November 3, 2012; Gainesville FL, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Jon Bostic (1) high fives defensive lineman Dominique Easley (2) prior to the game against the Missouri Tigers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

For too many years have I watched draft after draft only to wonder why so many top candidates fell to the Bears only to be passed up by too many GM’s. This draft has an eerily similar feel to past drafts I have watched, though I am reminded by my inner-self that it is way too early to do anything but offer critiques, grades and hollow judgements.  Kyle Long, Jon Bostic, Khaseem Greene, Jordan Mills, Cornelius Washington, and Marquess Wilson are now Chicago Bears and their legacy will be defined by their actions, not by the written words of sports writers.

This is Phil Emery’s second draft. And for the second time, I believe he drafted a player in the first round that could have been had in the second. For the second year, his #2 pick seems to be a better pick than his first round. Certainly last year’s pick, Shea McClellin played well…about what I would expect a second round pick to play like while the second round pick, Alshon Jeffery had moments that I would say were more impactful in a good way for the Bears.
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Oct 20, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Mark Harrison (81) during the third quarter against the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. Rutgers defeated Temple 35-10. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears may be done with the draft, but they’re still busily trying to add some more pieces via the through the undrafted free agent market.  The Bears have had success tapping into the undrafted free agent market in the past with such fringe players as offensive lineman James Brown, wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher and safety Anthony Walters.   (more…)

Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl south squad offensive lineman Jordan Mills of Louisiana Tech against the Senior Bowl north squad during the second half of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The South squad defeated the North squad 21-16. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Phil Emery might take an unconventional route at times, but at least he sees the same football team that we as fans are watching.  The Bears had a couple of glaring weakness from last season and he is addressing those in the draft.  After taking offensive lineman Kyle Long in Round 1, Phil Emery and the Chicago Bears traded back 10 spots in the fifth round, picking up a seventh rounder from the Atlanta Falcons, to select Louisiana Tech offensive tackle Jordan Mills.

Mills boosted his stock with a strong Senior Bowl week, showing well in practice against Top-10 pick Ziggy Ansah.  He was a two-year starter for a Louisiana Tech.  Walter Football had him ranked as their 11th ranked offensive tackle.  Here’s a scouting report on the 6’5″ 316 pounder, who started at guard before sliding out to right tackle.  Some scouts view him as a left tackle and I’ve seen comparisons to former Alabama tackle Andre Smith and The Blind Side  inspiration,  Michael Oher.  (more…)

Oct 20, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights linebacker Khaseem Greene (20) prior to playing the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. Rutgers defeated Temple 35-10. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears needed to get younger at linebacker heading into the NFL Draft and have addressed that area of need with consecutive selections in the second and fourth rounds.  After grabbing Florida linebacker Jon Bostic on Day 2, the Bears doubled down on the LB position by selecting Rutgers linebacker Khaseem Greene with their first selection on Day 3, number 117 overall.  (more…)

November 17, 2012; Gainesville FL, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Jon Bostic (1) points during the second half against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Jacksonville State Gamecocks 23-0. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears were able to shore up their defense and hopefully found the successor to middle linebacker Brian Urlacher with the second round selection of linebacker Jon Bostic out of Florida.

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Apr 25, 2013; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the NFL shield logo and main stage before the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Phil Emery got his man with guard Kyle Long but there are still plenty of possibilities for the Chicago Bears on Day 2 of the 2013 NFL draft, which will have Rounds 2 and 3.  Here are some players to keep an eye on when the draft resumes on Day 2:  (more…)