Bears awarded three seventh-round compensatory picks
The NFL awarded three seventh-round compensatory picks to the Chicago Bears on Monday. Compensatory picks are given to teams that have lost more qualifying free agents than they gained the previous year in free agency. The Bears now own the 243rd, 247th and 248th selections in this year’s draft.
Considering quite a few prominent players have entered the NFL via the seventh round; including Packers offensive tackle Mark Tauscher, Saints receiver Marques Colston and Bengals receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, the chances of snagging a gem or finding, at very least, a solid contributor in the seventh round are not as bleak as you might think.
The Bears have had their own share of success with seventh-rounders. Former Bears and current Seahawks safety, Mike Green, was the last pick in the 2000 draft. Mr. Irrelevant started at safety for the Bears from 2001-2005, recording over one-hundred tackles in a season on two separate occasions. More recently, safety Rod Wilson has contributed on special teams and second-year cornerback Trumaine McBride was arguably the Bears’ best rookie last year.
A couple of guys the Bears should eye with their three compensatory picks:
Ryan Torain, RB Arizona St.
6-0 1/8, 213 LBS., 40-TIME: 4.56
Sundevil running back Ryan Torain has great size and good run strength. He fights hard for those extra yards and would make an ideal third down or goal line situational back. Plus, he has good enough hands to be adequate catching out of the backfield.
Marcus Monk, WR Arkansas
6-4, 222 LBS., 40 TIME: 4.56
Arkansas receiver Marcus Monk would make a terrific red-zone target for quarterback Rex Grossman. Aside from possessing great size, Monk knows how to utilize his size and has good ball skills and body control. Monk has seen his stock rise as of late, so he may no longer be a seventh-round option.
Barry Booker, DT Virginia Tech
6-4, 277 LBS., 40 TIME: 5.12
Hokie defensive tackle Barry Booker is undersized which makes him best suited for playing in a one-gap system, which the Bears employ. He comes off the ball low and is quick and nimble through gaps. He shows a solid closing burst and is stout defending the run.
Scouting reports courtesy of Pro Football Weekly and Scott Wright
