Chicago Bears 2009 Draft Preview

Sports Network | April 6, 2009

(Sports Network) - The Bears addressed two major needs during free agency, pulling off a blockbuster deal for quarterback Jay Cutler on April 2nd, and also adding former Pro Bowler Orlando Pace, along with Kevin Shaffer (ex- Browns) and Frank Omiyale (ex-Panthers), to bolster the tackle position. With picks No. 49 and No. 99, the team will likely target contributors at wide receiver and/or the secondary. Given Nathan Vasher's injury problems and Charles Tillman's general struggles last year, a cornerback would be nice. Next on the agenda should be adding some numbers to a front seven that neither rushed the passer nor stopped the run with much consistency a year ago.

2008 Record: 9-7

First Pick: No. 49

Number of Selections: 8 (2, 3, 4, 5, 5, 6, 7, 7)

RECENT FIRST ROUND HISTORY: 2008 - Chris Williams (T, Vanderbilt); 2007 - Greg Olsen (TE, Miami-Florida); 2006 - none; 2005 - Cedric Benson (RB, Texas); 2004 - Tommie Harris (DT, Oklahoma); 2003 - Michael Haynes (DE, Penn State), Rex Grossman (QB, Florida); 2002 - Marc Colombo (OT, Boston College); 2001 - David Terrell (WR, Michigan); 2000 - Brian Urlacher (LB, New Mexico); 1999 - Cade McNown (QB, UCLA); 1998 - Curtis Enis (RB, Penn State); 1997 - none; 1996 - Walt Harris (CB, Mississippi State); 1995 - Rashaan Salaam (RB, Colorado); 1994 - John Thierry (DE, Alcorn State); 1993 - Curtis Conway (WR, USC); 1992 - Alonzo Spellman (DE, Ohio State); 1991 - Stan Thomas (OT, Texas); 1990 - Mark Carrier (S, USC).