Today the Chicago Bears assigned jersey numbers to all nine rookies that were drafted over the weekend.

The drafted rookies will wear the following numbers, but some likely will change before the regular season begins: DL Jarron Gilbert (73), WR Juaquin Iglesias (17), DE Henry Melton (69), CB D.J. Moore (30), WR Johnny Knox (13), LB Marcus Freeman (58), S Al Afalava (46), G Lance Louis (60) and WR Derek Kinder (83).

The undrafted free agents also received there jersey numbers: FB Will Ta’ufo’ou (45o), S Dahna Deleston (45d), CB Woodny Turenne (47), RB Tyrell Fenroy (48), LB Mike Rivera (59), G Johan Asiata (62o), LB Kevin Malast (62d), G Dennis Conley (70) and WR Eric Peterman (86).

The draft picks and undrafted rookie free agents will arrive at Halas Hall on Thursday and practice Friday, Saturday and Sunday as part of the Bears’ rookie minicamp.

What I Think?
Rookie cornerback took Mike Brown’s #30, so that’s going to look a little weird.

Johnny Knox has a very unlucky number, #13, hopefully this doesn’t ruin his career, maybe he should change it.

Bears’ sixth round pick Al Afalava was crowned Oregon State’s champion in Rock, Paper, Scissors during his junior season.

The safety had this to say about his Rock, Paper, Scissors success:

“I just got lucky that one time,” he said. “The next year, I lost in the first round.”

Lovie Smith had this to say about Alfalva’s skills:

“We do quite a bit research, but I didn’t realize that was one of the things he did well, hopefully he can do some other things, like play football.”

all quotes from chicagotribune.com

The Bears signed nine undrafted rookie free agents to contracts today and gave them a shot to fight for a spot on the roster.

They picked up Johan Asiata (guard) from UNLV, Dennis Conley (guard) from Hampton, Dahna Deleston (safety) from Connecticut, Tyrell Fenroy (running back) from LA – Lafayette, Kevin Malast (linebacker) from Rutgers, Eric Peterman (wide receiver) from Northwestern, Mike Rivera (linebacker) from Kansas, Will Ta’ufo’ou (fullback) from California,Woodny Turenne (defensive back) from Louisville.

Breaking Down These Players:

1) John Asiata (YO-han AH-c-AH-ta) – G/T from UNLV, played at Yuba Junior College from 2004-2005, was redshirted in 2006 at UNLV, started twelve games at right tackle in 2007 and started twelve games at left guard in 2008. He has a shot to make the roster. Maybe because there thin at the guard position, he’ll have a shot.

2) Dennis Conley- Guard from Hampton, Conley was a tight end in high school, but moved to left guard for the Pirates, where he earned a first-team All-MEAC in 2007. He is an under the radar player, because he played for a FCS (formerly Division I-AA) school. He could make the team because of the lack of depth at the guard position.

3) Dahna Deleston- Safety from Connecticut, played linebacker in college, recording four career interceptions, but played in only five games last season. Special teams player at best.

4) Tyrell Fenroy- Running Back from LA- Lafayette is a four year starter on La.-Laf. teams that were top 20 in the country in rushing offense every year… over 1,000 yards rushing every year… one of only seven players ever to rush for 1,000 yards four straight years. At 5′8″, 191 he uses his speed to break by defenders. Could battle Garrett Wolfe for final RB spot on roster.

5) Kevin Malast- Linebacker from Rutgers is 6′2″, 205 pounds and ran a 4.58 second 40 yard dash. Could battle Marcus Freeman and Joey Larocque for last LB spot on roster.

6) Eric Peterman- Wide Receiver from Northwestern, the 6′1″ Peterman ran a 4.50 second 40 yard dash and could be in the mix for a spot on the roster, most likely contributing on special teams. Peterman had 59 receptions, 737 yards and six touchdowns last season at Northwestern. A very nice pickup.

7) Mike Rivera- Linebacker from Kansas a 6-2, 245 pounder, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.63 seconds, but had a weak senior season for the Jayhawks.

Will Ta’ufo’ou (tau-FOE-oh)- Fullback from Cal, my favorite pickup out of all these players. Ta’ufo’ou had interest from more than half of the teams in the league, but ultimately picked the Bears because he can compete with Jason McKie for the starting job. Many say he was the best fullback in the entire draft.

