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2009 NFL Mock Draft: Chicago Bears

Written by Jimmy Boyd on April 14, 2009

bears-draft-41409 The Chicago Bears were a respectable 9-7 in 2008 and oh so close to being 12-4 as three losses came by a combined eight points. Still, the Bears, who advanced to the Super Bowl in the 2006 season, are not satisfied. Chicago finally addressed its biggest need this offseason by landing Denver Broncos QB Jay Cutler. They had to give up some draft picks, including a couple first rounders to get him, but the Bears typically haven’t delivered in the first round anyway. With Chicago already addressing its biggest need, find out where their attention will be on draft day.

Biggest Draft Needs – With the Bears now getting some skill players in place (Matt Forte and Jay Cutler), expect them to go after some offensive line prospects to protect these two offensive stars. The Bears picked up Orlando Pace, but they will look to grab some younger guys to develop as well. The Bears may look to draft a receiver in one of the later rounds, but they are confident in the development of Devin Hester. They could look to spend a pick on the secondary also with injury-prone safety Mike Brown entering free agency.

Likely Day 1 Targets – The Bears brought in Cutler, but they will still run to set up the pass. Don’t be surprised to see them go after massive offensive lineman Phil Loadholt from the University of Oklahoma. Loadholt is appropriately named as he is a load at 6′8”, 343 pounds. He helped the Sooners produced two 1000-yard rushers last season. I think he’ll be able to dominate in the run game and he has the long arms to be an effective pass rusher. If he can continue to improve his quickness, he’ll be a left tackle eventually. If not, he’ll still be a good one on the right. If Chicago isn’t in love with any of the remaining offensive line prospects, they could address the secondary with a guy like Vandy cornerback D.J. Moore.

Expect Chicago to take a look at Arkansas center Jonathan Luigs in round three as they continue to bolster their offensive front. At 6′4”, 315 pounds, he has great size, and teams are falling in love with his durability and work ethic.

I expect the Bears to go best available on the defensive side of the ball with their third pick. That pick could end up being on a hard working defensive tackle like Iowa’s Mitch King.

Recent Draft Track Record - Considering the fact that the Bears had 12 draft picks last season, the 2008 class was pretty disappointing. But the Bears can still rejoice as they were finally able to draft a good running back. Chicago landed Tulane star Matt Forte in the second round and watched him explode for 1,715 total yards and 12 touchdowns. The Bears have been much better at drafting on the defensive side of the ball recently, landing guys like defensive end Alex Brown (4th round 2002) and linebacker Lance Briggs (3rd round 2003. The offensive side has been a different story with busts like running back Cedric Benson, wide receiver David Terrell, and QB Rex Grossman.

Bet on the NFL with Jimmy Boyd’s NFL picks for consistent winners against the NFL lines this season.

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