LAKE FOREST, Ill. – The Bears already knew that they'd be opening the 2008 season Sept. 7 at Indianapolis in a nationally televised Sunday night game. But the NFL schedule, which was released Tuesday, has Chicago playing a total of five prime-time contests, including three at Soldier Field.

KICKOFF WEEKEND: The Bears own 49 opening-day victories overall, more than any NFL franchise. Chicago is 49-34-5 (.585) in 88 previous season openers. Their .585 opening-day win percentage is fourth-best overall in the NFL all-time and second-best in the NFC behind the Dallas Cowboys (32-15-1, .667). Last season the Bears fell to the Chargers, 14-3, during their season opener in San Diego.

Defensive players have dotted the top of most draft boards since the mock draft business began in earnest back in January.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – In his latest mock draft released Monday, NFL.com's Pat Kirwan predicts that the Bears will select Pittsburgh offensive tackle Jeff Otah with the 14th overall pick in the first round and Tulane running back Matt Forte at No. 44 in the second round.

The following is the first of eight position previews in advance of the NFL Draft.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. - He played at tiny Jackson State University, but Walter Payton was hardly an unknown commodity when he was chosen by the Bears with the fourth pick in the 1975 draft.

Cal receiver DeSean Jackson visited the Eagles and Buccaneers last week. He plans to visit the Rams and 49ers this week.

Two potential first-round picks are relying more on personal letters than pro days to improve their draft stock.

Most players in the NFL Draft present four seasons of work for teams to dissect. Even juniors who exit early often submit three complete seasons.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Of all the players the Bears have picked since the NFL Draft was instituted in 1936, there are dozens of names you know and hundreds you've never heard of. For every Mike Ditka and Walter Payton, there are countless Frank Dittas and Earl Paytons.