Feel the draft?

This draft will forever be judged by the Jay Cutler trade. If Cutler is the quarterback Bears fans hope and think, then no matter what else happens this draft will be thought of as a success because it was the main currency by which we acquired him. 

But, that aside—or, perhaps better stated, when put into that context—you can look at the players we were able to land on Sunday and say they look like a group that's going to contribute this year. And, when the smoke clears, there are at least a few potential, down-the road-starters.

The Bears drafted three WRs, and, although everyone would like the receiving corps to instantly feature some bigger names and hotter prospects, they're going to have Jay Cutler throwing them the ball. Jerry Angelo is going to have the chance to prove his thesis: it's the quarterback that makes the receivers, not vice versa. 

And I like the young players they added on defense. Jarron Gilbert (DT/DE) is a real boom or bust type, but he's got Rod Marinelli, one of the best D-Line coaches in the business to help him realize his potential. D.J. Moore (CB) sounds like a potential starter down the road, as does Marcus Freeman (OLB). 

I like this draft. And we got Jay Cutler. 

I like Jay Cutler. 

Seventh pick: Al Afalava (FS)

Here's my safety!

Afalava (5-11 213) has a reputation as a hammer in the secondary ... he was a three year starter at Oregon State. Ran a 4.47 40 at his pro day. Should be a holy terror on special teams and adds much needed depth to the safety position. 

Sixth pick: Marcus Freeman (LB)

Freeman (6-0 239) faced elite competition at Ohio State, and coaches there considered him their most important defender. Compared to Lance Briggs. Has the versatility to play all three linebacker positions, projects at OLB. Ran a respectable (but not spectacular) 4.74 40 at the combine.

Fifth pick: Johnny Knox (WR)

Another WR. Very interesting. Knox (6-0 185) is out of Abilene Christian and runs a 4.34 40 (third fastest at the combine). He has "natural hands" (whatever that means).

There's going to be an interesting battle at WR this year.

Now where's my safety? Come on, Jerry!

Fourth pick: D.J. Moore (CB)

The Bears may have really stolen one here. Moore (5-9 192) doesn't have ideal size or blazing speed (4.56 40) but he's extremely dangerous with the ball in his hands a very versatile athlete, contributing as a return man, tail back, wide receiver, and slot receiver in his three-year Vanderbilt career (what's with all the Commodores?). He's a physical defender and projects to be one of the best zone coverage corners of the draft.

Third pick: Henry Melton (DE)

This guy is pure speed. Melton (6-3 280) posted a 4.64 in the 40. He was recruited to TX as a running back, and converted to DE his sophomore year. He doesn't have the height you usually like to see from a DE, but an interesting prospect. A bit of  a reach here, though, I think.

Second pick: Jauquin Iglesias (WR)

The Bears address WR at the end of the third round with Oklahoma's Jauquin Iglesias (6-0 210). A quality pick up, Iglesias should be able to step up and contribute the receiving corps right away. He provides the big body to go over the middle that Ron Turner needs to compliment Devin Hester. 

A really nice pick here.  

Now let's see that safety.

First pick: Jarron Gilbert (DT/DE)

After trading down with WR Mohamed Massaquoi still on the board, the Bears took a defensive lineman, DE/DT 'tweener Jarron Gilbert from San Jose State, with the fourth pick in the third round of the draft

Gilbert (6-5 290) looks like a real stud. Fastest DT at the combine. Many are projecting him out as a DE in the NFL. I think this is a good value pick at this point in the draft. Rod Marenelli just got a new toy to play with. 

Still some good safety value on the board. Still some good receivers. I want both. Hope Angelo and company can sort it out. Bears pick again at the end of the third round, 99th.

Pre draft musings

De-twa

The Detroit Lions have reportedly agreed to a six-year contract with Georgia QB Matthew Stafford, and are poised to make him the top overall selection in the 2009 NFL draft.

Whether Stafford is the next Bobby Layne or the next Joey Harrington, only time will tell. But I think it would have been a helluvalot safer and smarter to draft an offensive or defensive lineman with that pick. Or trade down for more picks. They're starting over in Detroit and they are awful all over the field. The right way to build a football team is from the inside out. You start with solid fronts, on offensive and defense, and you go from there. There are offensive and defensive tackles on this year's board worthy of that first pick.

But Detroit went out there and they did what they do. Bless their hearts.

Seen their new logo? Looks like the old logo.

Hot list: Wide Receiver

WRs I like at 49:

Kenny Britt

Brian Robiskie 

Hakeem Nicks

Percy Harvin

Mohamed Massaquoi

Juaquin Iglesias

WRs I like at 99:

Louis Murphy

Patrick Turner

Mike Wallace

Kevin Ogletree

WR prospects for day 2:

Derrick Williams

Mike Thomas

Jarett Dillard

Ramses Barden

Not ready for prime time

Why is the draft starting so late this year? Are they really trying to draw a prime time audience? 

