Well, as we sit at our desk's on the Monday after the draft the question in most people's minds, I imagine, is when did Danny Manning start playing football?
In all seriousness, I am interested in comparing the Bears' draft with the forecast I posted last week at this time. Before I begin, though, let me explain why this draft in particular will be very difficult to grade for several years. The pundits and fans like to assign grades to a draft based on the perception of how well as team helped itself - either by addressing a need or adding an explosive, "can't-miss" prospect. Well, how in the world do you do that if you don't believe any of the players the Bears selected will be a starter for at least 1-3 years? For the first time in my memory the Bears will not be plugging any of their draft picks into the regular rotation at any position (special teams excluded). So, as a result, I am placing my vote on a grade of "none of the above", but only because I cannot in good faith pass judgment without waiting 2-3 years to see what becomes of these young players.
Without further delay, here is my substantive recap....
Last week I said the Bears' biggest need was at safety and cornerback. Well, the Bears' appear to have agreed with me, only they are a little more confident in the status quo than I am. Hopefully, Mike Brown and Chris Harris will be healthy this year, but it does not seem likely that we will get a full season from Brown, who is hurt more frequently than Grossman but does not get half the flak. The Bears are unlikely to have Brandon McGowan at full speed until at least October and I have previously stated my reservations with relying on Todd Johnson.
Danieal Manning (pronounced Dan-yell) is supposed to have outstanding physical tools, but he is used to playing against sub-par competition. Devin Hester does not know which position he will end up playing. According to reports from the "U", he has such special speed that he is a threat to score whenever he touches the ball. I guess he could develop into a 2-way player in the mold of Deion, but that is asking way too much from him right now. In any event, I believe the Bears have indicated that he is going to principally be a back-up CB this year rather than a WR. I don't know, but if he is that much of a threat, I would want the ball in his hand more often than when the other team makes a mistake. All the same, he should at least help the Bears defend the faster receivers in the league (read: Steve Smith) once he develops more. So, the Bears did address their biggest need, but possibly will not see a return on their investment until next year.
The middle tier of my forecast identified 3 positions for which the Bears needed to add depth and one where they could plug in a starter if the right player was available. Well, consider the depth goal to have been met. The Bears selected a backup linebacker (4th Round) and offensive lineman (6th). Since both of these positions seem to be deep on this team, I am happy to give these players time to develop under veteran tutelage. Devin Hester, as I stated above, may even see some time at WR if he is given a chance to learn how to run routes accurately (a streak pattern is pretty easy to run I think). Unfortunately, the Bears still have not addressed the questions about their tight ends. This still seems to be a position which is crying out for more consistency and production.
Finally, the Bears addressed my lowest priorities by dedicating two of their picks to the defensive line. Well, at least it is consistent with my mantra that you have to build your team from the inside out. However, this is one area where I think the Bears missed an opportunity to fill a position that was more of a need. Maybe Dusty Dvoracek has stopped drinking and will eventually supplant the 3 veterans in front of him on the depth chart, but I do not find it very likely that he will see as much playing time as a new TE. When the Bears selected Dvoracek, Dominique Byrd (USC) and Dave Thomas (Texas) were still available. Even more frustrating, however, is that fact that Leonard Pope was picked with the immediately preceding pick. I would have happily forfeited one of our 6th round picks to move up one or two spots to be in a position to have selected Pope.
Overall, I am partially satisfied with the Bears draft. I do think they addressed some of their needs adequately. However, there is an old saying that holds if you stop getting better you must be getting worse. I am thrilled the Bears' were able to add depth at DB, LB, OL and DL, but I have a nagging feeling that they should have gotten some players who are more prepared to step in immediately to provide at least some competition for the regulars.
Note on Special Teams: It seems like the Bears placed a premium on their first two players because of their ability to contribute immediately on special teams. It sure is nice that neither will be dead weight on the depth chart while they continue to develop. However, special teams is a team-oriented part of the game which requires all of the players on each unit to be successful at their role for the team to reap rewards. It is very difficult for just one person to make an extraordinary difference if the blockers in front of him are bad or mistake prone. With the Bears' style of play emphasizing field position, I just hope that these guys deliver part of what their promise holds for them so that these picks appear to be wise ones next January.
