The Chicago Bears barely missed the 2013 playoffs. In a competitive NFC North, the two losses in the final two weeks pushed them out of contention and they finished 8-8 in Marc Trestman’s rookie coaching season in the NFL. Trestman concentrated on offense and has a multifaceted offense but the perennial stalwart Bears defense looked really bad costing them games. The injury to Jay Cutler definitely impacted their year but it was a nice surprise when journeyman veteran Josh McCown had such a great showing at QB that enabled him to get a chance running his own show in Tampa Bay for former head coach and mentor Lovie Smith. The Bears need to bring back the legendary Bear defense quick. They have plenty of weapons but their needs in the 2014 NL draft are: S, CB, DT. The core new defense is as follows: Jared Allen, Lamarr Houston, Willie Young, Austen Lane, Trevor Scott and Israel Idonije.
2014 NFL DRAFT PICK RECAP AND ANALYSIS
Kyle Fuller CB, Virginia Tech Round 1 Pick #14
I didn’t have Kyle Fuller projected so high and I didn’t have him as my first draft pick in my 2014 NFL Mock Draft either. I had the Bears taking Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. Bears had a decision to go Cornerback or Safety and they went Corner. I still wouldn’t have chosen Fuller, I would have went Darqueze Dennard from Michigan. I think he is a better player and I had Kyle Fuller going 27th to the Saints. They filled a need with THE best player they thought so no argument here from me. Great Pick.
Ego Ferguson DT, Louisiana State Round 2 Pick #19
The Bear needed a DT and went for the best one on the board the second day of the draft. 3 technique player with good size, speed and quickness. Good technique that will only improve with experience and coaching. Lots of upside and little risk, should immediately make an impact for The Bears. Decent Pick. But could have taken RBs Carlos Hyde or Bishop Sankey and really had a run game.
Will Sutton DT, Arizona State Round 3 Pick #18
Another DT and the depth is needed so I get the draft pick. Think the Bears reached here and could have done better and probably could have gotten him in in round 4. I would have gambled and looked to find a Safety here. Will Sutton had a weight issue Senior year and that could be a long term concern on conditioning. Between Ferguson and Sutton, one of these guys will work out and help stop the bleeding defending the run. Decent Pick, but should have taken Nose Tackle Louis Nix here. Would have been an outstanding value in the 3rd round.
Ka’Deem Carey RB, Arizona Round 4 Pick #17
Lots of maturity and legal issues surround this draft pick. If he grows up and puts the nonsense behind him, the Bears just drafted a star. Huge numbers for Arizona. I personally think that with the influence of Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, this kid will figure it out and become everything that he has worked for, a Pro Bowl back with a huge career ahead. Great Pick.
Brock Vereen FS, Minnesota Round 4 Pick #31
Traded up to get Brock Vereen. Brother of RB Shane Vereen of the New England Patriots. This guy is the answer to Chicago Free Safety need. Perfect draft pick and will be a impact player on the field in a very short time. Father was a Canadian Football player so has football in the blood. Smart, hard working player with all the tools for a long NFL career. Will need some help in understanding the better ways to catch a football but he works hard at understanding the game and it’s nuances, good cover skills and can go sideline to sideline. Great Pick.
David Fales QB, San Jose State Round 6 Pick #7
Not sure what is up with this. A developmental QB, Okay. Must have impressed someone on the scouting staff because this is one of those, “trust me” draft picks. I don’t see this kid as anything more than a practice squad QB. Be surprised to see him make the roster. Bad Pick, better guys out there like Tajh Boyd who went to the New York Jets 30 picks later.
Pat O’Donnell P, Miami (FL) Round 6 Pick #15
Punter/Kickoff guy that can also hold for PATs. Nothing wrong with the Bears filling many roles with one all around guy. Strong leg and big guy for a punter, two step technique will make it hard for anyone to block punts. Needs some help wit hang-time and control but the kid will work hard and success should come. Great use of a round 6 pick.
Charles Leno Jr. OT, Boise State Round 7 Pick #31
Raw talent that may be best served in the interior until they can develop his technique. Promising skill set with good physical size. Needs to understand how to get low and use his leverage to hold his block and stand his ground. Too easy to push backwards, needs some work developing his lower body strength. Otherwise, a really good developmental player. Good Pick.
Overall Team Draft Day Analysis
The Chicago Bears had an better than average day. In my opinion they blew the 2nd and third round picks. They could have had RBs Carlos Hyde or Bishop Sankey in the 2nd and then taken Nose tackle Louis Nix in the 3rd. Then the draft would have been outstanding and they could have went after a DT in later rounds. I know they were porous in the run, but Louis Nix would have immediately impacted and they have the ability to put up a lot of points on offense, they will need a stronger secondary pass defense than a run defense anyways.
Draft Grade: B
Because the missed opportunities to take the best athlete and should have passed on the need position. I attribute this to the little experience Trestman has as an NFL coach.
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