2011 NFL Mock Draft, Chicago Bears Edition
The Chicago Bears’ 2010 season ended in very ugly fashion. Jay Cutler was under the NFL microscope for all the wrong reasons, and they were beaten at home by division rival Green Bay, the eventual Super Bowl Champions.
However, the Bears had a great season, one that started off a little rocky but ended with an NFC Championship appearance. For a team with one of the worst offensive lines in football, a quarterback known for making poor decisions, and a very iffy defensive backfield, this is really a testament to good coaching. You can find our Chicago Bears team needs here.
1. First Round, 29th overall: Stephen Paea, Defensive Tackle, Oregon State
With the recent release of Tommie Harris, defensive tackle is now a very big need for the Chicago Bears. They tried using a third round pick on Jarron Gilbert a couple of years ago, and he was waived mid-season. Paea is a perfect fit for Chicago’s style of defense. He has unbelievable strength and the production to go along with it. Simply a great athlete with a great motor, and a top 15 prospect who falls to the later portion of the first round due to an injury.
2. Second Round, 62nd overall: Rodney Hudson, Offensive Guard, Florida State
Hudson has been one of the top interior offensive line prospects for a couple of years now, and the Bears could be getting something of a gem with this pick. He will likely start from day one for the Bears and help protect their franchise quarterback, which should be the top priority this offseason.
3. Third Round, 94th overall: James Brewer, Offensive Tackle, Indiana
Big offensive tackle prospect who played at Indiana in the Big Ten, a conference known for producing a lot of tough NFL offensive linemen. I think Brewer would step into a starting role at right tackle almost immediately for the Bears. Surprisingly good athlete for being 6’6″ 325 pounds.
4. Fourth Round: Orlando Franklin, Offensive Tackle, Miami
This pick completes the rebuilding of the Bears’ offensive line. Franklin is another massive tackle prospect with better athleticism than you’d anticipate. He will take more time to develop, but he has starting potential for sure, and at the very worst will add depth to the rotation.
5. Fifth Round: Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, Wide Receiver, Iowa
Great value pick here. Derrell Johnson-Koulianos has the potential to be a #2 receiver at the NFL level, and has big play ability. The Bears need someone in their receiver rotation who can consistently make plays other than Johnny Knox. DJK could certainly be that guy.
6. Sixth Round: Will Hill, Safety, Florida
Some character concerns will push Hill down teams’ draft boards, but the Bears aren’t letting him hit the open market. he has some playmaking ability, and would fit in nicely next to Major Wright in the Bears’ defensive backfield, which is in dire need of depth.
7. Seventh Round: Devon Torrence, Cornerback, Ohio State
At this point in the draft, you are looking for guys who add depth and can contribute on special teams. I really like Torrence’s upside in that regard, and I think he could eventually develop into a rotational guy for the Bears’ cover two defensive scheme.