When Phil Emery was hired as general manager of the Chicago Bears in March, he had to work quick to diagnose the team's needs before the draft.
Chicago Bears GM opens up about draft philosophy
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Emery told Peter King of Sports Illustrated for Monday Morning Quarterback that he wanted to get pieces for quarterback Jay Cutler, a pass rusher and help along the offensive line.
“I want the players with the high ceilings, with the largest capacity for growth,” Emery told King. “And I believe every aspect of that player is on tape. You can see him, you can read him.”
He drafted high ceiling players in the draft this year, especially in the first two rounds, taking defensive end Shea McClellin and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. If growth potential is really a synonym for upside, it's also easy to see where the Bears were going with third-round safety Brandon Hardin and sixth-round cornerback Isaiah Frey.
The only issue that Emery didn't address was offensive line. But with most of the top linemen available were gone (particularly in the second round), Emery decided not to reach. But don't forget that Gabe Carimi, the Bears' first-round pick in 2011, was lost in the second game of last season. The team also added free agent depth at guard in Chilo Rachal.
Read King’s full column here and find out how a changed trade deadline last season could have dramatically altered the draft this year.
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