Chicago Bears Looking At Top 5 Pick In 2015 NFL Draft
By Erik Lambert
Feb 20, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery speaks during a press conference during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Back to back games giving up 50 points says it all. The Chicago Bears have gone from early contender to train wreck in the space of a month. They are listless, leaderless and looking at their first top 5 draft pick in a decade.
Cedric Benson fiasco looming large
How have things gotten this bad? Well, ironically one could say it officially started the last time the Bears had that pick. Heading into the 2005 season, the team held the 4th overall selection after completing a rough 4-12 campaign in 2004. They really had a chance to fortify the roster since it was already felt they had a strong base of talent in place. If they could land one more superstar they could be set up for years to come.
The 2005 draft was certainly loaded with talent. No fewer than 13 players would end up reaching the Pro Bowl from the first round alone. As the Bears came up to pick they had to love their good fortune. Names like Antrel Rolle, DeMarcus Ware, Aaron Rodgers, Roddy White, Heath Miller and Logan Mankins were still available. They couldn’t possibly miss.
Then GM Jerry Angelo made arguably the mistake that started his downfall. He selected Texas running back Cedric Benson. No one denied the talent he had. What was puzzling was why Chicago made the pick. They already had a solid backfield led by veteran Thomas Jones. Could they not have gotten somebody later on and focused on another position? Frank Gore went in the 3rd round. Brandon Jacobs, Marion Barber and Darren Sproles went in the 4th.
Nope. Angelo went with a luxury and it turned out to be a tragedy as Benson flopped in Chicago thanks to everything from poor play to injuries to arrests.
Phil Emery job security hinges on 2015 draft
Thus the Chicago Bears have come full circle. Their future is at a tipping point. In all likelihood they will end the season with a top 5 select in the 2015 NFL draft, which grants them a chance to land a true difference-maker for their franchise. Angelo failed ten years ago. So what about his replacement, Phil Emery? The former scout is feeling the heat from fans and media alike after failing to make the playoffs three-straight years. This upcoming draft will put his job on the line, provided of course the Bears don’t fire him when the season ends.
Will he fulfill his promise by building the next young core of Bear greats or will he prove gun shy when it matters most?