But other than CB and possibly WR, is this draft deep enough at other positions for those 3-4 round picks to matter a ton?
This is also a pretty deep draft at DE and OL so I don't think the Bears need to make any moves, grab the best player available at a need position, whether it's DE, WR, OL, S whatever they need.
I think 19 is a pretty safe spot for the team to make a solid pick, so unless they get offered something stupid from Cleveland, etc if Tannehill or Kirkpatrick end up there, I'd bet on the Bears staying pat.
This is also a pretty deep draft at DE and OL so I don't think the Bears need to make any moves, grab the best player available at a need position, whether it's DE, WR, OL, S whatever they need.
I think it's the opposite. I think its a pretty weak draft for DE and OL. Aside from 2-3 top guys per position, there are a lot of maybes. And most of the Top guys would be second rounders most years, they are only the best available in THIS draft, not pure top-end talent.
I think it's the opposite. I think its a pretty weak draft for DE and OL. Aside from 2-3 top guys per position, there are a lot of maybes. And most of the Top guys would be second rounders most years, they are only the best available in THIS draft, not pure top-end talent.
Every year is like this at every position. Never are there 5-7 sure things at any position.
I don't see Coples falling IMO, and I definitely don't see Floyd falling (I think Jacksonville or the Jets take him before he falls to us). I'm going to take a fresh look at things today and come up with my preferences for that #1 pick (assuming they do not trade down).
Just throwing this out there, but am I crazy to want the Bears to find a way to draft Coby Fleener? I do think Kellen Davis has the physical skills to be a solid TE. Speath, I can take or leave. But Fleener seems to have the tools to be a legit weapon at TE for the long term. Marshall + Fleener + Bennett would be a nice trio of weapons.
EDIT: The only way I see this happening is if we trade down our 1st round pick (which I would be OK with) or upgrading our 2nd round pick...although that may not be enough. The more I think about it, for a position that isn't a glaring need, this probably doesn't make sense. I was just picturing Cutler having a potential elite TE target and drooling about it. Perhaps we should give Kellen Davis more of a shot, at least for this season.
I don't see Coples falling IMO, and I definitely don't see Floyd falling (I think Jacksonville or the Jets take him before he falls to us). I'm going to take a fresh look at things today and come up with my preferences for that #1 pick (assuming they do not trade down).
I don't think either will fall that far either but thats why I listed 7 players
Guards just aren't drafted high. I don't have a list in front of me but when was the last time a guard went in the first 18 picks?
I've read this also, and it's true, but apparently DeCastro is SUCH a good prospect (one of the best to come along in a long time) that team's would take him earlier.
The Bears problem is, we have guards coming out our rear ends. It's OTs we need. Still, if he is there when the Bears pick, I'd think long and hard about taking him for the LG position. He would be good enough to make room for without a doubt.
So what is your big board that you think the Bears will have a realistic shot at taking at 19. Right now I think mine is:
1. Coples - DE, UNC
2. Floyd - WR, ND
3. Martin - OT, Stanford
4. Mercilus - DE, Illinois
5. Cox - DT, Mississippi State
6. Decastro - OG, Stanford
7. Glenn - OG, Georgia
Can't argue much with your list, I also like these guys. It has to be Coples, Martin or Mercilus for me though. Otherwise, I think about trading down. Obviously, I prefer to trade up.
I've read this also, and it's true, but apparently DeCastro is SUCH a good prospect (one of the best to come along in a long time) that team's would take him earlier.
The Bears problem is, we have guards coming out our rear ends. It's OTs we need. Still, if he is there when the Bears pick, I'd think long and hard about taking him for the LG position. He would be good enough to make room for without a doubt.
Agree the Bears have a lot of guards which is why I don't take one unless one of my 1st 5 choices are gone. I think they are toying with the idea of moving Williams back to LT and we've seen Lance Louis move to tackle so the guard spot may dry up real fast.
Agree the Bears have a lot of guards which is why I don't take one unless one of my 1st 5 choices are gone. I think they are toying with the idea of moving Williams back to LT and we've seen Lance Louis move to tackle so the guard spot may dry up real fast.
I've heard those same things too. I don't know if I love the idea of Williams moving to LT, or Louis moving to Tackle as well (maybe RT with Carimi moving to LT), but if those things happen, then DeCastro should definitely be in play, as he seems to be a rock solid Guard prospect.
