While they've busied themselves with resigning Lance Briggs and signing second-tier wide receivers thus far this offseason, the Bears have ignored a pretty sizable need along the offensive line. Ruben Brown and Fred Miller, both starters last season, won't be back in 2008 and the in-house replacement options are limited in both quality and quantity. With most of the best free agents already snapped up, the draft looms as the last, best chance for the team to upgrade their talent. In that spirit, coach Lovie Smith trekked out to the blue turf of Boise to put Boise State tackle Ryan Clady through his paces. Clady didn't work out at the combine but looked good at his pro day, leading Smith to take a look at him in a private workout on Monday. Clady is considered the second-best tackle in the draft after Jake Long and landing him would really help the Bears offense.
Because he's so highly regarded, though, it's hard to see him lasting until the Bears pick at 14. Two other tackles, Chris Williams and Jeff Otah, are ranked in the same neighborhood but mock drafters don't see the Bears heading in that direction. Instead both Todd McShay and Don Banks have the Bears taking Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall in the first round. That would likely thrill the local crowd but would he really be that much better than Cedric Benson if he's running behind Terrance Metcalf? The Bears have to get better up front in April.
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. nice to hear someone making the point that we need to fix our oline before anything else can work. all these mock drafts which have us taking mendenhall (and previously woodson...*shudders*) are just plain ridiculous. we need to think long term future, not trying to patch things to win now.
draft OL in 08!!!
Posted at 1:11PM on Mar 12th 2008 by Rusty
2. Clady would be nice But I really doubt he falls past Denver and it he does I can see Carolina beating us to him, Also I feel that the 14th Pick is too high for Williams or Otah and I would love for the Bears to trade down a fw spots to get better value either one of these players and hopefully picking up an early 2nd rounder as compension where we look to take Bradon Albert if he's still around. If this happened I would be a happy man and really then the Bears could really start moving the ball on the ground again next season. Benson, with a mobile/strong OL could prove he's not a bust and the rookie we hopefully draft could learn to read blocks off Two O-lineman who could be fixtures there for the next 10 seasons if not longer. Here's to wishing anyway. In reality, the Bears may trade down but will more than likely miss out on Both Otah and Williams if they do and end up reaching for Nicks or Cherlius and with the Comp. pick, Brandon Albert will of already gone but i'd be happy with Collins from Kansas as I feel he's alittle underated and may still be around then.
Posted at 2:07PM on Mar 12th 2008 by bears118
3. Da Bears want Clady... I sure hope he lasts that long !!!
From a Chicago Bear/Boise State Bronco Fan !!!
Posted at 8:35PM on Mar 12th 2008 by URLFAN
4. Unfortunately, Clady will be all but gone by pick #14 unless something miraculous happens.
Posted at 8:34AM on Mar 14th 2008 by Bear Down
5. heres a way to look at it.....find the back who had the best sucess behind the crappiest line and then draft him, lol. we are gonna make the wrong decision anyways.
Posted at 1:13PM on Mar 16th 2008 by SuperBowlXX
6. Boy it sure is nice to dream! All the Bears fans have their pencils and paper out and they're thinking to themselves "if the Bears do this then they can do that etc"! HEY WAKE-UP PEOPLE THIS IS THE BEARS WE'RE TALKIN'ABOUT AND JERRY ( I'VE GOT MY HEAD UP MY ASS) ANGELO IS STILL RUNNING ( OR RUINING ) OUR DRAFT! My prediction for this season
" the Bears will have a VERY HIGH draft pick next year and they will screw that one up too!
Posted at 1:32PM on Mar 19th 2008 by Tony Muth