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Draft Predictions2007
Chicago Bears NFL Draft Predictions
Now you can read up on our
2008 Chicago Bears NFL
predictions & season preview!
With the history of Super Bowl runner-ups the following year, the Chicago
Bears must make some moves to assure that they don't go in the dumps in 2007.
Ron Rivera has left for San Diego as their defensive coordinator, being replaced
by Bob Babich, who was promoted from the team's linebackers coach. Babich has a
long road ahead of him if he wants to keep a strong defensive unit on the field
and remain a feared gridiron wall on that side of the ball.
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After Rex Grossman's roller-coaster quarterback performance
last year, culminating with two interceptions and two fumbles in the Super
Bowl, it's hard to imagine the starting job won't be open to competition.
Backup Brian Griese could be given a shot, but the Bears will likely look to
the draft to find a gem like New England did with Tom Brady. This is a down
year for quarterback in the draft, with JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn
being labeled the only "NFL-Ready" quarterbacks.
With the 31st pick in this year's draft, the Bears may be fortunate enough
to land Michigan State's Drew Stanton, who showed off a talented arm at the
Senior Bowl. His draft status is growing tremendously, so if he is still
around the Bears will not pass on Stanton's potential.
The Bears got their answer for a big-play receiver as Bernard Berrian
emerged on the scene as a down-field threat last season. However, with
Muhsin Muhammad turning 34 next month and entering his 12th season, it'd
probably be a good idea to pick up another wideout in the draft. A
possession receiver such as Florida's Dallas Baker or Auburn's Courtney
Taylor would fit their system well.
The Bears made their Super Bowl run with a dominant defensive unit. The
problem is that Lance Briggs, who is every bit as talented of a linebacker
as Brian Urlacher, refuses to play for Chicago in 2007. The Bears will
surely be looking to replace Briggs with a hard-nosed outside linebacker.
Penn State's Paul Posluszny and Florida State's Lawrence Timmons would fit
that mold in the first round. If Chicago chooses to wait on a backer,
players like Oklahoma's Rufus Alexander and Florida's Earl Everett should be
around later in the draft at that position.
Chicago will likely use their middle-round picks on the defensive line with
Ian Scott and Alfonso Boone likely to sign free-agent contracts elsewhere.
The Bears offensive line has an average age of 31, but they led backs Thomas
Jones and Cedric Benson combining for 12 rushing touchdowns and more than
1,850 yards last season. They are solid on the offensive line for now, but
with the rigorous 16-game schedule it's always a good idea to groom a few
backups incase of injury.
Despite not having a first-round pick last year, the Chicago Bears got great
production out of their first two picks. Safety Danieal Manning became a
starter after the second game of the season and had two interceptions to go
along with four forced fumbles. Devin Hester was the talk of the league on
special teams, setting an NFL record with six returns for touchdowns and was
the only rookie selected to the league's All-Pro team. Chicago will bank on
its recent history of drafting success as it regroups for another
Championship run. However, the odds aren't great as five of the last six
Super Bowl losers failed to make the playoffs the following year. The
Seahawks broke that trend last season, and the Bears will hope to regain
their mojo starting with the draft in 2007.
Updated April 27th, 2007
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