Chicago Bears Draft Do's and Don'ts

The Chicago Bear's scouting department was out in full force this past weekend in Indianapolis for the recent NFL draft combine, prodding, poking, measuring, listening to, and above all else, judging.   Judging each and every prospect that walked through the RCA dome's doors that had NFL contract dreams in tow.

To the public eye, the Bears have not been on the same page with general manager Jerry Angelo almost frothing at the mouth for quarterback competition, while head coach Lovie Smith is still staying loyal in his commitment to develop, and start, last year's signal caller Kyle Orton.

Whether you are on the side of finding someone new, or in the camp that finally wants to see a quarterback developed here in Chicago, it doesn't matter.  What does matter is that the powers that be finally get on the same page, and make that decision for themselves, and the future of this organization. 

It seems ridiculous that the future employment of Lovie Smith and Jerry Angelo could hinge on whether or not Orton can develop a deep passing game, but that's the way it might end up.  However, there are some definite do's and don'ts this team must abide by in the draft, regardless of the quarterback position.

Do - Find out everything you can about Alabama's premier left tackle, Andre Smith.  Smith was the talk of the combine this past weekend, because he left in the middle of it without any word as to why.  This type of behavior left NFL general manager scratching their heads, as well as Smith's draft stock plummeting down as if he were shares of Microsoft.  

Smith, a former sure fire top five pick, now might be available for the Bears at number 18.  Angelo and Chicago’s scouts must dig as deep as they can to ask some very tough questions. 

Why were you suspended for your team's bowl game?  How much did your college coach Nick Saban play a part in keeping you on the straight and narrow in college?  Why did you leave the combine?  Why weren't you in shape for the combine?  How much does your weight usually fluctuate? 

If Angelo and company can get the answers they want, then Smith becomes a no brain-er pick at 18.

Don’t- Let the media and scouts nitpicking of All-American tackle Michael Oher cloud your judgment.   If by some miracle he is still on the board by the time the bears pick at 18, he is a must take. 

Teams in the top 10 can afford to be overly cautious because of the big money slotted to the top ten picks; however teams with a glaring need for a tackle, like the Bears, can’t afford to pass up on a guy who gave up zero sacks in his senior season in the SEC.

Do – take long hard looks at late round receiving prospects.  This draft is deeper at wide out and running back then it is at safety and defensive end, two other needs for the ball club. Third round prospects like:

LSU’s Demetrius Byrd; 6’3 200pd smooth athlete who is a vertical threat and isn’t afraid to go across the middle to make a tough catch.

Florida’s Louis Murphy; 6’3 205pd receiver who wasn’t the main option in Florida’s aerial attack, he was a productive receiver with a lot of upside and speed.

Texas’ Quan Crosby; 1200 yard, 10 touchdown senior campaign helped lead the Long Horns to a Fiesta Bowl win.

Rice’s Jarred Dillard; a consistent target in college; racking up over 4,000 yards and 60 touchdowns.

and Nevada’s Marko Mitchell 6‘4 200lb wide out who put up back to back 1,000 yard seasons, and 18 touchdowns over the course of his college career.

All could end up being better pros then those in the so called elite first round class this year.

Don’t – Fall in love with someone who looks like Tarzan but plays like Jane.  Pass rushers like Michael Johnson and Larry English sure look great in the weight room, but on film they aren’t every down type of defensive ends this team needs.

English’s body is to slight and could get rag dolled going up against 300pd + tackles, while Johnson is known as a spot player who doesn’t give 100% every snap.  

Neither would be good choices early on, even though the Bears are struggling to get a consistent pass rush, trying to manufacture one isn’t a good idea either.  Top tier talent like Orakpo and Brown figure to be gone before the Bears get a chance at them.

Do – Grab a QB for the future.  Even if Angelo and Smith actually get on the same page about Orton, it is always smart to have a backup plan.  Whether it’s USC’s Mark Sanchez in the first round, or Rhett Bomar in the third, or even taking a risk for a hybrid prospect like Pat White, it’s always a good thing to give yourself,  and your team,  options to work with.

Don’t – Let the draft get away from you.  Every year there is a run early on a particular position.  Don’t be the team that is left out looking at what might have been once Mr. Irrelvent’s, the last pick in the draft, name is getting called.  Be active in this draft, trading up and trading down.  Getting multiple picks that will give you leeway and more options once camp starts. 

If the Bears can follow this path then it could be a very successful one, filling multiple holes on the team in just two days.  If not, it could be another long season of mediocre play.  Let’s hope for the former.