The Aftermath: Grading the Chicago Bears' 2008 Draft

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

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