2012 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears' Players Who Must Be on Their Draft Board Thursday

The NFL draft is only two days away, and there should be plenty to choose from when the Bears are on the clock with the No. 19 overall pick.

The Bears have a lot of flexibility heading into the draft and no one really knows what direction the Bears are leaning towards on Thursday.

They still have a ton of needs on both sides of the ball and could very easily trade out of the first round of the draft to acquire extra picks.

Phil Emery could also move up in the draft, if he likes a particular player, especially if he doesn't think they will fall to them at 19.

When the Bears are on the clock on draft day, here are a few players who must be considered.

Defensive End Whitney Mercilus

If the Bears choose to stay at No. 19, many experts have them taking University of Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus. 

This would be a great pick-up for the Bears, as he would be able to come in right away and start beside Julius Peppers. 

Mercilus had a break-out year for the Fighting Illini last season, as he led the team with 16 sacks.

The only concern with Mercilus is he only had one great season, and many wonder if he is only a one-year wonder.

However, playing opposite of Julius Peppers and with the guidance of Rod Marinelli, Whitney Mercilus has a chance to become a star for the Bears. 

Offensive Tackle Jonathan Martin

Coming into the draft, the Bears have a huge need for a left tackle, and they should seriously consider upgrading over current left tackle J'Marcus Webb.

In the past few seasons, the Chicago Bears have allowed Webb to protect Jay Cutler's blind side, and it's been apparent that the J'Marcus Webb project has failed in the windy city.

If the Bears choose to go on the offensive side of the ball on Thursday, look for them to target an offensive lineman.

Jonathan Martin fits that bill, if he is still on the board, come Thursday.

Defensive End Quinton Coples

If the Bears were to trade up in this year's draft, it's because they really like North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples. 

The Bears would have to surrender a couple of draft picks in order to move up in this year's draft to land the North Carolina product. 

Coples is expected to go No. 12 to the Seattle Seahawks, but he could go as high as No. 9 to the Carolina Panthers.

Coples is the top defensive end in this year's draft, and there is no chance he is on the board when the Bears are on the clock. 

However, he would be a perfect addition along side Julius Peppers.

Wide Receiver Kendall Wright

If the Chicago Bears choose to trade back a couple of spots, they could be looking at Baylor wide receiver, Kendall Wright. 

Wright would be a great addition to this offense, as he would instantly be the No. 2 receiver on the Bears. 

This year's draft class has a ton of talent at the wide receiver position, so the Bears could wait a round or two before they address the position.

However, if they really like Kendall Wright, they could find a trade partner and move down in the draft to select him. 

Defensive Tackle Michael Brockers

LSU's defensive end Michael Brockers, would be a nice addition to the defensive line and would be an upgrade over Henry Melton. 

Brockers is the second-best defensive tackle in this year's class, behind Mississippi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox. 

Brockers may not be available when the Bears are on the clock, but if they really like him they could trade up in the first round.

He is expected to go 15th overall to the Philadelphia Eagles.