Chicago Bears 2009 Draft Analysis: Get Jay Cutler

The following is a survey of potential 1st round draft picks by the Bears from prominent draft gurus. My analysis follows.

Don Banks / SI.com
Eben Britton
OT, Arizona, 6ft6
Description:
I got a bit roasted by some in the blogosphere for not having Mississippi offensive tackle Michael Oher in the first round of my last mock, while others had him still in their top 10. Guilty as charged, but for a reason. A personnel man I trust tells me Oher's stock has taken on water starting with the combine, and he believes he'll continue to sink all the way into the second round. This goes against the dictum that quality offensive tackles go fast, I know. But Oher has some red flags, and Bears general manager Jerry Angelo isn't known as a big risk-taker on draft day.

Rob Rang, CBS Sportsline
Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi
Description:
Considering the Bears' struggles offensively, one could make the argument that they need to take a quarterback or wide receiver with this pick. That doesn't mesh with GM Jerry Angelou's history, however. Jerry, an athletic defensive tackle to team with (and ultimately push) Tommie Harris could provide some rejuvenation to this defense.

Chad Reuter, CBSSportsline
Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri:
Description:
The Bears would jump for joy if Maclin fell to this point in the draft. Despite his skills, he has only average size and deep speed (although he's more explosive than his 40 times indicate) and has some work to do as a route-runner.

Pete Frisco, CBSSportsline
Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois:
Description:
They take a kid from down the road to help their pass defense. Davis is a gambler, but he can run.

Clark Judge, CBS Sportline
Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois:
Description:
Nathan Vasher has been hurt the past two years, so it's time to start looking for a replacement. Bears could try an offensive tackle here, too, but I think they go defense first.

USA Today, Staff Consensus
Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Peria Jerry, DT Mississippi
Description:
The Bears solved their tackle situation by signing Kevin Shaffer, so now they can start to repair the defensive line. Jerry gives them a tandem inside like they haven't had since Tank Johnson lined up next to Tommie Harris.

Chris Steuber, Scout.com
Tyson Jackson, DE LSU

Scott Wright, Draftcountdown.com
Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
Strengths:
A smooth, fluid athlete...Long strider with rare speed...Explosive with great acceleration and a burst...Quick and agile...Terrific height and bulk with long arms...Excellent leaper...Nice body control and ball skills...Tough and not afraid to work the middle...Vertical threat who can separate...Also a dangerous weapon on reverses...Great work ethic...Could also contribute as a return man...Still has a ton of upside.
Weaknesses:
Is inconsistent catching the ball and does not have great natural hands...Questionable instincts and awareness...Still very raw as a route runner...Not much wiggle and won't make people miss...Doesn't break a lot of tackles...Average strength...Marginal blocker...Has little or no special teams experience...Wasn't real productive..Workout Warrior?

YahooSports.com
Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
Description:
The Bears need to add more talent to their offensive and defensive lines, but a playmaker on offense is still a top priority. Maclin has not run as well as expected this postseason, but his explosion is obvious on tape, and he would give the Bears some big-play capability on offense.

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Final DaChiFan analysis: There doesn’t seem to be any consensus on who the Bears are going to draft. But odds are that it will either be an OT, DT, Corner or WR. Of those, I think cornerback is the least of our concerns, especially since we can’t rush the passer. If I was Angelo, I would target the OT (provided that we don’t land Orlando Pace) or the WR, and preferably the bigger and faster Darrius Heyward Bey, even though he is more of a project.

But even with all that being said, the best move, and the one that would get me on the Angelo/Lovie bandwagon again would be to go out and get Jay Cutler. Trade the first round pick, and whatever else may be needed to get Cutler. I could see a scenario where we get Cutler and send a first and 3rd rounder to Denver, while Denver sends a 2nd t o Cleveland for Brady Quinn in a three team trade. I still don’t know if that get’s it done. But one thing is for sure, Cutler should be our number one priority right now.