The Bears’ trade for Jay Cutler leaves them with only one pick on the first day of the draft, the 49th selection. Though the quarterback position is no longer a focal point, the Chicago Bears need help at wide receiver, offensive line and at the secondary.  The whole season will ride on their success at strengthining these positions.  We look back and forward to the 2009 Chicago Bears draft pick needs.

With a record of (9-7) in 2008, the Bears will need to win one more game to make the play-offs this year.  The Chicago Bears will, again, go head to head with the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers.  Look for the Packers to finish up the 2009 season stronger than 2008. 
9-7 (second in the N.F.C. North)

Head Coach Lovie Smith (47-37 over five seasons with the Bears; 47-37 over all) has a winning record, yet needs to make more ground to keep himself employed through 2010.  Here's a recap of the Chicago Bears 2008 draft, 2009 signings, and free agents:
 

Team Needs
Cornerback. Nathan Vasher and Mike Brown have not been able to stay healthy, however when healthy, they are the difference makers. The Chicago Bears corners were burned all last season and need an addition or two at this position.  A physical corner who’ll take chances (ala Asante Samuel, Antonio Cromartie, etc) is needed to press opposing wide outs. Without that the secondary sits back in coverage and has to hope the line gets pressure on the quarterback.  However, if we have tough and physical corners, the defensive line will have more time to get to the quarter back.  We can all look back on the 2006 season and see that when our corners were playing good football, the defensive line ate up the quarterback.
 By looking at the numbers, you can see that when our corners do, their job, the defensive line can do theirs and vice versa.

Safety. Just like at corner, the Bears need a sturdy hard hitting safety who’ll punish teams who throw over the middle. Kevin Payne and Mike Brown (when healthy) are great run stopping safeties but the Bears need a coverage safety to help out the battered corners; a safety who can run the middle of the field and punish receivers on crossing routes and give help over the top when needed. Again, this position used to be held by Mike Brown but injuries have slowed him down and fresh legs are needed.

Wide Reciever.  The Bears have found their long-term quarterback but have yet to find him a go-to receiver.  Brandon Lloyd showed signs of being that go-to guy, however injuries plagued his 2008 season and his past.  I happen to like Brandon Lloyd and his catch ability.  Kyle Orton slung many passes his way that were clearly uncatchable, however Brandon Lloyd found a way to catch them.  Aside from his play making ability, he can rap and is a pretty smooth guy too.  Just check out his website: http://blloyd.com

Because the Cutler trade cost them a number of first-day picks, the Bears may not have the ammunition to acquire Anquan Boldin from the Cardinals. We all know of a certain former Giants receiver who recently became available.  Adding Plaxico Burress could give the Chicago Bears a "shot in the arm" and would allow the Bears to focus their remaining picks on adding depth along the offensive line and in the secondary. With only two picks among the first 100 selections, Chicago must choose wisely, but if history repeats itself it would be no surprise to receive nothing worth while.

 

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