Grading the Chicago Bears’ 2009 Draft
Published by Adam Radochonski on April 29, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears’ draft started before most of the NFL teams. The Bears shocked the football world when Jerry Angelo made a bold play to acquire frustrated QB Jay Cutler from the Denver Broncos.
Once Cutler became available, the Bears ended up offering the best package to Denver: Two first-round picks, a third-round pick, QB Kyle Orton for Cutler, and a fifth-round draft pick.
On paper, it looks like Denver may have stolen a lot. Kyle Orton has an above 500 record, as a starter while Cutler is under 500. But let’s be real, which team had a better defense? Also, the Bears were wise to deal for this because they have struggled with No. 1 picks lately, and a franchise QB is rare in this league.
That being said, let’s take a look at the draft picks.
Third Round
68th Overall: Jarron Gilbert, DT, San Jose State
Need Level: Six out of ten
Value Level: Nine out of ten
Gilbert was one of the more intriguing prospects in this draft. He is the only prospect who can jump out of a pool. Just YouTube it.
He is an exceptional athlete who is extremely quick off the snap. Tommie Harris hasn’t been himself for the last two years, and the rotation is solid at best.
The 2008 pick Marcus Harrison has shown potential, but the Bears know that you can never have enough pass rushers, especially for a team who struggled getting to the quarterback.
99th Overall: Juaquin Iglesias, WR, Oklahoma
Need: Ten out of ten
Value: Nine out of ten
Iglesias was one of Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford’s favorite targets, catching 74 passes and 10 TD’s.
The Bears love Oklahoma products but hope he’s not like the last OK WR they took.
He’s quicker rather than fast, but he’s tough and intelligent. Iglesias was low second/high third, so it’s a good value. He has a great chance to compete for the No. 2 spot and is at the very least a great No. 3.
Fourth Round
105th Overall: Henry Melton, DE, Texas
Need: Nine out of ten
Value: Six out of ten
Melton is far from a polished product, but his upside is amazing. A former RB, Melton made the switch to DE, two years ago. He has incredible size and explosion, and it helped for him that Brian Orakpo was on the other side. He was under the radar because he’s far from finished but opened up people’s eyes with a 4.65-40 at the Texas Pro Day.
119th Overall: DJ Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
Need: Seven out of ten
Value: Ten out of ten
It’s becoming very clear that the Bears LOVE Vandy players. Obviously, there is no reason to not like outstanding value. I’m glad he can’t run a 40 well, because he’s one of the better corners in this draft. He does everything well, and is a perfect fit in the Cover-two defense. Vasher has been hurt lately, and while the depth is good, a player this talented and productive shouldn’t be here.
Fifth Round
140th Overall: Johnny Knox, WR, Abilene Christian
Need: Nine out of ten
Value: Seven out of ten
He’s definitely not ready to be a full-time starter, but his speed is very hard to match. He has solid size and is pretty well all-around. Right now, his best spot in this offense may be as a No. 4 option, and if he gets matched up with a safety, it may be time to go up top.
154th Overall: Marcus Freeman, LB, Ohio State
Need: Six out of ten
Value: Ten out of ten
LB is a bigger need than people may have thought. Brian Urlacher is getting long in the tooth, and Hunter Hillenmayer is solid, at best. Freeman may be on the smaller side, but he’s athletic and can break down in space. If he can stay healthy, he has a chance to crack the starting line up in a couple of years.
Sixth Round
190th Overall: Al Afalava, S, Oregon State
Need: Seven out of ten
Value: Seven out of ten
He has one of the coolest names ever. He played on a pretty good Oregon State team and was a three-year starter. He is a reliable open-field tackler and could be a core special team player.
Seventh Round
246th Overall: Lance Louis, G, San Diego State
Need: Six out of ten
Value: Four out of ten
What can you expect in the seventh round? Louis is a converted TE, so you know he’s athletic. On the flip side, he’s raw and unpolished. I’m not sure if he’ll make the roster, but we’ll see.
251st Overall: Derek Kinder, WR, Pittsburgh
Need: Seven out of ten
Value: Eight out of ten
He had a good year in 2006, but tore his ACL in 2007, and was a product of a run-first team in 2008. He has potential because of his size, ball skills, and ability to separate. However, what guy are we getting in Kinder? He has potential, no doubt.
Grade for this draft: A
It seemed like there was a lot of urgency in this draft, but as the Bears traded back and made some really value and upside picks, it’s hard to say that I’m not excited for these guys. Plus, you factor in that the Bears FINALLY have a franchise QB, this has been a very productive draft.
