2011 NFL Mock Draft: Chicago Bears' 6-Round Predictions

It hasn't been that long since I last published my mock for the Bears, but as the draft draws closer things get more complicated.

For example, there are now strong indications that both the Colts and Eagles are big on OT Gabe Carimi of Wisconsin, and both draft ahead of Chicago. And it's unlikely that Mike Pouncey falls this far.

So I have to adjust my first round pick, though I still love Pouncey or Carimi for the Bears if either falls to them.

Meanwhile, let's take another look at who might be on the board and available for the Bears to select later this month. It's a big draft for Jerry Angelo and his brain trust, so let's go!

Round 1: Derek Sherrod, OT, Missisippi State

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 15: J.C. Brignone #70 and Derek Sherrod #79of the Mississippi State Bulldogs get ready on the line of scrimmage during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 15, 2008 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Although Gabe Carimi will likely be off the board at 29, the Bears simply must draft an offensive lineman. I don't like Sherrod as much, but he should be on the board and available in the first round for the Bears to pluck.

While Carimi is nasty, Sherrod is more of a finesse player. He does have longer arms and bigger hands than any lineman, however, and can use those arms to ride speed rushers past the pocket in pass protection.

Against the run, Sherrod gets into sound position and uses length well to seal defenders and open up running lanes.

Look, Cutler was sacked 57 times in 2010, they must get help at this position.

Round 2: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 26: Jonathan Baldwin #82 of the Pittsburgh Panthers watches as teammate Dion Lewis #28 fumbles the ball at the goal line against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game on December 26, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (

I throw another curveball at you here, as I switch from a DT to a WR from my previous mock.

I know Angelo would prefer to draft a defensive player here, but Baldwin is too good a value to pass up and Mike Martz must have some clout in the draft room.

Besides, the DT class is deep and they are said to like Marvin Austin, who could be available in the third round.

This is a bit of a stretch, but it's worth hoping for. Baldwin falls out of the first round due to concerns that he doesn't have the elite speed to be a legitimate deep threat.

But that's fine for the Bears, who need a big, physical wideout with great leaping ability and good hands. He could develop into a true number one with the Bears.

Round 3: Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 7: Marvin Austin #9 of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on during the game against the Duke Blue Devils at Kenan Stadium on November 7, 2009 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

I'm not a huge fan of Austin, but the Bears are definately going to take a DT in the draft, and Austin would provide great value in the third round.

Against the run, he shows good balance and strength to win most one-on-one battles. In pass protection, he has some upside. Austin has the strength to get good push with bull rush and collapse the pocket from inside.

His questionable work ethic and maturity bother me, however. Still, this late he would be an absolute steal.

Round 4: Jarriel King, OT/G, South Carolina

Doug Benc/Getty Images

GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 15: Offensive lineman Jarriel King #76 the South Carolina Gamecocks tries to protect his quarterback Stephen Garcia #5 from defensive end Carlos Dunlap #8 of the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 15, 2008 i

In the fourth round, the Bears get more help on the offensive line.

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.

Round 5: Jermale Hines, Safety, Ohio State

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 27: Jermale Hines #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes gets his hand in to break up a pass attempt for Roy Roundtree #12 of the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Imag

Safety Jermale Hines of Ohio State would be an excellent value pick here in the fifth 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.

Round 6: Douglas Hogue, LB, Syracuse

The Bears need outside help at the linebacker position and if nothing else, need someone to help them on special teams. Hogue will contribute on special teams and as depth as he develops.

His best quality is his quickness and closing burst for his size. He has decent man-to-man cover skills and has some upside that can develop with better technique.