Chicago Bears 2007 Draft: How Many of the 9 Are Still on the Team?

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What is the main difference between the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers today? 

Both have about 90 years of football experience.  Both play in outdoor stadiums in the same climate. 

Why do the Packers look so good, while often the Bears struggle to look mediocre? 

The answer is the draft.  Ted Thompson is the best in the business with his draft picks.  Jerry Angelo is among the worst. 

Let's take a daily look back at Angelo's best and mostly worst picks, starting in 2007.

Round 1, Selection 31: Greg Olson

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Greg Olson was a hit for Jerry Angelo. 

He was a major contributor to the team from 2007-10 as a receiving tight end on a team hurting for talent at the receiver position. 

No coach will use footage of Olsen's blocking for teaching purposes, and Mike Martz likes tight ends that can block. 

This led to Olsen being traded to the Carolina Panthers in the offseason. 

Players left on the board when Olsen was selected include QB Kevin Kolb, WR Sidney Rice and LB LaMarr Woodley.

Round 2, Selection 62: Dan Bazuin

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Defensive end Dan Bazuin was placed on IR due to a knee injury and missed the 2007 season. 

He was waived before the 2008 season when he needed a second surgery on the same knee. 

He never played in an NFL game.

Round 3, Selection 93: Garrett Wolfe

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Running back Garrett Wolfe played for the Bears from 2007-10. 

He was a third option back that never received more than 31 carries or ran for more than 120 yards in any season. 

The Bears released Wolfe prior to the 2011 season.

Round 3, Selection 94: Michael Okwo

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Michael Okwo was a linebacker on the Bear's roster from 2007-08 and the Colts' roster in 2009. 

He never played in an NFL game.

Round 4, Selection 130: Josh Beekman

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Guard Josh Beekman was a member of the Bears from 2007-09. 

He started 20 games in three years for the Bears before being released prior to the 2010 season. 

The Colts picked him up in 2011—he hasn't yet played in an NFL game for the Colts.

Round 5, Selection 167: Kevin Payne

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Payne started 22 games from 2007-09 at the strong safety position. 

He was traded to the St. Louis Rams on April 28th, 2010 in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2011 draft. 

The Rams cut Payne due to injury the following September. 

The Carolina Panthers took a look at him prior to the 2011 season only to cut him on September 4th.

Round 5, Selection 167: Corey Graham

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Corey Graham is the only one of Angelo's 2007 draftees still on the Bear's roster. 

He started nine games back in 2008, but after that has been a backup at the cornerback position.

Round 7, Selections 221 & 241: Trumaine McBride and Aaron Brant

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Trumaine McBride contributed to the Bears secondary from 2007-09, until he was injured in the 2009 season opener and waived afterwards. 

He was picked up by the Cardinals for a season in 2010 and is currently on the Saints' roster.

Tackle Aaron Brant was released prior to the 2007 due to problems with his knees. 

He never played in an NFL game.

 

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