Chicago Bears Forecast
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Chicago Bears (11-5)
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(26) Demeco Ryans, OLB. Alabama
(57) Maurice Stovall, WR. Notre Dame
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The biggest surprise in the NFL was the Chicago Bears last year. The defense dominated to the point where the passing offense could be non-existent and the team still manage eleven wins. Among all teams in the draft, the Bears have the most glaring need: the passing game. Bernard Berrian and Justin Gage are not #2 receivers in the NFL. At tight end, Desmond Clark is a horrific pass catcher. Consequently, upgrades are needed both at tight end and receiver. A home run threat would be a great complement to the physical Mushin Muhammad. Defensively, Charles Tillman showed gaps in his game last year. While corner is not a pressing need, it is an area that will require attention before day one is through.
(26) Demeco Ryans, OLB. Alabama
At the end of the college football season, Demeco Ryans was listed as the #3 overall player on Mel Kiper's draft board behind only Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart. Since, Ryans' stock has slid due solely to his poor measureables. At 6'1"/236, he is slightly undersized. His 4.62 speed does not stand out from the pack. However, his on-field production does. He led the #1 defense in the country this year. In 7-on-7 drills during the Senior Bowl practices, he was described by Bucaneer Head Coach, Jon Gruden, as "immortal." Ryans has a nose for the ball. He is a team leader that would sure up the Packers biggest need: outside linebacker. Jerry Angelo loves to draft sure-fire talents during Day One of the draft, and Ryans is exactly this type of guy. With Lance Briggs looking to be a cap-casualty next season, finding his eventual replacement might make sense through the draft this year. Demeco Ryans is the ideal candidate.
(57) Maurice Stovall, WR. Notre Dame
One who remembers Super Bowl XXXVIII can remember how dominant the combination of Mushin Muhammad and Steve Smith was. Having missed out on Antwaan Randle El during free agency, the Bears would be well served to grab a go-the-distance receiver in the early rounds. At 6'5"/217, Maurice Stovall's size makes him a legitimate deep threat. His 4.61 speed is by no means elite for a receiver, but he plays much faster on the field. He was very productive in the Charlie Weis pre-style offense this year at Notre Dame. Stovall simply has the size to present legitimate matchup problems in opponents' secondaries. He is a physical receiver who knows how to use his body to his advantage. He is an excellent leaper and a tremendous blocker. He would give the Bears a legitimate red zone threat from day one.
(*) Sinorice Moss, WR. Miami
The wild card for the Bears will be their first-round pick. It is certainly possible that they choose to address their needs in the passing game in round one. A talent of the caliber of Sinorice Moss would be very tough to pass on. The slide in talent is very evident from Moss to the next best thing. This would shift the Bears focus majorly and leave them without a top notch talent at CB. It will be interesting to see how the defensive-minded Bears end up on draft day. Their glaring need is in the passing game. However, the value may just not be there.
Chicago Bears (11-5)
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(26) Demeco Ryans, OLB. Alabama
(57) Maurice Stovall, WR. Notre Dame
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The biggest surprise in the NFL was the Chicago Bears last year. The defense dominated to the point where the passing offense could be non-existent and the team still manage eleven wins. Among all teams in the draft, the Bears have the most glaring need: the passing game. Bernard Berrian and Justin Gage are not #2 receivers in the NFL. At tight end, Desmond Clark is a horrific pass catcher. Consequently, upgrades are needed both at tight end and receiver. A home run threat would be a great complement to the physical Mushin Muhammad. Defensively, Charles Tillman showed gaps in his game last year. While corner is not a pressing need, it is an area that will require attention before day one is through.
Demeco Ryans simply is around the ball on defense
(26) Demeco Ryans, OLB. Alabama
At the end of the college football season, Demeco Ryans was listed as the #3 overall player on Mel Kiper's draft board behind only Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart. Since, Ryans' stock has slid due solely to his poor measureables. At 6'1"/236, he is slightly undersized. His 4.62 speed does not stand out from the pack. However, his on-field production does. He led the #1 defense in the country this year. In 7-on-7 drills during the Senior Bowl practices, he was described by Bucaneer Head Coach, Jon Gruden, as "immortal." Ryans has a nose for the ball. He is a team leader that would sure up the Packers biggest need: outside linebacker. Jerry Angelo loves to draft sure-fire talents during Day One of the draft, and Ryans is exactly this type of guy. With Lance Briggs looking to be a cap-casualty next season, finding his eventual replacement might make sense through the draft this year. Demeco Ryans is the ideal candidate.
Stovall is the high character player Jerry Angelo loves
(57) Maurice Stovall, WR. Notre Dame
One who remembers Super Bowl XXXVIII can remember how dominant the combination of Mushin Muhammad and Steve Smith was. Having missed out on Antwaan Randle El during free agency, the Bears would be well served to grab a go-the-distance receiver in the early rounds. At 6'5"/217, Maurice Stovall's size makes him a legitimate deep threat. His 4.61 speed is by no means elite for a receiver, but he plays much faster on the field. He was very productive in the Charlie Weis pre-style offense this year at Notre Dame. Stovall simply has the size to present legitimate matchup problems in opponents' secondaries. He is a physical receiver who knows how to use his body to his advantage. He is an excellent leaper and a tremendous blocker. He would give the Bears a legitimate red zone threat from day one.
Sinorice Moss would fill the team's biggest need,
while also presenting good value in the first round
(*) Sinorice Moss, WR. Miami
The wild card for the Bears will be their first-round pick. It is certainly possible that they choose to address their needs in the passing game in round one. A talent of the caliber of Sinorice Moss would be very tough to pass on. The slide in talent is very evident from Moss to the next best thing. This would shift the Bears focus majorly and leave them without a top notch talent at CB. It will be interesting to see how the defensive-minded Bears end up on draft day. Their glaring need is in the passing game. However, the value may just not be there.