[CBFF] Where do Bears pick in the NFL Draft? - Chicago Bears - Sent Using Google Toolbar

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Where do Bears pick in the NFL Draft? - Chicago Bears



Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the
Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of e-mail questions
from fans every day on ChicagoBears.com.

Larry: Where did the Bears end up in the 2008 NFL Draft order?

Kerry S.
 North Carolina

Kerry: The Bears have the 14th overall selection in the 2008 NFL
Draft. They are among seven teams that finished the season with a 7-9
record, but the Bengals, Saints, Bills, Broncos and Panthers all will
pick ahead of the Bears because those teams had a less difficult
strength-of-schedule. The Bears and Lions have the same record and
strength-of-schedule, but the Bears will choose ahead of the Lions
because Detroit swept the season series from Chicago. Interestingly,
there are three current Bears players who were selected with the 14th
pick in the draft: Guard Ruben Brown by the Bills in 1995, tackle John
Tait by the Chiefs in 1999 and defensive tackle Tommie Harris by the
Bears in 2004.

Larry: Over the last couple weeks, Kyle Orton has made a good case to
be at the very least the Bears' No. 2 quarterback and maybe even No.
1. What role do you think he'll fill next year?

Andrew R.
 Austintown, Ohio

Andrew: I wouldn't be surprised at all if Kyle Orton is given a chance
to compete for the starting quarterback position next summer in
training camp. It'll be interesting to see if the Bears re-sign Rex
Grossman or possibly acquire another quarterback either in free agency
of the draft. But Orton has impressed me over the final three games,
especially Sunday against the Saints with how he looked off the safety
on his touchdown pass to Mark Bradley as well as his deep throw to
Devin Hester for a 55-yard touchdown. At the very least, he has proven
that he can be a very adequate No. 2 quarterback.

Larry: Where are the Bears in terms of signing Devin Hester to a
richer, long-term deal? With his emergence on offense I believe he is
worth even more.

Z. Landers
 Peoria, Illinois

Devin Hester still has two more years left on his rookie contract, so
he's not going anywhere for the immediate future. As a result, I think
it makes more sense for the Bears to spend their money upgrading their
offense or re-signing players who are slated to become free agents in
March. Hester has expressed a desire to play his entire career in
Chicago, and a long-term contract is something the Bears can still
address with him a year from now.