2012 NFL Mock Draft: 7-Round Chicago Bears Predictions

We're in the middle of what Bears fans hope is a return to the playoffs, following a nice win in Philadelphia. So, the draft is probably not the first thing on your mind right now.

But watching this team, we all see the deficiencies and have a good idea of where the Bears need to improve.

For that, they can use free agency. But the best way, and the cheapest way, is to build through the draft.

Jerry Angelo has not had the greatest success in the draft, but so far, last year's draft could still be fairly good, especially if Stephen Paea can be healthy and productive.

Meanwhile, what needs can the Bears fill with the 2012 draft?

It's very early, so these picks will likely evolve over time, but I'll take a look at some players who project to possibly be available when the Bears pick in the draft.

For the purposes of this exercise, I am assuming the Bears draft just slightly higher than last year in the first round.

It's a bumpy ride, so hang on.

Round 1: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

I want a stud wide receiver with the first pick in the draft for Chicago, so with the, say, 25th pick in the 2012 NFL draft, the Bears listen to me and take Micheal Floyd out of Notre Dame.

I realize it is unlikely that Angelo takes a wideout with the first round pick. But Bears fans can dream, can't they?

With Justin Blackmon and Alshon Jeffery off the table by the time the Bears pick, I'll go with Floyd and feel very good about it (Angelo crack there).

Floyd is a top notch possession receiver who can also go get the deep ball. Jay Cutler will love this pick.

Yes, he was arrested for DUI back in March, but that just means that a player who could normally be the first WR taken will fall to the Bears as a great value pick.

 I know that Blackmon has a lot more yards and TDs than Floyd, but scouts think he could go higher simply because of his size advantage.

He also has long arms and gets to a top speed with his long strides, and while his route running could be crisper, he has big hands and is very athletic.

He's just what the Bears need.

Round 2: Nate Potter, OT, Boise State

The Bears need more help on the offensive line, so with their second round pick, they go with Nate Potter out of Boise State.

The reason I'm picking Potter is that he is the only true left tackle (by that, I mean a guy who is projected to stay at LT in the NFL) of the second round picks.

J'Marcus Webb does not appear to be improving, so it would behoove the Bears to draft a true LT to protect Jay Cutler's blind side.

The 6'6", 300-pound tackle lacks the elite physical skills, which is why he is available in the second round.  

He has the strength to anchor against the bull rush because he has good feet and is quick. He may need to add some weight, but he looks perfect for the Bears.

Round 3: William Vlachos, C, Alabama

The Bears need more help on the line, and despite the extension signed by Roberto Garza, look for a true center to come in and be able to play quickly.

William Vlachos is a guy who looks to be ready to play soon after being drafted, so the Bears can move Garza back to guard.

Vlachos has led a strong interior running game for the Tide. But he also has looked goo blocking in the pass game as well.

Vlachos is good at pulling and hitting blocks in space. And he will help the Bears.  

Round 3 (From Carolina): T.Y. Hilton, WR/KR, Florida International

More help for the Bears beleaguered wide receiver corps comes in the way of this small but quick wideout from Florida International.

After a strong start by FIU, their offense has stalled the past three games but Hilton has helped put them on the map.

He is the first player from FIU to be invited to play in the Senior Bowl. The 5'10" wideout has 49 receptions for 832 yards and five touchdowns.

He also has taken over the FIU and Sun Belt Conference career leads in receiving yards, touchdown catches, kick returns for touchdowns, kick return yards and all-purpose yards.

Photo credit: CHARLES TRAINOR JR / MIAMI HERALD STAFF

Round 4: D'Anton Lynn, CB, Penn State

With their fourth round pick, the Bears go with a cornerback. That makes sense since they are thin in this area and Charles Tillman is on the other side of 30.

Lynn has good size at 6'1" and has played three seasons as a starter at Penn State.

He is a very good tackler, so he is a strong run defender. He had 75 tackles in his junior year. His ball skills could be better, but then again, that's why he is still on the board in the fourth round.

Lynn's father is the Jets running backs coach. 

Round 5: Brad Madison, DE, Missouri

With Julius Peppers on one side, no one has taken the bulls by the horns on the other side.

Last season, Israel Idonije had a nice year, but so far, has been unproductive with sacks. Henry Melton and Amobi Okoye have teased, but the Bears could use some help at end.

Brad Madison started the season strong with eight tackles, five tackles for a loss, three sacks and a forced fumble.

However, Arizona State is the biggest opponent Missouri has faced, and Madison did not produce against them. He misses the double teams that Aldon Smith provided in 2011.

Round 6: Chris Galippo, ILB, USC

No, Galippo is not the eventual replacement for Brian Urlacher. He is a guy who has had a good season, but he needs to improve his tackle production in order to increase his draft stock.

In 2009, he started every game at MLB and had a great season, but last year, he lost his starting job, though he did start the second half.

He is a big-play guy who gets interceptions and forced fumbles, but is lacking in the tackling arena. That is why he is still on the board this late.

Round 7: Antoine McClain, G, Clemson

McClain offers a good value pick in the last round for the Bears. A 6'6", 330-pound guard out of Clemson, he has done a quality job as a pass blocker and run blocker.

Of the players projected to be available in the later rounds, this is the guy I like best.

Some other players have had injury issues, but McClain has been relatively healthy.

God knows the Bears can always use help on the offensive line. If McClain isn't available, they may go with Sean Baker, safety out of Ball State, as we know how much Lovie Smith and Angelo love drafting safeties.

Baker is a playmaker and a ball hawk.