2011 NFL Draft Results: Bears Insider Analyzes Team's 1st Round Pick

The Bears started off the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft by “tackling” their need on the offensive line, selecting offensive left/right tackle Gabe Carmi.

Carimi had been thought to go anywhere from the middle of the first round to the early second round, but the Bears saw the value and went for a guy that could help them out immediately.

The Bears mainly need help at the left tackle position, but Carimi has been thought to be more of a right tackle. 

Carimi is a good athlete and great pass protector, which is exactly what the Bears need.

He’s strong, has long arms and is able to take on quick pass rushers well.  He can move up and down the line of scrimmage well and finishes his blocks (not giving up until the whistle blows).  Carimi doesn’t allow the defender to get to his side or behind him and is able to dominate his man at times.

He fits the Bears well because he can run block well and is a nice drive blocker. He’s quick and explosive at the snap and can take on defenders while on the move.

Carimi’s footwork does need some help, as he will stop moving his feet at times in pass protection and struggle against speed rushers.  He needs to stay upright more consistently and not lunge at opponents. While he is strong in the running game, he does need to work on keeping himself low.

He did have some issues with his knee while in school but has checked out fine medically.

So the big question is: will the Bears try him out at left tackle or move him over to right tackle?

Could they then decide to move current starting RT J’Marcus Webb to left tackle?  A lot of this does depend on what the Bears do in the rest of the draft, but there will be some shuffling on the offensive line in training camp this summer.

The Bears didn’t shy away from their biggest need and have made it known that they are serious about protecting Jay Cutler and shoring up a major weakness on the team. If they can add a few more pieces in the right places, they will see better success in 2011.

There were some other players still left on the board that Chicago had previously shown interest in.

These players include defensive tackles Marvin Austin and Stephen Paea along with offensive tackle Derek Sherrod.

The Bears will probably concentrate on their needs at the defensive tackle position in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. 

Could the Bears get one of these guys in the second round tomorrow? Stay tuned to find out with coverage coming straight from Halas Hall tomorrow and Saturday, right here.