NFL Draft 2011: 10 Best Offensive and Defensive Linemen for Chicago Bears

Despite the uncertainty of the current labor situation in the NFL, Bears fans and management recognize the importance of the upcoming NFL Draft.

Although the needs are many, most agree that the two biggest areas of focus in the early rounds will be on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, particularly the lines. Offensive line in particular is a gaping hole for the Bears to fill. Likewise, the departure of Tommie Harris creates a need for a true defensive tackle.

Many draft experts agree that there is more of an abundance of talented defensive tackles in this year's draft than offensive linemen, so it would behoove the Bears to take an O-lineman with the 29th pick in the draft.

However, it's not as if the D-line can be ignored for long, so it would make sense for Chicago to draft one in the second round, assuming those are the two biggest needs for the team.

On the O-line, I will focus on the highest ranked tackles and one center, since those are the two biggest needs (Olin Kreutz may come back for one more year but we'll need to groom a replacement).

Recognizing that, let's take a look at the top-ranked players at these positions and then see which ones may be available for the Bears.

Tyron Smith, OT, USC

Jeff Golden/Getty Images

TEMPE, AZ - NOVEMBER 7: Tyron Smith #70 of the USC Trojans stretches before the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils on November 7, 2009 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. USC won 14-9. (Photo by Jeff Golden/Getty Images)

ESPN has him ranked the highest of the offensive tackles in the draft; Smith will be gone by the time the Bears draft at No. 29. That is, unless they make a trade to move up. But this seems unlikely, given GM Jerry Angelo's background and the lack of tradeable commodities the Bears have.

Smith is 6'5", 307 lbs, with elite speed and long arms. He has a nasty streak and is very strong. He looks good as both a run and pass blocker and would certainly be nice protecting Jay Cutler's blind side.

One downer is that he was unable to workout at the Combine due to knee problems.

Consensus: Dropping, but won't drop far enough for the Bears. 

Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

BOULDER, CO - OCTOBER 04: Brian Orakpo #98 of the Texas Longhorns rushes against Nate Solder #78 the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on October 4, 2008 in Boulder, Colorado. Texas defeated Colorado 38-14. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Solder has improved his stock to the point that some are saying he will go ahead of Tyron Smith.

He is very tall, standing just over 6'8", with extremely long arms but could use some more bulk. But he is fast and his intangibles are off the charts. He is scheduled to graduate with a degree in Biology and is well-liked by his teammates.

He may be a slightly better run blocker than pass protector at this point, but his football IQ is very solid and he reacts well.

Consensus: Ain't gonna happen for the Bears.

Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

Castonzo is another very tall (6'7") tackle but could use more bulk to his frame. He has never missed a game and is a good student and a smart football player.

He is a very good athlete for his size and has long arms and huge hands. He can pass block but could use some improvement as he sometimes struggles to anchor himself against strong pass rushers.

He's known as a bit of a head ducker, but has great instincts and just needs to build up his strength. But that is comparing him to elite guys like Smith and Solder. For the Bears, he would likely be an immediate starter.

Consensus: Could be there at 29. I'd take Carimi if available, but if not, Castonzo would be a nice consolation prize. But I would take a DT like Luiget before him.

Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Lineman Gabe Carimi #68 of the Wisconsin Badgers sets to block against the Tennessee Volunteers in the 2008 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. The Volunteers won 21 - 17. (Photo by Al Mess

The only knock against Carimi is some minor injuries—though that doesn't' appear to be a huge problem right now—and he may not have the feet to stay at left tackle.

But you have to love everything else about this kid. This is a guy who destroys defenders. He doesn't just block them; he pushes them back many yards.

Carimi has a mean streak and though he's not an elite athlete, picks up the blitz very well.

Consensus: May very well be a viable option for the Bears and the one I hope they pick. But others like him, too, so it wouldn't surprise me if he was off the board by 29. I'd definitely trade up a few spots to get him over Castonzo.

Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State

Sherrod is a good player and appears to be a good person who excels in the classroom, so his intangibles are fine. He is kind of quiet but leads by example.

He isn't the strongest tackle, but uses his long arms to rise speed rushers out of the pocket. Sherrod is better as a run blocker at this point than against the pass, but what offensive lineman doesn't like to run the ball?

Consensus: Not much of a mean streak or killer instinct but should be there at 29. I'm not excited about this pick. If he's the best on the board and a better defensive tackle or center is available, I'm going elsewhere.

Mike Pouncey, C, Florida

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Wide receiver Omarius Hines #82 of the Florida Gators celebrates a touchdown catch with center Mike Pouncey #55 against the Penn State Nittany Lions January 1, 2010 in the 25th Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florid

We know the Bears like to draft players from Florida and Pouncey would be the heir apparent to Kreutz, who is a free agent under the expired CBA.

Pouncey is durable—he's never missed a game—with a great personality and leadership skills. He's a smart player who reacts well and has good strength. He is aggressive with a nasty side and will mix it up.

Consensus: The Bears are said to like him, and at least one major publication has them drafting Pouncey. If Carimi isn't there at OT and Corey Liuget isn't there at DT, my next best selection might be Pouncey. But he's the only center I would even consider in the first round.

Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Defensive lineman Marcell Dareus #57 of the Alabama Crimson Tide watches play against the Mississippi State Bulldogs November 13, 2010 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Dareus may be the first overall pick in the draft. He has great strength and agility with good speed for his size. He's an outstanding pass rusher who has power and a great closing burst.

He's tough and talented, so there isn't much not to like.

Consensus: No way, Jose. As White Sox announcer Hawk Harrelson would say, "He gone!"

Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Nick Fairley #90 of the Auburn Tigers reacts during their Tostitos BCS National Championship Game against the Oregon Ducks at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Ge

Fairley may be the best pass rusher in the draft, powerful with terrific quickness and can beat double teams. Personally, I like him over Dareus. This is a guy who slams QBs into the ground.

If there is a downside to Fairley, it's his inability to control his emotions at times. He commits lots of personal fouls and with the way the NFL rules are changing, he may be fined more than anyone at the next level. Still, he is very strong and is excellent in run and pass protection. He also has great hands.

Consensus: Another pipe dream, Fairley will be long gone by the time the Bears pick at 29.

Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

Hey look—an Illinois kid with the chance to get drafted by the Bears. What could be more perfect?

Liuget is strong and powerful and although he's not an elite athlete, he does generate a good pass rush and is simply non-stop. He is the Energizer bunny.

He may have the best hands in the draft and is so quick off the ball. He is an excellent open-field tackler and a heavy hitter.

Consensus: Liuget may be gone when the Bears pick but if not, it would be a tough decision between him and Carimi. Bears do need an OT more than a DT but Liuget is the goods.

Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor

The bad news is Taylor is not Liuget but the good news is he may still be available when the Bears pick in the second round. Taylor is big and has a massive frame. He does have some negative incidents in his past, but seems to be doing fine now.

Taylor is a solid anchor with good strength but not great as a pass rusher. He's average now, but could eventually become above average as he learns how to finish better since he does have a good bull rush or closing burst.

Consensus: I would not take him with the first pick, but if he's there in second round and the Bears take an OT in first, I would consider Taylor there.