Round 2 - WR Alshon Jeffery
Round 3 - S Brandon Hardin
Round 4 - TE/FB Evan Rodriguez
Round 6 - CB Isaiah Frey
Round 7 - CB Greg McCoy
With the exception of the offensive line, the Bears play fairly well in all other position groups. However, they came into the offseason needing an upgrade at defensive end across from Julius Peppers, a big-bodied possession receiver, and offensive line help. Their trade for Brandon Marshall seemingly alleviated their receiver issues. Although he can prove to be a distraction, his amazing production on the field is undeniable. Once again, the Cutler-to-Marshall connection is on. The other major signing on offense - Michael Bush - should greatly improve their redzone efficiency and spell Forte during games. Upgrading the offensive weapons for Cutler should pay dividends and return them to the playoffs.
Versatile enough to rush from anywhere, Shea McClellin possesses the size, athleticism, and motor to start at the next level. The speed and explosive first step he exhibits aid him in consistently pressuring the quarterback. When he is initially blocked, his solid repertoire of pass moves and violent hands aid him in shedding the block and getting after the passer. However, his lack of size and great awareness cause him to struggle a bit against the run. McClellin will begin his career as a part-time pass rusher, but he can eventually become the full-time starter across from Peppers.
Really desiring to add some big bodies to that receiving corps, Alshon Jeffery was drafted to give Cutler another massive target. Massive is a great word for how he played last year. Overweight and slow, he rarely made a catch that wasn't contested. The way he let himself get out of shape leads to questions about his work ethic and motivation. If he is in shape, his size and natural strength provide the quarterback with a target who can come down the ball almost every time. Cutler, with his gunslinger mentality, may prove to the best quarterback for Jeffery who struggles to gain separation.
As a one year starter at corner, Brandon Hardin will try to make a quick transition to safety - a position the Bears can't seem to find starters for. His athleticism and speed allowed him to play at corner in college, but he is better suited to try safety in the NFL. Though he missed last season with a broken shoulder, they liked what they saw from his one year of starting. His hard hitting ways and passion for the game make him a special teams stud.
Again, looking to bring in some more weapons on offense, Chicago drafted Evan Rodriguez. A fluid, smooth athlete, he provides a nice target, especially on shorter passes. While he was used mostly as a blocker out of the backfield, he runs nice routes. Because he finishes blocks and plays with a mean streak, Rodriguez will mostly be utilized as a blocker to start.
Isaiah Frey, a good-sized corner with decent speed, played well last year for Nevada. However, he needs to clean up his footwork to take his game to the next level. In addition, he could improve his physicality against receivers. Frey should be a depth player for them.
A prospect for the slot corner position, Greg McCoy possesses some nice quickness, which is needed to play inside. However, his lack of strength and polished technique hurt him when trying to cover physical or speedy receivers. Again, McCoy is a depth player at best.
Though Chicago brought in help at key positions, they shockingly failed to add any offensive linemen (aside from backup Chilo Rachal). If Cutler doesn't have time to throw, what good will his two new targets be to him? Maybe the Bears are banking on the line play improving with Mike Martz gone and Mike Tice in as the coordinator. By drafting McClellin, they added a solid pass rusher who gives them some versatility. Jeffery gives the quarterback a big target, even if he isn't ever open. Hardin might develop into a starting safety, but he will definitely be a factor on special teams either way. With Rodriguez, they now have a very good blocker who could show some nice receiving ability if given the chance. The fact that they didn't draft a lineman to protect Cutler is surprising, but they had a decent draft overall.
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