘07 season. With depth in short supply, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if the Bears actually make two draft picks at this valuable position.
2.) Running Back
When the Bears let Thomas Jones go they also let loose of a speedy back who could break tackles in the open field to yield big runs. Now they will be looking for that prototypical back on Draft Day that did the same things Jones did during the Bears ‘06 Super Bowl Run. Cedric Benson could not handle the load. Benson had just 3 runs longer than 20 yards last season. A season-ending leg injury in Week 12 last year makes Benson questionable at best heading into the season.
3.) Offensive Guard
Just as Miller isn’t expected to return at tackle, OLG Ruben Brown isn’t expected to be back either. Brown missed the last 8 games of the season after playing most of the year with just one arm. Sixth-year pro Terrence Mitchell struggled mightily in trying to replace Brown and figures to be expendable as well. 2007 draftee Josh Beekman is expected to compete for the starting job at left guard, but some more competition is always good for these NFL players.
4.) Safety
Archuleta was an accident waiting to happen all season at strong safety. In addition, Mike Brown suffered his third straight season-ending injury at free safety. Brown has become an injury risk that GM Jerry Angelo isn’t willing to take anymore.
5.) Wide Receiver
With Bernard Berrian signing with the Minnesota Vikings in the offseason, the Bears will be looking for that deep threat to compliment the over-the-middle skills of No. 1 WR Muhsin Muhammad. Muhammad is reaching the end of his career though, and Devin Hester hasn’t yet proven he can make the transition as a full-time wideout in this league. The Bears will most certainly look for a sleeper in the late rounds at the wide receiver position.
2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Offensive Scheme:
Head coach Lovie Smith prefers the run-first philosophy that got the Bears to the Super Bowl just two years ago. Chicago doesn’t have a proven quarterback, so being able to run the ball this season is essential. It all start up front with the offensive line. By having a strong running game, it will open up the offense for a strong West Coast passing offensive that can take shots downfield and spread the ball around underneath. OLT Jeff Otah of Pittsburgh will likely be the Bears’ first draft pick. If not then RB Jonathan Stewart of Oregon could step in right away in the backfield if the Bears are to go that route. OLT Chris Williams of Vandy, ORG Chilo Rachal of USC, WR Dexter Jackson of Appalachian State and QB Jon David Booty of USC will all be on the Bears’ radar.
2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Defensive Scheme:
The Bears’ keys to a successful defense have always been swarming the ball, forcing turnovers and playing smart while maintaining gaps in their classic cover-2. The interior D-line applies the pressure, while opening up play-making opportunities for their active Linebackers in Brian Urlacher and company. NT Sedrick Ellis of USC could be the one applying pressure in the middle this season if the Bears were to select this stud. SS Tyrell Johnson of Arkansas State, DT Trevor Laws of Notre Dame, DE-OLB Bryan Smith of McNeese State, WLB Ali Highsmith of LSU and FS Thomas DeCoud of Cal will be some names you might see the Bears use a few of their 2008 NFL Draft picks on.
