College football's bowl season kicked off last tonight when Utah took on Navy in the Poinsettia Bowl. While Illinois will capture the attention of most Chicago sports fans, there should be interest in Chicago outside of the Rose Bowl. With the Bears sitting at 5-9, they have positioned themselves for a possible top 10 draft pick. Here are some college players to watch in bowl games on the offensive side of the ball. You never know, one of them might be wearing a Bears jersey next season.

Quarterbacks

Not sold on Grossman, Griese, or Orton? Hopefully Jerry Angelo isn’t either. The Bears could use their first selection on a quarterback, and three senior signal callers have emerged from the pack, though only two will be playing in a bowl game. Brian Brohm and Louisville Cardinals didn’t qualify, finishing only 6-6.

Boston College’s Matt Ryan takes on Michigan State in the Champs Sports Bowl on December 28. Considered a Heisman candidate for much of the season, Ryan is tall (6’5) and accurate.

Quarterback Andre Woodson led Kentucky to a surprise season in the SEC that included an upset win over LSU. Woodson is big and mobile, and has drawn comparisons to Donavon McNabb. The Bears should also like that Woodson rarely throws interceptions, as he set an NCAA record with 325 passes thrown without an interception. Catch Woodson’s final college game on December 31 when Kentucky takes on Florida State in the Music City Bowl.

Running Backs

Cedric Benson may have been the most disappointing Bear in 2007, and Adrian Peterson and Garrett Wolfe don’t look like every down backs. There is a strong likelihood the Bears select a running back in the first three rounds to take pressure off Benson next season, and there should be good depth at the position.

While Fighting Illini fans might not want to see go, Rashard Mendenhall has established himself as one of the country’s elite running backs. If he decides to forgo his senior season, he could be on Jerry Angelo’s radar come draft day. I could tell you to watch Mendenhall and Illini in the Rose Bowl on January 1 against USC, but I think you may just watch it anyways.

Darren McFadden gets a lot of the publicity at Arkansas, but the Razorbacks have another talented runner in junior Felix Jones. Jones averaged over nine years per carry this season, and could be welcome addition in the Bears’ backfield. See if Jones impresses you when Arkansas takes Missouri in the Cotton Bowl on January 1.

Michigan’s Mike Hart and Georgia Tech’s Tashard Choice are two seniors who have been productive for years. Both running backs are projected to go in the second or third round and could be a steal for the Bears. Hart and Wolverines take on Florida in the Capitol One Bowl and Choice’s Georgia Tech squad faces Fresno State in the Humanitarian Bowl on December 31.

Offensive Line

In this humble blogger's opinion, offensive line has been the Bears biggest weakness in 2007. While taking an offensive tackle may not be as exciting as a quarterback or running back, they are surely as important. Michigan senior Jake Long may be long gone when the Bears choose, but several other talented players should be available. USC’s Sam Baker takes on Illinois in the Rose Bowl, and Boise State plays East Carolina in the Hawaii Bowl on December 23 with a line anchored by junior Ryan Clady.

While a higher draft pick is a small consolation for a disappointing season, the Bears do have the pieces to get on the Super Bowl track next season. An impact rookie could help turn things around quickly. Catch these college players while you still can, because they will soon be in the NFL. Maybe even in Chicago.

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