2011 NFL Mock Draft: 6-Round Chicago Bears Predictions
The draft board is changing quickly as teams start to settle on whom they will be picking in the upcoming draft. And, with just 11 days left until draft day, things are not looking good for the Bears' first-round options.
Based on mock drafts from the likes of Mel Kiper, Jr. and other experts, there is a decent chance that all of the first-round worthy offensive linemen could be gone by the time the Bears pick at number 29.
If that happens, the Bears might overpay for a defensive tackle. I use the term "overpay" because the DT position is very deep in this draft and they could possibly get a guy like Marvin Austin in the second round instead of taking him in the first.
But the real disappointing news would be that, if this holds true, the Bears wouldn't get a chance to draft help for the offensive line, and they sorely need that help.
But I'll take the optimistic view and assume that at least one of the top offensive lineman are still available for the Bears. Unfortunately, the two I like best, Gabe Carimi and Mike Pouncey, will not be the ones still available.
But the draft must go on.
With the 29th Pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears Select...
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Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
Sherrod is not Mike Pouncey or Gabe Carimi, but since most draft gurus have both of those players gone by the time the Bears pick in the first round, hopefully Sherrod is still available. If so, Jerry Angelo thanks his lucky stars and grabs him here.
Sherrod is the last offensive lineman that is worthy of the first round. He has good length and uses his long arms and big hands to seal defenders and open up running lanes.
The big knock against Sherrod, however, is a lack of power and mental toughness. He lacks a mean streak, though he works hard.
Plus, with the defensive tackle position so deep this year, there is no reason to take one this early as long as Sherrod is on the board.
I am not excited about this pick, and there is the potential for the Bears to move down and possibly get two second-round picks. Moving up, which is not Angelo's specialty, seems the only hope of getting a truly exciting player to help the O-line.
Round 2: Jurrell Casey, DT, USC
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Most draft experts say the Bears are high on Marvin Austin. But personally, I would rather have Casey. Plus, Austin could be gone by the time the Bears pick in the second round, assuming they don't trade away their first-round pick to move higher in Round 2.
Casey is top notch against the run, taking on blocks and controlling the gap as well as anyone. Though he has short arms, he has good upper body strength and is a strong tackler.
But it's his upside in pass protection that excites me most. Casey can develop into a three-down NT in the NFL if his technique improves.
He's not a classic three-technique but has above-average initial quickness and agility. And Angelo loves to draft defense, and recognizes that the draft is deep in DTs, so this pick makes sense for the Bears, especially with Tommie Harris gone.
Round 3: Allen Bailey, DE, Miami
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The defensive end position is very deep too, and with Angelo preferring to draft defense, it will be hard for him to pass up on one of them. Bailey is projected to go in the second or third rounds, and if he is still on the board when the Bears pick in the third round, he will be a great value pick.
This is one strong guy who shows the ability to two-gap, displaying quick, powerful hands to disengage from blocks, as well.
Bailey's intangibles are off the charts, too. He lives in the weight room and was a team captain. He lacks the instincts as an edge rusher, however, which is why he may slip to Chicago.
The Bears released Mark Anderson, and used a fourth-round pick on Corey Wootton, but he could not stay in the rotation. Will Idonije be as effective next year? This pick gives the Bears some depth in case that doesn't happen.
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Round 4: Jarriel King, OT/G, South Carolina
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If King is still on the board here, he would be a terrific value pick that the Bears should snap up in a heartbeat.
The Bears not only get more help for the offensive line, but get some versatility, too. The 6'5" 317 lb. lineman has played at both left tackle and left guard.
King does have some character issues, but has solid instincts and above-average strength. He reacts to line stunts quickly and pass blocks well. Unless his irregular heartbeat issue returns, he could provide serious depth for the Bears.
Round 5: Jermale Hines, Safety, Ohio State
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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
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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.
photo: www.nfl.com
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