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2009 NFL Mock Draft: Chicago Bears

Written March 31, 2009 by Black Widow

bears-draft-needs The Bears clearly exceeded expectations last season, finishing 9-7 after being considered by most as a sub-.500 team before the season. Second-Round RB Matt Forte emerged on the scene as one of the best running backs in the NFC. It’s actually the Bears’ defense now that is the biggest frustration after under-achieving in back-to-back seasons now. It ranked 21st in total yards allowed and 30th in passing yards allowed. One more year without a playoff berth would certainly put GM Jerry Angelo and head coach Lovie Smith on the hot seat next offseason. Let’s take a look at the top five needs for this team to get back on top.

1.) Wide Receiver – Devin Hester signed a lucrative long-term contract extension last year and made steady progress. But he’s still far from a No. 1 receiver at this stage, and the Bears could really use a No. 1 via the draft, trade or in free agency. Other than Hester, the Bears’ current WR corps is far from spectacular. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (Maryland), WR Brian Robiskie (Ohio State), WR Mike Thomas (Arizona). The DC Sports Page is also predicting the Bears first pick in the draft will be Heyward-Bey.

2.) Defensive End – A consistent pass rusher off the edge is likely the team’s second-biggest priority. The Bears finished 29th in the league last season in sack percentage. That’s because DE Adewale Ogunleye and DE Mark Anderson posted subpar numbers. Anderson has experienced a major decline in production since registering 12 sacks in his rookie season two years ago, and Ogunleye may be deemed expendable. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: DE Aaron Maybin (Penn State), DE Henry Melton (Texas).

3.) Offensive Line – In need of a tackle to replace 33-year old ORT John Tait, the Bears will likely look to snatch one in the first three rounds of this year’s draft. Starting C Olin Kreutz is also beginning to show his age. John St. Claire did a decent job at left tackle after replacing first-round draft pick Chris Williams, who suffered a back injury that required surgery the second day of training camp. But St. Claire is a free agent, and because the Bears have ignored the line for so long in the draft before picking up Williams No. 1 last season, the depth at every spot on the O-Line is not what it needs to be. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: OT Andre Smith (Alabama), OT Phil Loadholt (Oklahoma), OT Garrett Reynolds (North Carolina).

4.) Defensive Back – CB Nate Vasher has only played 9 games the last 2 seasons, and S Mike Brown suffered an injury for the 5th straight season last year. Both are question marks again entering the offseason because of their knack for getting injured. CB Charles Tillman could be moved to free safety to find room for a new starting corner via draft to pair with Corey Graham. They also could draft a free safety with good speed and awareness which could allow Kevin Payne to move back to his natural position at strong safety. Either way, there is a need to shore up the secondary. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: CB-FS Jairus Byrd (Oregon), S Patrick Chung (Oregon), S-CB Glover Quin (New Mexico), CB Bradley Fletcher (Iowa).

5.) Quarterback – Kyle Orton looked like the QB of the future for the Bears before suffering an ankle injury in Week Nine, and the Bears appear in no rush to sign him to a long-term extension. Backup Rex Grossman will likely be gone before the season starts, and the Bears aren’t sold on No. 3 QB Caleb Hanie. A late-round pick on a QB with potential will likely be utilized.

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