Jerry Angelo’s highs and lows
By Mark Potash mpotash@suntimes.com January 3, 2012 10:00PM
11-14-2010---Chicago Bears host the Minnesota Vikings---The Bears celebrate after linebacker Lance Briggs (55) 4th quarter interception. Sun-Times photo by Tom Cruze
ANGELO’S BEST AND WORST
Jerry Angelo had his share of hits. In fact, signing Julius Peppers, drafting Charles Tillman and hiring Lovie Smith don’t even make the top five — and the last two moves helped get the Bears to the Super Bowl. But he failed to acquire offensive tackles and wide receivers in the early rounds of the draft. And the lack of a quality backup for Jay Cutler sunk the Bears after a promising start.
BEST MOVES
1. Drafted Lance Briggs with a third-round pick in 2003: He has been to seven consecutive Pro Bowls.
2. Drafted Devin Hester with a second-round pick in 2006: Three-time Pro Bowler is the NFL’s all-time leader in kick- return touchdowns.
3. Acquired Jay Cutler in 2009 for two first-round draft picks: Bears’ best quarterback since Sid Luckman until he got hurt.
4. Drafted Matt Forte with a second-round pick in 2008: The only skill-position player Angelo drafted to make the Pro Bowl.
5. Drafted Tommie Harris in the first round in 2005: Three-time Pro Bowler was great until injuries took their toll.
WORST MOVES
1. Drafted Cedric Benson in 2005: A year after Angelo had signed Thomas Jones, Benson caused more problems than he solved.
2. Drafted defensive end Michael Haynes with 14th pick in 2004: Started four games in three seasons. Troy Polamalu was taken two picks later.
3. Drafted Chris Williams 14th in 2008: Five current OT starters were taken later in the first round.
4. Drafted Marc Colombo in 2002: Hurt after seven starts, he has started 88 games at OT since being cut by the Bears.
5. Signed Kordell Stewart: His 56.8 passer rating is one of the lowest for a Bears opening-game starter.
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Updated: February 5, 2012 8:20AM