Also: I will go on record as saying that not having Martz's system will make the O-Line better by a decent amount as well. While we appeared to have good run blocking last year, though, we didn't get the push when we needed it. There is definitely room for improvement there.
One guy I have my eye on for the Bears in the 4th or 5th round is Derek Wolfe DT out of Cincy. If he can add some weight, I think he'd fit our scheme really well.
I don't see Coples falling IMO, and I definitely don't see Floyd falling (I think Jacksonville or the Jets take him before he falls to us). I'm going to take a fresh look at things today and come up with my preferences for that #1 pick (assuming they do not trade down).
Definitely disagree. He looks like the exact same case as Kenny Britt. Highly talented player with a great combine in a very good WR draft. Britt didn't move from his pre-combine projection when he was drafted.
I highly doubt the Jets take him. Their oline play was God awful in comparison to their 2010 season. Not to mention they have some developed holes on defense.
Jacksonville, I could see getting Blackmon because I don't believe St. Louis goes the WR route. I think St. Louis goes with Claiborne.
My big board would probably go
Floyd
Poe
Coples
Cox
Brockers
Martin
Still
Konz
Hill
You guys do know that pass rush can be generated from the inside as well, right? hah
Yes, of course. And if we resigned Okoye by now, I'd say DT is off the table in the first. But since we haven't resigned him yet and he may go elsewhere, I think the door is open, even though we have Paea and Melton. Melton had some good games, Paea we didn't see much of so there is no real baseline for performance.
Yes, of course. And if we resigned Okoye by now, I'd say DT is off the table in the first. But since we haven't resigned him yet and he may go elsewhere, I think the door is open, even though we have Paea and Melton. Melton had some good games, Paea we didn't see much of so there is no real baseline for performance.
If Poe fell to us, I'd die. He'd be #1 on my big board if I thought it was possible.
An outstanding pro day workout, which confirmed Luck's ability to make all the throws and quieted questions about his arm strength, has cemented his status as the top overall prospect and the best choice for the Colts as they begin the post-Peyton Manning era.
Washington Redskins (from STL)
Robert Griffin III*, QB, Baylor
Griffin also had a strong pro day, and his athleticism and intangibles make him a perfect fit for the offense of coach Mike Shanahan. The Redskins have been searching for answers at quarterback for years, and they have found them in Griffin.
Minnesota Vikings
Matt Kalil*, OT, USC
The most complete tackle I have evaluated in my time scouting prospects, Kalil has the athleticism to excel as a pass-blocker and the mean streak to be a force in the running game.
Cleveland Browns
Justin Blackmon*, WR, Oklahoma State
With the top two quarterbacks on the board already gone, Blackmon's size, hands and physical style offer the Browns a playmaker who can help current QB Colt McCoy.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Trent Richardson*, RB, Alabama
This is a tough call because you could make an argument for taking LSU CB Morris Claiborne here and grabbing one of the second-tier running backs with the 36th pick. Richardson is a special prospect, though, and he could be just what QB Josh Freeman and the Bucs need to jump-start an offense that finished 30th in the league in rushing last season.
St. Louis Rams (from WAS)
Morris Claiborne*, CB, LSU
The Rams desperately need playmakers for young QB Sam Bradford, but there are plenty of wideouts to be had down the line, and Claiborne is one of the four best players in the draft and plays a high-value position.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Riley Reiff*, OT, Iowa
Reiff is a safe, high-character pick who fits the draft style of Jags general manager Gene Smith. He will solidify the offensive line and provide protection for second-year QB Blaine Gabbert as he continues to develop. North Carolina DE Quinton Coples is the most talented player on the board at this point, but he's the kind of high-upside prospect who doesn't fit Smith's style.
Miami Dolphins
Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
Tannehill is still somewhat raw as a quarterback -- just 19 starts after beginning his career as a wide receiver -- but his athleticism and upside are impressive. He also makes better decisions than some give him credit for and he didn't get much help in his senior year, when he was coached by new Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman.
Carolina Panthers
Dontari Poe*, DT, Memphis
Poe blew up the NFL combine with his combination of size (6-foot-3½, 346 pounds), athleticism and speed. He is exactly the kind of dominating interior presence the Panthers need.
Buffalo Bills
Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
Floyd is a bit of a reach here, but no more so than OTs Mike Adams and Jonathan Martin. It's a tough call on the Bills' top two needs in this scenario, and they could look to trade down in a situation like this. They could also pull the trigger on a value pick such as Coples.
