Not having a first round pick limited what the Chicago Bears could expect from this draft.

But if you factor in that they received quarterback Rick Mirer, as well as the fourth-round pick that turned out to be running back Darnell Autry, in exchange for their first-round pick, the draft doesn't look so bad.

Then again, most drafts look pretty good the week after they occur. We'll see how this draft looks in a few years.

The Bears had to pick a tight end and an offensive lineman on their top two picks only because of previous draft mistakes.

Chris Gedney, a third round pick in 1993, was supposed to be their answer at tight end. Instead they finally said goodbye to him this year after four injury-plagued years.

Either Marcus Spears, their second-round pick in 1994, or Evan Pilgrim, their third-round pick in 1995, was supposed to solidify their offensive line. Neither did. Spears was not wanted back when his contract expired this off-season, and Pilgrim has been a major disappointment. Neither player has shown sufficient heart for the coaching staff.

So because of those mistakes, the Bears had to draft tight end John Allred in the second round and guard Bob Sapp in the third round.

Most draft experts didn't believe Allred was worthy of a second-round pick, but the Bears valued him for his blocking ability. Southern Cal coach John Robinson said Allred was the best blocking tight end he has ever coached on any level.

Sapp, meanwhile, has the style of game that line coach Tony Wise is looking for. He's 6-4, 303 pounds, and a masher.

The Bears' most intriguing pick was Autry. They didn't want to choose a running back that high but couldn't pass up Autry when he still was available in the fourth round. They had a much higher grade on him.

Where does Autry fit in? It's difficult to envision him getting any playing time on offense unless players are hurt. Coach Dave Wannstedt said Raymont Harris won't come out of the game on any down, so forget about Autry playing with the nickel offense. Wannstedt also said he doesn't expect Autry to compete for a starting job.

It will be interesting to see what happens if Autry clearly outplays Harris or Rashaan Salaam in training camp and the preseason.

Prior to the draft, Bears personnel man Rod Graves said the Bears weren't interested in drafting a running back like Autry because his presence would only confuse the issue.

Consider the issue confused.

ROUND-BY-ROUND ANALYSIS

Round 2/38 -- John Allred, TE, Southern Cal

The Bears haven't had a steady tight end since Emery Moorehead retired. They need a young player who can block and catch and stay in every down. Allred is expected to contribute immediately and should start a portion of games. He might have been a bit of a reach, but he fills a need better than any other player could have.

Round 3/69 -- Bob Sapp, OG, Washington

With uncertainty over whether or not free-agent center Jerry Fontenot will be re-signed, the Bears needed depth on their interior line. Sapp fits what the Bears are trying to do with their blocking schemes. Expect him to be a starter by 1998, and he should be a starter for quite a while.

Round 4/105 -- Darnell Autry, RB, Northwestern

This wasn't a case of need so much as taking the best available player. The Bears did have a hole at nickel running back because of the release of Robert Green, but Autry isn't expected to fill it. He isn't a third-down back. Autry figures to give the Bears depth, as well as an insurance policy in case they aren't happy with their halfback situation. Even though he probably won't play much, he was a steal in the fourth round.

Round 4/108 -- Marcus Robinson, WR, South Carolina

This pick was a bit of a gamble -- either the Bears will look like geniuses or get nothing in return. Robinson has great athleticism (alleged 4.2 speed) and size (6-3, 213). But there is a reason he didn't catch many balls in college. You have to wonder about his hands. There is definitely room for a good receiver on the roster, especially a good, big receiver. If this guy can catch, he could be an impact player quickly.

Round 5/141 -- Van Hiles, FS, Kentucky

The Bears are looking for a replacement for free safety Mark Carrier, and believe Hiles can push Carrier for his starting job. He's a converted cornerback who has some coverage skills but isn't quite fast enough. At 188 pounds, can he take a beating?

Round 6/196 -- Shawn Swayda, DE, Arizona State

After the departure of free agent Al Fontenot, the Bears are very thin at end. They needed more than a sixth-round pick, however. Swayda is an overachiever who could be overmatched in the pros, especially initially.

Round 6/200 -- Richard Hogans, MLB, Memphis State

The Bears are very thin at linebacker. Barry Minter is moving from backup middle linebacker to starting outside linebacker, so that leaves a void in the middle. The Bears hope Hogans can fill it. He should be a special teams plus.

Round 6/201 -- Ricky Parker, S, San Diego State

More ammo for the war to replace Carrier. This is another former cornerback. He seems to be a good fit at safety with a thick build and a propensity to hit.

Round 7/210 -- Mike Miano, DT, Southwest Missouri State

With Chris Zorich and Jim Flanigan coming off serious injuries and Carl Simpson a candidate to be moved to end, the Bears needed some depth at defensive tackle. They also needed some size at the position to go along with Paul Grasmanis. At 6-3, 303, Miano could fill the bill.

Round 7/233 -- Marvin Thomas, DE, Memphis

Either Thomas or Swayda could make the roster. Thomas is undersized at 265, but he has plenty of ability. If he can rush the passer, he'll find a home.