NFL Mock Draft 2011: Chicago Bears 6 Round Predictions

As sports fans, we could always count on at least three certainties in life: death, taxes and the NFL season. Well, thanks to the lockout and ensuing legal battles, that last part is about as certain as the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series. 

Yet, despite all that, there is one thing we are sure of—there will be a draft. Now, the players may not attend but teams will be making picks, and for the Bears, those picks are extremely crucial.

This will be the first time since 2008 that the Bears even have a first round selection and they certainly hope to do better than their last one, Chris Williams, who is looking like a potential bust.

However, speaking of Williams, the Bears find themselves in dire need of help on the offensive line. But that is not the only need for this Bears team.

Recognizing that, let's take a look at all seven rounds of the draft and predict who the team will select.

Round One: With the 29th Pick in the Draft, the Bears Select...

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Offensive lineman Gabe Carimi #68 of the Wisconsin Badgers warms up prior to playing the TCU Horned Frogs in the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Offensive Tackle Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin

This 2010 Outland Trophy winner and Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year would look good in blue and orange. Carimi was a unanimous first team All-American, leading the Badgers to an 11-2 record and a Rose Bowl berth.

Carimi stands at 6'7" and 314 lbs and is a hard worker who plays with great intensity. He doesn't just block opponents, he plows defenders downfield.

Some scouts question whether he has the foot work to remain at left tackle. But even if that's true, he will be able to step right in an contribute immediately to a Bears' line that was shaky last season.

Look, you simply have to protect your most valuable offensive asset, Jay Cutler. Carimi, if still available at 29, is the man to do it.

Honorable mention: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado.

Round Two: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

Here is where GM Jerry Angelo possibly makes a trade to move up in the draft. The only question is if Liuget will still be on the board by the time the Bears pick in the second round. But this powerfully built, strong DT is relentless, with a strong motor and a great closing burst.

This kid will be the eventual successor to Tommie Harris, if not in 2011 then soon thereafter. He is quick and is a sound open field tackler who has violent hands and gets off blocks extremely well.

As the third best DT in the draft, with Marcell Dareus and Nick Fairley both going very high in round one, there is a good chance Liuget is gone when the Bears pick. If that is true, I expect the Bears to take DT Stephen Paea from Oregon State. 

Paea was born in New Zealand and grew up playing rugby. He has a non-stop motor and is tough as nails.

Round Three: Kendric Burney, CB North Carolina

With the 93rd pick in the 2011 NFL draft, the Bears select...

Man, it just doesn't have much cachet, does it? Still, the Bears have drafted well in the early/mid-rounds and this is an important pick. 

I expect the Bears to stay on the defensive side of the board in going with the cornerback Burney. The Bears need help covering all of those wide outs the Packers have, so cornerback is definitely a position they will be targeting in the early rounds.

Burney is a bit undersized but has excellent speed and an edge to his game. He is said to be a terrific character guy as well. Not very strong and so he struggles tackling bigger guys, but is a good athlete who plays with confidence and passion.  

Round Four: Jarriel King, OT/G South Carolina

The Bears turn back to look for more help on the offensive line with this pick.

King is a 6'5" 317 lb. lineman who has played at both left tackle and left guard. The only negative is a recurring irregular heartbeat that has limited his playing time somewhat, but has solid instincts and above-average strength.

This is a kid who reacts to line stunts quickly and pass blocks well. I know that Cutler will appreciate this.

Round Five: Ronald Johnson, WR, USC

Although the Bears think they are set at the position, personally I would be looking to upgrade at wideout. And while a fifth round pick may not make an immediate impact, Johnson could help this team down the line.

He has breakaway speed and while he's a bit shorter than optimal, Johnson is versatile and has a great burst after the catch. He is not afraid to go over the middle, either.

Johnson is a kid who could become a big play receiver, especially coming out of the slot.

Round Six: Alex Linnenkohl, C, Oregon State

Olin Kreutz is a free agent, and while I expect the Bears to bring him back for at least one more season, Linnenkohl could be his eventual successor.

He is about 6'2" and 304 lbs, was an All-PAC Second Team, and has started 38 consecutive games.

At the combine, he improved his stock, performing well at the bench press and broad jump.  

Round Seven: No Pick

FYI: The Bears lost their seventh-round pick after selecting running back Harvey Unga in last year’s supplemental draft.