Bears close out draft with OT Barton, WR Monk

The Bears closed out their biggest draft since getting 12 players in 2003 by taking Ohio State offensive tackle Kirk Barton at No. 247 and following with Arkansas wide receiver Marcus Monk at No. 248.

That’s three offensive linemen total. Barton has been projected by some as a guard. He was a captain at Ohio State and has right knee issues. He did not work out at the combine but made 42 career starts in school. The ACL in the knee was reconstructed in 2005 and then he had a scope on the same knee.

It finishes a big day with 10 picks, two trades and plenty of hope. Monk is the fifth SEC player taken today and sixth total.

No, the Bears do not have a quarterback. They’re expected to sign one as an undrafted free agent.

General manager Jerry Angelo is going to be downstairs soon to discuss the entire draft along with coach Lovie Smith.

We’re going to tune into that action and work toward the looming deadlines for the print edition. But we’ll check back as soon as we can with more info and we’ll wrap it up late tonight as we did Saturday at midnight.

Talk about a full weekend. Check back soon for more information.