Kansas City Chiefs
Luke Kuechly*, ILB, Boston College
With Poe off the board, Kuechly addresses another big hole on defense and would team with Derrick Johnson to give the Chiefs range and playmaking ability inside. Kuechly has elite instincts and intelligence, and he proved at the combine that he is more athletic than many thought.
Seattle Seahawks
Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
A great value at a position of primary need. Coples is a versatile prospect with solid measurables, good pass-rush ability and the ability to hold up against the run.
Arizona Cardinals
Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina
The Cardinals have bigger needs at offensive tackle and wide receiver, but coach Ken Whisenhunt learned the value of playmaking linebackers during his days in Pittsburgh. Ingram is strong and explosive and shows a knack for making big plays, and he would give Arizona needed depth along the front seven.
Dallas Cowboys
Fletcher Cox*, DT, Mississippi State
Stanford G David DeCastro and Alabama S Mark Barron are possibilities here, but I like what Cox could bring to Rob Ryan's defense. He has the versatility to play anywhere along the defensive line and can provide pass-rush production from the inside.
Philadelphia Eagles
Mark Barron, S, Alabama
The Eagles began addressing their linebacker need by trading for DeMeco Ryans, so Barron makes sense in the back end. He is the most complete safety in the draft, offering a physical presence in run support and the range to play the point in coverage.
New York Jets
Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama
Upshaw is the kind of physical, versatile front-seven player Rex Ryan loaded up on in his days with the Ravens, showing explosiveness and power as a pass-rusher and as a run defender. Floyd also would be a consideration here if he were available, and he would be a good complement to Santonio Holmes.
Cincinnati Bengals (from OAK)
David DeCastro*, G, Stanford
DeCastro is the No. 12 overall prospect on our board but falls a bit because of positional value. He would be a great addition for the Bengals in front of young QB Andy Dalton.
San Diego Chargers
Cordy Glenn, OT/G, Georgia
The Chargers have addressed many needs in free agency, but Jeromey Clary is clearly not the answer at right tackle. Glenn is a massive (6-5¾, 345), powerful prospect who would boost the running game and help keep QB Philip Rivers clean in the pocket.
Chicago Bears
Jonathan Martin*, OT, Stanford
Martin needs to add some strength, but he could pair with 2011 first-round OT Gabe Carimi to give offensive coordinator Mike Tice a pair of bookends to coach up. Tice's scheme will help keep QB Jay Cutler upright, but the Bears desperately need a left tackle
Tennessee Titans
Dre Kirkpatrick*, CB, Alabama
Adding Kamerion Wimbley addressed the Titans' pass-rush need, so Kirkpatrick will fill a void at corner. He has the size, toughness and instincts to fit nicely in Tennessee's zone-heavy scheme. North Alabama's Janoris Jenkins is a better cover corner but will drop because of character baggage, but rising South Carolina CB Stephon Gilmore also could be a consideration here.
Cincinnati Bengals
Stephon Gilmore*, CB, South Carolina
Gilmore is rising fast thanks to a combination of size (6-0½, 190), quick feet and ball skills, and even the Bengals likely will pass on Jenkins in favor of Gilmore.
Cleveland Browns (from ATL)
Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
Adams is a little risky because of his lack of consistency and killer instinct, but he has the size (6-7¼, 323), agility and long arms that teams look for in left tackles. The Browns have a need at tackle, and Adams has plenty of upside.
Detroit Lions
Whitney Mercilus*, DE, Illinois
The Lions put the franchise tag on DE Cliff Avril, and Kyle Vanden Bosch will be 34 this season, so now is the time to add an edge rusher to make sure their defensive line will remain a devastating force for years to come. Mercilus has quickness and a knack for big plays, but he is still developing and this would be a good situation for him.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Dont'a Hightower*, ILB, Alabama
Hightower has nailed the pre-draft process and is solidly in the first round, and, with his ability to control the interior against the run, he's a perfect fit for Pittsburgh's 3-4 system. There are few 263-pounders who run like Hightower.
Denver Broncos
Michael Brockers*, DT, LSU
The interior defensive line is clearly the Broncos' biggest need, and Brockers could prove to be a steal at this point. He has a big (6-5, 323), well-proportioned frame and better mobility than his production indicates, and, with some coaching and time in the weight room, Brockers could become a force.
