IF this rookie class stinks, Ballards going to catch it. He will deserve it.

By almost any measure, we already were a bottom five defense even with the guys who got cut/traded:

http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorysta...1&d-447263-n=1

This isn't the 85 Bears that Ballard is disassembling...

It is the easiest 53-man roster for a rookie to get playing time. If Ballard's picks going back to last year -- thinking specifically Wilson, Basham, Smith, Turay, Hines and Stewart -- aren't making significant contributions (don't even have to be starters!) by the midseason mark, Ballard will and should be criticized.

Also honestly think Ballard gets criticized if Nelson is just a guy out there and not making any big difference on the OL. Risk you take when you draft an OG at #6 overall.

He is most definitely being thrown against a tough matchup in his first game. Geno Atkins will be a real test. Personally I can't wait to watch those two specifically. Hoping for a decent showing. :cool:

If Nelson isn't a multi-year All Pro then we wasted that pick. But I have no reason to expect he'll be anything other than an All Pro.

I agree, just not expecting it right out of the gate. Lord knows on this site the first time his guy even breathes on Luck there will be those saying he was a wasted pick. :cool:

He will have growing pains like most rookies but I expect him to be playing at a pro bowl level at the end of the year. Not saying he will make it but at that caliber

I really enjoy the passion on this site. I appreciate giving my opinion and having my fellow fans call me a ‘ball swinger’ (whatever the hell that is-it even stumped google). We all root for the same team in different ways and get to give shit to each other. Some of you people are incredibly good with words. It’s a great diversion from life. Thanks

I don't mean his rookie year. He will have his "welcome to the NFL" moments. That's expected. I mean for his career. In a general sense I'm against taking guards that high, but there is lots of evidence that Nelson is a generational talent and will go down as one of the best ever at his position.

I think this guy may be worth it. His awareness is amazing. He makes the entire line better by seeing and helping out. Can’t wait to see this line develop