Bears Blitz

Published by Max Kienzler on April 26, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

Dear Jerry Angelo,

How do I hate thee? Let me count the ways…

Ok, I may have been a bit drastic…but overall, I think Angelo dropped the ball on this draft. 

Day one: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/162429-chicago-bears-draft-day-one-review-and-day-two-prediction

Day two: (This is where the fun begins)

With the 68th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears selected Jarron Gilbert (DT) from San Jose St.

The highest-ranked player on a lot of boards, I did not agree with it initially. The Bears’ needs, in my opinion, were more directed at free safety and wide receiver before the defensive line. Who else was available at this spot? Rashad Johnson (S) from Alabama that was popular with many (myself included) Bears fans.

But whatever, Angelo picked up a highly thought of tackle.  Fine. This pick isn’t bad as long as the next couple picks are good.

With the 99th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears selected Juaquin Iglesias (WR) from Oklahoma.

This is a good one. Another option to come in and help Cutler. I thought there were better options, but all I wanted was a receiver, and Iglesias is supposed to have good hands and run sharp routes. I am fine with this pick.

With the 105th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears selected Henry Melton (DE) from Texas.

This one I have a problem with. He is supposed to be big, strong, and fast but has only spent two years (one starting) as a defensive end. The potential is there to be good, and Angelo is big on trying to find gems in the mid-round.

However, we just took a lineman with our first pick, so why another so soon? Rumor was that Melton was going to be around still in the fifth or possibly the sixth. Why not a safety or offensive lineman?

This late in the draft, it isn’t about best player available necessarily. It is about addressing needs. This was not a freaking need.  Take Gilbert or take Melton, but do not take both, especially so close together.

With the 119th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears selected D.J. Moore (CB) from Vanderbilt.

Eh. Ok, I suppose. Cornerback was not a huge need, but at that point I was just happy we didn’t take another defensive lineman. Moore has shown some play-making skills but he is only 5’9″ and seems to lack the blazing speed a smaller guy should have. I like him as a backup and perhaps he can develop into a solid nickle coverage guy, but as a possible starter, I am fairly dubious.

(Side note: Did you notice how this is the fourth or so Vanderbilt player on the Bears roster? Plus with the addition of Iglesias, we have drafted at least four Oklahoma players in the past few years [Bradley, Dusty, Tommie]. I just thought it was weird for Vanderbilt considering it hasn’t been a powerhouse program in years.)

With the 140th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears selected Johnny Knox (WR) from Abilene Christian.

Knox is certainly a reach at the beginning of the fifth round. That said, he posted the third-fastest 40 time (4.34). 

Although, I remember Airese Curry being a very fast receiver we drafted in the fifth round several years ago too.  And it does not help that the level of competition he faced was significantly lower than most other college players drafted. Coupled with the fact that Chris Clemons (S) and Duke Robinson (OG) were both still available at this pick, I was annoyed.

With the 154th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears selected Marcus Freemon (OLB) from Ohio St.

Great…another weak side linebacker. Just what we needed.

Ok, to be fair, I know very little about him. He is versatile, which Angelo loves in a player, because he played all three linebacker positions at one point or another in college.

However, he seems a little short to be able to cover tight ends as the strong side linebacker and with Jamar Williams backing up Lance Briggs, it begs the questions whether Angelo drafted him just so he could play special teams.  Clemons and Robinson were also still available when we made this selection.

With the 190th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears selected Al Afalava (S) Oregon St.

Described as hard-working and gritty, the Bears brought in someone who can compete. He hits hard and brings an attitude.

Although his weaknesses seem to be his straight-ahead speed and, according to nfldraft.rivals.com, “he will take himself out of plays and whiff on the ball carrier.” Tackling in the secondary was a major cause of concern this past year, but it should also be a skill that can be taught. It makes me nervous…but at least Angelo did something.

Living in Hawaii, I really want this kid to stick.  Plus having a jersey that says “Afalava” would be sick.

Pick No. 246 – TBD

Pick No. 251 – TBD