2011 NFL Draft: Top 7 Holes the Chicago Bears Need to Fill in April

Bears fans all recognize the most obvious needs that this team has heading into the 2011 season (assuming there actually is a season). Watching Jay Cutler hit the turf more often than a college student hits the bottle was painful. Imagine how painful it was to Cutler!

But besides the offensive line, what other needs do the Bears need to fill in the upcoming draft? Don't forget that players who go undrafted will be targets for teams like the Bears, as well. For example, lots of times, teams don't draft kickers or punters, but can get them from the undrafted pile.

Recognizing that, let's take a look at seven holes the Bears need to fill this month, along with the players that might fill them.

So, grab a shovel and let's start filling some holes!

Offensive Line: Future Replacement for Olin Kreutz

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

Sure, the Bears desperately need help on the offensive line. But in addition to the obvious need for a left tackle, there is also the issue of free-agent center Olin Kreutz possibly having played his last game as a Bear.

But even if the team re-signs the vet for another year, his replacement will be needed soon. If Mike Pouncey from Florida falls to the Bears at No. 29 in the first round, they would be hard-pressed to pass him up. He's as much of a sure thing as there is in this draft, but he's the only center worthy of the first-round pick.

But even if Pouncey is taken before the Bears make their first pick, they could use a later-round pick to develop Kreutz's future replacement. Rodney Hudson from Florida State grades out as the next-best center.

More than likely, fans would scream bloody murder if the Bears took a center and let Kreutz walk. It seems more likely that, if the Bears go with an offensive lineman in the first round, it will be a tackle. Either way, if Hudson is there in Round 2, he would be a good consolation choice.

No matter what, the line needs improvement, and if it doesn't come from the draft, it will need to occur in free agency. And if the Bears don't take a center this year, they most likely will be forced to in next year's draft.

Offensive Line: Protecting Jay Cutler's Blind Side

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)

Now this is a much more likely draft scenario for the Bears. Their need for a tackle is obvious, and the draft is deep in this area.

Although there are questions about whether or not he has the footwork to stay at left tackle, many draft mockers (including yours truly) have Gabe Carimi of Wisconsin going to the Bears at No. 29.

Carimi is big and strong with a mean streak. However, the Bears recent draft story on the offensive line is not good.

They drafted Chris Williams, who is close to being a bust. Before that, one of the worst busts in Bears history was Stan Thomas. And we all know that GM Jerry Angelo prefers defense.

But the fans are clamoring for O-line help, and I'm sure that Mike Tice, Mike Martz and Jay Cutler would be thrilled with Carimi or Derrek Sherrod out of Mississippi State.

If the Bears don't fill this hole via the draft, they will be forced to get at least one, and probably two, offensive linemen from free agency. And that is a risky proposition given the little time they may have to sign FAs once the lockout is over.

Defensive Line: Replacement for Tommie Harris

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

TUCSON, AZ - OCTOBER 09: Defensive tackle Stephen Paea #54 of the Oregon State Beavers during the college football game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. The Beavers defeated the Wildcats 29-27. (Pho

Jerry Angelo prefers to draft for defense in the early rounds, and with the release of Tommie Harris, it is not beyond belief that he would go with a DT in the first round of the draft.

But even if Angelo instead placates the fans by taking an OT in Round 1, he will, at some point (Round 2?) draft a defensive tackle. The draft is deep with them, and he is already on record acknowledging that fact.

If Corey Liuget from Illinois falls to No. 29, he would be a hard one to pass up. More likely to be taken is a guy like Stephen Paea from Oregon State, who should be there for sure at No. 29.

Assuming the Bears stay with offensive-line help in the first round, then they can still get a decent DT in Round 2 or 3. No matter what, you can bet the Bears will draft one in this draft. They need someone who can get a push off the line and help generate some pass rush to complement Julius Peppers.

It will need to be a 3-technique DT in the Bears defense.

Wide Receiver: Mike Martz Needs Weapons for Cutler

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 25: Doug Baldwin #89 of the Stanford Cardinal attempts to catch the ball as Robert Blanton #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish defends at Notre Dame Stadium on September 25, 2010 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Jonathan Dani

Offensive coordinator Mike Martz was a good sport last season when he agreed (or was forced) to balance the offensive play-calling. But it wasn't his offense, and one wonders how long he will be happy without consistent targets for Cutler to throw to.

The Bears do believe they are set at the position, so drafting a wideout in the early rounds is not very likely. Plus, their recent history hasn't been very good.

David Terrell, anyone?

But I can see them drafting a wideout in the mid-rounds. Carl Moore from Florida has nice size and would be available in the fourth or fifth round. Niles Paul out of Nebraska is another wideout with decent size who isn't afraid to go up the middle and could become a good slot receiver for the Bears in the fourth round.

Fans would love to see an elite receiver taken by the Bears, but that is very unlikely. If Jonathan Baldwin from Pittsburgh is there in the second round, I would take him. But the Bears won't.

Maybe if he slips to the third round? This is where Martz has to get influence in the draft room.

Cornerback: Bears Need More Depth

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - OCTOBER 09: Ras-I Dowling #19 of the Virginia Cavaliers against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Corner is a need for the Bears, but not an area they are likely to look at until the third round at best. But I would be surprised if the draft passed without one corner being considered by Chicago.

Currently, the only solid corner they have is Peanut Tillman, so they need help here. If Ras-I Dowling of Virginia is still on the board when the Bears pick in Round 3, he would be a steal.

Dowling is at least two inches taller than the average cornerback at the last three combines, and has solid ball-handling skills. His lack of top-end speed may be why he slips in the draft.

If Dowling is gone, as I think he will be, perhaps they take Brandon Burton out of Utah.

If they don't draft a corner, they will be looking for one in free agency or trade.

Linebacker for Special Teams

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 11: Linebacker Mason Foster #40 of the Washington Huskies follows the play during the game against the Syracuse Orange on September 11, 2010 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

With only Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher guaranteed to be under contract with the Bears in 2011, Angelo might have to use a pick on a linebacker, despite his claims to the contrary.

But even if he isn't enamored with anyone by the fourth or fifth round, he may need at least one new linebacker to help out on special teams. 

With Corey Graham a free agent, special teams could take a big hit. Plus, Angelo has a pretty fair history of drafting linebackers.

If Mason Foster of Washington is still there in the later rounds, he would be a steal for the Bears.

If Angelo doesn't spend a pick in the draft on one, he will need to look around at free agency help.

Punter: Replacement for Brad Maynard

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Brad Maynard #4 of the Chicago Bears punts against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

No, the Bears won't draft a punter, so calm down Bears fans. But they will do as most every team does and scour the list of undrafted kickers and bring in a couple to compete.

This could be a serious need if they don't re-sign Brad Maynard, and whispers out of Halas Hall are that Maynard is done with the Bears.

An unsigned college player would help fill a huge hole, and special teams is one of the things the Bears do best, but it will be hard to replace a guy who did such a terrific job of kicking inside the opponents' 20-yard line.