NFL Draft 2011: Grading Jerry Angelo's 2006 Draft for the Chicago Bears

It is unfair to judge a draft class from just one season, so I am leaving the 2010 Bears draft class out of this discussion.  But let’s take a look back on the last five drafts under current Chicago General Manager Jerry Angelo. From booms to bust, here are picks and the overall grades from those drafts.

2nd Round (No. 42 Overall): Danieal Manning, S, Abilene Christian

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 28: Danieal Manning #38 of the Chicago Bears fields a kick against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field on November 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Eagles 31-26. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

During the 2008-2009 season, Manning led the league in return average and number of 30+ yard returns, despite only starting half the season. He has only missed three games in five seasons with Chicago, seeing playing time at either free safety or the nickel cornerback position.

Manning continues to be an impact player and provides a spark on kickoffs if Devin Hester isn’t back there returning kicks.

Pick grade: B

2nd Round (No. 57 Overall): Devin Hester, CB, Miami

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Chicago Bears Devin Hester returns a kick during a game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, Il on December 17, 2006. The Bears won 34 - 31 in overtime. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Do I even have to say anything? Hester is the best return man in the game, and arguably the best all-time at returning kicks. Hester owns the record for most punt/kickoff returns in a career with 14. That doesn’t include the 108-yard missed field goal return against the Giants or the opening kickoff return of Super Bowl XLI.

Hester has transitioned to a wide receiver, but still is the most dangerous person to kick it to in a game. Even if he doesn’t score, he gives the Bears good field position.

Pick grade: A

3rd Round (No. 73 Overall): Dusty Dvoracek, DT, Oklahoma

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 02: Dusty Dvoracek #98 of the Chicago Bears celebrates after making a tackle against the Detroit Lions during the game at Soldier Field on November 2, 2008 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Lions 27-23. (Photo by Jeff Gross

Never really saw the field for Chicago. Dvoracek was always injured and never recovered from tearing his ACL. There was potential for Dvoracek, but he never had a chance to display it.

Pick grade: D (being generous here because you can’t predict injuries)

5th Round (No. 159 Overall): Mark Anderson, DE, Alabama

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CHICAGO - SEPTEMBER 12: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions is hit after throwing a pass by Mark Anderson #97 of the Chicago Bears during the NFL season opening game at Soldier Field on September 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Dani

After his breakout rookie season with 12 sacks, it looked like Anderson was going to be a late-round stud for the Bears. He was a major reason why Chicago went 13-3 that year and made it to the Super Bowl.

Unfortunately for Anderson and the Bears, his rookie season was his best season. He only accumulated 9.5 sacks over the next four seasons in Chicago.

Pick grade: C+ 

Draft Class Grade

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CHICAGO - DECEMBER 17: Kick/punt returner Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears pumps up the crowd against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers December 17, 2006 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears won 34-31. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Everyone expected the Bears to draft a wide receiver or tight end to upgrade a pitiful offense. Instead, Lovie Smith and Jerry Angelo decided to trade away Chicago's first-round pick and grab five defensive players instead.

Hester's name will probably stay in the record books forever and Manning is still a good-looking safety, but beyond that this is a pretty average draft. Chicago missed big time on Greg Jennings (taken five picks before Hester), Owen Daniels (taken 26 picks after Dvoracek) and Brandon Marshall (taken one pick before the Bears landed Jamar Williams), any of whom could've been the difference in their Super Bowl loss to the Indianapolis Colts later that season.  

(Other players from this draft include fourth rounder Jamar Williams, who has seen limited action as a backup linebacker and sixth rounders Tyler Reed and J.D. Runnels).

Overall draft grade: B