Come to Think of It: Analyzing Chicago Bears Options at Wide Receiver

First off, forget about Terrell Owens. Yes, T.O. would be a sexy move that would generate much interest. But it would also generate a ton of headaches. And I don't think he would be interested in coming to Chicago anyway.

Having said that, it is clear that the Bears need to do something to shore up the wide receiver position. The best course would include a combination of short term and longer term actions so that the team can contend this season and develop players for the near future. 

Bears GM Jerry Angelo said the QB position is the most important one to address. Yet, how can we effectively gauge Kyle Orton's abilities when he doesn't have the weapons he needs to be successful?

With that in mind, let's take a look at some of the options the Bears have, broken down by trades, free agency, and the draft. I have also included receiver grades as determined by ESPN.com. Only receivers graded as average starters or better were included in my analysis.

To give you an idea of how many lousy FA wideouts there are still unsigned, 27 are graded at less than 60, and were not included below.

I encourage your feedback, as always.

Free Agency

With the top receiver, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, already off the market, it is slim pickings here. Laveranues Coles just signed with the Bengals, so he is off the board as well.

We already briefly discussed the T.O. situation. Moving on, there aren't any #1 receiver-type options here. So let's see just what is available.

Despite being 37, Joey Galloway (64) can still be a viable option.

While being hampered by a foot injury in 2008, Galloway was limited to just 138 yards on 13 catches. However, in the three seasons prior, the Ohio State product had 202 catches for 3,358 yards. This averages out to around 67 catches and 1,119 yards per campaign.

The Patriots, however, are said to be interested in the former Buc.

Former Bear Bobby Engram (66) is out there. A 94-catch, 1,147-yard receiver in 2007, Engram could be a No. 2 or No. 3 wideout for the Bears. 

Other FA's available*:  Hank Baskett (60); Anontio Bryant -franchised (78); Mark Clayton (68); Ronald Curry (62); Mike Furrey (61); DJ Hackett (71); Marvin Harrison (80); Justin McCareins (61); Shaun McDonald (62); Lance Moore (69); Amani Toomer (65); Reggie Williams (65); Demetrius Williams (62)

(For comparison purposes, Terrell Owens is a 93, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh is a 83, while former Bear Brandon Lloyd is a 55)

*note: This list only reflects free agent receivers who are graded at 60 or higher by ESPN.com (those in bold are graded at 70 or higher).

Grades are as follows: 60 - 70: Average Starter; 70 - 80: Good Starter; 80 - 90: Outstanding Player;  90 - 100: Elite Player

Trades

One bold way to address their need at the receiver position would be to make a trade to move up in the draft in order to have a chance at one of the top three at the position,  Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech), Jeremy Maclin (Missouri), and Percy Harvin (Florida). There is an outside chance that Harvin could still be there when the Bears turn comes up, but it is doubtful.

To get an idea of how far the Bears would have to move up to get a shot at the top players at this position, draft guru Mel Kiper currently projects Crabtree to go No. 4 to Seattle, Maclin at No. 7 to Oakland, and Harvin at No. 17 (right before the Bears pick) to the Jets.

Torry Holt might be released soon, if he gets his wish, and if the Bears want to strike before the iron is hot, perhaps they could explore a trade for Holt. He shouldn't cost much, maybe a late round draft pick. Although Holt's better days are certainly behind him, he might be a decent return for the short run. 

Holt, 32, caught 64 passes for 796 yards and a career-low three touchdowns in 2008.

There have been rumors that the Cleveland Browns might trade Braylon Edwards, though it is doubtful there would be a match with the Bears.

The Cardinals are rumored to be willing to move Anquan Boldin for a defensive player plus a second round draft pick, which might be too much for the Bears given so many needs.

The Draft

I've always argued that taking the best player available, regardless of position, is the most prudent draft strategy. That said, there's no denying that the Bears will have to take a wideout or three at some point in this draft.

While the top receivers will be long gone by the time the Bears pick at No. 18, there will still be some good options available. As my Bleacher Report colleague Tab Bamford pointed out in a recent article, Darrius Heyward-Bey from Maryland could be there and would seem to be a solid selection.

However, wide receiver is such a crap shoot. Perhaps only QB is more challenging in terms of a team's ability to accurately project for success in the NFL.

And, given Angelo's comments, it is doubtful the Bears will use their first round pick on a wideout. Kiper has the Bears selecting DE Tyson Jackson from LSU with their first round pick.

Recognizing that, I see the team drafting a couple of receivers in the second and later rounds of the draft.

Among the players expected to be available when the Bears make their second pick are the talented but still-developing Kenny Britt (Rutgers), a possession-type No. 2 receiver such as Brian Robiskie (Ohio State), Juaquin Iglesias (Oklahoma) and, possibly Hakeem Nicks from North Carolina, if he slips for some reason. Of these, I would take Nicks if he is available.

In the later rounds, they should consider names like Penn State's Derrick Williams, who may slip since did not impress at the combine and his former teammate, Deon Butler, who is moving up because he has impressed with his speed. Abilene Christian's Johnny Knox, Ole Miss' Mike Wallace, and Oregon State's Sammie Stroughter all could go in the second round.

Receivers projected for rounds three and later include Georgia's Mohamed Massaquoi, Arizona's Mike Thomas, Florida's Louis Murphy, Rutgers' Tiquan Underwood, South Carolina's Kenny McKinley, BYU's Austin Collie, Ohio State's Brian Hartline, Boise State's Jeremy Childs, Rice's Jarett Dillard, Washington State's Brandon Gibson, Oklahoma's Manuel Johnson and Texas' Quan Cosby.