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