Bears Draft Grade

[DBAHO]

Because I don't want to read thru this thread, where was Bradley projected to go before the draft? I've heard various reports saying he was a reach and he was a good pick at that spot.

 

Angelo would have wanted to trade down, and he still probably would have gotten Benson (unless the Cards decide to take him at 8), but because this draft was so even from 5 to 25ish and even later, the offers just weren't good enough.

 

Oh and 2 words. Chris Canty. This guy is easily going to be the steal of the draft if he stays healthy. Book it.

[YASNY]

Because I don't want to read thru this thread, where was Bradley projected to go before the draft? I've heard various reports saying he was a reach and he was a good pick at that spot.

 

Angelo would have wanted to trade down, and he still probably would have gotten Benson (unless the Cards decide to take him at 8), but because this draft was so even from 5 to 25ish and even later, the offers just weren't good enough.

 

Oh and 2 words. Chris Canty. This guy is easily going to be the steal of the draft if he stays healthy. Book it.

 

I think the steal of the draft will be Jason Campbell.

[T R U]

Because I don't want to read thru this thread, where was Bradley projected to go before the draft? I've heard various reports saying he was a reach and he was a good pick at that spot.

 

Angelo would have wanted to trade down, and he still probably would have gotten Benson (unless the Cards decide to take him at 8), but because this draft was so even from 5 to 25ish and even later, the offers just weren't good enough.

 

Oh and 2 words. Chris Canty. This guy is easily going to be the steal of the draft if he stays healthy. Book it.

 

I believe he was projected a 3/4th round pick

 

Thats what I heard at least once, not positive though

[Mamoscott]

Chicago Bears: D-

Pre-draft needs: WR, QB, TE, LB, OL/DL Depth, Secondary Depth

 

1) 4th overall - Cedric Benson RB Texas - Curtis Enis all over again. As if the pick wasn't horrifying enough by itself, Benson's ESPN interview was an incoherent trainwreck of epic proportions. With Edwards off the board to Cleveland, this pick should have been a no-brainer: Mike Williams (or trading down for more picks). Instead, the Bears take Benson at #4 overall in one of the deepest RB drafts in years, ignoring the fact that Thomas Jones would have been fine with our offensive line FA additions and that there are quite a few backs on the trading block as well. Plus, GB, Minnesota, and Detroit all have mediocre-to-terrible secondaries, and adding a second impact receiver to complement Muhsin would have been a big help, especially against our division rivals. Instead, Ron Turner is intent on building a power running game around Benson, who I'm sure will have a lot of fun running into the likes of Grady Jackson, KGB, and a revamped Vikings d-line on a consistent basis. And now we'll have to deal with Williams/Williams/Rogers/Jones whenever we play Detroit. f***.

 

2) 39th overall - Mark Bradley WR Oklahoma - He's fast and has good size, but only 34 catches in two seasons at Oklahoma? That doesn't exactly scream "I can get open consistently at the next level" to me. Also, had an ACL injury a couple years ago but apparently has good upside. We are really counting on Bobby Wade and Justin Gage to blossom this year, since Muhsin will no doubt be double teamed on almost every play. High second round picks should not be projects who will only contribute on special teams for a few years.

 

4) 106th overall - Kyle Orton QB Purdue - Don't like him. He played well against s*** defenses, had trouble handling pressure, and failed to make plays when it mattered most in close games. I would have liked to have seen the Bears roll the dice on Adrian McPherson here, but of course we went with Orton instead, another "no balls" pick. That makes four Big Ten QB's on our roster now (George, Kittner, Krenzel, and now Orton). I'm sure we're desperately waiting for Denny G to cut John Navarre, so we can add him to our stable. If Denny is too stupid to cut him though, I see the much-sought-after Jim Harbaugh receiving a collect call from Jerry Angelo in the very near future. Grossman's still our guy though!

 

5) 140th overall - Airese Currie WR Clemson - Another speedy and undersized receiver to stretch the field. Bernard Berrian did that job for us last year - we just didn't have an o-line or a QB to get the ball to him with any kind of consistency. I probably would have liked to see a defensive guy selected here to add some LB, secondary, or d-line depth. I love Ogunleye, but who knows if Alex Brown will repeat last year's performance/effort after getting his new contract? Plus, the Bears seem to be adept at finding solid LB's in later rounds of the draft.

 

6) 181st overall - Chris Harris S La.-Monroe - Who?

 

7) 220th overall - Rod Wilson S South Carolina - Lovely.