9) Woodny Turenne- Defensive Back from Louisville, a 6′1″, 182 pound corner, who transferred from a junior college to Louisville in 2007, could battle Marcus Hamilton for last cornerback spot.

A report out of Aiken, South Carolina says former Chicago Bears defensive lineman William (The Refrigerator) Perry has been upgraded to fair condition in a South Carolina hospital.

The 46-year-old Perry has been hospitalized for two weeks to deal with complications from Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a chronic inflammation disorder of the peripheral nerves. He had previously been listed in serious condition.

Jerry Angelo discussed many aspects of this draft, but two key questions came to mind about moving down the road. This is what Angelo had to say to the media.

(On finding three starters in the Draft)
Potentially we have [three starters] given how we feel about Gilbert and Iglesias. We feel very good about them. I feel in the mix with other players, we very easily can [start three of our draft picks], relative to our roster too. That’s what we are doing when we draft. We are drafting what fits the Chicago Bears in the competition amongst our players. I don’t think that is unrealistic.

(On how many of the nine picks will make the roster)
Realistically, that’s tough. I can’t say. Six have a chance to make it. I feel every one of them has the ability to make it. Obviously, the competition is going to be a little bit more keen at some of the positions. But I don’t think that will be unrealistic with this group. This was a very good second day draft. We feel very, very good about this group. I’m not saying it because we picked them. If I didn’t feel it, I wouldn’t say anything, but I feel very strongly about this group. These are highly competitive kids. They are good kids. They are bright kids and you will get to see that first hand when you get a chance to meet them. We are real happy with them. They all bring something to the table at their positions that will allow them to compete.

all quotes from chicagosuntimes.com

According to ESPN’s analyst Todd McShay these are the Bears best and worst picks from the 2009 NFL Draft:

Best pick: CB D.J. Moore, Vanderbilt (Fourth round, No. 119)

Worst pick: WR Juaquin Iglesias, Oklahoma (Third round, No. 99 overall)

The Bears’ biggest need was finding weapons for new QB Jay Cutler, and they failed to accomplish that goal. Iglesias is, at best, a possession No. 3 receiver and Johnny Knox will probably max out as a receiver in sub packages who would contribute on special teams. On the positive side, the Bears hit homers on DT Jarron Gilbert and Moore.

all quotes from chicagosuntimes.com

After a long day of picks for the Bears, they ended with picking two offensive players in the 7th round.

Starting with the 246th pick the Bears, where the Bears added a TE/OG Lance Louis from San Diego State.

This kid is 6-3, 303-pound and his 40-yard dash time was 4.68 seconds. He will most likely play tight end for the Bears, if he makes the team. The Bears want a blocking tight end to fill the void of John Gilmore who left last off season for Tampa Bay. They drafted Kellen Davis, but he isn’t a blocking tight end, so look for them to battle it out for the third spot at tight end.

My Grade: D+

Now the last pick for the Bears, #251.

The Bears picked Derek Kinder from Pittsburgh, 6′1″, 210-pounder was named first team All-Big East and was a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award as a junior in 2006, leading the Panthers with 57 receptions for 847 yards. Kinder rebounded in 2008, catching 36 passes for 422 yards and three touchdowns. He could be in the mix, we’ll just have to see. Mel Kiper said he has first round talent. The Bears drafted Marcus Monk last season and he was injury prone, hopefully this one turn out the same.

My Grade: C-

The Bears added five players during the rounds four through seven.

Starting with the fourth round, at #105, Henry Melton DE.

Melton was arrested and charged with DUI while at Texas, but last season was his first full season as a defensive end. He spent his freshman year as a FB, and it took him some time to learn a new position. Melton is said to be a project, but at 6′3″. 270 pounds and a 4.65 40 yard dash, he has some potential. Plus Mark Anderson, Adewale Ogunleye and Israel Idonije are all free agents come the end of next season.

My Rating: C+

The next fourth round pick was 119th, where I think the Bears found a gem.

D.J. Moore from Vanderbilt is a great addition to the cornerback position. The Bears now have enough cornerback depth, where they should feel comfortable. Moore is considered small at 5′9″, 185 pounds, but he has recorded 12 interceptions over the last two seasons at Vandy and was nominated for All-American Honors by Sports Illustrated. I love this pick for the Bears, he’s athletic, fast and has great hands. He was ranked 6th out of his position by scout.com. I think for him to be available in the 4th round is ridiculous.

