Well, the Chicago Bears' 2008 draft has come and gone. They needed a solid draft in order to shore up some holes on the team and answer some questions.
1. Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
I know that both Branden Albert and Jeff Otah were both on the board at the time, but the Bears were more comfortable with Williams. He's a classic LT, and he is a very good pass and run-blocker. He does play with intensity; he's just smart about it. Basically, he's a day-one starter, and hopefully a eight to 10 year fixture. Grade: A
2. Matt Forte, HB, Tulane
I was very excited about this pick because of the potential of getting possibly Sweed, Kelly, Brohm, or Henne. When I heard Gene Washington call Forte, I nearly threw my cell phone.
Don't get me wrong: He's a tough-nosed football player who the Bears fell in love with, but he wasn't the best value. However, when I went back and read up on him, I kinda fell in love with the kid too.
He's a move-the-chains running back, and does an excellent job as a receiver and pass-blocker...maybe a bigger, not as shifty version of Thomas Jones? Either way, he has a chance to dethrone Cedric in the fall, if Cedric is even worthy. Grade: B+
3a. Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
A really great pick in my eyes. Bennett is an intelligent football player with good size and toughness. He's not afraid to go over the middle, and he's a good blocker. However, can he create separation in the NFL? Some people were comparing him to Hines Ward...I'll buy that. Grade: A-
3b. Marcus Harrison, DT, Arkansas
One thing I just realized: All four of these players come from the South and three are SEC guys...typical Lovie Smith.
I really like this kid. He had a good junior year, and he has potential to be a great rotational three-technique behind Tommie Harris. Our DT depth last year was horrendous, as we had to pick up Matt Toeneia (who looked good) and Jimmy Kennedy off the streets. Grade: B+
4. Craig Steltz, S, LSU
I love this pick. Steltz is a throwback safety who can fill the box and is very instinctive.
However, he's not great in coverage, which raises the question about the system he'll be playing with. That being said, I feel his knowledge for the game will allow him to be in perfect position to make plays, and he has a chance to contribute immediately because he is everthing that Danieal Manning isn't. Grade: A-
5a. Zachary Bowman, CB, Nebraska
Hmmm...a tricky pick. We seem extremely deep at the CB position, especially with the return of Corey Graham, but it appears that Ricky Manning, Jr. and his huge contract will be playing elsewhere.
Bowman has top-20 talent but has been bothered by his bad knees the past two years. If he can get healthy and close to 100 percent, he could push for some serious time in the nickel package. Grade: B
5b. Kellen Davis, TE, Michigan State
4 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Harish Sriram about 1 year ago
i whole heartedly agree
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Kevin Smith about 1 year ago
Dude what do u think about no Qb in this draft i mean passin on Brohm, Henne, and Woodson. Do u think they still have faith in rex. I been a chi fan my whole life, but personally rex is goin nowhere fast and a veteran Qb could set up another superbowl appearence.
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Jack Frost about 1 year ago
Sorry, but I give the Bears a D for this draft - as in "DUMB". The OL will not get better until we get a QB and a RB that teams have to respect. We didn't draft either. Drafting Bowman to save money on Manning is a typical Bears move - save $$$ and don't bother to spend on other free agents. Like the safety, but we wouldn't have needed to spens a 4th round pick on him if we hadn't given away Chris Harris for a 5th rounder - STUPID.
No QB, OL drafted too high, several wasted picks. Worst draft in the division, maybe in the NFC...
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Spencer Taylor about 1 year ago
I pretty much liked the draft, although I felt they really should have gone after Rashard Mendenhall. He knows Ron Turner from his coaching at Illinois, plus he's a hometown guy. People in Chicago would eat that up, not to mention he's a talented back with Turner's style pre-installed. Forte looks talented, don't get me wrong, but I just can't help in thinking there was a big miss here.
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