Chicago Bears 2009 Draft Review
Published by kevin roberts on April 27, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Before you can even begin to think about grading the Chicago Bears 2009 draft, it’s imperative that you acknowledge Jay Cutler as the Bears’ first round pick.
No, he didn’t actually come out of the draft, but he might as well have.
The Bears traded away a decent quarterback in Kyle Orton, but received a polished Pro-Bowler who will be a great franchise quarterback for years to come.
However, establishing greatness at one position usually comes at a price, and not picking until the third round happened to be the consequence.
Still, Jerry Angelo and the rest of Chicago’s front office did a magnificent job, while also bringing in a few underrated weapons for the newly acquired Cutler.
Read on for pick analysis and Chicago’s final grade:
Jarron Gilbert, DE, San Jose State
Gilbert has great size and strength, brings a ton of versatility (could play both inside and outside) and can jump straight out of a pool. What more do you want from a third rounder?
Juaquin Iglesias, WR, Oklahoma
Iglesias should be able to step in immediately on return duty, and is a big enough target with solid hands, that it shouldn’t be too much to expect him to produce as the third option in his first season.
Henry Melton, DE, Texas
Melton, who used to be a running back, has great speed and quickness, blended with good size for the position. His skill position past makes him a very versatile player, and we shouldn’t expect anything less than a spot in the rotation by year’s end.
D.J. Moore, DB, Vanderbilt
Moore is a bit small for corner, but is extremely physical and possesses great speed. He could potentially be the long-term replacement for Mike Brown, while also adding needed depth in the secondary. One of the better steals of the draft.
Johnny Knox, WR, Abiline Christian
Knox is far from polished, but his speed will have opposing corners trembling in fear. He’s a true burner with raw abilities, but the right coaching and experience at the next level could reveal the star within.
Marcus Freeman, LB, Ohio State
Dropped down boards, simply because he wasn’t the best Buckeye linebacker, but arguably was the most complete. Freeman has good size and speed for the position, and should be able to make the transition effectively to the next level. Like Moore, Freeman is a solid prospect that could prove to be a steal.
Al Afalava, FS, Oregon State
Afalava was a three year starter in college and was effective at that level, but probably doesn’t project as a starter in the NFL. However, he does have solid coverage skills, is a great tackler, and could assist on special teams.
Lance Louis, G, San Diego State
Louis is a bit under-sized for an offensive lineman, but has solid strength and outstanding speed for the position. He’s quick off the line and has good enough overall athleticism to potentially be a rotational player, and possibly even a starter.
Derek Kinder, WR, Pittsburgh
Kinder is a darkhorse to make Chicago’s receiving corps, but will probably have to prove himself in another area in order to stick around. Despite Chicago’s receiving talent being average, there are still a number of players at the position. Kinder has enough speed and athleticism to compete; he just needs to make a good first impression, as well as stay healthy.
Final Grade: B
If you’re taking the Cutler trade into consideration, this was a very good draft for Chicago. They have their guy at quarterback, beefed up both their offensive and defensive lines, and nabbed a true play-maker in D.J. Moore.
Jarron Gilbert, along with Moore, not could could become two of the biggest steals of the draft, but their mere presence should boost the defense’s overall depth and talent level.
Knox and Kinder add speed and depth at receiver, while Iglesias could take over the slot, as well as relieve Devin Hester of some of his return duties.
