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Chicago Bears
2009 Draft Grade: B

Free Agent / Non Draft: A-

Total Grade: B+

Overall Needs:
•Cornerback
•Offensive tackle
•Wide Receiver
•Defensive End
•Safety
•Guard

Draft Picks
Rd / Sel# / Name / Pos. / School
3) 68 Jarron Gilbert DL San Jose State
3) 99 Juaquin Iglesias WR Oklahoma
4) 105 Henry Melton DE Texas
4) 119 D.J. Moore CB Vanderbilt
5) 140 Johnny Knox WR Abilene Christian
5) 154 Marcus Freeman LB Ohio State
6) 190 Al Afalava S Oregon State
7) 246 Lance Louis TE/OL San Diego State
7) 251 Derek Kinder WR Pittsburgh

Arrivals: Old Team
FS Josh Bullocks (FA) New Orleans
QB Jay Cutler (Trade) Denver
SS Glenn Earl (FA) Houston
OT Frank Omiyale (FA) Carolina
OT Orlando Pace (FA) St. Louis
OT Kevin Shaffer (FA) Cleveland

Departures: New Team
WR Marty Booker (FA)
S Mike Brown (FA)
LB Gilbert Gardner (FA)
S Brandon McGowan (FA) New England
OG Terrence Metcalf (released)
QB Kyle Orton (trade) Denver
LB Marcus Riley (FA)
OT John St. Clair (FA) Cleveland
OT John Tait (retired)

Offseason Analysis:

The Bears didn’t even have a pick on the first day. They finally ended up with Jarron Gilbert, an athletic defensive tackle, who ran a 4.82 at the Combine.

In the second round, they took a receiver – a much needed position – and wound up with Juaquin Iglesias from Oklahoma.  Iglesias has soft hands and runs good routes.  He’s an ideal slot receiver with good size and average speed.

In the fourth round, DE Henry Melton from Texas has limited experience but has some potential and size. They also added a strong corner in D.J. Moore from Vanderbilt, who they stole in the fourth round. His only negative is his height (5′ 9″).

They took a chance on Johnny Knox from small Abilene Christian because of his great speed. Ohio State linebacker Marcus Freeman could eventually get a crack on the weakside. S Al Afalava is a big hitter from Oregon State. Lance Louis from San Diego State will be moved to tight end. Derek Kinder tore his ACL in 2007 and has not fully recovered yet.

The Bears made their biggest splash in the offseason by dealing for QB Jay Cutler, though they gave up a mint, dealing two first-round picks and a third-rounder to Denver. At least Cutler gives them credibility for the first time in many years.

They needed some line help as well and if Orlando Pace is anywhere near his Pro Bowl form, they upgraded at left tackle-big time. They also added some nice depth on the line with the additions of Kevin Shaffer and Frank Omiyale. Josh Bullocks was brought in to start at free safety and improve a defense that finished 30th against the pass.

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