Chicago Bears 2011 Draft Recap: Day Three

After sitting out the fourth round thanks to a trade with Washington the day before, the Chicago Bears took Idaho QB Nathan Enderle at the 29^th pick (160 overall) in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Enderle has likely been tabbed to be the eventual successor to Caleb Hanie as the primary back-up to Jay Cutler. At 6’6” and 240, Enderle is a big tall, quarterback with the ability to stand tall in the pocket. That comes in handy in the Mike Martz offense, which puts a lot of pressure on his quarterbacks with plenty of deep drops. This pick is reminiscent of last year’s draft when Martz got GM Jerry Angelo to take Dan LeFevour in the sixth round. Though LeFevour was eventually placed on the practice squad and snapped up by Cincinnati, but who’s really keeping track? Oh wait, I am. I know Hanie is likely on the way out after this next season because his contract is up, but drafting a QB in the fifth round isn’t sufficient value to me. Why don’t you trade back and get a pick for next year and take a QB? I’m not sure Enderle was next on anyone’s draft board, so the value wasn’t there for Chicago.

With their final pick of the draft, the Bears took West Virginia linebacker J.T. Thomas. Thomas, a three year starter at weak-side linebacker for the Mountaineers, will come in and get plenty of work on special teams for the Bears. He’s going to be able to slide in as a back-up at the weak or strong side position. A 6’2” 225 ‘backer, Thomas provides Chicago with much needed depth, as Hunter Hillenmeyer, Nick Roach and Pisa Tinoisamoa all possible leaving in free agency. Angelo couldn’t afford to miss out on getting younger in the linebacking unit.

I’ll be back later on this week with a final recap of the Bears’ draft. But for those of you freaking out that the Bears didn’t do enough, remember that unlike past seasons, we haven’t gone through free agency yet. Chicago’s roster moves aren’t over yet.