Chicago Bears: A Rudderless Ship

So where do the Bears go from here?

Drafting a quarterback is always a risky idea, one the Bears haven't done very well since Sid Luckman joined the team. This year could prove just as tempestuous as the Bears pick 18th and even the best quarterbacks are no sure thing.

The highest rated quarterback according to Pro Football Weekly's list is 52 overall. Granted underclassmen like Florida QB Tim Tebow and Oklahoma's Sam Bradford haven't made their intentions known yet, but even those two are no sure thing.

The best option at quarterback could be if the Arizona Cardinals decide to part ways with Kurt Warner and turn to Matt Leinart. Warner has about two good years left in him and hopefully that would give the NCAA a couple of years to produce somebody to salivate over.

At offensive line, guard is the most pressing position and possible free agency options include Washington's Pete Kendall and New England's Russ Hochstein. The Patriots have already used their "Franchise Player" tag on QB Matt Cassel, so Hochstein might just be available.

If these players hit the market, they have to be very attractive over drafting and grooming a young player.

At Wide Receiver, there is no clear No. 1 receiver tabbed to be a free agent, so look for the Bears to address this with their first pick. A player like Maryland's Derrius Heyward-Bey would be a great choice here if he's available.

The Bears lacked a pass rush terribly last season and if Carolina's Julius Peppers hits the market, he has to be someone the Bears make a good effort to land.

Safety is another concern as the oft-injured Brown is another year older, Kevin Payne hasn't set the world on fire, and Craig Steltz is an unknown quantity. If Taylor Mays from USC is available at 18, that may trump the wide receiver pick.

However, if I know Angelo, he'll be satisfied with the mediocrity and ignore this position.

All in all, the Bears should have options. Warner and Peppers should be priorities if they hit the market.

Unfortunately, no infusion of talent will suddenly enable the Bears to get out of their own way. Out of all these possible moves, the only one that is absolutely necessary is the one they won't make: Firing Babich.

Smith better hope Babich doesn't become to him what John Shoop was to Dick Jauron.

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