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JayTrain52, on behalf of the Chicago Bears, has spoken. Read his words, won't you?
I would have loved for Jake Matthews to fall one more spot; that would have been a steal and solved the RT issue while providing the future LT for the Bears. Since Matthews was taken by St. Louis, with the fourteenth pick of the 2014 Battle Red Blog Mock Draft, the Bears select Timmy Jernigan (DT--Florida St.).
A lot of people have Aaron Donald (drafted a couple picks before now by the Giants) rated higher than Timmy Jernigan, but I don't see it. Timmy is much stronger at the point of attack against the run and has better counter moves than Donald. He will fight off blockers and is more disruptive in the running game. Donald is the better pass rusher and has much better chasing speed, but what the Bears need is help stopping the run. I also think a lot of Donald's rise is from his amazing Combine.
The Chicago Bears' offense made a huge leap during Marc Trestman's first year as Head Coach. As much as the offense improved, the defense regressed even more, dropping from 5th overall in 2012 to 30th in 2013. The defense was 32nd against the run, giving up 400 more yards than the 31st ranked team. That is terrible. Some of this can be attributed to key injuries sustained during the season, but a lack of talent and old age is an issue at just about every defensive position.
Before free agency, the defense had needs at CB, both safety spots, both DT spots, both DE spots, and LB. The needs at CB were addressed with the re-signings of long-time Bears Tim Jennings and Charles Tillman. Safety was somewhat addressed with the signing of Ryan Mundy from the New York Giants and M.D. Jennings from Green Bay. Lamarr Houston, Jared Allen, and Willie Young should really improve the situation at DE from last season. The LB play will hopefully get better next season with more experience from second year players Jon Bostic and Khaseem Greene. Shea McClellin will also compete at MLB and SLB after underwhelming at DE since he was drafted in the first round.
There were not nearly as many needs on the offensive side with several young players contributing and key veterans staying healthy. The main concern is at right tackle, where Jordan Mills struggled. Mills did play as well as can be expected from a fourth round rookie, though.
A most excellent explanation, I'd say. Enlighten us with your reaction to the selection in the Comments below.
That brings us to the Denver Broncos and BRB's own Capt. Ron. Denver's pick is due to me by 7 p.m. CDT this evening.
Recapping the draft thus far...
1. Houston Texans--Sammy Watkins (WR--Clemson)
2. St. Louis Rams (from Washington)--Jadeveon Clowney (DE--South Carolina)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars--Johnny Manziel (QB--Texas A&M)
4. Cleveland Browns--Teddy Bridgewater (QB--Louisville)
5. Oakland Raiders--Khalil Mack (LB--Buffalo)
6. Atlanta Falcons--Anthony Barr (LB--UCLA)
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers--Eric Ebron (TE--UNC)
8. Minnesota Vikings--Greg Robinson (OT--Auburn)
9. Buffalo Bills--Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (S--Alabama)
10. Detroit Lions--Mike Evans (WR--Texas A&M)
11. Tennessee Titans--Justin Gilbert (CB--Oklahoma State)
12. New York Giants--Aaron Donald (DT--Pittsburgh)
13. St. Louis Rams--Jake Matthews (OT--Texas A&M)
14. Chicago Bears--Timmy Jernigan (DT--Florida State)
15. Denver Broncos (TRADE WITH STEELERS) --Capt. Ron
16. Dallas Cowboys--TonyOverTroy
17. Baltimore Ravens--TexanSam
18. New York Jets--Sugel Mendoza
19. Miami Dolphins--bt20
20. Arizona Cardinals--Lukayyy
21. Green Bay Packers--gyeager
22. Philadelphia Eagles--gm.in.waiting
23. Kansas City Chiefs--MrCatPants
24. Cincinnati Bengals--hlc1221
25. San Diego Chargers--f22a4bandit
26. Cleveland Browns--FreedomRide
27. New Orleans Saints--H&Hguy
28. Carolina Panthers--Nashmeister
29. New England Patriots--37bp
30. San Francisco 49ers--TexansDC
31. Pittsburgh Steelers (TRADE WITH BRONCOS) --Steel Blue Crew
32. Seattle Seahawks--UprootedTexan
33. Houston Texans--bhsman