After a decisive win over the San Diego Chargers just over three weeks ago, the Chicago Bears looked poised for another lengthy playoff run. Unfortunately, (season-ending?) injuries to starting quarterback Jay Cutler and star running back Matt Forte gave changed the conversation in Chicago. The Bears lost consecutive heart-breakers, and their defeat at the hands of Tim Tebow and Denver Broncos has officially pushed them out of playoff position.
Right now, it's difficult to imagine Chicago winning again this season, even if two of their three remaining opponents won't be playoff-bound. Assuming Caleb Hanie and Bears can't turn their fortunes around, Cutler and crew could get a boost through the NFL Draft.
As you saw this morning, SB Nation's Ryan Van Bibber pegged Wisconsin center Peter Konz for the Bears' first round pick, but that's assuming they choose at 20. If Chicago continues to lose, they could find themselves picking as high No. 14, where the 7-9 St. Louis Rams chose last season. That could mean the Bears would have a shot at an elite wide receiver, such as Notre Dame's Michael Floyd.
It's a deep class at wideout, highlighted by three certifiable monsters: Floyd joins Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon and South Carolina's Ashlon Jeffrey to create a clear upper tier. It's very possible that all three could be top ten selections, but if one were to somehow fall to Chicago, it could be a major boon for Cutler's passing attack.
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