2012 NFL Mock Draft: Chicago Bears Full 7-Round Predictions

With the 2011 season in the rear mirror for the Chicago Bears, it's time to turn our attention to the draft. We all know how many needs the Bears do have.

Meanwhile, the firing of Jerry Angelo would seem to be a boost to the draft process, as Angelo's draft record was abysmal during his run as GM.

Also, the departure of Mike Martz may mean a return to a ground-first rushing attack, and an offense that values a big tight end to throw to.

So, while not much has changed in terms of players eligible for the draft or Bears needs, it has been a month since my last projection, so it is time.

With that in mind, let's take another look at the 2012 draft and see what gems the Bears might find.

While you have to wait until April 26th for the first round of the draft to take place, we give you the goods right here, right now. No wait necessary.

1st Round: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

With Dre Kirkpatrick expected to go in the top 10 of the first round, and Cincinnati, drafting two slots ahead of the Bears at No. 17, the best corner on the board when the Bears pick at 19 is Alfonzo Dennard.

With Tim Jennings a free agent, and with Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford in the division, the Bears can't have too many corners.

Dennard doesn't have elite size, but has good bulk and top end speed. His speciality is as a cover corner, where he is strong for his size and can reroute bigger receivers.

He also plays taller than his listed height (5'10") due to great leaping ability. This is a tough kid who likes to compete.

2nd Round: Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State

J'Marcus Webb did not play well and did not improve as the year went on, so the Bears desperately need a left tackle. Enter Sanders, who the Bears will not likely find at pick No. 50.

The Bears need to trade up to get him (remember, they do have two third round picks), but if he's available, Sanders will be a real value selection in the second round.

In this scenario, the Bears trade their second third round pick (obtained from Carolina) and their second rounder to the Rams for their pick (No. 33).

The Rams get an additional pick, plus at No. 50 they may still find the defensive tackle they desire, since only the Eagles are looking for a DE/DT from No. 33 to No. 50, and they prefer a DE.

Meanwhile, Sanders has exceptional intangibles. He is a good student with no off-field issues and has been durable. This last point may be the most critical after Chris Williams and Gabe Carimi were drafted despite previous injuries.

Sanders has exceptional awareness, picking up blitzes and is intelligent. He has a mean streak and plays through the whistle.

A better run blocker than pass blocker at this point, though he has the feet to remain at LT in the pros.  

3rd Round: Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin

Having drafted the replacement for Webb, the Bears continue to address the offensive line by drafting a guard to replace Chris Spencer.

Zeitler is a former teammate of Carimi at Wisconsin, and with these two picks, plus a return to health for Carimi, the Bears will have the makings of a solid line for years to come.

Meanwhile, Zeitler has above average size, bulk and speed for the position. He's a weight room warrior who won the Badger Power Award for his dedication to the weight room. 

If he can play lower than he did in college, he will be able to gain better leverage in run support and can hold his own against power rushers.

3rd Round (from Carolina): TRADED to RAMS

The Bears traded their second third-round pick to the Rams to move up in the second round to draft an OT.

4th Round: Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State

Quick may not make it into the fourth round but if he does, the Bears will jump at such a value pick.

Quick is quick, with good top end speed, though he is not elusive in the open field. He is a good route runner. He is also big (6'4") so he will be a nice complement to the other wideouts on the Bears.

While he will make the highlight reel catch, his hands are suspect and he will drop a pass. But what did you expect in the fourth round?

He has the toughness to go over the middle, however, and will mix it up.

5th Round: J.K. Schaffer, ILB, Cincinnati

Looking for depth at the linebacker position, and an eventual replacement for Brian Urlacher or Lance Briggs, the Bears take an inside backer with their fifth round pick.

Schaffer had a good season for Cincinnati. He has 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 very good in run defense but will need time to develop. He needs to get stronger and bulk up but if the Bears give him time, he could develop into a real sleeper.

6th Round: Jack Crawford, DE, Penn State

Crawford had 40 tackles with 7.5 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks in 2011. He produced down the stretch, with four sacks in the final three games of the regular season (Nebraska, Ohio State, Wisconsin).

As a sixth rounder, Crawford is worth a flier, as he has flashed skills at times and looks like he has physical tools, but has not synced up his production with his potential.

7th Round: George Iloka, S, Boise State

In 2011, Iloka was second on Boise State in tackles with 58. But he had no interceptions and only one pass broken up this season. Arizona State torched him in the Bowl game.

But as a seventh round pick, he could have value. He had significant playing time in college, though he had his best season as a freshman.

He is a good athlete who is projectable at the pro level and that is really all you hope for this late in the draft.