The 2010 NFL Draft: How It Changed for The Chicago Bears
Published by Zack Pearson on March 12, 2010
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Going into the 2010 free agency period, the Chicago Bears had one thing on their mind: Winning. They signed defensive end Julius Peppers, running back Chester Taylor, and tight end Brandon Manumaleuna.
Those three players should have a major impact on this team, not only in games but in the Bears draft strategy.
Before free agency started, many mock drafts had the Bears taking a defensive end with their first pick. The Bears won’t make their first pick until the third round, due to trades for Jay Cutler and Gaines Adams.
Now I look at many mock drafts, and with the signing of Peppers, the Bears could go any direction with their pick. The team needs help at a couple key positions, though.
The Bears are slim on the offensive line, and an aging Olin Kreutz doesn’t make matters better. The smart move would be to grab a offensive lineman with their first pick. If a guard is available, look for the Bears to jump on him.
Although, there might not be a quality guard available.
That moves the Bears to take a chance on a safety with that pick, another position that they need help with bad. Kevin Payne and company just aren’t good enough to get that job done for the Bears.
It makes more sense for the Bears to take a offensive lineman with their first pick, as there is a more probable chance of a safety being there in the fourth round, rather than a offensive lineman.
That takes us to the fifth round, for the Bears third pick.
With the signings of Taylor and Manumaleuna, running backs and tight ends are not the worries of the Bears.
I see the Bears grabbing a corner back with their fifth round pick. Charles Tillman is the only defensive back that the Bears should feel safe about.. Nathan Vasher and Zachary Bowman have their issues, and Daniel Manning cant cover very well.
The Bears should use that pick to grab a late round cornerback and try to develop him.
With the Bears sixth and seventh round picks, they could try and take a linebacker with Brian Urlacher on the decline. Another cornerback or possibly a defensive lineman could be a solid choice for the Bears with their final pick.
The signings of Peppers, Taylor, and Manumaleuna changed the Bears draft outlook drastically. That’s just what the free agency period is meant for, though.
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