NFC/AFC North Draft Grades

*Posted on www.newsportswriters.com on 5/14/2006

NFC North

Chicago Bears

Best Value Pick: Mark Anderson, DE, Alabama
He’s listed as a defensive end but do to his size (6’4”, 254) and speed (4.61) I would think that he is more suited to play linebacker in the NFL. Anderson is one of the fastest and athletic prospects at his position, but at this time is way too small to be effective at end. This really wasn’t a need position for the Bears, but going along with the rest of their draft they didn’t seemed real intent on filling their needs anyway. 

Worst Value Pick: Danieal Manning, S, Chicago
The Bears traded out of the first round as expected, but what wasn’t expected was that they would select a player with the talent worthy of a fourth round pick. If they were going to pick a safety or corner why didn’t they stay put at the 26th pick and select a far more talented player. Even at the 42nd spot they could have gotten a player with far more talent. Manning is not big enough to play safety in the NFL (5’10”, 202), and he is a nickel corner at best. He does have good speed (4.47), but he is coming from a very small school so the transition to the NFL will be that much harder and take that much longer. 

Sleeper Pick: Devin Hester, RS, Miami
Another head scratcher by the Bears, but he at least will bring some excitement to their special teams. I honestly felt that they already had an above average return game, and using a second round pick on a guy who will only be able to help you in that area makes little sense to me. He’s one of the fastest guys in the draft (4.32), and he’s in this spot mostly because of the mystery of where he’ll fit in on this Bears roster. He projects as a cornerback, but likely will never be anything more than a punt and kick returner as a pro.