Draft Recap
Having already addressed their need on the O-Line in free agency, Chicago needed to find a middle linebacker and some offensive skill players in this draft. At number 20 they had their choice of the MLBs , Tyler Eifert, and some very good WRs, but chose to go offensive line instead taking Oregon OT Kyle Long. The Bears then used their next two picks to fill their need at LB, with Florida’s Jon Bostic and Khaseem Greene from Rutgers. They did not take a skill position player until the 7th round where they selected WR Marquess Wilson out of Washington St.
Fantasy Impact
The addition of Kyle Long to the offensive line following the pickups OT Jermon Bushrod and G Matt Slauson during free agency, gives the once maligned unit in Chicago a revamped look. Jay Cutler and Matt Forte will be much better off next season with additional time to let plays develop and make decisions.
The Defense was solidified on the inside and the the Bears should be able to minimize the loss of Brian Urlacher up the middle. This unit is unlikely to be a suffocating, shut down D, but they should excel on making the big play.
The Bears actions in this draft tell me that the team believes that Alshon Jeffery is going to develop into a weapon opposite Brandon Marshall. Jeffery was a dominant player at South Carolina, but struggled with injuries and inconsistency in his rookie season with Chicago. With an offseason to heal, learn from Marshall and work with Cutler, expect Jeffery to put up solid fantasy numbers this season.
Draft Results
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20 | Kyle Long | T | Oregon |
| 2 | 50 | Jon Bostic | LB | Florida |
| 4 | 117 | Khaseem Greene | LB | Rutgers |
| 5 | 163 | Jordan Mills | T | Louisiana Tech |
| 6 | 188 | Cornelius Washington | DE | Georgia |
| 7 | 236 | Marquess Wilson | WR | Washington St. |