Larry: About 90 percent of the mock drafts I’ve seen online predict that the Bears will take a quarterback with the 14th pick in the first round, particularly Andre Woodson of Kentucky. Drafting a quarterback means they’re starting over and not drafting a much greater need like an offensive tackle. Do you see them taking a quarterback with the 14th pick?

Joe
Addison, Illinois

Joe: Andre Woodson is an intriguing prospect who possesses great size and potential, not to mention a strong NFL arm. But at this point, I would be surprised if the Bears choose a quarterback with their first pick, given that a player at another position (such as an offensive tackle like you mentioned) likely could make a greater impact as a rookie. That scenario seems to make the most sense with a team like the Bears that feels it’s close to becoming a contender again. Then again, if the Bears ultimately identify a player who they feel can become their franchise quarterback, I’m sure it would be extremely difficult for them to pass him up. Regardless, it’s going to make the months leading up to the draft very interesting.

Larry: Now that Bob Sanders has signed a long-term extension with the Colts, what other safeties are due to become free agents that the Bears might want to pursue?

Tim F.
Cicero, Illinois

Tim: The New York Giants’ Gibril Wilson and the New England Patriots’ Eugene Wilson are two of the top safeties who are slated to become unrestricted free agents Feb. 29. Gibril Wilson has been a productive player for the Giants, recording 92 tackles and four interceptions in 13 regular-season games this year, while Eugene Wilson (31 tackles and one interception in 11 games) seemingly has fallen out of favor in New England, given that he was inactive for Saturday night’s AFC divisional playoff contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars despite not being listed on the injury report.

Larry: What is Lovie Smith’s record against the four teams that remain in the NFL playoffs?

Phil P.
Park Ridge, Illinois

Phil: The Bears are 6-2 against the Packers, 2-1 versus the Giants, 0-1 against the Patriots and 0-1 versus the Chargers in Lovie Smith’s four seasons as head coach. Interestingly, the Bears are the only NFC team to have a winning record against both the Packers and Giants during that span.

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