| The Chicago Bears will play their 89th regular | | | | out the list were offensive guard Chester Adams |
| season in 2008 and attempt to improve upon | | | | from Georgia, linebacker Joey LaRocque from |
| their 7-9 finish in 2007. Obviously, heading into the | | | | Oregon State, offensive tackle Kirk Barton from |
| new season the Bears had to address many | | | | Ohio State and wide receiver Marcus Monk from |
| issues, mainly their weak offense. Statistically | | | | Arkansas. |
| speaking, the team's running game ranked last | | | | How did the press react to the Chicago Bears of |
| place in most categories. The team also had their | | | | 2008? There was some criticism as regards the |
| share of injuries and poor game play from their | | | | quarterback situation as well as players like Cedric |
| aging offensive line. What will it take to turn the | | | | Benson. Just as the team was trying to rebuild |
| bears around and turn them into the 2006 team | | | | their offensive line they also lose Bernard Berrian. |
| that finished the season playing Super Bowl | | | | Fans and experts noticed that the Bears went |
| winner the Indianapolis Colts? | | | | after offensive players like Chris Williams. Williams |
| The draft is a good indication of where the team | | | | has received some scrutiny because of his short |
| is going in 2008. In addition to their six other | | | | arms, nevertheless most fans believe he is a |
| regular picks, the team got to choose an extra | | | | smart athlete and one that can easily become a |
| third-round draft pick after trading with the San | | | | top pass blocker in the big leagues. Cedric Benson |
| Diego Chargers. They also traded third-round picks | | | | probably felt the heat when running back Matt |
| with the San Francisco 49ers and got their fifth | | | | Forte was chosen, possibly as his replacement if |
| round pick after negotiating with Lance Briggs's | | | | Benson doesn't start living up to his promises. |
| agent. The NFL also let the Bears choose three | | | | Forte is seen as a bit of an in-between for |
| compensatory picks, giving the team a total of 12 | | | | running back and full back position, though his MVP |
| draft picks. As many experts predicted, the Bears | | | | showing at the Senior Bowl did help. Earl Bennett |
| wisely used their first three draft picks for | | | | also won high marks for his size and bulk and |
| choosing offensive players. These were offensive | | | | most importantly his pass catching average. |
| tackle Chris Williams from Vanderbilt University, | | | | What is the overall reception for the Bears 2008 |
| running back Matt Forte from Tulane and wide | | | | draft? They scored well, receiving quantity as well |
| receiver Earl Bennett. | | | | as quality. Some experts questioned why the |
| The next rounds brought the team some | | | | team didn't opt for a quarterback. It seems likely |
| defensive players as well as offensive players, | | | | that the Bears may be in for a longer wait for |
| including Arkansas' Marcus Harrison as a defensive | | | | success as they rebuild their offense. However, it |
| tackle, safety Craig Steltz from Louisiana State | | | | does appear as if they are heading in the right |
| University, cornerback Zack Bowman from | | | | direction. Sometimes building legendary Super Bowl |
| Nebraska, tight end Kellen Davis and defensive | | | | winners just takes time-as Chicago's most loyal |
| end Ervin Baldwin from Michigan State. Rounding | | | | fans know. |
