Bears Draft Preview

With the NFL Draft coming up tonight through this weekend, its time to get back into a football mindset and discuss the positions of need for our Bears.

I- Offensive Line-
 It doesn't take a genius to realize the Bears need a lot of help on the offensive line. We need at least 2 new tackles and guard in this draft. It also wouldn't hurt to draft an eventual replacement for Olin Kreutz. This past season, it was obvious that he won't ever be the Pro Bowl caliber player he once was. Our current starting tackles are ranked in the bottom 10 of starting tackles last year, based on penalties and sacks allowed. Our one good offensive lineman is Chris Williams, who plays a solid left guard, but is paid to like a left tackle.
   It would be wise of the Bears to draft offensive line with 3 of their first 6 picks, here's who I think may be available when they are on the clock:

1-Anthony Costonzo, BC- This kid may not be there when the Bears pick at 29. But if he is, I think its a no brainer. I would also love Mike Pouncey, the guard from Florida, to be there, but I think Costonzo is more realistic.

2-DeMarcus Love, Arkansas- Should be available after round 3. He has the size, but work ethic has been questioned

3- Jason Pinkston, Pitt- This kid can play eithe rtackle position but probably projects as a right tackle in the pros. He would be a nice pick for the Bears in round 4.


II- Defensive Line-
With Tommy Harris gone, the Bears must find a young athletic defensive tackle that fits Lovie's scheme. The DT pool is deeper this year than years past so they may be able to wait until the 3rd or 4th round to fill this void. The two starting DTs going into camp will be......., but I wouldn't say its a lock for either one of them to be starting come the regular season. Here's the DTs that maybe available:

1) Marvin Austin, UNC- This would be a steal, as Austin is a first round talent. He was involved in that agent scandal last season, and didn't get to play at all last season. But his stock is on the rise after impressing at the East-West Shrine Game

2) Adrian Clayborn, Iowa - This kid should have come out last year and probably would have been a top 15 pick. But his senior season was a big dissappointment, so he could slip to the Bears in the 1st round.

3)Muhammed Wilkerson, Temple- This kid has explosive speed for his size and will definitely be there when we pick. The Bears often draft players from small schools who are athletic freaks of nature. This kid fits that mold.



 III- Defensive Backs-
  Charles Tillman is getting old, and Zach Bowman is merely a nickle player in this league. I would have put the Secondary as the number 2 need for this team, but in the cover 2 system, the defensive lineman are more crucial to success than the cornerbacks. I think DJ Moore is a great talent, who seemed to always be around the ball last season, but we definitely need more speed and size in our defensive backfield. Here are a couple of guys that fit that bill:

1-Aaron Williams, - this is the top corner back in the draft after Patrick Patterson from LSU and Prince Amukamara from Nebraska, so if they want him, they may need to take him in the first round. I don't see this happening though, as the Bears prefer to take no name CBs later in the draft.

2-Johnny Patrick, Louisville- This kid has been rising up mock draft boards, but he should still be available in the 3rd round. He has the size and speed, but didn't have a chance to go against much NFL talent while in college.

3-Da'Norris Searcy Safety, UNC- This guy will definitely be there in rounds 5 or 6. He has a great name and bunch of talent.

IV- Wide Recievers-
     Every year we talk about the Bears needing a young WR that can step in and play right away. In my lifetime, the best WR to ever play for the Bears have been: Jeff Graham, Willie Gault, Curtis Conway, and Tom Waddle, in no particular order. So obviously the brilliant minds at Halas Hall don't agree, that a play making WR is neccessary to winning games. So instead of beating our heads against the wall, let's look at which WR will be available in the late rounds of the draft:

1-Stephen Burton, Texas A&M- Huge upside. But will be there late in the draft.

2- Ricardo Lockett, Ft Valley St- This guy is as athletic as any WR in the draft and he goes to a small school. Seems like a perfect fit for the Bears

3-Ryan Whalen, Stanford- Has good hands, but lacks speed.



 Mel Kiper ain't got shit on me