Come To Think of It...Previewing the Chicago Bears First-Round Draft Needs

With the 18th selection in the 2009 NFL draft, the Chicago Bears select....

Well, that's the question. NFL draft guru Mel Kiper projects that the Bears will pick DE Tyson Jackson from LSU. But nobody knows for sure what the brain trust are thinking.

Yes, the Chicago Bears hold the 18th selection in April's NFL draft. Despite a season that surprised many by almost resulting in a playoff berth, the Bears needs are plenty.

So let's try and break down their needs, and who might be available for the Monsters when they're on the clock with their first round selection on April 25th in New York.

Where do the Bears need the most help?

Oh, where do we start? Well, at least running back isn't a pressing need, for the first time in years, due to the emergence of Matt Forte. They do need depth there. so expect one of the later draft picks to be spent on someone they can bring along slowly. In the meantime, I expect the Bears to be active in the free agent market for a veteran backup.

The Bears have focused the majority of their recent payroll on defense.  Not surprisingly, since Lovie Smith is a defensively oriented coach, and these are the Bears after all. Yet, glaring needs have emerged. 

Safety

Here is one area of definite need for our Bears. Longtime Bears stalwart safety Mike Brown is likely to leave the team. He's been terrific when healthy, but can't be counted on to stay that way. So expect the Bears to move on, which leaves a significant hole at the position.

Now, whether the Bears will spend their first round pick on safety is very questionable. But they will draft a safety at some point in the early rounds. If not first round, then likely the second or third rounds.

It used to be that safeties didn't have to be as proficient at cornerback. Not so anymore. Nowadays, it is nice if your safety can also be a corner (player analysis contributed by ESPN.com "Scouts Inc") 

Louis Delmas, Western Michigan, Rashad Johnson, Alabama

Delmas and Johnson aren't as big as some of the other prospects but you wouldn't know it from watching them on the field. They were by far the most complete players of the group. Delmas displays above-average range in coverage and he isn't afraid to throw his 197-pound frame around when filling in run support. Johnson rarely gets caught out of position and he, too, fills hard when he reads run.

Defensive End

Another area of need for the Bears is the pass rush. One of the reasons that Charles Tillman looked so bad at times last year was the lack of a pass rush. It is especially critical in a cover-2 scheme.

Mark Anderson looks like his rookie year was a fluke, so DE is a position the Bears very well may explore with their first round selection.

Everette Brown, Florida State, Tyson Jackson, LSU

Brown has a smooth outside-in move that uses a subtle head fake, has great leaping ability and as a run defender shows the athleticism to recover when he makes a bad read. He has the speed and athletic ability to make the move to outside linebacker at the next level a possibility. His one weakness is that when he gets to the quarterback he is sometimes too intent on stripping the ball and does not concentrate enough on getting the quarterback to the ground.

Jackson has excellent all-around size, is tall and well-proportioned. Speed is adequate for such a massive DE prospect but below average for the position. He needs to show a more consistent motor on the field. However, he is considered by the coaches to be one of the core leaders on LSU's football team.

Wide Receiver

Despite GM Jerry Angelo's statements to the contrary, another area of need for the Bears is at the wideout position. They currently lack a true #1 WR, although it's doubtful one will emerge from this draft. The best two, Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech) and Jeremy Maclin (Missouri), won't be available when the Bears pick, so expect them to wait until a later round to pick one (or two).

One intrguiing name that could be there, if he drops on draft day, is Florida's Percy Harvin. But if someone doesn't grab him sooner, the New York Jets almost certainly will with the 17th pick. so we'll act as if he won't be there.

Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina, Derrius Heyward-Bay, Maryland

Nicks was limited to six receptions and zero touchdowns in first three games because of a hip injury, but then emerged as a top wideout. He has a thick body who uses his strength to bully smaller defensive backs. He has just average speed, however.

Heyward-Bay is extremely fast, and has excellent punt and kick return skills. Not very strong, he can get jammed at the line easily.

Offensive Tackle

The Bears line played much better than most anticipated last season, and they certainly hope that last year's top pick Chris Williams will emerge as a starter on the left side now that he's healthy.

But a right offensive tackle of the future needs to be groomed behind John Tait. It is doubtful they will use their first round pick on a tackle, but we'll explore the better ones anyway.

William Beatty, Connecticut, Eben Britton, Arizona

Beatty is very athletic for a big man, though he plays on the left side, while the 6'6" Junior Britton has actually played on the right side his first two years.

Conclusion

With so many needs, the Bears will have their hands full come draft day, come to think of it.