I’m a little confused about that “biggest loser” tag the Bears draft garnered over the weekend, as well as the low grades given to them by some so-called experts, considering that none of the guys Jerry Angelo tapped over the weekend have yet been given a number or locker. What I read going into the draft was that first round talent probably extended down to around the 45th pick, so trading with the Bills to move back to 42nd and picking up an early third rounder in the process doesn’t look too bad.

As for the guys they didn’t take - we all know, because Lovie has beaten this into our collective skulls since he got here, that the Bears are going to be a running team. So trading out of the first round and passing up the chance to select 6-6, 260 Marcedes Lewis comes as no shock, especially when you consider the way the Bears use their tight end. Job one is to block for the running game, job two is to block for the passing game, job three is decoy in the passing game, job four is to be the guy on the ground in the “throw the ball to the guy on the ground” play, and job five is to go out on a route with a real chance to catch a pass. The Bears have plenty of tight ends that can fill that role, with Desmond Clark, John Gilmore and Gabe Reid all returning. Would it be nice to have a big pass catching target that can stretch the field at that position? Sure, but until they first figure out how to get the tight end involved in the passing game as a receiver, drafting a stud to play there is a luxury.

After watching the way the defense melted down after Mike Brown got injured last season (and the year before, for that matter) I have no problem with the first two picks. At 5-11, 200+ Danieal Manning has the size to play strong safety and the speed (4.49) to stay with the fastest receivers. Hopefully he’ll have the smarts to quarterback the secondary when he eventually takes Brown’s place. The other second rounder, Devin Hester, is one of the fastest players in the draft (4.42), and he’ll end up pushing the dry roasted Peanut for a job in a year, if not sooner. Either of the two can return kicks, with Hester also getting a chance to play wide receiver if the situation arises.

Dusty Dvoracek, the defensive tackle taken in the third round, will find a spot in the tackle rotation before long, with Alfonso Boone and Ian Scott both entering their final contract year and Tank Johnson’s injury recovery a big question mark. Right off the bat Dvoracek reminds me of a young Steve McMichael; with his strength and mean streak, it should be fun to watch him go up against Olin Kreutz in training camp.

At this point the only disappointment I have is that Angelo waited until the fourth round to shore up the linebacker corp. Hunter Hillenmeyer is entering the final year of his deal and after switching agents to Drew Rosenhaus, can there be any doubt Lance Briggs will sit out training camp if he doesn’t get the contract extension he wants? A high round draft pick who showed well in camp could have put Briggs’ feet to the fire, but now he’s the one with the leverage. Unlike 1985, I don’t see a Dave Duerson or William Perry-type on this roster to step in if Briggs decides to hold out, and fourth round pick Jamar Williams probably won’t be ready for another year or two.

The final three picks, DE Mark Anderson, FB J.D. Runnels and OG Tyler Reed, are all probably destined for the practice squad unless an injury opens up a roster spot in front of them. With all his starters returning, Angelo had the opportunity to stock the pipeline for future years. They’re all fast; it remains to be seen whether any of them can play football at the NFL level.

I won’t cry over not picking up any top-end offensive talent. With depth on the offensive line, a hungry Cedric Benson chasing a pissed-off Thomas Jones, Brian Griese backing up Rex Grossman and the return of Mark Bradley, I think Ron Turner’s offense is going to surprise quite a few people. Just think what Turner was able to do with Steve Walsh back in 1994.

Less than three months to pads.

LBF

5/1/2006