Draft Grades: Bears

Considering they didn't pick until the 2nd day, the Bears put together an impressive draft.

Jarron Gilbert has a ton of upside, and he landed in a perfect situation in Chicago. He's raw and isn't ready to to start right away. With the Bears, he can be used as part of the rotation while he grows into a more prominent role.

Juaquin Iglesias doesn't have much upside, but he had good value in the 3rd round. The Bears needed a bigger receiver like Iglesias, and he should compete with Rashied Davis and Earl Bennett for a starting job.

Henry Melton was a reach. He's inexperienced, having made the switch from running back during his collegiate career. He's a decent athelte, however, and could develop into a decent pass rusher.

D.J. Moore was vastly overrated early in the draft process, but by draft day I think he was actaully underrated. He doesn't have great size, but he's a playmaker and should have come off the board earlier than then 4th round. He should be a solid nickelback at worst.

Johnn Knox isn't a great fit in Chicago. He has impressive speed, but he's very raw. Frankly, he isn't much more than a poor man's Devin Hester and I don't see room for him in Chicago.

Marcus Freeman was a steal in the 5th round. The Bears needed depth at linebacker, which Freeman will give them immediately, and I believe he has the potential to develop into a starter. He was one of the better late-round picks this year.

Al Afalava was a decent selection in the 6th round. He'll add to the depth in their secondary and should be able to contribute on special teams.

Lance Louis isn't much more than a backup. He has little upside and may not even make the team.

Derek Kinder will also struggle to make the roster. He's good route runner with reliable hands but he doesn't have the size or speed to make a major impact.

Overall, the Bears did all you ask of them with no first-day picks. The could easily wind with two or three starters from this draft class which is an impressive feat considering they skipped the first two rounds.

Grade: B+

Cutler To The Bears

According to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports Jay Cutler is now a Chicago Bear.

The Bears reportedly sent their 2009 and 2010 1st-round picks along with a 2009 3rd-round pick and Kyle Orton for Cutler and a 2009 5th-round pick.

Considering the fact that bringing back Cutler simply wasn't an option, this is a great trade for both sides. The Bears FINALLY get a quarterback, perhaps the first reliable signal caller they've had since Jim McMahon. The Broncos get what they wanted, two 1st-round picks, plus a stop-gap quarterback in Kyle Orton.

The Broncos draft strategy likely doesn't change drastically. Defensive line and linebacker are still priorities and could very well be selected with both of their 2009 1st-round picks. There is, however, a chance that they select Mark Sanchez. Orton will almost certainly be the starter in 2009, but Sanchez could watch and learn for a year before taking over.

With the addition of Cutler, the Bears become the favorite in the NFC North. They still have a solid defense, one of the best young running backs and an above average offensive line. They need to find away to land a decent receiver between now and the start of the season, but regardless, they should run away with the division in 2009.