I don't like it, Roger Goodell. Tagliabue never would have let this happen.

Safety first ... or second

Word out of Halas Hall is that the Bears are not "locked in" on a receiver with their first pick in next weekend's draft, which, after the Jay Cutler trade, will be in the second round, 49th overall. There's talk that they will take a safety with that pick and wait to address receiver with their third round pick (compensatory, 99th overall).

I think if Hakeem Nicks, Brian Robiskie, or Kenny Britt is there, you have to take one of them. And, I think if Anquan Boldin and Braylon Edwards are both traded to a couple of teams in the market for WRs before the draft takes place, that there's a pretty decent chance at least one of those guys will be there (although if the Browns moved Edwards that would probably put them in the market).

But there are some pretty intriguing safety prospects. Even with the signing of Josh Bullocks and the solid play of Kevin Payne, the Bears will still be in the market for a safety who can cover with one of their early picks (unless you think the Bears moving Zackary Bowman to safety is the answer, and if you do, you may be the only one). Here are some of the guys who are out there in the draft:

Patrick Chung, Oregon

Chung (6-0 212) might be there at 49, but could be gone because he's on everyone's radar. You hear him compared to Mike Brown a lot because he's that same type of very active, all over the field safety who's just a tackling machine. He will probably be more successful at strong safety because he plays well near the line of scrimmage and lacks top-end closing speed (4.54 40), but he makes plays all over the field. Good hands and ball skills, great instincts.

Louis Delmas, Western Michigan 

Delmas (5-11 196) is a very aggressive player who flies around the field. He's a physical defender despite a rather smallish frame, and he makes plays in coverage. There are some concerns that he may be a little slight to hold up to the pounding of the run game in the NFL, although he has had absolutely no durability issues in his career thus far. Can probably play either free or strong safety, but doesn't have outstanding attributes for either position (4.53 40).

Rashad Johnson, Alabama

Johnson (5-11 203) was a walk on running back for the Crimson Tide who turned into a very instinctive defender with a great feel for the game and a very cerebral style of play. Johnson repeatedly made big plays in critical situations, including three interceptions in Nick Saban's return to Tiger stadium. He has decent speed (4.49 40), but there are some concerns about his size and his open field tackling.

David Bruton, Notre Dame

Bruton (6-2 219) helped himself at the combine, running a 4.46 40 and posting an awfully impressive 41 1/2 inch vertical jump. He brings an impressive blend of skills but he does struggle running with receivers at times, not changing directions very well. He's a good tackler, but does not have very good hands, dropping balls he shouldn't.

Derek Pegues, Mississippi State

Pegues (5-10, 200) is a guy I've mentioned before that I like. I love him at 99, might be a reach at 49. 

Bears 2009 schedule released

PRESEASON

@Bills Aug. 15, 6:00 p.m. on WFLD

GIANTS Aug. 22, 7:00 p.m. on WLFD

@Broncos Aug. 30, 7:00 p.m. on NBC

BROWNS Sept. 3, 7:00 p.m. on WFLD

2009 REGULAR SEASON

@ Packers Sept. 13, 7:20 p.m. on NBC

STEELERS Sept. 20, 3:15 p.m. on CBS

@Seahawks Sept. 27, 3:05 p.m. on FOX

LIONS Oct. 4, 12:00 p.m. on FOX

@Falcons Oct. 18, 7:20 p.m. on NBC

@ Bengals Oct. 25, 12:00 p.m. on FOX

BROWNS Nov. 1, 12:00 p.m. on CBS

CARDINALS Nov. 8, 12:00 p.m. on FOX

@ 49ers Nov. 12, 7:20 p.m. on NFLN

EAGLES Nov. 22, 7:20 p.m. on NBC

@ Vikings Nov. 29, 12:00 p.m. on FOX

RAMS Dec. 6, 12:00 p.m. on FOX

PACKERS Dec. 13, 12:00 p.m. on FOX

@Ravens Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m. on FOX

VIKINGS Dec. 28, 7:30 p.m. on ESPN

@Lions  Jan. 3, 12:00 p.m. on FOX

Catching up

The Jay Cuter trade and the signing of Orlando Pace obviously alters the Bears draft plan. Unless they sign Tory Holt or another starting caliber receiver, it looks like they'll be looking for one with their first pick in the draft, now in the second round (49). 

It's unlikely that Hakeem Nicks will be there that late, but if he is we definitely take him. Rutgers' Kenny Britt could be there, and he would also be a must-take, but I'd be surprised if he lasts that long. Four guys more likely to be there at 49 include:

Brian Robiskie, Ohio State

Robiskie (6-3 196) is a guy who doesn't seem to have any one outstanding attribute but is solid across the board. He is the son of longtime NFL coach Terry Robiskie and as a result has a very high football IQ and comes into the league very polished. He could contribute right away.

