2011 NFL Mock Draft: 6 Round Chicago Bears Predictions
It's April and that means NFL draft, which, in turn, means we just cannot get enough mock drafts!
In my last draft, I had the Bears picking an offensive lineman in the first round, but now there are increasing whispers that Jerry Angelo and his brain trust may instead take a defensive tackle with the 29th selection in the draft.
Another rumor making the rounds has the Bears considering a center with the first pick in the draft, if the right guy falls to them at 29. This draft may test the power of Mike Tice, who is known to favor a center.
Regardless of who they pick and when they do it, one thing most everyone agrees on is that the Bears simply must get help on the offensive line from this draft. So the draft will most likely feature help on the offensive and defensive lines in the first two rounds.
Still, many Bears fans long for a true number one wideout, and I'm sure that offensive coordinator Mike Martz would like that scenario also. But he knows he needs to keep Jay Cutler upright so one has to figure that he is on board with an offensive tackle or center as well.
As Bears fans, we can dream of a wide receiver, but the reality is that there is a greater chance of the Cubs winning the World Series this year than the Bears taking anything but help on the offensive and defensive lines in the early rounds.
But let's take another look at who the Bears might select in this very critical draft. Speaking of the World Series, they simply can't afford to swing and miss on these selections.
With the 29th Pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears Select...
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Mike Pouncey, C, Florida
If Pouncey falls to the Bears this late, they would be strongly tempted to take this guy, who is a stud and could provide immediate impact for the Bears.
Even assuming the Bears re-sign Kreutz, and that seems likely, it will probably be for only one year, which will open up the center position for Pouncey in 2012. Meanwhile, Pouncey could start at guard.
Mike Tice has not been shy about telling the world that this is his guy. Pouncey can move the line in running situations but is also athletic enough to be solid in pass protection. He is quick and seals defenders well from the ball carrier and can stay in front of defensive tackles.
But Pouncey may well be off the board by the time the Bears pick, so what would the Bears "plan B" look like?
If they stay on the offensive line, and this guy is available, I will stick with my previous mock selection of:
Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
Carimi is a tough, physical, mean tackle and the only knock on him is that he may not have the footwork to stay at left tackle in the NFL. He doesn't just block guys, he drives them back 10-15 yards.
Many Bears fans, and possibly Mike Martz, might prefer that the Bears draft a wideout at this spot. They lack that consistent, ball catching threat who can go over the middle, in the slot and still provide a deep threat. In other words, a true number one wideout, like:
Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
A.J. Green and Julio Jones will be long gone, but this guy could conceivably still be on the board when the Bears pick at number 29.
Baldwin possesses rare size for the position and is a terrific athlete with tremendous leaping ability, big hands and great initial burst of speed.
Again, there is probably no way in hell that the Bears draft anything other than an offensive or defensive lineman with this pick, but a Bears fan can dream, right?
Round Two: Bears Take DT Jurrell Casey, USC
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My last mock had the Bears hoping for Stephen Paea out of Oregon State, or even Corey Liuget of Illinois but now I'm guessing that both will be long gone when the Bears pick in the second round, but Casey should be there.
Marvin Austin (North Carolina) and Phil Taylor (Baylor) may be graded slightly higher, but both have questionable on and off the field issues. Meanwhile, Casey should be able to start immediately for the Bears, effectively replacing Tommie Harris, although he may not have an immediate impact until later in the season.
Casey is a little short, but he runs well and can take on blocks and control a gap. Against the run, he pursues hard and packs a punch as a solid all-around tackler in space for a 300-pounder. In pass protection Casey is quick and powerful enough to collapse the pocket. Scouts feel he can develop into a three-down NT in the NFL if his technique improves.
Of course, if the Bears take a DT in the first round, then this pick will be an offensive lineman. Again, if Austin or Taylor are on the board, the Bears could consider them, but they may be reluctant to risk the character issues both possess.
Bears Select Corner Curtis Brown of Texas with Their Third Round Pick
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After spending their first two picks on the offensive and defensive lines, I expect the Bears to remain on the defensive side of the ball with the 93rd pick in the draft.
After all, Jerry Angelo is more comfortable taking defensive players, plus cornerback is a need area for the Bears, with only Charles "Peanut" Tillman a solid and reliable corner.
Brown may not be an immediate starter, but he will provide some much-needed depth at the position as well as contribute on special teams. In fact, he was a valued member of the Texas special teams for three years.
He has good height and a strong character. His coverage skills are solid, as he does a good job of mirroring receivers when locked in man coverage on an island. Does a nice job of getting in position to separate the ball from the receiver. In run support, he is aggressive and uses his hands well when shedding blocks.
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Round Four: Jarriel King, OT/G, South Carolina
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In the fourth round, I'm sticking with my original prediction as 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.
Fifth Round Selection: Dwayne Harris, WR, East Carolina
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Though the Bears continue to believe they are set at the position, if Harris is there, he would be a value pick as the best player on the board in the fifth round.
Harris is tough and isn't afraid to go over the middle and would make an excellent slot receiver as he makes defenders miss with a good wiggle move. But he also has good speed and solid ball skills.
In addition, he is an excellent character guy who has demonstrated ability on special teams, returning three kickoff returns for touchdowns last season. Coaches and teammates love him. He would be a steal in the fifth round.
Last Chance: Bears Take Jermale Hines with Their Final Pick in the Draft
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Safety Jermale Hines of Ohio State would be an excellent value pick here in the sixth round and if he is available, the Bears should jump at the chance.
Hines has good height and speed, a great personality and is very tough. He will have limitations against quicker slot receivers and is more of a hitter than a playmaker at this point, though he could develop in this area.
He plays with an edge and is sometimes too aggressive for his own good, but appears to be very coachable. Hines would be a steal here.
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