 

God, I hope I'm wrong. Thank God for the White Sox and Bulls this weekend.

[RockRaines]

I think the steal of the draft will be Jason Campbell.

I think its Adrian Mcpherson

[YASNY]

I think its Adrian Mcpherson

 

That's what make the draft great ... everyone has an opinion. They're like ..... nah! ... I ain't going there.

[WHarris1]

Benson the next Enis, oh man thanks for the comedy

[ZoomSlowik]

I can definitely see the Enis comparison, especially since I said it about 7 pages ago. I don't think he's going to holdout, tear his ACL, and gain 70 pounds, but he's a big back that isn't that big and without stellar speed. He's going to have a much tougher time running through guys in the NFL, and he isn't exactly elusive. It's possible that he turns into a 1000 yard back, but I don't see him becoming a star. I'd actually rather have seen Williams if we absolutely had to take a RB, which I didn't think we needed that bad. Williams has similar size and better speed and moves. I really would have rather seen us get Williams and then take a big back later in the draft like Shelton or Barber.

[WHarris1]

Actually if you watch Benson's highlight films his elusivness isn't as bad as most say it is.

The great thing about Benson is there is no hesitation on a broken tackle. He goes through it and keeps chugging, he also hits holes hard.

[ZoomSlowik]

I know he's nowhere near as bad as Enis was in terms of elusiveness (I still can't believe how horrible that pick was), but he isn't exactly Barry Sanders either. I think he will be an okay but not stellar runner. Normally you want more than that out of the #4 overall pick. I could obviously be proven wrong, but I think we would have been much better off with Williams. I know he doesn't have elite speed, but he has great size and hands to compensate. He would have been an immediate threat in our offense and a force to be reckoned with inside the opponent's 40.

[WHarris1]

Understood, only time will tell how good the Benson pick was.

 

In my opinion he's gonna be a stud.

We shall see.

[T R U]

Benson ran in the low 4.5's like 4.52

 

Cadillac Williams only ran like a 4.49

 

There is basically no difference between that right there..

 

I have seen almost every Texas game Benson has played in living down here, he has dominated at every level he has played in (His junior year in High School he rushed for 3256 yards and 51 TD's) not to mention he was a 4 year starter at one of the more prestigious programs in the Nation.. He did nothing but put up the numbers everywhere he has been.. He will be a solid back in the NFL, youll see..

[ChWRoCk2]

In my opinion he's gonna be a stud

(reference to benson).

We shall see.

of course you think hes a stud because you picked him, if my team picked timmy chang id think hes freaking amazing even though when it comes down to it he sucks

Edited April 27, 2005 by chi-guy2

[WHarris1]

of course you think hes a stud because you picked him, if my team picked timmy chang id think hes freaking amazing even though when it comes down to it he sucks

Well no, maybe an idiot would think Timmy Chang is a good pick.

 

What the f*** kinda comparison is Timmy Chang to Cedric f***ing Benson.

Doak Walker award winner, 4 year stud at a top program.

[T R U]

of course you think hes a stud because you picked him, if my team picked timmy chang id think hes freaking amazing even though when it comes down to it he sucks

 

That is prolly the dumbest and most idiotic comparison I have ever seen in my life..

[SoxFan1]

Steal of the draft is Alex Brown in the 4th round...

[ZoomSlowik]

Benson ran in the low 4.5's like 4.52

 

Cadillac Williams only ran like a 4.49

 

There is basically no difference between that right there..

 

I have seen almost every Texas game Benson has played in living down here, he has dominated at every level he has played in (His junior year in High School he rushed for 3256 yards and 51 TD's) not to mention he was a 4 year starter at one of the more prestigious programs in the Nation.. He did nothing but put up the numbers everywhere he has been.. He will be a solid back in the NFL, youll see..

 

It's not the top speed that is the difference (Scouts inc had 4.55 for Benson, 4.51 for Williams by the way). I'm not that one that buys into 40 times that much because you don't play football in shorts in a T-shirt on a track, you almost never run for 40 yards in a straight line, and no one is trying to rip your head off when you're running the 40. Physically they're pretty much the same, but their running styles are very different. Benson runs over and through guys a lot more, Williams is a lot more elusive. I'm not a fan of getting a 220 pound power back in the high first, that's my main problem with the pick. Most of the really good backs his size like Green and Tomlinson have very good speed to supplement their power. I wouldn't have had a problem if he were our 2nd or 3rd round pick, but when we take him #4 over someone like Williams, I'm not happy. Obviously I could be wrong, but my prediction is that we are going to wish we took Mike Williams. I think if things go well he's going to be somewhat like Eddie George- 2 or 3 good seasons followed by a drop off in production and some nagging injuries.

