Who do you like in the draft Bears fans?

Not sure if I remember a conference champ having so many needs. In order I would say they need help at 5 positions immediately:

1.OL - getting older and they'll need a tackle/guard to replace Miller and Brown by '09
2.Rec - Berrian is coming up on a contract year and Moose is nothing more than a posession receiver at this point (this is the secondary reason why Grossmann is average at best..nobody gets open)
3.LB - not just because of Briggs but you NEED a playmaker when the other OLB is Hillenmeyer
4.TE - I know we can do better than Desmond Clark
5.DT - can anyone guarantee Harris will be at 100% this year? You should assume Tank will be out 8 games

I could also argue 6...a RB. Trade Briggs and get a player and a pick - he's no good to the Bears for 6 games. I expect Angelo will trade out of the 1st round again to get more picks based on the list above.

I would like for the Bears to pick up WR Jarrett USC-1st RD, LB Beason Miami-2nd RD, OT Harris Notre Dame -3rd RD, LB Durant Hampton-4th RD, TE Spaeth Minnesota-5th RD, WR Trannon Mich. State-7th RD and RB Whitlock SIU-7th RD

On defense we have two good CBs with good young talent behind them. We do need another good S. LB is still solid without Briggs and this position can be strengthened in later rounds or with free agents. We have plenty of bodies for the DL but I’ve never been satisfied with our starting DEs and we need another good DT.

On offense I still like our QBs but I have no idea if Orton is progressing or not so I would be tempted to draft a star QB for the future. RB depth is an issue so I might select a good one in the early rounds. I would run more of a power running offense and would use the FB frequently. I would draft a FB in the middle rounds. But, the Bears don’t use the FB much so I can’t suggest we draft one. We have several WRs that are supposed to be good and I hate drafting WRs in the first round. TE needs improvement but that is something that can be strengthened in later rounds or with free agents and can be compensated for by scheme. OL is the key to a successful offense so I want a very good one or two in the draft. One of those would probably be a C. I’m not following the draft talent so I’m not giving names yet, maybe later.

I’d like to trade Briggs to get more picks. One of those picks would need to be a fairly high one, say top ten and a later round pick. Unless a great pick is available that is well worth it I would trade down for more picks. We need a few new starters and quality depth. We need to fill some holes so just picking the best athlete available is the wrong move unless he fits a need.

So... my first pick would probably be an OL if a very good one is available. Then I would chose a very good DL. After that a good RB or S. I’d use my remaining picks for more OL and DL, LB, TE, QB, CB.

Let the coaches deal with 55. They're best suited at this point and time to address the situation if need be. Personally, I think he'd strive big time under Babich and brighton his star even more for a future long term contract. As far as the draft goes; offensive line, defensive line, and speed receiver, in that order. These are positions of importance and least likely to be found in later rounds with a 'sleeper'. The exception to the rule with the first three picks would be a "can't pass up", regardless of position. They don't always slip thru the cracks but teams sometimes go for needs in consecutive turns and a player the Bears really liked but figured wouldn't be there just so happens to show up and 9 times out of 10 they'll take him. And why not? The personnel staff is pretty solid. They'll fill the other needs 3-7, trade, or free agency sufficiently. Don't worry folks. Urlacher consumes so much of the other teams attention with his speed, the next guy out there, if he can tackle solid, will shine. Not to mention teams are gonna have to worry about their D-line first.

Trade Briggs in order to draft Brady Quinn.

It's a no brainer.

Roman responds: I don't know about a no-brainer. I'm not sure how good of an NFL quarterback Quinn will be. There have been some average quarterbacks coming out of South Bend who haven't panned out. Rick Mirer comes to mind.

I'd like to see the Bears address their QB situation and draft Drew Stanton with their 2nd round pick. He was a stud at Michigan State and he's gonna be a stud in the NFL.

Thank You, Roman. I was definitely thinking about Rick Mirer when it came to Quinn. Name a good QB from Notre Dame whose name isn't Montana. An average bunch. I'd like to see them draft a LB with a solid pedigree. You can't forget that Briggs was considered a higher pick until the dreaded "character" issue came up because he was considered a ring leader to his college team demanding their coach give his team better respect. He was a solid player in college. Hillenmeyer is the weakest link on the whole defense now that Chris Harris isn't a starter. We can not go into the season with a question mark in LBs because Urlacher can't do it all. No way will they draft an OL first unless they trade down and out of the first round. As long as they get younger,I can care less where they draft a good OL. Safety is set unless they have D. Manning move to CB like they allude. We need one more WR but it's not gonna happen. TE is always a need and they need to get one before the 3rd round. QB, they already have a few that they are in love with and won't draft one without the thought of scaring Rex. Which they won't do. We need a shifty RB because the two we have is basically unproven. Flashes of greatness usually add up to ordinary over the long run. And no one can tell me if Benson or Peterson is destined for greatness over ordinary. If we're just waiting for Dusty that can be a mistake. Tank is gone at least 8 games. No one besides Tommie(or maybe not Tommie) will hold up over the season. Devoracek is another Zorich,high motor- low totals. I don't foresee our D line being a strength any time soon unless they have their eye on a lineman. To me they have neglected OL,TE,WR,LB and DT in that order so I'd like to see them draft a need in that order. But knowing Angelo all that is not gonna happen. He's gonna try and repeat his history of drafting guys that leave you shaking your head but this time it might blow up in his face.

Would love to have a veteran high caliber QB. We need some competition at QB. After that, give Briggs his money. After that, snag a running back since Jones is gone. I don't care about winning the NFC, we need to go after the Championship.

