The Bears made it to the Super Bowl for the first time in 20 years, but couldn't get the Lombardi.  Getting back there shouldn't be all that hard.  Winning it will still be an issue.  To make that happen, the Bears need a great draft.

But before the picks start to fly, we think the Bears should cut the best deal possible with someone (the Redskins) for franchise-tagged linebacker Lance Briggs and improve their overall draft standing.  Even if Briggs shows up for the start of the season, the lack of offseason/preseason work will surely impact his performance in 2007.  Next year, the Bears will have to decide whether to use the tag again.  And then they'll go through all of this stuff again.

Beyond the Briggs brouhaha, here are the areas of needs:

1.  Tackle:  Fred Miller is a decent run blocker, but he is not good at pass protection.  Plus, his age is an issue.  Help is needed.

2.  Guard:  Even though veteran Pro Bowler Ruben Brown re-signed, an upgrade is needed at left guard.

3.  Defensive tackle:  We assumed that that Bears would sign a new defensive tackle in free agency as a precursor to cutting ties with Tank Johnson.  (And we don't think Anthony Adams is the answer.)  Maybe they'll get a guy in the draft.  Either way, they shouldn't count on Johnson, who's currently in jail, to stay out of trouble over the long haul.

4.  Linebacker:  Even if Briggs stays, the Bears need to have a weakside linebacker ready to take his place in 2008.  They need to find that guy in the draft.

5.  Running back:  With Thomas Jones traded to New York, Adrian Peterson (not that one) is now the primary backup to Cedric Benson.  A fresh body with a second-day pick would make a lot of sense.

6.  Quarterback:  Rex Grossman is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and it's unclear whether he'll be the guy for 2008 and beyond.  The only problem is that if the Bears draft a guy now they'll have to bounce Kyle Orton, whom they drafted in the fourth round just two years ago.  So it's more likely that they'll stand pat in 2007 and worry about 2008 when 2008 arrives.


 

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