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

Even though the Chicago Bears were almost completely dependent on running back Matt Forte for consistent offensive production early in the 2011 season, the Bears were still in contention for much of the year, sitting at 7-3 after 10 games.

Then quarterback Jay Cutler got hurt, Forte got hurt and the wheels came off the bus, with the Bears dropping five of their last six games en route to an 8-8 record.

The Bears will begin putting the tires back on when free agency begins on March 13, and here's how that overhaul might continue for the Chicago Bears at April's 2012 NFL draft.

First Round, Pick 19 (19): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

The Chicago Bears certainly have no more pressing need on offense than at wide receiver, as I touched upon in my recent piece about why the Chicago Bears should trade up for Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon.

However, should the Bears choose to "play it safe" and stand pat they would almost certainly leap at the opportunity to draft the 6'3" Floyd, as the Notre Dame standout would provide the Bears with a big target in the receiving corps that they are sorely lacking at present.

Second Round, Pick 18 (50): Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin

Offensive guard Kevin Zeitler was a cornerstone of the powerful Wisconsin offensive line in 2011, as the 6'3" 315-pound road grader won first-team All-Big Ten honors and reportedly looked strong at Senior Bowl practices.

Zeitler's pass blocking is a bit raw, but the Bears have a need along the interior of the offensive line and Zeitler would represent an excellent combination of filling that need and presenting strong value.

Third Round, Pick 10 (74): Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia

With defensive end Israel Idonije a 31-year-old free agent, the Bears may be looking at a hole along their defensive front, and even should the eighth-year veteran re-up he's far from a world-beating talent and the jury is still very much out on second-year pro Corey Wooton.

Cam Johnson's 30 total tackles and four sacks in his senior season don't exactly leap off the page at you, but the 6'4" 270 pound Johnson is a solid two-way defensive end that improved his draft stock with a good week at the Senior Bowl.

Third Round, Pick 17 (80): Nate Potter, OT, Boise State

Offensive tackle Nate Potter was a second-team All American performer as a senior in 2011, and the 6'6" 300-pound Potter has excelled at protecting the blind side of quarterback Kellen Moore the past two seasons.

Potter could stand to add some size and strength in the National Football League but his 6'6" frame should easily support that, and Potter would provide yet another instant upgrade for a Chicago offensive line that struggled at times last year.

Fourth Round, Pick 16 (112): DeQuan Menzie, CB, Alabama

Despite playing in the shadows of Dre Kirkpatrick for much of the season Alabama cornerback DeQuan Menzie still put together a strong season in 2011, tallying 41 tackles, 1.5 sacks, an interception and 11 passes defensed.

With cornerbacks Tim Jennings, who seemed to fall out of favor at the end of last season, and Zachary Bowman both free agents, the Bears are going to need to add bodies in the secondary, and Menzie is a step in the right direction in that regard.

Fifth Round, Pick 15 (142): Omar Bolden, CB, Arizona State

Headed into the 2011 season, it appeared that another strong season from Arizona State cornerback could propel him into the first round of the 2012 NFL draft.

However, Bolden tore his ACL in spring practice, missing the entire 2011 season and sending his draft stock into the toilet.

Bolden's loss could be Chicago's gain though if the 5'10" 195-pounder can show that the knee's 100 percent, as strong coverage corners with 4.45 speed aren't usually available in the fifth round.

Sixth Round, Pick 14 (173): Tony Dye, SS, UCLA

Cornerback isn't the only position in the Chicago secondary in need of improvement, as 2011 was yet another season of head coach Lovie Smith using a never-ending revolving door at both safety positions.

The 5'11" 205-pound Dye missed eight games a season ago due to a neck injury and would present many of the same risks as drafting Bolden, but the value would be pretty sweet if Dye can return to his 96-tackle, All-Pac-10 honorable mention form from 2010.

Seventh Round, Pick 13 (204): Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State

Quarterback Kellen Moore enjoyed a fantastic collegiate career at Boise State, but there are substantial concerns about whether Moore can continue that success on to the next level, especially after his borderline disastrous showing at the Senior Bowl.

Moore's listed height of 6'0" is probably wearing cowboy boots, but given the woefully sorry state of the Bears backup quarterbacks, there's no harm in bringing Moore in for a look given his collegiate resume.