I talked before about Will Sutton. How could the player who had 13 sacks as a junior, Pac-10 defensive player of the year two years running and such a dynamic, disruptive player, last until the 3rd round? And why did the Bears wait that long? Weight problem? What weight problem. If Will is behind Aaron Donald and Dominique Easley, it ain't by much. What a find, what a 3rd round steal.
I could not decide before the draft which of the running backs I wanted the Bears to pick. The level of talent at that position in this years draft is/was incredible. I thought I might like James White from Wisconsin the best but was totally unsure -- so many great backs to choose from. I think many teams got a steal this year from their RB pick. Now, for me, the back I want on the Bears is the one we got -- Ka'Deem Carey. Consensus All-American two years running, Pac-10 offensive player of the year and had an incredibly productive college career. His playing style reminds me of Walter Payton's -- quick through the hole, very difficult to bring down and has great balance and body control. He impresses in the same way that Walter did and while he is not yet in the Hall of Fame like our beloved and never to be forgotten Mr. Payton, he flashes that same kind of toughness. If you haven't seen Ka'Deem's highlights, you are in for a treat.
And, what a compliment to Matt Forte. I expect that he wont be behind Forte as much as 'on his shoulder' -- playing an integral role in the offense and giving much needed rest to one of the most valuable offensive players in the NFL. How was Forte ranked in the top 100 players? Matt is most probably in the top ten on the offensive side. And, we need to keep him healthy and fresh for the next few years -- and for the playoffs. We are definitely heading to the playoffs this year.
I expect Carey to give us an additional 30 to 40 yards per game over his predecessor Michael Bush. Did I mention that Ka'Deem is an excellent receiver? That 30 or 40 yards doesn't seem like much until you consider how competitive the games are, particularly against are divisional rivals. One extended offensive series can determine the outcome of those 'struggles'. Grinding out a few extra 1st downs even on a failed series can eat up the clock and keep the ball out of the hands of Rodgers or Stafford or Peterson at the end of the game.
Speaking of how important these extra yards gained can be -- how about the 5 or 10 that the punter can get you. Meet Mr. Patrick O'Donnell, he of the 47.9 punting average for Miami last year. Not bad, not bad at all. Booms one from our 40 to their 10 yard line (rather than their 20) -- can make a huge difference in the outcome of the game. And, considering his athletic build and skills he becomes a very important coverage person. (How many times do we see a punter kind of waving at the returner as he speeds by?) O'Donnell is most definitely a late round steal.
Brock Vereen -- not yet to be designated a steal. He has very good coverage skills and has that great athletic body. Can very well become our starting free safety. Certainly has the potential to become a 'steal'. I am leaving the jury out on that one. For now, he remains a very promising 4th round pick.
This is lining up as 'one of those drafts' for the Bears. Emery, Trestman and staff must like what they see in Ego Ferguson, drafting him in the 2nd round (and before Sutton). He is quite the physical specimen and should contribute immediately as a run-stuffer. Kyle Fuller -- pretty much a can't miss player. David Fales -- developing behind a future NFL coach in Jordan Palmer and under no pressure to perform -- nice pick. Trestman's and Cavanaugh's guy -- why not. Charles Leno, Jr. in the 7th -- got to think that this is Shumer's guy. The little I saw of his play he looked solid. He may be the kind of player that not only needs a good offensive line coach but also help from the conditioning staff.
Sutton and Carey in the same draft -- stealin' em' in 2014.