Edited April 27, 2005 by ZoomSlowik

[Mamoscott]

It's not the top speed that is the difference (Scouts inc had 4.55 for Benson, 4.51 for Williams by the way). I'm not that one that buys into 40 times that much because you don't play football in shorts in a T-shirt on a track, you almost never run for 40 yards in a straight line, and no one is trying to rip your head off when you're running the 40. Physically they're pretty much the same, but their running styles are very different. Benson runs over and through guys a lot more, Williams is a lot more elusive. I'm not a fan of getting a 220 pound power back in the high first, that's my main problem with the pick. Most of the really good backs his size like Green and Tomlinson have very good speed to supplement their power. I wouldn't have had a problem if he were our 2nd or 3rd round pick, but when we take him #4 over someone like Williams, I'm not happy. Obviously I could be wrong, but my prediction is that we are going to wish we took Mike Williams. I think if things go well he's going to be somewhat like Eddie George- 2 or 3 good seasons followed by a drop off in production and some nagging injuries.

 

I am glad you are here to do my debating for me, because that's exactly how I feel, especially the Benson/LD/Green/Cadillac comparisons.

 

Admittedly, it'll be tough for Benson to be as disappointing as Curtis Enis was, but even if Benson does have some success, it doesn't change the fact that workhorse running backs are fairly easy to acquire these days. Thomas Jones was fine last year, and the Bears didn't need to burn the number four overall pick on another running back. They had greater needs to fill at other positions, and there were other players available with greater potential (Mike Williams).

 

Minnesota signed Antoine Winfield last year and Fred Smoot this year to solidify their secondary. Both of them are under 5 feet 10 inches tall and under 180 pounds. Don't you think the potential receiving duo of Muhsin Muhammad (6'2" 217 lbs) and Mike Williams (6'5" 229 lbs) would give them and a lot of other teams some major problems? The NFC North is littered with terrible secondaries, and we play division opponents 6 games per year. Yet we're content to take a marginal upgrade at running back instead of taking a chance on a potential franchise receiver. I don't like it one bit.

Edited April 27, 2005 by Mamoscott

[T R U]

It's not the top speed that is the difference (Scouts inc had 4.55 for Benson, 4.51 for Williams by the way). I'm not that one that buys into 40 times that much because you don't play football in shorts in a T-shirt on a track, you almost never run for 40 yards in a straight line, and no one is trying to rip your head off when you're running the 40. Physically they're pretty much the same, but their running styles are very different. Benson runs over and through guys a lot more, Williams is a lot more elusive. I'm not a fan of getting a 220 pound power back in the high first, that's my main problem with the pick. Most of the really good backs his size like Green and Tomlinson have very good speed to supplement their power. I wouldn't have had a problem if he were our 2nd or 3rd round pick, but when we take him #4 over someone like Williams, I'm not happy. Obviously I could be wrong, but my prediction is that we are going to wish we took Mike Williams. I think if things go well he's going to be somewhat like Eddie George- 2 or 3 good seasons followed by a drop off in production and some nagging injuries.

 

check out this highlight video.. Benson not only doesnt look like one of those straight forward power runners with no moves, he also has quickness and can make some cuts.. hes not as bad as you guys are thinking

 

http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/pag...104_benson.html

[AddisonStSox]

check out this highlight video.. Benson not only doesnt look like one of those straight forward power runners with no moves, he also has quickness and can make some cuts.. hes not as bad as you guys are thinking

 

http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/pag...104_benson.html

 

Benson is going to do very, very well here. He is naturally gifted and it will show on Sundays.

 

After having watched his press confrence, I have become a major, major Benson-backer. He's just so happy and relieved to be here and I think it will translate into success in the NFL.

[T R U]

Benson is going to do very, very well here.  He is naturally gifted and it will show on Sundays.

 

After having watched his press confrence, I have become a major, major Benson-backer.  He's just so happy and relieved to be here and I think it will translate into success in the NFL.

