Chicago Bears 2012 Mock Draft: Best Case & Worst Case 7-Round Scenarios

I have done so many mock drafts so far, yet each one has offered something different. I have done optimistic and pessimistic mocks. I have written mocks based on my reaction to other mocks. Now, I offer a best and worst case scenario for each pick.

A lot has happened since we last mocked together. The Bears have acquired a No. 1 wide receiver, losing one of their third-round picks in the process.

The Bears have also re-signed some of their own players, as well as some lesser free agents. They finally have a solid backup to Jay Cutler.

But there is one thing that hasn't changed: They still have needs to fill. They still need another receiver, help on the offensive line, a cornerback and a defensive end.

Fortunately for Chicago, the draft offers some solutions to these problems. Let's take a look at how things will work out if the glass is half full and if it's half empty.

Now, by half-full, I'm not going to insult your intelligence by suggesting that LT Matt Kalil will slip to No. 19, though that would be incredible. Look, it just isn't going to happen—there is a difference between optimistic and just plain stupid.

Come on in, the water's fine.

Round 1: Best Case: Michael Floyd, Worst Case: Michael Brockers

The reason I picked Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame as the best-case scenario is that if he falls to No. 19 and the Bears grab the tall wideout, they will line him up opposite newly acquired Brandon Marshall, giving the Bears a pair of studs for Jay Cutler to throw to.

Imagine having Marshall, who will otherwise always command a double-team, getting more single-coverage opportunities because Floyd comes in and lights it up early on. I realize Floyd will be a rookie, but it could happen.

Now, Floyd looked so good at the combine that it is unlikely he lasts until the Bears pick at No. 19. It is also unlikely the Bears take a wide receiver with their first pick, given that they just traded for Marshall and their head coach is defensively minded.

Having said that, Chicago would be crazy to pass Floyd up if he's there.

Other option: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina. It's unlikely, but if he falls to the Bears, I would love it if they selected this pass-rusher with an explosive burst and a high motor. Another good choice would be CB Dre Kirkpatrick.

Meanwhile, I feel that of the players being speculated, Michael Brockers, DT, LSU would be one of the worst-case scenarios.

It's not because I don't like Brockers. In fact, I think he's going to be a very good football player in the league. Instead, I just don't think that defensive tackle is an area of need for the Bears right now.

Round 2: Best Case: Vinny Curry, Worst Case: Jayron Hosley

In his college career, Curry (Marshall) totaled 26.5 sacks with 49 tackles for a loss, 10 forced fumbles and 239 tackles. His production was consistent in 2011 despite getting double-teamed and chipped all year. 

Curry is expected to go in the very early second round, but in this best-case scenario, he slips to No. 50. He will make a solid edge-rusher in the Bears 4-3 scheme.  

Curry has excellent speed and forces fumbles. He has improved his run defense as he has added weight. He would fill a need for the Bears.

Other option: Peter Konz slipping all the way to No. 50 (there really are only one or two teams interested in a center on the first day of the draft).

On the flip side, I've seen mocks such as WalterFootball.com pick CB Jayron Hosley with the Bears' second-round selection. It's not that I dislike the player, it's just that if the Bears don't sign a strong free agent DE, then they must draft one in one of the first two rounds.

A CB like Hosley would add depth to the corner position, but I'll wait until the third round or, if I really wanted a corner, would have gone with Dre Kirkpatrick out of Alabama in round one.

Round 3: Best Case: Kevin Zeitler, Worst Case: Nick Foles

If you've followed me, you know I really like Zeitler, who played with Gabe Carimi at Wisconsin. The only problem is that he's expected to now go in round two. As a best-case scenario here, I have him falling to the Bears in the third round.

The Bears have depth, but not a lot of quality at the guard position.

Plus, Zeitler has been working out under center, and at the combine, there was talk he could play the position in the pros. If he did, that versatility would be useful, possibly returning Roberto Garza to the guard position.

Other option: Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana or Orson Charles, TE, Georgia.

Meanwhile, WalterFootball.com has the Bears taking QB Nick Foles out of Arizona. While this mock was done prior to the Bears signing their two backup QBs, I am still afraid the Bears could do something stupid like this.

If the Bears do believe that Nathan Enderle was signed to appease Mike Martz, and his lack of mobility won't make him a prospect, they could draft a QB and stick him on the practice squad, releasing Enderle.

That would truly be a worst-case scenario.

Round 4: Best Case: Trumaine Johnson, Worst Case: Jamell Fleming

If CB Trumaine Johnson (Montana), who is projected to be taken the third round, somehow slips to the 111th pick in the draft, that would be such a value pick that the Phil Emery should go play the lottery.

Johnson is inconsistent, which is why he is not projected to go day one. But he has great size (6'2"), and I have seen enough tape on him to project that he can start in the NFL, albeit maybe not in his rookie year.

Other option: Tank Carder, ILB, TCU (currently projected for the third round). 

Again, it's not that Fleming is a bad player; it's just that he is not projected to start in the NFL. He would be a depth guy, which the Bears already have enough of.

However, as it currently stands, he is probably the best corner projected to be on the board this late in the fourth round.

And that wouldn't be a great scenario.

Round 5: Best Case: Keenan Robinson, Worst Case: Janzen Jackson

OLB Robinson (Texas) has drawn some interest from the Saints. I've liked him all along as a fourth-round pick, but if he slipped to round five, that would certainly be a best-case scenario.

Other option: Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina.

The worst-case scenario could certainly include a lot of choices, since there are no guarantees this late in the draft anyway. But I'll go with Janzen Jackson, S, McNeese State. I'm sick of the Bears drafting safeties, and I like Chris Conte at the free safety position going forward.

Round 6: Best Case: Jake Bequette, Worst Case: Aaron Henry

This late in the draft, we're starting to grasp at straws, but if Baquette, DE, Arkansas, is still on the board (he is not expected to be), he would be a solid value in the sixth round.

Other option: Michael Egnew, TE, Missouri.

On the other hand, if the Bears took a safety this late, they would be wasting their time. That's what Henry is, a safety out of Wisconsin.

Round 7: Best Case: Michael Brewster, Worst Case: Vontaze Burfict

Before you think I'm insane—and you may be right—consider the fact that very few teams draft centers. So a kid like Brewster (Ohio State) could theoretically still be on the board in the fifth or sixth rounds. And, if everything goes right for Chicago, here in round seven.

Other option: Donnie Fletcher, CB, Boston College.

Prior to the combine, Burfict would have been a solid mid-round draft pick. But he was so out of shape and awful there, some feel he may go undrafted. The Bears don't need a kid like this.