Questions about Bears’ other problems remain

As the Peppers & Co. hysteria dies down, let’s turn our focus to the Bears’ other flaws, specifically, safety and the offensive line. After shelling out $55 million in guaranteed money, and a maximum of $121 million, the question is: How can they fill the holes?

Because of the team’s lack of draft picks and recent draft history, the draft is far from the Bears’ soundest plan. So, do they have enough money to go sign someone?

From the Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs:

“We’ve done a lot and we’re very, very happy,” (Jerry) Angelo said. “We’re not trying to field a 22-man All-Pro team if that is what you are asking. We will continue to pursue what we consider our needs and we have a draft coming up as well.”

Well, I don’t think anyone is asking if the Bears plan to field a 22-man All-Pro team, although that would be awesome. So, the question still lingers, both because Angelo didn’t answer the question and because no one should trust the Bears in the draft, anymore.

While Angelo has had his success stories, few of them have played safety or been able to block people, especially late in the draft. Since Jerry Angelo took over, here is a list of the offensive linemen and safeties drafted from the third-round on:

• 2001: Mike Gandy (Guard, 3rd round); Bernard Robertson (Tackle, 5th round)
• 2002: Terrence Metcalf (Guard, 3rd round); Bobby Gray (Safety, 5th round)
• 2003: Todd Johnson (Safety, 4th round); Bryan Anderson (Guard, 7th round)
• 2004: None
• 2005: Chris Harris (Safety, 6th round)
• 2006: Tyler Reed (Guard, 6th round)
• 2007: Josh Beekman (Guard, 4th round); Kevin Payne (Safety, 5th round); Aaron Brant (Tackle, 7th round)
• 2008: Craig Steltz (Safety, 4th round); Chester Adams (Guard, 7th round); Kirk Barton (Tackle, 7th round)
• 2009: Al Afalava (Safety, 6th round); Lance Louis (Guard, 7th round)

Harris has been a starter for Carolina; Afalava had a productive first season; and the jury is still out on Beekman. Whether Beekman can play or not, these positions haven’t been Angelo’s strong suit; otherwise, the Bears wouldn’t be in this current predicament — signing over $100 million in contracts and still having holes to fill.

Despite the Bears’ lack of success, really good players, on the line and in the defensive backfield, can be found late in the draft. Now, I don’t know if this makes me feel better or worse, but last season, 11 Pro Bowl safeties and offensive linemen were either taken in the third-round or later or simply undrafted.