FanHouse

As we get ready for the Patriots-Giants Super Bowl, FanHouse is looking back at each team's 2007 first-round pick. Here's a look at the 31st pick in the draft, tight end Greg Olsen.


Who They Took: Greg Olsen, TE, Miami

Who Else They Were Rumored To Consider: G Justin Blalock, OL Aaron Sears, T Tony Ugoh

What We Said At The Time: "TE Greg Olsen runs a 4.5-forty and will create a lot of matchup problems."

What Olsen Did: When they used him, Olsen did what the Bears expected. He was too fast for linebackers and too big for defensive backs which resulted in 39 catches for 391 yards and two touchdowns. He was invisible for long stretches of the season, however. 26 of his catches came in five games and the Bears didn't look to him nearly enough over the course of the season. He and Desmond Clark both provided good production at tight end but too often they were ignored pieces in the offensive game plan. He didn't add anything as a blocker but that wasn't why the Bears selected him, it was to be an impact receiver and Olsen made good on that.

Looking into the Future: On a team that's struggled to put forth a consistent offensive effort, Olsen should play a major role. He creates all kinds of problems for defenses and helps open things up all over the field. To make the most use of that, however, the team must treat him like the weapon that he is. If Rex Grossman returns as starter, creating a chemistry between the two players is essential. Olsen's speed down the middle of the field meshes well with Grossman's strong arm and the two players could make sweet music together.

Would They Do It All Over?: Olsen was the best tight end in the draft last April and the Bears were pleasantly surprised to find him on the board when they picked at the end of Round One. Under the best available player system of drafting, they'd almost certainly draft Olsen again. Hindsight says they should have picked an offensive lineman, though. Ugoh would have been a better fit on the offensive line than Fred Miller and the safety Eric Weddle was a reach in the second round for San Diego that paid off. Each player would have helped the Bears more in 2007 than Olsen, especially when you factor in how poorly they utilized the tight end.

Grade: C-. Olsen's play gets at least a B+ but the Bears get an F for treating him as an afterthought on an offense that needed all the help it could get. There were times when Olsen played a big role and the team actually moved the ball but Ron Turner should be ashamed of the way he let such a talented player sit idly by while the season went down the tubes.