Earl Bennett, wide receiver
Round: 3rd (70) College: Vanderbilt Height: 6-0 Weight: 209
On the field: Likened to Steelers wideout Hines Ward as a physical, impact player, Bennett was the leading receiver in SEC history (236 catches) in just three seasons. He had at least 75 catches all three years, the last two after QB Jay Cutler went to the NFL.
Strengths: Excels at gaining yards after the catch. A polished receiver who runs precise routes and wins battles for balls. Also considered a solid blocker and will work the middle of the field. Mature, intelligent player who figures to be a quick study in the offense.
Weaknesses: Runs a consistent 4.5-second 40 time on grass, so not viewed as a raw burner. Few true negatives, however, for a receiver every opponent targeted to stop but usually couldn’t.
Marcus Harrison, defensive tackle
Round: 3rd (90) College: Arkansas Height: 6-3 Weight: 310
On the field: Harrison was one of the higher-rated tackles but slipped on some boards because of injuries and a one-game 2007 suspension arising out of a drug arrest.
Strengths: Has the power to play nose tackle and the quickness to play the three technique. He is considered an extremely difficult matchup one-on-one and had sufficient quickness to be moved to end in one-third of his college starts.
Weaknesses: Two knee injuries and character concerns did not scare off the Bears, who appear satisfied that their locker room has enough leadership to help Harrison with the focus he has lacked at times. Was not a big pass rusher in college but did deflect 10 passes last season.
Craig Steltz, safety
Round: 4th (120) College: LSU Height: 6-1 Weight: 210
On the field: Steltz was an impact player on an elite defense in 2007 after being primarily an extra defensive back in sub packages. Last year he started every game and led the Tigers with 101 tackles and led the SEC with six interceptions. He is a terror on special teams and a strong safety who projects to be at his best in the box.
Strengths: Big defensive back who had a breakout senior season and has good hands, as evidenced by his 10 interceptions over his final two seasons. Fits the image of Lovie Smith safeties as far as intelligence, efficiency and fit within a system rather than being a freelancer.
Weaknesses: Not a pure cover safety, more suited to playing the run.
Zack Bowman, cornerback
Round: 5th (142) College: Nebraska Height: 6-1 Weight: 197
On the field: Bowman could move to safety with his size but showed he is a top-tier pass defender despite injuries. He was not an every-game starter at Nebraska but was a dominant player in a 2005 Alamo Bowl win over Michigan with an interception and five pass deflections.
Strengths: Considered a natural talent with exceptional recovery speed coming out of breaks. Has been a contributor on special teams and has size to match up with big receivers in Cover-2 scheme.
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Weaknesses: Two serious knee injuries, a left ACL in 2006 and a right patellar tendon in 2007, dropped him far down in the draft although he ran a 4.39 40 at the combine.
Kellen Davis, tight end
Round: 5th (158) College: Michigan State Height: 6-7 Weight: 262
On the field: Started 12 games last season, playing tight end, defensive end and special teams at times. Had 32 catches for 513 yards and six TDs to go with two sacks and two tackles for loss on defense. Bears consider him worth a chance with his athleticism to be their No. 3 tight end.
Strengths: Natural talent with speed and athleticism. Blocking improved as a senior and potentially gives the Bears a replacement for John Gilmore.
Weaknesses: Lost four games to suspension as a junior and has been questioned on blocking toughness and commitment. Lack of consistency a concern for some but did have a strong senior year.
Ervin Baldwin, defensive end
Round: 7th (208) College: Michigan State Height: 6-2 Weight: 270
On the field: Baldwin played through his senior season and immediately looms as a challenger to Dan Bazuin, who comes off a rookie season spent on injured reserve. Baldwin had 18.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks as a senior. Likely not an every-down player.
Strengths: Excellent speed for a defensive lineman with a 4.75 time in the 40 and good production in a conference with good offensive linemen.
Weaknesses: Undersized and will be in danger of being engulfed by NFL offensive tackles with size advantages of up to 5 inches and 50 pounds. Admits to a fear of cats but shouldn’t have that problem most Sundays.
Chester Adams, guard
Round: 7th (222) College: Georgia Height: 6-4 Weight: 335
On the field: Started 23 games over last two seasons, played right tackle last season after starting 11 games at guard as a junior. Part of Georgia line that allowed only 17 sacks in 2006.
Strengths: Has experience from staying in school all four years and has enough foot speed to play tackle while taking a natural power style inside.
Weaknesses: Is not considered a quality technique player and has not always appeared to play with maximum passion. Needs to translate his weight-room strength to the field and play tougher than his nickname “The Big Cheese.”
Joey LaRocque, linebacker
Round: 7th (243) College: Oregon State Height: 6-2 Weight: 226
On the field: LaRocque started all 27 games he played at OSU and had 184 tackles (102 solo) in being named second-team All-Pac-10 both years and was a central piece in the nation’s No. 1 run defense. Best hope is special-teams impact.
Strengths: He rates himself a sideline-to-sideline linebacker and has demonstrated ability to disrupt, both in run defense and in pass blitzes.
Weaknesses: Speed a question, with a 4.8 time in the 40.
Kirk Barton, offensive tackle
Round: 7th (247) College: Ohio State Height: 6-5 Weight: 310
On the field: Became a starter at right tackle in 2004. Knee injury cost him games in ’05, but he has experience in big-game situations. He allowed one sack in ’07.
Strengths: Experience and good athleticism, with ideal size for the position.
Weaknesses: Has appeared to struggle against speed rushers with more than one move. Injuries are a concern after knee problems cost him a Senior Bowl appearance and required surgery.
Marcus Monk, wide receiver
Round: 7th (248) College: Arkansas Height: 6-4 Weight: 222
On the field: Knee injury requiring two surgeries rendered senior season a disappointment after he led Arkansas in receiving as a sophomore and junior, when he set a school record with 11 receiving TDs. Finished with 27 receiving TDs despite injury-shortened senior season.
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Strengths: Size is an asset along with excellent hands and a record of consistency, catching a pass in all 42 of his Arkansas starts.
Weaknesses: Speed not ideal for front-line receiver (4.62 40) and he will need to get separation at the NFL level.