2011 NFL Mock Draft: 5 Most Optimistic Options for Chicago Bears in First Round

As I've written recently, the Chicago Bears and GM Jerry Angelo may well trade down and out of the first round tonight. That is, unless one of these five players fall to them.

Look, none of the players within this article are likely to still be on the board when the Bears draft at No. 29. Still, it is worth learning a bit more about these names, as one of them could be a Bear Thursday night if the stars align just right. 

Note, too, that the Bears have been strongly linked to Marvin Austin. But there is a good chance he's there at 29, and if they cannot work out a deal to their satisfaction and all the good offensive linemen are gone, they may just go ahead and pluck the defensive tackle.

But I hope not, as I feel they could get Austin early in the second round. Nevertheless, there are circumstances in which the Bears would not trade their first round pick.

Let's see who those players are. 

Mike Pouncey, G/C, Florida

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

ESPN's draft guru Mel Kiper, Jr. has Pouncey going to the Dolphins with pick no. 15. But if he were to somehow slip to the Bears at 29, they would pluck him faster than Tyson plucks the feathers off of chickens.  

The thing you have to love about him is that he's ready to step in and play immediately at either guard or center. With the Bears, he could contribute at guard and then slip under center if Olin Kreutz doesn't come back or when he retires.

Pouncey shows great leadership both on and off the field and has a strong power base and quick feet. Additionally, he is tough and plays with a mean streak.

Yep, he's the real deal. Unfortunately for Chicago, he will be gone unless they move up.

Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

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)

Early mocks had Carimi going to the Bears at 29, though by now almost all of the so-called experts and prognosticators agree that he will be taken earlier in the round.

The Colts and possibly the Chiefs are said to be high on Carimi, and who can blame them?

What I like the most about Carimi is the edge he has in his play. I really think Chicago will love this guy. He's blue collar, a hard worker and can be nasty.

He doesn't just block guys, he pushes them 10 yards downfield.

Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

Eric Francis/Getty Images

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 26: Rex Burkhead #22 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers slips past Jimmy Smith #3 of the Colorado Buffaloes during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated Colorado 45-17 (Photo by Eric Fr

Not much has been mentioned regarding the Bears' needs at this position, but if a guy like Smith fell to No. 29 (very unlikely), the Bears would almost have to grab him.

The only every-down, solid corner the Bears have right now is Charles Tillman. So at the very least, they need depth at the position.

Ah, but Smith would provide much more than that. In fact, he would shortly become the top corner on the Bears, and in a year or two, maybe one of the top corners in the league.

The only way he slips is if character concerns make teams look elsewhere, but those seem to have eased. Smith possesses excellent height, speed, fluidity and balance.  

Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

To get this local product this low in the first round would probably make everyone in Liuget's camp faint, while making Angelo a very happy man indeed.

Liuget is strong, powerful and very quick. He can hit hard and also tackles very well.

This kid is relentless with great hands and has a non-stop motor. Luiget has even done well when double-teamed.

What a replacement for Tommie Harris this guy would be! Unfortunately, it's a dream and some have him going to the Rams at 14.

Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

BOULDER, CO - OCTOBER 04: Brian Orakpo #98 of the Texas Longhorns rushes against Nate Solder #78 the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on October 4, 2008 in Boulder, Colorado. Texas defeated Colorado 38-14. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Solder is expected to be among the top three or four offensive linemen taken in the draft. But if he slips to the Bears, they should take him and thank their lucky stars.

I still prefer Carimi or Pouncey, but Solder is very tall (over 6'8"), has good bulk and is very fast for his size and for the position.

He is also said to have high character and a good work ethic. His long arms make it tough for pass rushers to get around him in pass protection.

Although he does not have explosive upper body strength, Solder plays fundamentally sound and has a solid football IQ, getting into good position in run blocking.

This is a kid who is above average in every aspect of his position.