Chicago Bears 2008 NFL Draft Review

By Tony Moss, Sports Network

The Sports Network

1 - Chris Williams, T, Vanderbilt (6-6, 315); 2 - Matt Forte, RB, Tulane (6-1, 217); 3 - Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt (5-11, 206); 3 - Marcus Harrison, DT, Arkansas (6-3, 317); 4 - Craig Steltz, S, LSU (6-1, 213); 5 - Zackary Bowman, CB, Nebraska (6-0, 197); 5 - Kellen Davis, TE, Michigan State (6-6, 262); 7 - Ervin Baldwin, DE, Michigan State (6-2, 270); 7 - Chester Adams, G, Georgia (6-4, 334); 7 - Joey LaRocque, LB, Oregon State (6-2, 225); 7 - Kirk Barton, T, Ohio State (6-5, 309); 7 - Marcus Monk, WR, Arkansas (6-4, 215)

Analysis: Chicago did the prudent thing with its first two picks, propping up a sketchy o-line by drafting the solid Williams, then giving Cedric Benson some major competition in the powerful, hard-working Forte. Some will lament the team's passing up of Brian Brohm and/or Chad Henne in the second round, but running back is arguably the bigger trouble spot. Bennett, and to a lesser extent Monk, have a good chance to crack what had to be the worst group of receivers in football heading into the weekend. Harrison and Steltz bring much-needed bodies to the areas of defensive tackle and safety, respectively. Davis is big but might not find a home on a team fairly deep at tight end. Of the five seventh-round picks, Baldwin and LaRocque were particular reaches that only the Bears would have selected.

Bottom Line: Bears' draft was most notable for not including a quarterback, though there are plenty of solid football players in this group.

Grade: B-