2012 NFL Draft: Picking Alshon Jeffery Gives Chicago Bears High-Powered Offense
Published by Michael Gibbons on April 27, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
With the 45th pick in the draft, the Chicago Bears selected Alshon Jeffery from South Carolina.
Unlike yesterday when many Bears fans were left scratching their heads with the pick of Shea McClellin, this pick had people jumping up and down.
Jeffery measured in at just under 6’3″ at the NFL combine and weighed in at 216 lbs. At South Carolina, he caught 183 passes for over 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns. He did not run the 40-yard dash, so there is no official time.
The Bears were originally scheduled to select 50th but traded up with the St. Louis Rams to select Jeffery at No. 45. Along with the 50th pick, they also sent the 150th pick to St. Louis.
By drafting Jeffery and pairing him with Brandon Marshall, the Bears now have two big and fast targets for Jay Cutler. It will also allow everyone else on the depth chart to slide down one more spot.
Earl Bennett will now get to remain in the slot and work the middle of the field, where he is most effective. If Johnny Knox is able to return healthy this season, it gives the Bears four legit wide receivers—and that isn’t even counting Devin Hester.
When you add in running back Matt Forte and his backup Michael Bush, it gives the Bears a very impressive offense on paper. How it all comes together on the field will be the biggest question heading into the season.
New offensive coordinator Mike Tice now has the weapons that both Ron Turner and Mike Martz always wished they had when they were calling the plays. Now if only he had a franchise left tackle protecting Cutler’s blind side…
What do you think, Bears fans? Are the Bears now on par with the elite offenses in the NFL? Sound off below.
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