I would suggest the following:

Grossman is not the answer and neither is golden boy Brady Quinn. Go with a mobile QB that you know will go 2nd or 3rd round such as Troy Smith. Smith has proven that he can play big in big games (other than the '07 NC game). Quinn lost every big games he played in. I believe Smith wass 5-1 in big games (Michigan and Texas to name a few). I think you also want to look at the RB position since Benson still hasn't proven anything. He has had a hint of greatness but I'm not convinced.

One last comment, I think we need to look for a "hands" type of receiver who comes up big in key plays. Anthony Gonzalez would be a great receiver. He is fast, has great hands and runs great routes. I think he might be a little small (muscle wise) but gaining weight shouldn't be a problem.

Roman responds: And let me guess, sign Maurice Clarrett to claim his rights for when he gets out of the can; draft Antonio Pittman and bring Jim Tressel along as GM. What about Ted Ginn, Jr.?

Look at what Vince Young did last year in his first year, mobile QB, great arm, take a team that was a W on any other teams schedule and nearly make the playoffs. Hint, Troy Smith, he continously beat the Big teams, namely Michigan, and Texas. Wasnt Doug Flutie shorter, look what he did, same for Drew Brees, not tall qb's but efficient. Mobile QB's make the rest of the team look better, D. McNabb come to mind? Everyone seems to be forgetting the Heismann runaway favorite, big deal, he had a bad final game, what about the previous 40 some games, everyone has a bad game. Pick him first, followed by either Gonzales or Pittman, instant chemistry.

The bears have no recievers that come back to the ball.Rex Grossman is not the answer either.We need OL help,thier old.We also need a good DT.Tank is not that good!!!So Trade Briggs for #6.Draft a good reciever.Then go for a O-lineman,and a d-tackle.Maybe a TE,or another WR in later rounds.

The Bears aren't going to draft a QB, we can forget about that. Besides, there isn't a QB in this Draft who is ready to lead a team to the Superbowl, which is what the Bears are trying to do. I think the bears need more depth on the offensive line, and we also need another pass rushing DE. A faster, shiftier running back in the third round would help offset the more power running styles of Benson and Peterson. I like our WRs. I think Berrian will get better (Maybe a Probowl?), and Muhammed, although getting older, is still the most reliable target for our QBs. But if I was the Bears, I'd pick a Tight end in the first or second round.

Roman sez: "I don't know about a no-brainer. I'm not sure how good of an NFL quarterback Quinn will be. There have been some average quarterbacks coming out of South Bend who haven't panned out. Rick Mirer comes to mind."

A couple of guys named Joe also come to mind. I believe their last names were Montana and Theismann.

Roman responds:Apparently I wasn't the only one with doubts about Brady.
And don't forget Powlus. How long ago were Montana and Theismann?

What the bears should do is trade briggs and grossman to tampa for their no.4 pick, Gaine Adams and Jeff Garcia. Then trade Adams to Lions for their probable no. 2 pick Calvin Johnson. Solves all our problems and keeps Tampa and Detroit happy. Then take a tight end later in the draft.

I lived up in the DC area during Theismann's last year and he had a show where he blamed everyone but himself for whatever went wrong. He had no class. And Gibbs actually made it to the Super bowl with two other QBs besides the lesser talented Joe. Face it: Theisman had a great line, a bruising RB in Riggins and a couple of great receivers to throw to. Same team different QB and they actually got better without him. Come on: Doug Wiliams. Superbowl MVP with that offense that Theismann ended his career with. And He wasn't getting them over the hump like Williams and Rypien got them. So please don't mention the GREAT Montana with the blase' Theismann. Plus he talks too much and sound stupid when his predictions don't go like he predicted. Maybe I'll enjoy watching ESPN games now that he isn't on anymore.

Oh, and where have you been Jermaine? I've missed your keen insight. I guess you're resting up to defend Rex once the season starts. Maybe with a TE to throw to he'll be much better. I was just watching the draft and I love the Eagles fan reaction to them picking QB Kevin Kolb from Houston. They sure looked like Bear fans reacting to Smith saying that Rex is our QB.

JUST STOP IT ALREADY! This isn't your fantasy league. No team is going to offer anything for a player that publicly wants to be traded,when if they really want Briggs,they can wait til next year and sign him without giving anything up. GEEZ, are you going to have your mom call and demand the Bears be properly compensated for this alleged 'trade Briggs and move up in the draft'? I really tried to keep my mouth shut for this thread, I really did. My apologies.

Looking at all the predictions I see that the BEARS didn't listen to any of us. You guys shouldn't be too P.O.ed: At least we took a Leake.

It looks to me like Jermaine was right on. I like this draft and I think the Bears got players who will help them win their division and the Super Bowl. We got a difference maker at TE, a change of pace, big play back, the 3d ranked guard in the draft, and a DE who dominated the post-season allstar games, including being the defensive MVP of the Shrine Game. We improved our depth at LB and in the secondary, with highly productive college players. We'll see when they put on the pads, but I'm happy.

How are the Bears going to hide Rex Grossman? He is just awful and the reason the Bears didn't win the SuperBowl. Stop blaming poor defensive play. The Bear's D and special teams positioned the Bears to win. We had a chance in the 4th quarter and Grossman choked. It's hard to make poor decisions when you can't even handle a snap.

Hey 'Mariotti fan' are you trying to bait us? Grossman is awesome. He doesn't need us to stick up for him-so I will stop there. However the defense was pathetically conservative in the Superbowl. I'd rather see them win when the players will get credit for winning, not the coaches. That of course will be this year!!!!
Q : who had the most passes on the Bears last year?
A: Jay Mariotti!! He passed everyday someone tried to get him to Credit the Bears as being a good team (see: Around The Horn).
-stuck