We're positioned at Halas Hall where it is pouring like mad.
We made some phone calls this morning and on the way up here and the feeling around the league now is that four wide receivers are pretty certain to go in the first round if not more. The belief is that Maryland's Darrius Heyward-Bey will join Jeremy Maclin, Michael Crabtree and Percy Harvin as wideouts to be selected in the first 32 picks. The next group of receivers includes Hakeem Nicks, Kenny Britt, Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi.
If the Bears cannot get one of those receivers at No. 49, that would increase the chances that they turn to defense with their first pick. Let's examine some of the teams picking before the Bears at 49 (17th pick of the second round) and whether or not they could be in play for a receiver.
Round-Pick-Overall Team Need
2-1-33 Detroit. After grabbing Matthew Stafford No. 1 overall, the Lions will likely look for defensive help when they select again at No. 20 unless an offensive lineman is there that they are in love with. At this pick, if the Lions don't go defense they might want to grab a receiver to pair with Calvin Johnson so Stafford has someone to use as a weapon.
2-2-34 New England. The Patriots have a wealth of selections and most figure they will go with defense in the first round at No. 23. This is the first of three selections in the second round for Bill Belichick. The Pats have worked out most of the wideouts in the draft and want to grab someone after losing Jabar Gaffney to Josh McDaniels and Denver. That's the same Gaffney that some believe led the Patriots to leak details of the failed Denver trade for Matt Cassel.
3-3-35 St. Louis. One source told us this week that Nicks doesn't get past this pick if he's still on the board. St. Louis needs to replace Torry Holt.
2-4-36 Cleveland. If the Browns don't go with a receiver at No. 5, and some have speculated they grab Crabtree, perhaps they go for one here. They have also been working out most of the receivers in this draft and if they want to push Braylon Edwards out the door they will need someone to replace him.
2-7-39 Jacksonville. Like the Browns, if the Jaguars pass on a receiver at No. 8 they could be in the market for one right here.
2-13-45 N.Y. Giants. New York has a pick at the end of the first round and may shoot for a receiver there. At some point they need to come up with a replacement for Plaxico Burress.
2-15-47 New England. Here they are again, the Patriots. New England likes Massaquoi and he might not make it past this pick right here.
So there is a look at some teams that could be hunting for a receiver before the Bears go on the clock.
Brad, thanks for all your hard work. Getting geared up for the draft here with cold coronas and buffalo wings on the way. Look forward to reading your updates and talking with the regulars as we watch this unfold.
If Robiskie falls to us I say it's a no-brainer. I am not a fan of Massaquoi and I don't think Nicks or Britt will fall anywhere near 49. If no WR is there I definitly like William Moore the FS from Mizzou. I thought he had 1st-round potential before I actually looked at all the good athletes available this draft.
GO BEARS!