Bears' second-day picks
Round 3, 70th pick overall
Earl Bennett, WR, 5-11½, 209, Vanderbilt
Caught 236 career passes, more than anyone in Southeast Conference history before leaving school a year early. Bennett never caught fewer than 75 passes in any of his three seasons, the only player in SEC history with at least 75 receptions in more than one season, and he finished with a total of 2,853 yards and 20 touchdowns. Does not possess great speed (4.51) and struggles to get separation, but ha some quickness, makes acrobatic catches and is strong and physical with the courage to work the middle and ability to break tackles. More of an underneath weapon than a home-run threat.
Round 3, 90th pick overall
Marcus Harrison, DT, 6-2¾, 317, Arkansas
Had knee surgeries in 2006 and '07, a scope first and then a torn ACL the following year during spring practice but returned to start 10 games. Was suspended for the first game last season after arrest when he was charged with speeding and felony possession of a controlled substance (one ecstasy pill). Returned ahead of schedule last season, even though he wasn't at full strength, but still had 76 tackles and 10 batted passes. Showed flashes of his early 2006 form late last season and in postseason work. Has good athleticism and agility. More suited to the 3 technique, although he isn't a threat as a pass rusher. Also has enough size to play nose tackle.
Round 4, 120th pick overall
Craig Steltz, SS, 6-1 1/2, 213, LSU
One-year starter, but he made an impression with 101 tackles. Missed Combine workouts because of a fractured right shoulder. Big, strong, physical hitter who plays smart and with good instincts but can be an inconsistent tackler because of technique flaws. Speed is average at best (4.62) and might be more effective as an in-the-box, extra linebacker type than in coverage, although he has good hands and had 11 career interceptions. Has a special-teams mentality and should contribute immediately in that phase.
Round 5, 142nd pick overall
Zackary Bowman, CB, 6-0, 197, Nebraska
Tore ACL in his left knee during spring practice in 2006 and missed that season. Tore the patellar tendon in his right knee in 2007 spring practice but returned in time to start four games last season. Has good size for a corner and still runs very well (4.44 in the 40) despite the knee surgeries. Has the athletic ability and enough tools to eventually compete for a job if he can stay healthy. Has good cover skills but is not much of a factor in run support and isn't very physical. Bowman attended Bartlett High School in Anchorage, Alaska, where his father was stationed at Eielson Air Force Base. Bowman also played basketball and was teammates with Kansas superstar Mario Chalmers.
Round 5, 158th pick overall
Kellen Davis, TE, 6-6 1/2, 262, Michigan State
Has a reputation as a consummate underachiever who doesn't possess a strong work ethic and hasn't shown much interest in blocking. Is an excellent athlete who looks the part with great size, strength and build and is capable of becoming a better-than-average blocker. Has always shown talent as a pass catcher and had 32 receptions for 513 yards (16.0-yard average) and 6 touchdowns. Was placed on 18 months probation in the fall of 2006 for his involvement in a fight at an off-campus party when he was charged with aggravated assault and suspended for four games.
Round 7, 208th pick overall
Ervin Baldwin, DE, 6-2, 270, Michigan State
Started all 25 games in MSU career. Finished third in the Big Ten with 18 ½ tackles for loss and also had 8 ½ sacks. Honorable mention All-Big Ten last season. Had 2 sacks against Purdue and Indiana last season. As a junior led MSU linemen with 35 tackles. Undersized but could factor as a situational pass-rushing project. Good speed (4.75 in the 40) for the position.
Round 7, 222nd pick overall
Chester Adams, OG, 6-4, 323, Georgia
Nickname is "The Big Cheese." Two-year starter. Moved to right tackle and started 11 games in 2007 after starting 11 games at right guard in 2006, when he missed two games with an ankle injury. Projects to guard in the NFL because of a lack of mobility and athleticism. But he has very good natural strength and power and is not easily moved. More of a mauling-type run blocker than an agile pass protector.
Round 7, 243rd pick overall
Joey LaRocque, LB, 6-2, 235, Oregon State
Two-year starter after transferring from College of the Canyons. Had 86 tackles last season, including 58 solos, 3 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 2 interceptions, including one which was returned for a touchdown. As a junior, he was 10th in the Pac 10 with 98 tackles, including 10 against UCLA and Hawaii. Had 3 tackles for loss in Sun Bowl victory over Missouri. Started all 27 games in his two seasons at Oregon State. As a juco sophomore had a team-high 103 tackles and added 11 ½ sacks.
Round 7, 247th pick overall
Kirk Barton, OT, 6-4 ½, 310, Ohio State
Hobbled by injuries (left shoulder, right knee) in his first three seasons, including a redshirt in 2003, but he started 26 games at right tackle in his final two seasons. Well built specimen with excellent weight-room strength. Team captain who is serious about the game. Lacks athleticism, is stiff in his movements and lacks balance. Weight-room strength doesn't always carry over to the field. Could move inside to guard and has the smarts to catch on quickly at the next level.
Round 7, 248th pick overall
Marcus Monk, WR, 6-4, 222, Arkansas
High school valedictorian. Missed the majority of his senior season because of a knee injury that required surgery. Started 25 games in his two previous seasons. Caught 50 passes for 962 yards (19.2-yard average) and 11 touchdowns as a junior. Caught 35 passes for 476 yards (13.6-yard average) and 7 touchdowns as a sophomore. Outstanding size creates mismatch problems. Doesn't have much speed (4.63 in the 40) or quickness for the position but is considered a high-character player.
NOTE: On Saturday, the Bears drafted offensive tackle Chris Williams from Vanderbilt; in the first round and running back Matt Forte from Tulane in the second round.