Chicago Bears 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Scouting Prospects for Every Pick

As of the time of this writing, it is 69 days, 20 hours and 42 minutes until the 2012 NFL draft.

But unlike my previous mocks, this isn't as much predictive as it is a study of the best draft prospects by round.  

The draft is hugely important for the Chicago Bears because while there are free agents out there that could help Chicago, they only have enough cap space currently to spend about $20 million—unless they release some players.

Also, the Bears have a lot of needs, and not all of them can be filled in free agency. This is also a critical year for the Bears; some of their core players are getting older, and they must have a sense of urgency to win now.

I am curious to see how the team will draft under new GM Phil Emery. Rumor has it that Jerry Angelo didn't always listen to his scouts, and he often went on his own to draft players he liked. 

We all know how that turned out.

But Emery is a self-professed consensus builder, so it will be interesting to see how that changes things. We absolutely must get someone in the first round who can start immediately for the Bears. The second-round pick should also be an immediate contributor—if not a starter—right away. 

So, without further ado, I present to you the scouting report on prospects for each round of the draft that the Bears could use. Let me know what you think.

First Round: Offensive Line

I have broken down the first round into separate slides, covering three areas of need: offensive line, wide receiver and the generic "defense." In my mock drafts so far, I've had the Bears take a defensive end, a center, a cornerback and a wide receiver (twice) with pick No. 19 in the first round of the NFL draft. 

Offensive Line - Left Tackle

What the Bears truly need—above all, in my opinion—is an upgrade at left tackle.

J'Marcus Webb got this "kudos" from his line coach (Mike Tice, who is now the offensive coordinator) after the season (and I paraphrase): He was the most consistent player, but made too many big mistakes with penalties and allowing sacks.

So, in other words, he was consistent alright—consistently bad.

The candidates: 

Matt Kalil, USC

A Pro Bowl or three is in his future, but he's a top five pick. Forget it, it isn't going to happen. 

Riley Reiff, Iowa

Reiff is solid in both phases (run and pass), but could probably use some strength for the NFL. But he is expected to be taken in the first 15 picks. That means the Bears would likely have to trade up, and I can't see that happening unless he slips. 

Jonathan Martin, Stanford

He needs some improvement in pass protection, but is extremely solid blocking for the run. Martin is also expected to be taken in the first 15 picks, but he could slip to the Bears. 

Mike Adams, Ohio State

Adams will be gone before the Bears second-round pick, and I wouldn't use the first-round pick on him because he may have to be moved to right tackle in the pros. He had trouble against speed rushers and he was inconsistent at the Senior Bowl. 

Offensive Line - "Other"

You could make a case for a center if the name is Peter Konz from Wisconsin. He's the only center I would consider with pick No. 19.

Then, the Bears could move Roberto Garza back to guard. I highly doubt this is going to happen.

Likewise, I don't think they will take a guard with their first pick. But if they wanted to, David DeCastro (Stanford) is the best prospect. Cordy Glenn (Georgia) was dominant in many games, but he also had one really bad game (vs. Boise State) and a couple other tough moments.   

First Round: Wide Receiver

There is no question that the Bears need a No. 1 wide receiver.

While I would like to see the Bears accomplish this through free agency, this article is about the draft. So, let's see who the candidates are in the first round at the WR position. 

Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State

The consensus No. 1 wideout in the draft, the Bears would have to trade up to have a chance and I don't see that happening. He's a Top 10 pick. 

Michael Floyd, Notre Dame

Many prognosticators have Floyd as the second-best WR in the draft, but I have my doubts. However, with the 19th pick, he and Kendall Wright (Baylor) are the only two worth considering in my opinion. And Wright, though the best receiver with blazing speed and good strong hands, is just too short (5'10") for the Bears.

But he will be gone before they pick in the second round.

Floyd has the size (6'3") that the Bears need. He made 100 receptions for 1,147 yards and nine touchdowns. Floyd has excellent size, speed, quickness and body control, though he has also had three separate issues involving alcohol off the field. 

Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina

Jeffery is also likely to be taken in the first round, though his production was limited by poor QB play. Jeffery burned Nebraska's Alfonzo Dennard for 148 yards and a TD late in the season.  In fact, they got into a fight and both players were ejected.

For the season, Jeffery has 49 receptions for 762 yards and eight touchdowns. He broke his hand, yet caught a TD pass in the final regular season game against Clemson.

Other candidates

Mohamed Sanu (Rutgers) and Rueben Randle (LSU) both have the size but may be stretches at No. 19. The problem is that neither may be still available when the Bears pick in Round 2. I like Sanu much better than Randle, whose stock was hurt by his showing against Alabama.

Sanu recorded 115 catches for 1,206 yards and seven touchdowns. I really like Sanu, just don't know if I'd have the guts to take him over Floyd or Jeffery.

First Round: Defense

I don't know the tendencies of Emery well enough to know which position he will shoot for with the 19th pick.

But I do know that there are two areas of need on the defensive side of the football early in the draft: a cornerback to play opposite of Charles Tillman—especially if Tim Jennings departs via free agency—and a pass-rusher to go opposite Julius Peppers, especially if Israel Idonije leaves.