My Grade: B+

Now the fifth round, where the Bears picked up another receiver with the 140 pick.

They picked up Albiene Christian star receiver, Johnny Knox. This kid ran the third fastest 40 yard dash with a 4.34. He is 5′11″, 180 pounds and broke almost all of Albiene Christian’s receiving records. Knox started 33 of the 38 games he played at the Division II Albiene Christian, recording 163 receptions for 3,250 yards and 43 touchdowns. The problem with this Knox is he spent two seasons at a junior college before transferring to this Division II school. Knox was ranked 31st at his position by scout.com. He has a shot at getting some playing time, considering who the Bears have that position.

My Grade: B-

The other pick in the fifth round (154th) for the Bears, was a linebacker by the name of Marcus Freeman.

Freeman, from Ohio State, spent time banged up last season with an injured ankle, but had 109 tackles in his junior season. He is 6′1″, 235 pounds and is a guy who can compete for a spot on special teams. He might even get in the competition with Hunter Hillenmeyer and Nick Roach, will have to see. This is an okay pick, I would have rather seen them take an offensive lineman or a safety with this pick.

My Grade: C-

With the Bears only 6th round pick (190th), they selected a safety by the name Al Afalava.

This kid is a hard hitter, who played strong safety in college, but could be converted to free safety with the Bears. He reminds me a lot of former Bear Mike Brown. At 5′11″, 210 pounds ran a 4.47 40 yard dash at Oregon State’s Pro Day. The Bears brought Afalava in for a pre-draft visit. Afalava played in 47 games, recording 167 tackles and three interceptions in four seasons at Oregon State. He has a lot of potential. Although he had some off-the-field concerns following a DUI hit-and-run incident.

Greg Gabriel, the Bears director of college scouting said this about his incident and his potential:

He’s gone through the court system, checked into everything, did our research. Everything came back good. We’re very comfortable with the situation. Gabriel expects Afalava to start at strong safety but said he is capable of playing free safety.

My Grade: C

The Bears finally picked a receiver and he happens to be a player in last years national title game.

His name is Juaquin Iglesias, he is Oklahoma’s all-time leader in receiving yardage.

This pick was a compensatory pick because they let Bernard Berrian go to the Vikings.

Chris Steuber of Scout.com says this about Iglesias:

Iglesias is a reliable receiver who has a knack for making big plays. He’s quick off the line and runs solid routes. He’s a consistent target over the middle and has the quickness to stretch the field. He’s a hard worker who plays physically off the line, drives the opposition back, and comes back to the ball and flashes soft hands. He makes tough catches in traffic and doesn’t shy away from contact.

Iglesias is ranked #8 in his position on scout.com.

His areas of strength are said to be hands and concentration, toughness, and route running skills.

His areas for improvement are speed.

I really like this pick for the Bears, now they have a couple of nice weapons in Hester, Bennett and Iglesias.

They need a wide receiver and don’t be shocked if the picked another one up later in this draft.

Overall, nice pick by the Bears.

With the 68th pick the Bears selected DE Jarron Gilbert, 6′5″ DE/DT from San Jose State.

This kid had 41 tackles for a loss and 21.5 sacks in his collegiate career.

The video above shows him jumping out of a swimming pool, which is mad crazy and another video shows him squatting 635 pounds.
Jarron Gilbert had this to say, during an interview, about his amazing pool jump:

I’ve become a YouTube sensation. How it came about was, one day our strength coach said Adam Archuleta could jump out of a pool, and everybody was super amazed. I went out there one day – it wasn’t that big a deal to me – and I just went and jumped out of the pool. I found out that I could do it, so I put it on film to make everybody else believe me.

Chris Steuber of  Scout.com had this to say about Gilbert:

Gilbert is a versatile lineman who has outstanding athleticism. He has a great frame and could add more mass. He can play inside or outside and flashes the ability to be a tremendous threat behind the line of scrimmage. He has long arms and delivers a quick punch to gain an advantage. He holds up well against double teams and disengages quick enough to track down a ball carrier. He’s viewed as a tweener.

His areas of strength are athleticism, pass rushing skills, and size. His areas for improvement are strength and techniques/moves.

Gilbert is ranked ninth in his respective position and received a 4/5 star rating by scout.com.

Gilbert ran the fastest 40 yard dash at the combine out of defensive ends.

I think he will help out this defense. Nice pick.