Bears Blitz

Published by John Hatelak on April 24, 2010
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

Now that the Bears are through with their 2010 draft, many will now begin to grade, and critique it.  Angelo cannot afford to sit back, and admire his work. Now its time to roll up his sleeves, and really earn his money.

There are some outstanding names left as Un-drafted players. There’s even one that got first round grades from many. 

Whats evident by the well publicized names that were drafted late, and the ones not drafted at all is, teams are very image conscious. Its not just about risk. I think its fair to say teams saw what happened to the Steelers this off-season, and said no thanks to that!

Here are a list of names I feel the Bears should be making phone calls to at this very moment, or as soon as they possibly are able to.

Rahim Allen DE LSU: I know what many of you are thinking. He’s more of a 3-4 outside linebacker. That may be true, but with a late second, early third round grade that’s value hard to pass up. Even if it isn’t a big need it’s still just too good of value not to see if he can at the very least become a good situational pass rusher.

 Aleric Mullins DT NCU: This behemoth defensive tackle out of North Carolina is a great value at a need spot. The Bears need some depth at Defensive Tackle with the uncertainty of both Tommie Harris’ dedication, and physical status. At 6′ 1 1/2″ 321 pounds he ran an impressive 4.88 forty. 

Brandon Lang DE Troy: Yeah, yeah. I know, how many Defensive Ends do we need? I understand it isn’t a need, but again the value is too great not to at least take a look. Very productive pass rusher with good size. He didn’t have a good forty time, but he was very productive, and did well against future NFL Offensive Tackles in the east/west shrine game.

A.J. Jefferson CB Fresno st.: Tall rangy cornerback with great speed: 4.42/40. Really surprised he’s still available. I thought he’d be drafted for his special teams value alone. He’s raw, but as I said he can contribute on Sundays right now (while he develops) in the return game.Needs to get in the weight room to compete at the next level.

Ciron Black OT LSU: Here’s a guy with feet to play Tackle at the next level, but projects to playing Guard in the NFL. Has to work on some things, but has coach-able characteristics. He offers versatility to play any offensive line position besides Center. 

 Brandon Carter G Texas Tech: Big mean Guard. A guy that would sooner hit you then look at you. Perfect foxhole mentality to compete at the next level. He is a little stiff as an athlete but can help a power running game. I just love his mean streak at a need position for the Bears.

Seyi Ajirotutu WR Fresno St.: Got to love a player who’s name means born on Sunday. Big strong receiver who was impressive in the west/shrine game. He got rave reviews from former NFL head coach  Marty Schotenheimer, who said he reminded him of San Diego Chargers wideouts Malcolm Floyd, and Vincent Jackson. Could be that go up, and get it type on red zone fade routes.

Tony Washington OT Abilene Christian: This is probably the most intriguing prospect left. He was given a first round grade by many pre-draft mock draft sites. He looks like he was manufactured in a lab specifically to play left tackle in the NFL. His one, and only negative is off the field character issues. Its a big one though. One that requires him having to have registered as a sex offender. Don’t know the details on this, but he does have left tackle skills to start in the NFL.

LaGarrette Blount RB Oregon: Very intriguing prospect, and a favorite of mine. Has all the skill to be a load back at the next level. Surprisingly nimble for a big man, and runs in the high 4.5’s in the forty. Dominated at the college all star game he played in leveling NFL caliber would be tacklers. He could be the next Brandon Jacobs.

Freddie Barnes WR Bowling Green:  Big strong thick receiver who catches the ball with attitude as well as production. Caught an amazing 155 balls for over 1,700 yards this season! Ultra competitive,smart,tough,strong with vacuum cleaner hands. Local kid the Bears had in for an extensive work out. He’s smart and runs crisp routes. Doesn’t have the blazing straight line speed to stretch the field, but has the intangibles Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz loves. A sure priority un-drafted free agent for the Bears.

 LaMarcus Coker RB Hampton: An explosive ball carrier who can take it the distance from anywhere. Blazing speed at a hair over 4.4. Also a very good receiver out of the backfield which is a skill Martz loves in his backs. Probably can contribute right away in nickle offensive sets. Also added value on special teams particularly as a returner. has character concerns as far as his dedication that begs the question, “how bad does he want it?”

Besides scooping up all the un-drafted guys, the Bears still have whats left of the unrestricted free agent crop. This also includes all the restricted guys who become unrestricted June 1st if not signed by their original team. 

Included in this group is O.J. Atogwe, the much talked about St. Louis Rams free safety that has many Bear fans excited at the mere possibility of having him don the navy blue, and orange for the beloved on the back end. 

Then there’s also all the cuts that come every year after the draft. Usually its done to open cap space to sign the fresh players drafted, but this year since there is no cap these cuts will be made to save money on overly expensive older vets since there is no cap floor.

This is already evident with the  news of soon to be released Jets guard, and former 9 time pro bowler, and six time first team all pro Alan Faneca. 

Could he be this years Ruben Brown?

Not sure, but I’d sure like to find out.

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