 

NFL teams put a lot of s*** on him because he had dreads and went to UT like Williams.. I didnt really think it was fair, and neither does he.. I think he wants to prove something which can only be good for Da Bears

[southsideirish]

QUOTE(ZoomSlowik @ Apr 27, 2005 -> 05:42 AM)

It's not the top speed that is the difference (Scouts inc had 4.55 for Benson, 4.51 for Williams by the way). I'm not that one that buys into 40 times that much because you don't play football in shorts in a T-shirt on a track, you almost never run for 40 yards in a straight line, and no one is trying to rip your head off when you're running the 40. Physically they're pretty much the same, but their running styles are very different. Benson runs over and through guys a lot more, Williams is a lot more elusive. I'm not a fan of getting a 220 pound power back in the high first, that's my main problem with the pick. Most of the really good backs his size like Green and Tomlinson have very good speed to supplement their power. I wouldn't have had a problem if he were our 2nd or 3rd round pick, but when we take him #4 over someone like Williams, I'm not happy. Obviously I could be wrong, but my prediction is that we are going to wish we took Mike Williams. I think if things go well he's going to be somewhat like Eddie George- 2 or 3 good seasons followed by a drop off in production and some nagging injuries.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

Just a question Zoom, but why do you like Mike Williams so much? He is big and tall, but he never gets seperation and that was in college. NFL DBs are much better than college DBs, so if he got no seperation in college how is he going to get it in the NFL?

 

Also, how does he fit with the Bears? Why would you want identical receivers on either side? You need a speed guy opposite Mushin Muhammed, you don't need someone that is going to get you 5 or 6 yards when you need it.

 

I am much happier taking Cedrick Benson and Mark Bradley than taking Mike Williams and JJ Arrington. I think Arrington will be good, but he also is not a fit for the Bears. He doesn't fit in with what they want to do.

 

I really don't understand everyone's fascination with Mike Williams. He wasn't even going to be drafted in the top 10 last year if he came out. Most had Reggie Williams and Lee Evans ranked ahead of him. Why is he so great this year? Is he as good as Michael Clayton? He was drafted at 15! I just don't see it and I am glad we didn't pick him.

[southsideirish]

QUOTE(Mamoscott @ Apr 27, 2005 -> 06:52 AM)

I am glad you are here to do my debating for me, because that's exactly how I feel, especially the Benson/LD/Green/Cadillac comparisons.

 

Admittedly, it'll be tough for Benson to be as disappointing as Curtis Enis was, but even if Benson does have some success, it doesn't change the fact that workhorse running backs are fairly easy to acquire these days. Thomas Jones was fine last year, and the Bears didn't need to burn the number four overall pick on another running back. They had greater needs to fill at other positions, and there were other players available with greater potential (Mike Williams).

 

Minnesota signed Antoine Winfield last year and Fred Smoot this year to solidify their secondary. Both of them are under 5 feet 10 inches tall and under 180 pounds. Don't you think the potential receiving duo of Muhsin Muhammad (6'2" 217 lbs) and Mike Williams (6'5" 229 lbs) would give them and a lot of other teams some major problems? The NFC North is littered with terrible secondaries, and we play division opponents 6 games per year. Yet we're content to take a marginal upgrade at running back instead of taking a chance on a potential franchise receiver. I don't like it one bit.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Thomas Jones was fine? He couldn't even play the full season! This year we won't have the luxury of having Anthony Thomas backing him up. Can you show me all of the workhorse backs that are so easy to acquire these days please? Then tell me what we would be giving up to acquire these workhorse backs. This was one of the greater needs the Bears had and Mike Williams does not have greater potential. In your opinion he may, but he doesn't. I believe he reached his full potential in college.

 

I think if Williams could get seperation it would give teams problems, but where is the proof that that would happen? Mark Bradley is 6'2" as far as I know that is still bigger than 5'10". Either way the size difference is there. I would much rather have Cedric Benson and Mark Bradley than Mike Williams and JJ Arrington.

 

Cedric Benson is much more than a marginal upgrade and Mike Williams is by no means a franchise receiver. By saying potential I could say the same thing about Mark Bradley. Both receivers have the same chance of being franchise WRs.

Edited April 27, 2005 by southsideirish

[T R U]

Cedric Benson is much more than a marginal upgrade and Mike Williams is by no means a franchise receiver. By saying potential I could say the same thing about Mark Bradley. Both receivers have the same chance of being franchise WRs.

 

I agree with you on Benson but come on man..

 

All I have to say is watch the one handed catch he made Vs Michigan in the Rose Bowl.. Mike Williams is a franchise reciever and comparing him to Mark f***ing Bradley should get you laughed off this site

Edited April 27, 2005 by T R U

[witesoxfan]

of course you think hes a stud because you picked him, if my team picked timmy chang id think hes freaking amazing even though when it comes down to it he sucks

 

Which is why I was so happy with the Bills draft :rolly