2008 Chicago Bears NFL Draft Needs

Now you can read up on our 2008 Chicago Bears NFL predictions & season preview!

The Chicago Bears have benefited as much as any team in recent drafts, nabbing three pro bowl performers on the defensive side of the ball over a five-year span. They also found a gem in Devin Hester, who has quickly become the best return man in the game. Chicago showed signs of wanting to work his talents into the offensive side of the ball more and more last season. QB remains a major problem for this Bears team as Rex Grossman has not been able to produce consistently and 2005 fourth-round pick Kyle Orton doesn't appear to ever have the stuff of a starter. The Bears have had terrible luck picking first round running backs as Cedric Benson looks to be another one that's not going to pan out. Find out which direction the Bears will look to go first in this 2008 Chicago Bears NFL Draft needs preview.

#1 Offensive Tackle

The Bears need a tackle to step right in and play well immediately. Veteran Fred Miller has played on the right side for three straight seasons, but age is starting to catch up with him and it is doubtful that the Bears will pay his large salary much longer. An impressive lot of tackles should still be on the board when the Bears pick 14th, including USC's Sam Baker, Vandy's Chris Williams, Boise State's Ryan Clady, and Pitt's Jeff Otah.

#2 Quarterback

The Bears must do something about its offensive skill positions while they still have a capable defense so that they can challenge for another Super Bowl title. The Bears have failed miserably in landing a QB of the future. GM Jerry Angelo has personally checked out Boston College's Matt Ryan on numerous occasions, but Ryan doesn't figure to still be on the board. Angelo has also tracked Delaware's Joe Flacco since the start of his junior year. He seems to be the more realistic option. While he is big and has the strongest arm in this QB class, playing at little know Delaware makes him a risky pick. But then again, what do the Bears have to lose? All I have to say to Bears fans is Cade McNown.

#3 Wide Receiver

With Bernard Berrian moving on to division rival Minnesota, the Bears must address this spot without question. Hester is expected to see more time at receiver, but he doesn't appear to be an every down guy yet. This offense badly needs some playmakers and the Bears need to get one here. The Bears will likely address this area with one of their two third round picks. Hopefully, Kentucky's Keenan Burton or Oklahoma's Malcolm Kelly will still be on the board.

#4 Safety

This looked to be one of the strongest spots on the field for the Bears entering last season, bringing in Adam Archuleta and drafting Kevin Payne, but Mike Brown went down with an injury for the fourth straight year and Payne broke his arm in week four. The Bears need to add some depth with the trouble that Mike Brown has had staying in the lineup. Miami's Kenny Phillips would be a good one in the first round, but the Bears will likely address this spot later.

#5 Running Back

The Bears should never take a running back in the first round as they just don't pan out. Cedrick Benson was drafted fourth overall, just like Walter Payton, but he is anything but. Curtis Enis and Rashan Salaam were two more high draft pick backs that busted. The Bears could go free agent here or they could try to get Arkansas' multi-dimensional Felix Jones if he falls to round two.

Make sure you check out all of Jimmy Boyd's 2008 NFL Draft previews to see what direction your favorite NFL team might be headed in. Also check out our 2008 NFL Mock Draft to see how Jimmy sees the first round shaping up.

March 28th, 2008