Re-Grading Chicago Bears 2007 NFL Draft

Oct 5, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) reacts after catching the winning touchdown in the 4th quarter. The Panthers defeated the Bears 31-24 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 5, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) reacts after catching the winning touchdown in the 4th quarter. The Panthers defeated the Bears 31-24 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
3 of 3
Nov 20, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Buffalo Bills free safety Corey Graham (20) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bills won 16-12. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Buffalo Bills free safety Corey Graham (20) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bills won 16-12. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

5. Kevin Payne, DB, UL-Monroe

Payne started in 22 games for the Bears, including 16 in 2008. Still, injury railroaded his career, and he only made those 22 starts. If there is a place to point to wonder where it began to go wrong in Chicago, it would have to be the 2007 NFL draft, where Jerry Angelo traded Thomas Jones, passed on Eric Weddle, and wound up with Kevin Payne, Garrett Wolfe, and Dan Bazuin instead.

5. Corey Graham, DB, New Hampshire

Somehow, Graham is still a starter in the NFL. Graham played five seasons in Chicago and was a strong special teams and depth asset. However, he put in 10 starts in those five years, then started in 13 games for the Ravens over the next two seasons. From there, the Buffalo Bills signed him and he has been their starting safety each of the past two seasons. It does not sting to the same effect as Greg Olsen, but it is a situation you scratch your head at.

Sixth round pick (Jordan Palmer) for Adam Archuleta

The Bears saw ten starts out of Archuleta in 2007, which is more than the number of games Palmer was even active for. A small win for the Bears here.

Next: Ranking NFC North Edge Rushers

7. Trumaine McBride, Ole Miss

In another small win, the Bears traded Lennie Friedman, who retired after 2007 for an extra seventh round pick. McBride started 10 games in three seasons for the Bears and had an NFL career through the 2015 season. Unfortunately, the Bears yet again saw the least of his success.

7. Aaron Brant, OT, Iowa State

Brant was an offensive tackle who was waived injured and never saw an NFL football field.

Overall Grade: D-

This could very easily be looked at as an F. However, the smallest light glimmers with the selection of Greg Olsen. That is still a hit. Whether the coaches blew it or it was wrong place and the wrong time, the evaluation was correct. Same can be said with the value of Corey Graham. However, so many misses, combined with missing out Eric Weddle leave such a sour taste in the mouth when reviewing this draft. Anyone who wants to give this an F can very easily do so.

Schedule