WR Bennett compares to Ward -- kind of

Vanderbilt star with 'starter talent' could play early as a slot receiver

The Bears got into the risky business of making comparisons last year when they likened Northern Illinois running back Garrett Wolfe to Warrick Dunn, a player Jerry Angelo helped draft in Tampa Bay.

Wolfe had nothing to do with it, and it certainly wasn't fair to him. So, when the team selected Vanderbilt wide receiver Earl Bennett to open a 10-pick day Sunday, you flinched a little when the name Hines Ward was thrown out. Ward is as good of an all-around receiver as you'll find and played for receivers coach Darryl Drake at Georgia.

''That is very dangerous,'' Drake said. ''There is a comparison as far as their character. They have impeccable character. As football players, I don't know where that comparison comes from. That really remains to be seen. Both are possession guys who have quickness. They're not speed guys. But they both are very, very solid and guys who can move around and do different things.''

Bennett joked that he can throw the ball like Ward, who also dabbled at quarterback in college, completing two passes in his career, one for a touchdown. In three seasons, he set the SEC record for receptions with 236. He's a smooth route runner with good hands, toughness and good run-after-the-catch. He could fill in quickly as a slot receiver.

Playing with Denver quarterback Jay Cutler as a rookie helped Bennett get on track quickly. The Commodores situation was muddied the last two seasons (sound familiar?) but he still found a way to dominate when the opposing teams in the SEC knew the ball was coming his way.

''[The coaches] did a great job of moving me around, despite double teams and triple teams,'' Bennett said. ''They found different ways to get me the ball, I owe a lot to the coaches.''

Drake worked out a handful of receivers, including Houston's Donnie Avery, who was the first one off the board. Despite a run of 10 receivers in the second round, the Bears got a player who was near the top of their board.

''We see him as having starter talent,'' college scouting director Greg Gabriel said. ''Whether he becomes a starter as a rookie, that remains to be seen.''

He could have a chance quickly.

* Career highlights: Became the leading receiver in SEC history in three seasons after exploding onto the scene as a freshman in one season with Jay Cutler. Started 32 of 35 career games. First team all-SEC as a junior in 2007 and a Biletnikoff Award semfinalist. Had 16 catches for 204 yards vs. South Carolina as a freshman. Had 3 TDs and 223 yards vs. Richmond last season.

* The skinny: Bennett is a physical performer who will fight for the ball. Has good hands and is a technician as a route runner. Quicker than he's fast. Willing to block in the running game. Built like a running back. Can struggle getting off press coverage. Doesn't have the speed to be a consistent deep threat so he won't replace Bernard Berrian.

* They said it: "He's done it without having a strong quarterback the last two years,'' Bears college scouting director Greg Gabriel said.