Bears reach deals with all but two of ’08 draft picks

By The Associated Press

CHICAGO – The Chicago Bears signed defensive tackle Marcus Harrison to a four-year contract Tuesday and agreed to four-year deals with wide receiver Earl Bennett and cornerback Zack Bowman.

Chicago has now signed or agreed to terms with a league-high 10 of its 12 picks, first-round pick Chris Williams and second-round selection Matt Forté being the exceptions.

Harrison, taken in the third round with the 90th overall pick, finished with 186 tackles – 110 solo – and four sacks while breaking up 12 passes in four years at Arkansas.

Third-round pick Bennett, taken 70th, caught an SEC record 236 passes for 2,852 yards in three seasons at Vanderbilt.

Bowman, a fifth-rounder, had 56 tackles and three interceptions in 22 games with Nebraska after starting his collegiate career at New Mexico Military Institute.

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Chicago has already signed or agreed to terms with fourth-round choice Craig Steltz.