NFL Draft 2011: Time to Bear Down on the Five Biggest Bears Draft Needs
As we get closer to this years draft, there is perhaps no more peculiar team than the Chicago Bears. The last time we saw them, they almost came back improbably against a Packers team that for nearly three and a half quarters, dominated them. Eventually the Bears, being led by backup Caleb Haine, lost 21-14.
When a team advances to the NFC Championship like the Bears did, it almost always means a team is just a few players away from winning a Super Bowl. Yet many will say the Bears got as far as they did with smoke and mirrors.
Though they finished 11-5, and even had a bye, the Bears had the worst offensive line in football, a very mediocre running game and precious few quality defensive lineman beyond Julius Peppers. They also defeated the Seattle Seahawks, the only team in NFL history to play in the Divisional Playoff round with a losing record.
While the Bears enjoyed success in 2010, the fact is this team has more questions than answers heading into 2011. This draft could determine whether the Bears are going to remain a contender or a flash in the pan.
Offensive Line
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There was no worse part of the Bears team last year than its porous offensive line. The Bears line allowed a league worst 56 sacks last year, including a record nine in one HALF against the Giants early in the season.
It really should not have surprised many at their struggles given that the line wasn't exactly world class in 2010. The only addressing the Bears did towards improving it last offseason was by drafting J'Marcus Webb in the seventh round. Webb appears to have been a find, but his raw ability and inexperience were a liability for much of the season.
The rest of the line have been disappointments like Chris Williams, or are aging like Olin Kreutz.
It is absolutely vital that the Bears draft several lineman.
Defensive Line
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Julius Peppers was arguably the NFL's defensive MVP last year. If you look at his numbers, they might not strike fear into the opponent as he had eight sacks, three forced fumbles and two interceptions.
Consider though that Peppers faced constant double teams and fellow lineman who were by and large a group of backups and players picked up from the scrap heap. Peppers made his teammates better. Israel Idonije, who in seven previous seasons had eight career sacks, doubled his career total by getting another eight in 2010 alone.
However, if the Bears line wants to be truly dominant they need to draft one if not two new linemen, specifically defensive tackles. Tommie Harris was once their franchise tackle but after numerous injuries turned him into a shell of his former self, the team released him this offseason.
With Harris now gone the Bears need to find his replacement, and soon.
Running Back
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The Bears signed Chester Taylor last year to help take the load off of Matt Forte. Sadly, the best part about the signing is it seemed to hinder the running game of the rival Vikings, who had to wait half the season before Toby Gerhart could learn the NFL ropes.
Taylor was a disappointment last year, running the ball 112 times for a paltry 267 yards, just 2.4 yards per carry. He did catch the ball 20 times for 139 yards, but his 406 total yards and three touchdowns is not what they expected out of him.
There is talk the Bears may release him. If that's the case, then finding a running back to truly compliment Forte is very important. While the fans can moan about why the offensive line could not protect Cutler, another reason why defenses teed off on their quarterback is the running game combined averaged less than four yards per carry.
While Forte is a very serviceable inside runner and pass catcher, the Bears could use a little speedster to get slice through the defense like a hot knife on butter.
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Linebacker
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This may seem like an odd area of need for the Bears, but while they've had tremendous stability with Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, the other outside linebacker position has been a rotating door. Pisa Tinoisamoa was the most recent player to hold the position, but constant injuries necessitated backups like Nick Roach to play there. Prior to him it was former bears like Hunter Hillenmeyer and Jamar Williams.
With Urlacher not getting any younger and no stability at the outside linebacker spot, this is a position the Bears need to address this draft and try to find someone to start with the two Bears legends before it's too late.
Wide Receiver
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The Bears depth at wide receiver can be described as having No. 1 one threat, but having four No. 2 and No. 3 receivers. The Bears have two small and speedy ones in Devin Hester and Johnny Knox, and a possession receiver in Early Bennett, not to mention a very serviceable tight end in Greg Olsen and receiver threat in Matt Forte.
However, after the disappointment of Devin Aromashodu, the Bears are quite thin at the receiver position. After much promise at the end of 2009, many felt Aromashodu could be the next potential No. 1 receiver. But his inability to play the slot, and reluctance to learn how put him on the bench and likely gave him a one way ticket out of Chicago.
What the Bears now need is a large receiver who can be counted on in the red zone. The Bears have the talent between the 20 yard lines. However, Jay Cutler has never had a big body target he could rely on when it came to fade routes into the end zone.
Using a mid round draft pick on a receiver that's no shorter than 6'3" would be a wise move for this team moving forward.
The Next Question
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...is who this team will draft.
Who do you feel are the best choices at these positions?
When should the Bears focus on them in the draft?
Tell me what you think!
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