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With the NFL Draft now in the rearview mirror we take the Chicago Bears "Off The Clock" with pick-by-pick analysis, the Bible's take and our grade.
 (3-68) Jarron Gilbert, DT (San Jose St.): This pick was applauded by everyone at the NFL Draft Bible! Who said the Bears didn’t have a first round pick? Chicago got a potential first-round talent in round three and if Gilbert plays defensive tackle next to Tommy Harris, they will be a load to block. While some felt his best value would be as a 3-4 end, the youtube sensation can still be an impact player. A difference-maker able to force himself getting into the backfield, Gilbert’s best football is ahead of him. (Pick From Seattle)
(3-99) Juaquin Iglesias, WR (Oklahoma): The Bears got a steal here as well. Chicago lacks a true No.1 wide receiver and Iglesias is a big receiver that will complement Jay Cutler’s strong arm. Look for those two to be hooking up often in the ’09 season. (Compensatory Pick)
(4-105) Henry Melton, DE (Texas): The second DE off the board from Texas, Melton shows a lot of promise. He is surprisingly quick and should be a nice addition to the Bears defensive line. (Pick From Seattle)
(4-119) D.J. Moore, DB (Vanderbilt): Moore has the ability to make plays on defense, offense, and special teams. He is a bit undersized for a corner, which could pose threats for him in man-to-man coverage, but he has great ball skills and hands. He could take a couple of punt returns away from Devin Hester this year if the Bears want to play it on the safe side and avoid injury with Hester playing receiver as well.
(5-140) Johnny Knox, WR (Abilene Christian): While not as agile, Knox is a replica of Hester in terms of speed and has been clocked in the sub 4.3-range. Lining up Hester and Knox on opposite ends will allow the Bears to split the field with a pair of legitimate deep threats. (Pick From Seattle via Denver)
 (5-154) Marcus Freeman, LB (Ohio State): Freeman may be limited to playing weakside linebacker in a 4-3 defense. He responded well to the professional coaches at the Senior Bowl, which tells me that he will respond to them now that he is in the NFL, not to mention the fact that he has Brian Urlacher to learn from.
(6-190) Al Afalava, DB (Oregon State): This defensive back is extremely quick to the ball. He has a great secondary of veterans to work with at Chicago and could emerge as a starter one day.
(7-246) Lance Louis, TE (San Diego State): Known more for his blocking skills than his receiving skills, Louis will provide depth behind Greg Olson and Desmond Clark. The only way you will see him on the field this season is if he plays a role on special teams or one of the other tight ends gets injured. (Compensatory Pick)
(7-251) Derek Kinder, WR (Pittsburgh): Chicago certainly did their homework in terms of looking for players with good upside at the wide out position. A highly recruited player coming out of high school, Kinder was plagued by injuries for most of his career early on but seems to finally be healthy. This selection was another attempt to beef up their wide receiving corps. (Compensatory Pick)
Team Needs: WR, DE, QB, OT, G, S
Needs Filled: Two of six.
Bible’s Take: The acquisition of Cutler prior to the draft out-weighs the value of the draft picks in order to land him. If you factor in Cutler to the Bear’s draft, they did a good job of upgrading several positions. Gilbert should thrive in the Bears defensive front rotation and Chicago was sure to bring in plenty of help in at the wide receiver position which should make for a competitive atmosphere in training camp.
Grade: B+
Photo Credit: OU Athletics Department, OSU Athletics
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