Instead of assigning a grade to the 2009 Bears' NFL draft, let's instead discuss what we learned over the weekend.
Complacency was a major problem for the 2008 Bears team. Who on the roster was pushing some of these veterans that underachieved? Determined not to let that happen again, the Bears turned up the heat. Jarron Gilbert was brought in to light a fire under Tommie Harris and to maybe replace Dusty Dvoracek in the tackle rotation. Henry Melton is here to push Adewale Ogunleye and Mark Anderson. D.J. Moore is an upgrade to Trumaine McBride and should provide better depth at corner. Johnny Knox puts Rashied Davis on notice. If Earl Bennett really is a bust, Juaquin Iglesias could emerge as a better option. Marcus Freeman could squeeze out Jamar Williams or Hunter Hillenmeyer (who did not underachieve in '08, but fought through a variety of injuries). Lance Louis should be a shock to Kellen Davis' system.
That's not to say that all these rookies will accomplish great things, but all should be hungry enough to give it a try, which is crucial.
As suspected, the theme of this draft was improving the defense. Outside of receiver and a blocking tight end, the Bears did an excellent job stabilizing the offense this offseason. It's the defense that needs to pick it up. Hopefully some of these picks will make a difference, or again push these veterans to work harder.
The Bears took into account having three defensive ends, all with expiring contracts after this season (Mark Anderson's status could change with an uncapped 2010). Gilbert could also play outside if necessary, but Jerry Angelo first views him as an under tackle.
The Bears really protected themselves in the return game by drafting Moore. He could be a great option if Devin Hester is phased off punt return or Danieal Manning eventually leaves via free agency (same rules apply as Anderson).
When Patrick Chung and Mike Mitchell came off the board in the second round, that killed the Bears' plans of taking a safety early. Angelo still endorses Craig Steltz as a possible free, but logic tells you that might not happen.
Try all you want, but you'll never see through all of Angelo's draft smokescreen. He is the master. Remember Virginia WR Kevin Ogletree. The Bears told him he was a realistic possibility at No. 99. Where did he end up? Signing as an undrafted free agent in Dallas. Mohamed Massaquoi was also a ruse. Guilty as charged on both players, especially Ogletree.