This guy can fly: Bears' fifth-round pick clocked 4.34 40 time

Only two prospects ran faster than Johnny Knox at the NFL Draft Combine.

The first, Maryland's Derrius Heyward-Bey, was snapped up with the 2009 draft's seventh overall pick by the Oakland Raiders. The other went with the third-round pick the Bears sent to Denver in the Jay Cutler trade.

Knox and his 4.34 40-yard dash lasted a lot longer in Sunday's portion of the draft, in no small part because he's undersized (5-foot-11) and hails from a small-time school (Div. II Abilene Christian).

But the Bears felt they landed a big asset for their dormant deep passing game when they grabbed Knox with the fourth pick in the fifth round.

Knox, who caught 30 touchdown passes in 25 games at Abilene Christian, and Ohio State linebacker Marcus Freeman highlighted the team's five picks during the latter half of the draft.

"We're looking for someone who can stretch the field along with Devin (Hester)," said Greg Gabriel, the Bears director of college scouting. "At the (Texas vs. the Nation) All-Star Game and the Combine, he caught everything.

"I think Freeman being there where he was was a pleasant surprise because he's a good football player. And fits the mold that we like for our linebackers."

While Knox's stock soared between the end of his college career and the draft, Freeman fell to the middle of the fifth round despite three stellar years playing alongside All-American James Laurinaitis.

Here's an example of his underrated play: While Laurinaitis won the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker in 2007, Freeman earned the Randy Gradishar Award that went to Ohio State's best linebacker.

The Bears envision Freeman staying at weak-side linebacker, though they believe he can handle the middle and strong-side as well.

"I couldn't pick a better situation to be in, to be part of this organization," Freeman said. "Wherever they feel that I will fit the situation best and fit their scheme best, I'm excited to do it."

Oregon State strong safety Al Afalava, the Bears' sixth-round pick, made a reputation for hitting things during his three years as a starter. Alas, not everything he hit could be found on the field.

In 2007, he sent Washington quarterback Jake Locker to the hospital with a helmet-to-helmet blow that didn't draw a penalty.

Then, during the subsequent off-season, Afalava was convicted of DUI, criminal mischief and hit-and-run when he drove into a bus shelter at 4:30 a.m.

Afalava showcased excellent speed (4.48 40) and power (25 bench presses of 225 pounds) when he flew to Lake Forest for a private workout.

"He played up close, more in the box for (Oregon State)," Gabriel said. "But based on his workout, the hands and the range that he showed, we think he can play either (safety position)."

The Bears wrapped up their nine-pick day by taking San Diego State's Lance Louis, a 303-pounder who will shift from right tackle to tight end, and Pittsburgh flanker Derek Kinder with their seventh-round compensatory picks.