Weekend Diversion: Night Of The Ponies
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Just as the local sporting goods stores have finally moved out the last of their Bears NFC Champions merchandise, it's time for the Bears and the NFL teams to restock their roster during the NFL draft, which takes place Saturday and Sunday in New York.
The draft begins at 11:00 am on Saturday, but there's no need to get up early to watch. The Bears don't draft until the 31st pick in the first round, which could come a good five or six hours into the draft. Each team is allowed 15 minutes to make their first round selection.
They come up again soon thereafter, with the 37th pick -- the one they swapped with the Jets as part of the Thomas Jones trade. The Bears five additional picks -- with no sixth round pick and two seventh rounders.
In spite of making it to Super Bowl XLI, the Bears certainly have a number of holes on their roster that they would like to fill or positions that they'd like to either upgrade or find insurance policies.
Here is where Chicagoist thinks the Bears need to focus:
1. Tight End
They used Desmond Clark effectively at times last year, after passing on a number of quality tight ends. Imagine if Rex Grossman had a real tight end as a target -- he's another shot to fill a need.
2. Defensive Tackle
Tommie Harris is coming back from a season-ending injury. Tank Johnson's likely out all season because of his off-the-field troubles. They lost Alfonso Boone to free agency, and could lose Ian Scott as well. They'll need somebody to play the position!
3. Offensive Line
Their O-line has lots of veteran experience, which is code for "they're getting old fast."
4. Linebacker
Escpecially if they do end up parting ways with Lance Briggs, or he follows through on his holdout.
5. Running Back
Cedric Benson hasn't proven to be all that durable. With Thomas Jones now with the Jets, could Adrian Peterson carry the load himself were Benson to go down?
As in past years, this year's draft will probably take a while to determine its quality. Who, at the conclusion of last year's draft, was wowed by Devin Hester and Mark Anderson? Jerry Angelo has proven he's capable of finding the talent later into the draft better than anyone.
Image via ChicagoBears.com
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#1 should be Desmond Clark. Unless if Dallas Clark was playing in the secondary at the Super Bowl, then I'm sure Grossman hit him.
Joe, thanks for the catch! Fixed now...
Imagine if Rex Grossman had a real tight end as a target...
Desmond Clark is a real tight end, and a pretty good one at that. Grossman's inability to more consistently get him the ball is not his fault...
Mikey's right. Grossman's inability to consistently hit targets and make reads is to blame more than the caliber of TE they have. Clark is very good, especially as a receiver, not so much as a blocker.
According to everyone everywhere (every other week) last year, the Bears sorely need an upgrade at the QB position. Has that opinion changed or is the thought that it might not be possible to get a good QB in the draft given their at the end of the 1st round?
I'd say that the need for linebacker tops the list. Unless the Bears find out *tonight* what Briggs will be doing next season, they can't afford to play the "what if" game and just hope for the best. Also, bringing in a new LB (or three) would give Briggs less leverage.
+1 to Mikey and erin on Desmond Clark. I always thought him to be a decent TE. He's no Ditka... but then again, who is?
The Bears need depth at a number of positions, but NEED is clearly D-Line help.
All right, getting the best TE in the draft ain't too bad.
Until you consider Drew Rosenhaus is his freaking agent. Faaaaaaaantastic.
Also, I'm confused, did we rip off San Diego with that trade in the second round or not?
We got a lot in return, but we didn't get any depth at DT, where we needed it the most.