Bears in need of offensive playmakers

Originally Published: April 13, 2005
Scouts Inc.
Every NFL team goes into the draft with a to-do list based on its needs, its draft position and its willingness to trade up or down. Our scouts have been doing their homework and present an early look at the most likely scenarios each team will face on draft day. Below is a breakdown of the NFC North.

Chicago Bears | Top 5 needs

General manager Jerry Angelo and head coach Lovie Smith continue to steer the Bears' organization in the right direction but they still have much work left to do. The defense has undergone a complete makeover, shifting from a two-gap strength-oriented scheme to a one-gap philosophy that emphasizes speed and athleticism. The unit finished 20th in total defense a year ago and, with six starters coming from the last three drafts, the unit is primed for a breakout season in 2005.

The offense, on the other hand, ranked dead last in the NFL in 2004. Kudos to Angelo and Smith for adding a legitimate No. 1 receiver in Muhsin Muhammad and upgrading the offensive line with ROT Fred Miller and ROG Roberto Garza, but the unit still is in desperate need of more playmakers, and the only place left to acquire such talent is in the upcoming draft.

The Bears have six overall draft picks in 2005. They select fourth overall and then early in each of the following rounds except for the third round, a pick that was traded away as part of the deal with the Dolphins for DE Adewale Ogunleye. The first two selections (Nos. 4 and 39) are critical to the future of this franchise, as it won't pick again until the fourth round, at No. 106 overall.


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