ProFootballCentral.com

By PFC Bears Reporter Mike Olson

Chicago’s offensive line will have an automatic upgrade with the number 1 pick LT Chris Williams. The LG Terrence Metcalf played with a broken hand last year and is healthy.

At center is Olin Kreutz tough nasty player who is usually playing at all pro level. RG Roberto Garza, will be back with his solid play. RT John Tait I know he is aging but he is going back to his natural position and it should help him and the team. This should be the starting offensive line without any surprising star showing up in camp. In my opinion the Chicago Bears are improved and healthy for the start of training camp.

Wide Receivers, is a question mark, but according to most analyst the Bears did little to improve. Well I have to disagree, first of Marty Booker who came back to the Bears from Miami is actually an upgrade from Mohammad, he is 2 years younger and should give him some spring in his step. Plus he is extremely happy to be out of Miami. While playing for that dismal franchise he caught for 696 yards in 05,747 in 06, and 556 in 07. Well when you consider the team he played for I would grade him out as an A player. You guy’s all watch he’ll be terrific this year. On the other side he will have the help of Brandon Lloyd, outcast from Washington. I know you people are all looking at me and saying what? You crazy! Well before you go off let’s look at Brandon Lloyd. He was a 4th round pick in 05 for the 49′rs

His first year, he caught for 733 yards and 5 touchdowns. I would say that was impressive for a rookie. Then in 06 they traded him to Redskins why who cares, all I know is that he never quite fit in. That is not the first time that happened before. All that aside, he is coming back to the offensive coordinator that he played for as his head coach in Illinois.

They tell me that he is a speed burner; signs show he will be fine here. I am betting that he will show the world that his game is just starting. He will be the surprise in the NFL this year. They will also have two young talented rookie receivers Earl Bennett, and Marcus Monk. Then don’t ever forget Devin Hester they say they will probably use him about 8 offensive plays a game. That my friends, will strike fear into any defender. This is really not all that much of a question mark as much as some people might tell you.

The running back position is an issue, Cedric Benson, now gone we all wonder if Matt Forte, will have the endurance to play full time. Matt is the second round pick from Tulane, and shows a lot of promise. We’ll have to wait and see. Chicago’s Adrian Peterson, is averaging, 3.8 a carry. Hopefully he will improve on that this year. He’ll have to help Matt Forte out. Finally the last of the Bears running backs, Garrett Wolfe. He is truly undersized and will never make a full time back, but if used properly he can bring life to an offense. He is quick and has good receiving skills. My belief is this is the most crucial area and the Bears might be smart to try and pick up and veteran running back. If for no other reason then to stabilize the back field.

Next week I’ll talk about the Chicago Bears Defense.