What exactly is going to be the underlying theme of the 2009 Bears draft weekend? My guess -- defense.
All the clamoring for a receiver is understandable, but take a step back for a moment, and closely evaluate the situation at Halas Hall.
Jerry Angelo and the pro personnel department deserve a lot of credit for their recent moves to address the offense. The signings of Frank Omiyale, Orlando Pace, Kevin Jones and Kevin Shaffer, coupled with the trade for Jay Cutler, make this a much improved unit heading into the season. Certainly, there is work left to do, but don't you feel a lot better about the offense now than you did back during the March minicamp?
Now comes the key question: Do you feel any better about the defense? My answer: Why would you? The only notable player (not including Rod Marinelli) additions this offseason have been Josh Bullocks and Glenn Earl. Let me repeat that. The only offseason additions for a defense that ranked 30th versus the pass and 21st in total yards, were Josh Bullocks and Glenn Earl. See my point? It is paramount that the Bears get bigger and stronger at safety and corner, and somehow find a way to pressure the quarterback. Plus, you can never have too many defensive tackles, and linebackers add a lot of value on special teams.
Of the eight picks the Bears possess this weekend, I could make a case for five going to address the defense:
2- Safety
1- Cornerback
1- Defensive end
1- Defensive tackle/Linebacker -- the one not chosen would be addressed with a priority undrafted free agent
That would give the Bears three picks to use on offense
1- Wide receiver
1- Offensive tackle/guard
1- Blocking tight end
Don't overlook the possibility of the Bears getting active again in free agency once rosters around the league take shape after the draft. Maybe that's where the Bears will find a bargain at wide receiver. They missed last year with Marty Booker and Brandon Lloyd, but this crop could be better.
Keep an open mind this weekend and don't get "fixated" on receiver. Unless the Bears make a move to get Anquan Boldin, is there really a game-changing wideout available outside the first round?