Juaguin Iglesias, Oklahoma

Iglesias (6-0 205) led Oklahoma in receptions the last two seasons. He's a Texas guy who played at Oklahoma ... Angelo seems to like those guys. Iglesias's skills seem best suited to slot receiver in the NFL. He has a good burst and good hands, but not a very big body. He seems to be moving up draft boards in the last two weeks.

Derrick Williams, Penn St.

Williams (6-0 194) is one of those freaky athletes who can play everywhere. He lined up at wide receiver, running back, quarterback, punt returner and kick returner for the Nittany Lions.  As a senior last year he caught 40 passes for 451 yards and three touchdowns, ran for 226 yards and three scores, averaged nine yards per punt return with one touchdown, and averaged 27 yards per kickoff return for two scores. The downside to all that versatility is that it may have stunted his development as a receiver. He ran a 4.64 40 at the combine but fared a lot better at the Penn State pro day, running 4.37.

Louis Murphy, Florida

Murphy (6-3 205) has a nice frame and good speed (4.4 40 at the combine). Murphy is coming out as a junior and didn't do much is his FL career before that, but he projects well at the next level. He should be more productive in the pros than he was in college. He is raw, but could have first round type talent.

Of these four I like Robiskie and Iglesias in that order. I could live with either one of those two guys at 49. I think the others may be a bit of a reach that early, but we don't have as many draft picks to work with and it would be awfully nice to get a WR who can contribute in a meaningful way next season.

Still basking in the glory of the Jay Cutler trade and not ashamed to admit it

Who will benefit most from the Bears acquisition of Jay Cutler?

Matt Forte

Now Forte won't have to face a never ending line of eight-man fronts all season. Defensive backs will be playing on their heels. With Cutler and Hester, everybody is going to have to respect the deep ball. Forte won't have to take the same pounding he would have had to take with Orton here. Look for a big sophomore campaign from Forte.

Devin Hester

Hester's skills are uniquely suited to Cutler's. Cutler will be able to get him the ball when Hester is open. Cutler's big arm can make the throws deep down the field on a consistent basis, and his quick release can deliver the ball on those quick outs just a fraction of a second faster than most QBs would be able to, giving Hester that extra moment to set up his defender, that extra little cushion of separation. Hester is going to have the opportunity to put up some real numbers this season. 

Earl Bennett

This is the one everyone is talking about. Cutler's old college buddy (along with Chris Williams, now projected to play RT with the acquisition of LT Orlando Pace). The last pass Cutler threw in college was a touchdown to Bennett that allowed the Vanderbilt Commodores to defeat Tennessee for the first time in 23 years. Bennett, a third round draft pick, didn't do anything last season as a rookie with the Bears, but the team is looking for him to take a step this season. He has a much better chance of taking that step with Cutler under center.

Greg Olsen

Olsen showed last season that he can play tight end at a high level in this league. He can also play a little fullback. And maybe receiver. Olsen is a guy who can create matchup problems with his size and speed. He should be able to get open. Plus, with Cutler's feet and his ability to extend plays, a big quick target in the flat or the middle of the field is an enticing target. Look for Olson to have a LOT of catches next season. 

The Bears Defense

It's easier to play with the lead. It's easier to play when you know you're offense can score consistently and quickly if need be. It's easier to play when you can get off the field from time to time. It's easier to play when you're in a playoff race. Cutler should give the Bears an offense that makes the defense's life a little easier. 

THANK YOU JERRY ANGELO

This is the best thing to happen to Bears fans since January 26, 1986. And thank you for signing Orlando Pace. That was awesome.

Thank you Denver Broncos. Rocky Mountain dumb.

Thank you Kyle Orton. A classy guy, who was always put in tough spots here and, basically, always succeeded in those spots. It wasn't always pretty (neck beard), but he got it done.

Thank you Jay Cutler. 

BEARS TRADE FOR CUTLER!!!

It's done. Jay Cutler is a Bear. JAY CUTLER IS A BEAR!!!

I never thought it was gonna happen. Call him Jerry "Blockbuster" Angelo. 

The Bears send Kyle Orton and the 2009 and 2010 first round draft picks (there is now talk that a third round Bears pick may also be involved in the deal) to the Denver Broncos for Jay Cutler and the Bronco's fifth rounder this year.

I love this deal.

The Bears have a franchise quarterback. Probably the best QB they've EVER had.

BEAR DOWN!!!!

Cutler mania!

It's in all the papers, all over talk radio, it's all anyone in Beardom is discussing these days. Jay Cutler. Denver has announced they are looking to move him. The Bears want him.

I don't see it happening.

Somebody out there will be willing to overpay. The Jets? Detroit? The Redskins? Angelo won't be willing to do that. He'll draw a line at what he thinks is reasonable and he won't cross it. 

The bidding for a 25-year old franchise quarterback, disgruntled or not, is going to be high. It's going to be a blockbuster. Is Jerry Angelo a blockbuster kind of guy?

We'll find out.