4-3 OLB/Defensive End

Melvin Ingram, South Carolina

Those of you who follow me on a regular basis know how much I like this kid. He had some injuries which slowed him down during the middle of the season, but he finished well and looked good at the Senior Bowl.

Ingram is explosive off the ball, very quick for his size and beats offensive linemen with a combination of speed and physicality. He can rush the passer, which is something the Bears need—badly. 

Quinton Coples, North Carolina

Moving north, Coples is expected to be gone by the time the Bears pick at No. 19. He projects as a five technique in 3-4 sets or a pass rushing defensive tackle in the Bears scheme. 

Whitney Mercilus, Illinois

All year long, he has been beating tackles with a combination of speed, strength and athleticism. Mercilus is extremely fast and gets upfield in a hurry. 

Courtney Upshaw, Alabama

I love this kid, but he projects as a 3-4 edge rushing linebacker in the NFL. 

Zach Brown, North Carolina

He produces flashy plays as a tremendous athlete, but is also a solid tackler and one of the top 4-3 outside linebackers in the nation. He has some off-field issues and was suspended which hurts his draft stock.

The Bears won't take him. 

Cornerback

Morris Claiborne, LSU

Claiborne is the top corner in the draft, but he will be probably be gone by the time the Bears pick. 

Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama

He could still be on the board. He had some productivity questions, but he has elite size without sacrificing quickness.

Second Round Prospects

I can see the Bears going a number of different directions in Round 2—depending on who is available, who they picked in the first round and who they have signed as a free agent.

For example, if they haven't signed or drafted a WR, they definitely need to take one here. I will cover those prospects only briefly since I will assume that has been taken care of. 

Kevin Zeitler, Guard, Wisconsin

I like this kid, though I would prefer taking him in the third round. However, he may not last, so if the Bears want him they may need to make the choice at No. 50.

Zeitler is strong at the point of attack and protects well in both running and passing situations. But do the Bears need a guard that badly? They have depth, though not an overabundance of talent at the position. 

Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

I would love Dennard in the third round, but he may be gone by then. His biggest knock is that he's a subpar tackler. He is fast enough to run with most receivers on vertical routes. 

Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Jenkins is actually the second-rated CB on ESPN's ranking—he lacks the size of Claiborne and Kirkpatrick, who both will be gone by the second round. But he has a bunch of off-field incidents, including being kicked off the Florida football team after being arrested twice in a three-month span on drug related charges in 2010. 

Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana

Johnson is another player I would prefer taking in the third round. Johnson has great size (6'2"), solid ball skills and is physical. He could improve a bit on his technique. 

Mohammed Sanu, WR, Rutgers and Rueben Randle, WR, LSU

See second slide. Both could be gone by pick No. 50. 

Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse

He fits best as a left defensive end in a 4-3, so he could be the pass-rusher the Bears are seeking, especially fi they don't take Ingram with their first pick. He did miss five games this season with a knee injury. He's a bit raw but could play here and could still be there in third round.   

Andre Branch, DE, Clemson

Branch has had a strong senior season, though he didn't play well against Florida State. First step quickness could be better, but he is strong and disciplined. 

Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska

A season-ending injury (torn pectoral muscle) shakes up his draft status. Prior to the injury, he was projected as a second-round pick. So if he can prove he's healthy at the combine, he could be a factor here or in the third round. 

Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

Rumor has it the Colts are interested in Fleener early in the second round, but if he's still on the board when the Bears pick, he could be a target, although I doubt it. Andrew Luck enjoyed throwing to Fleener—he had 32 receptions for 667 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Fleener runs good routes and is adept at exploiting the deep middle of the field on seam routes.

Other

If Mike Adams (OT, Ohio State) is here, the Bears should grab him. But he seems to be moving up the draft board, so that is unlikely. Vinny Curry (DE/OLB, Marshall) fits better as a 3-4 OLB.

Nick Perry (DE/OLB, USC) has rising stock and I don't expect him to be here at No. 50. WR Nick Toon (Wisconsin) has dropped in my eyes due to injuries, though I like his pedigree (father Al played for years in the NFL.)

Third Round Prospects (Two Picks)

The Bears have two selections in the third round, thanks to Carolina, though that cost them a tight end they really could use now. I will cover both picks with these prospects. Again, much depends on who the Bears have drafted to this point.

Shea McClellin, DE, Boise State

He has improved his stock with a solid 2011 season. He's a better fit in a 3-4, though he has played all over the front seven. He's not flashy, but he is intense and relentless and he just makes plays.   

Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia

Has played both OLB in a 3-4 scheme and DE in a 4-3 scheme. His ability to generate explosive burst and power in his first few steps is his best asset. 

Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska; Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama; Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana

See slide 4. If any of these players slip into the third round, the Bears will likely grab one of them, although Jenkin's past may not be to the Bears liking.  

Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia

He stood out at the Senior Bowl, flashing his elite-level quickness and athleticism. He was aggressive at the line of scrimmage.  If he can play physical, questions about his lack of size would be tempered a bit. He has terrific speed and he had seven interceptions. 