Houston Texans
Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
The Texans need another playmaker opposite WR Andre Johnson, and Wright fits the bill. He proved his speed in his pro day workout, and Wright is a dynamic runner after the catch who also can contribute in the return game if needed.
New England Patriots (from N.O.)
Chandler Jones*, DE, Clemson
Jones is one of the most underrated prospects in the entire 2012 class and just the kind of versatile defender Bill Belichick likes. Jones is long and athletic and can play end in an odd or even front, maybe even some outside linebacker in 3-4 looks.
Green Bay Packers
Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
Packers OLB Clay Matthews clearly needs pass-rush help, and Branch can provide that with his motor and ability to get after the quarterback. He has the athleticism to move to outside linebacker in Green Bay's 3-4 defense, where he also can hold up well against the run.
Baltimore Ravens
Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame
With no offensive linemen worth drafting, fast-rising Smith is a good value pick who could provide long-term security at safety with the clock ticking on Ed Reed. The Ravens also could consider a defensive tackle such as Connecticut's Kendall Reyes at this spot.
San Francisco 49ers
Stephen Hill*, WR, Georgia Tech
Hill is as raw as they come for a prospect from a BCS conference, but his size (6-4, 215) and big-play ability (29.3-yard average on 28 receptions) make him hard to ignore, especially after he turned in one of the most impressive combine workouts I've seen from a receiver.
New England Patriots
Kendall Reyes, DT, Connecticut
Reyes is a versatile talent who hasn't yet played to his potential, but he is a smart player who could thrive in this scheme and with this organization.
New York Giants
Lavonte David, OLB, Nebraska
The Giants might have bigger needs, but David is a great value and a perfect fit. He is one of the best pure football players in the entire draft, someone who could be plugged in on the weak side and allow Michael Boley to move to the middle.
I hate to be reminded of Kalil. As much of an awful overpayment it was for RG3, I think it's a solid deal for Kalil to the Bears given the cherry on top that the Vikings wouldn't get him. Obviously our picks wouldn't have been high enough to get it done but still, that guy is going to be a force for Minnesota.
I don't love McShay's latest mock in a few areas, but for the most part it is pretty solid. Although no way do I see the Bears taking a TE in the 2nd round if we drafted for the offense in the 1st.
Read this below excerpt of a poster describing Dre Kirkpatrick (whom I mentioned earlier in this thread) and why he may not be a bad pickup for the Bears in the first round, if other top positional options are not available.
Quote:
We (the Bears) usually dont look for "talent" but instead system at corner. However this is one of those rare times where elite talent fits our system. Watch some game film on the guy, listen to scouts talk about how he'd excel in more zone friendly systems while also being able to go 1 on 1. Listen to how he's one of the taller CBs around that can still move with WRs and also may draw interest at Safety.
Watch FILM. Kirkpatrick is a headsy player who anticipates the underneath route while covering guys moving into the deeper part of the secondary. He's a great hitter, very good open field tackler, and can play man and zone coverage. Essentially, he is a perfect fit for the cover 2. Lastly, he's a megatron stopper. Well...container. He has the size to effect megatron and the smarts to stay with him.
DE there isnt much depth if Coples doesnt fall to us, maybe mercilus but some scouts are grading him pretty low. Floyd is the only top end WR I would take, as guys like Hill and Wright arent locks, and you can find some just as talented or high upside guys in the 2nd round. Just to name a few...Chris Givens, Brian Quick, Greg Childs, Possibly Reubin Randall and Alshon Jeffery who is taking quite the fall. We dont need great, we need solid, and last I checked we have had guys like Bennett (3rd round) and Knox (5th round) playing fairly solid. I think taking a 2nd rounder (mid 2nd really) wouldnt be the worst thing in the world.
So I say unless elite Floyd or Coples are on the board you take Kirkpatrick. If he is off the board I look at our O Line even though the draft isnt too deep there either. I think Jonathan Martin could be a nice pick for us or Cordy Glenn.
Now put into context all of the elite WRs we have in our division, and frankly the entire NFC. Adding him opposite (and to eventually replace when he retires) Tillman would really help our passing and run defense (on the edge). If we can't get an elite pass rusher, why not add a solid corner to help with coverage sacks?
He is definitely going to be on my big board for Round 1, it's just a matter of where. What do you guys think?
