Chicago Bears: What Do They Need in 2009?

The NFL Draft is important for every team, because this is really where teams build contenders. Free agency is good for plugging holes in your roster and maybe you'll get one or two star players, but every year in the draft you have the opportunity to pick a handful of star players.

Like everyone can say, there's no such thing as a sure thing, but sometimes you just get lucky. Guys like Peyton Manning, Walter Jones, Jonathon Ogden, Brian Urlacher, Ray Lewis, those are some cornerstones for your franchise.

Now, as a Bears' fan, we're not looking at a top five or 10 pick, but we're still looking to improve our team. We'll probably be in the teens like last year, or maybe we get lucky and get a playoff spot and we'll be in the 20s. However, here are the Bears' biggest needs this off-season.

1. WR- The Bears lost their top two receivers last year in Berrian and Muhammad. Their top receivers now are Brandon Lloyd and Devin Hester. While I disagree with Hester being a No. 1, he should be moved in the slot. They also need more overall talent because Rashied Davis is a poor option.

2. S- Danieal Manning was supposed to be in this spot when the Bears decided to draft him in 2006 in the 2nd round, but he was thoroughly disappointing and was moved to nickel back. Kevin Payne is a nice option and looks like he could develop into a player like Mike Brown, who is actually going to be a free agent this year. While he is still tenacious in the run game and stayed pretty healthy this year, he still has those lingering health issues and he's on the wrong side of 30. A player like Taylor Mays from USC would make this defense tenacious.

3. DE- While the Bears may seem well at DE with Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye, they have a poor pass rush all season. Mark Anderson looked spectacular his rookie year, but struggled last year as a starter and wasn't as effective as a pass rusher. Also, the depth is terrible because 2007 2nd-rounder Dan Bazuin was cut before this season. The Bears need a relentless pass rusher, and finding one early is necessary.

4. RT- John Tait is long in the tooth and the Bears have no depth beyond him. They drafted Chris Williams in the first round last year, and it makes one wonder as to why they won't play the rookie, especially now that he's healthy. However, Jerry Angelo needs to finally draft a decent lineman--something he hasn't done for the longest time.

5. HB- Yes, Matt Forte has been everything and then some for the Bears, but he's just a man; he's going to need some rest. The Other Adrian Peterson is adequate, but I would love for the Bears to get another young stud to really help bring back Chicago Bears' football. Garrett Wolfe is a decent option, but he's more cut out for special teams.