Issue date: 4/28/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Chicago Sun Times Chris Williams is a 6-6, 315-pounder, who started at left tackle the past two years at Vanderbilt University.

The Bears went into the draft over the weekend with the goal of addressing the needs of their offensive line with their 14th overall pick and hopefully addressing many other needs in the later rounds, such as running back and wide receiver.

1st Round: Chris Williams, Vanderbilt

The Bears selected Chris Williams, an offensive tackle from Vanderbilt, with their 14th overall pick. Things worked out for the Bears, since only one other offensive lineman was taken after the Dolphins at number one took Jake Long. The Bears had a close eye on Williams over the past months and when he came around they took him. Williams is a 6-6, 315-pounder, who started at left tackle the past two years. Williams has great athleticism and agility for a man his size. He is a great pass blocker and according to experts, he has to improve on his run blocking.

2nd Round: Matt Forte, Tulane

The Bears addressed they desperate need of running back. After being in the bottom of the league in rushing last year, the Bears selected running back Matt Forte out of Tulane. Forte was one of the few running backs to play all four years of his college career. Forte rushed for 2,217 yards and 23 touchdowns as a senior, as well as catching 32 passes out of the backfield. The 6-2, 222-pounder will compete with Cedric Benson for the running game according to Bears General Manager Jerry Angelo.

3rd Round: Earl Bennett, 6' 0" 209 lbs., Vanderbilt, Wide Receiver

Marcus Harrison, 6' 3" 310 lbs., Arkansas Defensive Tackle

4th Round: Craig Steltz, 6' 1" 210 lbs., LSU, Safety

5th Round: Zackary Bowman, 6' 1" 197 lbs., Nebraska, Cornerback

Kellen Davis, 6' 7" 262 lbs., Michigan St., Tight End

7th Round: Ervin Baldwin, 6' 2" 270 lbs., Michigan St., Defensive End

Chester Adams, 6' 4" 323 lbs., Georgia, Guard

Joey LaRocque, 6' 2" 226 lbs., Oregon St., Linebacker

Kirk Barton, 6' 5" 310 lbs., Ohio St., Tackle

Marcus Monk, 6' 4" 222 lbs., Arkansas, Wide Receiver

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