DeQuan Menzie, CB, Alabama

Well coached by Nick Saban, Menzie could be a sleeper prospect here or in the fourth round. 

Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina

He could be a great value pick if Jones slips to the third round. He is underrated and tough to bring down after the catch. 

Marvin McNutt, WR, Iowa

Another tall wideout, McNutt has a nice combination of size and speed. In 2011, he made 82 catches for 1,315 yards and 12 touchdowns. 

Tommy Streeter, WR, Miami

The 6'5" Streeter is raw and needs work on his routes, but he is a great red-zone threat with his leaping ability. 

Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

Yet another tall wideout who is a big, fast playmaker but was underutilized at Georgia Tech. 

Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State

I'm sounding like a broken record, but Quick is tall—there, I said it—and has the eyes of the Bears scouts. Another good red-zone threat, Quick had his best season in 2011 with 71 receptions for 1,096 yards and 11 touchdowns. 

Orson Charles, TE, Georgia

In case Kellen Davis isn't your cup of tea, the Bears can go get a tight end. I don't think they will, but the speedy Charles is a good one, though I would like him to be a couple inches taller.\

Other

Jared Crick could also be a factor here if healthy (refer to slide four). Billy Winn (Boise state) projects as a tackle in the 4-3.

Fourth Round Prospects

Now on to the fourth round. Standard disclaimer that the picks here depend on who the Bears take in the earlier rounds. 

Juron Criner, WR, Arizona

He had some off-field concerns, but he could be a good red-zone weapon and a possession receiver in the NFL. 

Josh Norman, CB, Coastal California

Norman is physically intimidating with imposing size for the position at 6'0", 203 pounds with 32-and-a-half inch arms, showing safety size with cornerback skills. These kinds of small school guys can slip through the cracks. 

Winston Guy Jr., S, Kentucky

An underrated prospect in my opinion, Guy is an impressive athlete with a strong hitting ability. 

Audie Cole, ILB, North Carolina State

He needs to get bigger for the NFL, but Cole put together a solid senior season. In 2011, he recorded 98 tackles with 9.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and four passes broken up.

Fifth Round Prospects

By this time, the Bears are looking for projectable guys who can develop[ while hoping to find a diamond in the rough. This is where Emery is likely to take some chances. 

J.K. Schaffer, ILB, Cincinnati

He is kind of small, but Schaffer had a good season for Cincinnati. He recorded 105 tackles with 11.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, three interceptions, three forced fumbles and six passes broken up. He is also good at timing his blitzes up the middle. 

Brandon Taylor, S, LSU

A vocal leader, Taylor is physical and Lovie Smith would like him because he has strong hands and likes to rip the ball out. Average in most respects, but then again, this is the fifth round. 

Micah Pellerin, CB, Hampton

Pellerin has a tall, lean frame but needs to add some bulk. 

Casey Heyward, CB, Vanderbilt

If he slips this far, Heyward could be a good value. He is good enough to help out in run support. 

Jake Bequette, DE, Arkansas

He posted 10 sacks in 10 games, missing three games with a hamstring injury. 

Jack Crawford, DE, Penn State

Yes, they do play football at PSU. Crawford is coming off of a foot injury, and while it is said to be minor, he has had it before. Born in England. 

Oliver Vernon, DE, Miami

Vernon is a very surprising choice to leave early, considering that he was suspended for the first six games of the season due to taking accepting inappropriate benefits from a booster and registered just 18 tackles on the season. But he has an explosive burst.

Sixth Round Prospects

By now, the Bears are looking to find a player that can make the team as a special teams contributor or add to the practice squad. The "diamond in the rough" comment again applies here, of course. 

Sean Cattouse, S, California

Cattouse is a strong safety who is a playmaker and can go get the interception. 

Chris Gallipo, ILB, Southern Cal

He is an outstanding special teams player. 

Max Gruder, ILB, Pittsburgh

Gruder didn't come out to the Senior Bowl, so he will need to impress at the combine. He has played both the SAM and MIKE linebacker positions. He tallied 107 tackles in 2011 and his 8.9 tackles per game rank second in the Big East. 

Mike Daniels, DT, Iowa

Daniels had 62 tackles, including 10.5 tackles for loss and seven QB sacks in 2011. 

Ryan Miller, OG, Colorado

Miller has had injury issues, but then again, this is the sixth round. He is disciplined and is solid in pass protection. 

Rhett Ellison, TE, Southern Cal

He has flashed some pass catching skills. He also has been used at fullback.

Seventh Round Prospects

Alright, by now the Bears will be just looking for a warm body. If he can make the team and contribute on special teams, that would be terrific here. 

Najee Goode, ILB, West Virginia

Goode played in the middle and at the strong side and was extremely active. He was the team's leading tackler. 

Shawn Loiseau, ILB, Merrimack

If you've heard of this school, raise your hand. Now put it down since I can't see it anyway. I actually like this kid. He is a hard-nosed, aggressive linebacker.

He has average size, length and athleticism, but he makes up for his shortcomings with instincts and overall toughness. 

Charles Brown, CB, North Carolina

Don't worry, this Charlie Brown won't have Lucy pulling the ball out from underneath him.