Bears Blitz

Published by Evan Higgins on August 5, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

Enter Jay Cutler.

The Chicago Bears finally landed themselves a star quarterback. After almost being traded, Jay Cutler decided he wanted out of Denver. Chicago chose to bring him in, sending their first round pick and Kyle Orton to the Broncos for Cutler.

Now that they have their quarterback, it’s time for them to build around him. With running back Matt Forte already being named one of the top running backs in the league, that position isn’t a problem. But, the receiving core is something to worry about.

Chicago lost receivers Marty Booker and Brandon Lloyd this offseason, leaving the Bears with young, inexperienced receivers. Devin Hester leads that bunch.

The Bears did draft receiver Earl Bennett in the third round last year, but he ended the season with zero catches. But, coming into this season, he is the number two receiver on the depth chart. He could step up this year and make an impression as the starter though. Don’t be surprised if he turns out to be quite a catch.

On the other side of the ball, the Bears remain one of the top defensive teams in the league. With star linebacker Brian Urlacher and a healthy Tommie Harris, the Bears could be expecting a very successful season.

Offseason Acquisitions:

Added:

Josh Bullocks, S.

Jay Cutler, QB.

Michael Gaines, TE.

Frank Omiyale, OT.

Orlando Pace, OT.

Kevin Shaffer, OT.

Lost:

Marty Booker, WR.

Mike Brown, S.

Rex Grossman, QB.

Brandon Lloyd, WR.

Darrell McClover, LB.

Brandon McGowan, S.

Terrance Matcalf, OG.

Fred Miller, OT.

Kyle Orton, QB.

John St. Clair, OT.

John Tait, OT.

Chicago upgraded their offensive line during free agency, even though they lost more players then they added. But the biggest offseason move was trading for Jay Cutler. Orlando Pace was also a good signing, a huge upgrade over John St. Clair. Their biggest loss was Mike Brown, who was released because of many nagging injuries.

Draft Picks:

3(68). Jarron Gilbert, DT. Draft Grade: A

3(99). Juaquin Iglesias, WR. Draft Grade: B+

4(105). Henry Melton, DE. Draft Grade: D

4(119). DJ Moore, CB. Draft Grade: B+

5(140). Johnny Knox, WR. Draft Grade: B+

5(154). Marcus Freeman, LB. Draft Grade: A

6(190). Al Afalava, S. Draft Grade: C-

7(246). Lance Louis, TE. Draft Grade: C+

7(251). Derek Kinder, WR. Draft Grade: D+

I love Chicago’s draft. They didn’t have a day one pick, but they drafted three players I listed as day one prospects.

• Jarron Gilbert is a big defensive linemen who was a steal for Chicago. He can play any of the defensive-line positions.
• Receivers Iglesias and Knox are two good receivers that were both steals. Knox comes from a small-school college, but could produce.
• DJ Moore was another steal to me. Moore was considered a second round pick by many scouts, including myself.
• Marcus Freeman was another steal in my eyes. He was overshadowed by James Laurinaitis. He’s a bit undersized, but let’s be real here. Has that stopped many players in this league? Just ask Darren Sproles.
• Lance Louis is a blocking tight end with good speed. But might have a hard time getting on the field with the depth of tight ends on Chicago.
• Afalava and Kinder are prospects that might do better on the practice squad.

Draft Grade: B

Breakout Player: Earl Bennett, WR.

 Word out of camp is that Bennett is impressive. The Bears don’t have a for-sure number one receiver, so Bennett could step up and be that guy.

Chicago made the move of the offseason by trading for quarterback Jay Cutler. The same day they acquired Cutler, they signed tackle Orlando Pace to block protect him. They finally have themselves a franchise quarterback, so now they’re building their team around him. Some questions remain at receiver, but I feel one of their receivers will step up and have a breakout year.

Look for the Bears defense to continue to be one of the best in the league. With the addition of Jarron Gilbert, Marcus Freeman and DJ Moore during the draft, look for them to improve. Chicago could be in for a huge year if they keep everyone healthy.

Projected Record: 11-5