14 Top Playmakers in 2012 NFL Draft Chicago Bears Must Surround Jay Cutler With
Published by Bob Warja on January 22, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
After several mock drafts, it is clear that the Bears new GM, whoever he is and whenever one will be named, will have an important decision on his hands. Draft a playmaking wideout, for example, or draft to fill a need on the defensive side of the ball.
I have heard all of the arguments, both pro and con, about drafting a wide receiver, and I have to say that I am leaning toward the offensive side of the football in the 2012 draft.
But will it be a playmaker to help QB Jay Cutler? Well, one thing that was magnified last year was just how important Cutler is to the team. They were 7-3 and rolling toward the playoffs when Cutler got hurt. We all know what happened after that.
So, recognizing that, wouldn’t it make sense to surround your most important asset with talent? Now, protection is certainly a critical element, so offensive line help should be high on the priority list.
But as Bears fans know all too well, the wide receiver corps on this team has been sorely lacking. A lot of threes and fours, maybe a two in Earl Bennett or Johnny Knox, but no true No. 1.
But there is no doubt that help is available in the draft if the Bears decide to buck recent tradition and draft one in the first round. There is also help in the later rounds, but for the purpose of this article, we’ll start with the No. 19 pick and go from there.
Keep in mind that we’re focusing on offense here, since we’re talking about helping Cutler, so no defensive playmakers. I will also avoid the running back position with Matt Forte coming back, either on a franchise tag or via a contract extension.
So who are the playmakers that the Bears have a legitimate shot to select in the draft come April? Removing top 10 picks like Justin Blackmon, here are the playmaking options for the Bears to consider.
