Angelo: Draft Class A Little Below Average
With the uncertainty of free agency and little cap room to work with, the majority of the upgrades for the Chicago Bears will likely have to come from April's NFL Draft.
While Friday marked the first day of position drills and testing, the key positions won't take center stage until Saturday and Sunday. And if those players don't do a lot to showcase their skills, this overall draft class could turn out less then stellar results.
"The defensive line position is very good again this year," Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said from the Combine in Indianapolis. But after that the talent seems to start dropping off a bit.
"The offensive line is solid," Angelo said, "I don't think there are any really bell cows in there."
The Bears desperately need to upgrade their offensive line, while there are a few projected first round picks (Nate Solder, Tyron Smith, Anthony Castonzo and Gabe Carimi), if the Bears aren't able to draft one of them they make have to reach on someone else to fill a team need.
Much like last year, it looks like this could be another draft year that's dominated by the players with their hands on the turf.
"Probably not as good at the skill positions, you know, running back, wide receiver. Quarterback, a little iffy. Secondary seems to be OK. Not great for linebackers. I would say four or five positions, at this point at least until you see them run, I would say maybe a little bit below average. But it could change after this weekend if the measurables compensate for some things."
It's still very early in the process and the picture will get much clearer once the combine wraps up.
"We'll know more once we start setting the board," Angelo said.
