I'm a little disappointed

The NFL's best defense probably didn't get any better yesterday.

Neither of the Bears' first two draft picks- both second-rounders, obtained by trading away their first-round picks- figures to start this year. Still, both can return kicks- a legitimate need- and may be able to make an impact in the future.

Danieal Manning and Devin Hester are both fast. They are both raw talents who will take a while to develop. When they do, they aren't likely to easily outrun by wide receivers. And they do add insurance for the future, even though it's at a position where, if the truth be told, the Bears aren't particularly in need of help.

Not that there are that many places where major upgrades are needed. It may be that Manning and Hester were simply the two best athletes available.

And with the free-agent signing of Ricky Manning, Jr., from the Carolina Panthers, the Bears now lead the NFL in defensive backs named Manning. Not exactly the first thing that comes to mind when I think of things I would like to see the Bears' secondary lead the NFL in, of course.

Still, I'm looking forward to the football season. I just thought the Bears would have helped themselves today a little more than they seem to have done.