Thread: CHICAGO BEARS 2012 Draft

Originally Posted by Dagan81

Would you be in favor of forgetting about drafting a DE in the first round in favor of a CB or a LB? I know your aversion to drafting a WR past the top ten, so we will concede that and assume that one will be picked up during the free agent period. I really and truly believe that we should do everything in our power to sign Cliff Avril before the draft if that is permissable and then draft for a CB or a LB in the first round. Donte Hightower is predicted by WalterFootball to go at #24 to the Pittsburgh Steelers. What may be troublesome here is that Hightower is an ILB.



Someone that the Bears may be interested in at OLB who could also do DE is Whitney Mercilus. I assume the reason the site has him listed as "either/or" is because he would fit in with the New York Jets as a OLB in the 3-4 scheme defensively. Her stock has risen over the course of the past week by about eight spots.

It depends on who is still one the board when our pick comes. If I look at the top players Kuechly and Perry are rated in the middle of the first, as are Coples and Ingram. The two top CB's, Kirkpatrick and Gilmore are rated a little higher but may fall so that's six guys who may be on the Bears draft board.

I would tend to take a DE before the LB's because, unless we sever ties with Briggs, it's a bigger immediate need. If I liked one of the CB's I'd probably take one over a LB right now too. Our depth at LB isn't very good but the starters are all solid to pro bowl players who show no signs of decline so I think that can wait another year.

We're wearing Pep and Izzy down by seasons end from too many snaps and in order to prolong their effectiveness during the season and into the playoffs they need some recoup time. It's hard to do that when you have no other outside rushers.

Jennings is UFA and will be looking for more money than he got last time so he may or may not return and Bowman isn't the answer so depending on how that shakes out we may need a CB. If we do and Kirkpatrick is still there I take him over a LB too for the same as above. Greater immediate need.

just asking, should we say
NFL ready now> potential (what could be)

Originally Posted by GermansbombedPH

just asking, should we say
NFL ready now> potential (what could be)

Based on the Bears needs we need NFL ready now players at certain positions such as WR, LT, DE. I think those are virtually immediate needs if you want to upgrade the team.

We need competition and/or a replacement for Webb and seldom do you find NFL ready LT's in the draft and if you do, like Matt Kalil, they're often top 10 picks so at #19 we don't stand as much chance of getting a shot at one there. Given that set of circumstance we need one from FA and we need one higher in the draft we can develop.

WR is another position that generally takes a couple of years to learn at an NFL level. Guys tend to hit their stride in their 3rd year so we need a WR in FA that can provide an immediate upgrade and another high in the draft to bring along as a starter in another year or two. Knox and Bennett are okay #2 guys but Hester just doesn't work as a #1 and he's better when he focuses on his KR/PR play.

Conversely DE's and CB's can usually step in and play as rookies as long as they've been playing that position for a few years in college and have been very productive at that level. This is the primary reason I think that's what we should focus as far as a first round pick goes. Of course if a really good LT drops to within reach it would be hard not to grab him ahead of the others but from what I see so far there's only two who I think might be day one starters, Kalil and Reiff and I think both will go in the top 10.

I think all too often Jerry Angelo made picks based on a guys athletic abilties instead of their abilities to play football. That's not a mistake the Bears made back in the eraly 80's when they built the Super Bowl team. Those guy were players. We need to ignore potential for a while and focus on guys who can contribute in their first year like all three of our top 2011 picks did. Potential is only worthwhile when it's reached and JA stocked the 2011 Bears with a few former 1st round picks who never reached their potential. The only one who worked out was Okoye.

FMIW that's the way I see it.

My preferences are that we come up with a LT in the first, but I don't think that is likely to happen. I am willing to settle for a CB or a DE, though, but I would like to sign Avril to a contract first before venturing into that territory.

Mel Kiper, Jr., is projecting Dre Kirkpatrick now to go around the time the Bears pick - as low as pick 22. Melvin Ingram is slated to go around the same time as a DE, but Whitney Mercilis is starting to get a lot of attention as a prospect and has thus been moved up to #16 to the New York Jets. It will be interesting to see where this goes.

Here's an early mock draft from a SI guy that has the Bears taking Floyd.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Post-BCS Championship Game version

Story Highlights Expect a QB-needy team to trade with the Rams for their No. 2 overall pick The Patriots will look heavily at improving their pass rush and in the secondary Ryan Tannehill's stock will rise once teams get a chance to study him more

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Despite losing to Oklahoma State in the Fiesta Bowl, Andrew Luck is still expected to be the No. 1 pick.
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Now that Alabama and LSU have officially put an end to the college football season, all attention will start turning toward the prospects who are leaving school behind for a chance to play in the NFL and how the draft's first round might go.

Four quarterbacks went in the first 12 picks last season, and several teams want to start over at the league's most important position this year. But the options became limited when Matt Barkley and Landry Jones chose to go back to school. At this time, Robert Griffin III hasn't officially made his decision, but teams are going to be eager to trade up for the Heisman winner if he decides to go pro.
(* - pending coin flip, # - underclassman who hasn't declared yet. Note: Picks 25-32 will be determined by pending playoff results)

1. Indianapolis Colts -- Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
A lot could change in Indy between now and April. By the time the Colts are called to the podium they'll know about Peyton Manning's future and will either draft Luck or trade the pick. Luck could end up in a tough spot. He'll say the right things, but he wants to play right away, so co-existing with Manning would be difficult. If Manning leaves, Luck will face huge expectations and be surrounded by very little talent.
2. Cleveland Browns -- Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor (Trade with St. Louis)
The Rams don't need a quarterback, but with a manageable price tag for rookies because of the salary slotting system, they'll get calls from Cleveland, Miami and Washington about moving up to land Griffin. After last season's draft-day trade with the Falcons, the Browns have an extra first-rounder and can put together the best package. Griffin may have more tools than Luck, but Luck is more valuable because he ran a pro system at Stanford. Griffin completed 72.4 percent of his passes, a dazzling number even in the defensively challenged Big 12. Cleveland ranked No. 29 in offense with Colt McCoy running the show and would likely be ready to hand the keys of the offense over to Griffin immediately. Pat Shurmur is a West Coast guy, but would adjust his system to suit Griffin's talents if he had to.
3. Minnesota Vikings -- Matt Kalil, OT, USC
Vikings GM Rick Spielman told quarterback Christian Ponder they wouldn't draft someone to compete with him. Instead, they'll try to beef up a line that allowed 49 sacks last season. Kalil didn't allow a sack at USC last season and he has the bloodlines -- his brother Ryan is a Pro Bowl center on the Panthers.
4. St. Louis Rams -- Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State (Trade with Cleveland)
Blackmon may not run a blazing 40, but neither did Larry Fitzgerald or Jerry Rice. Blackmon's dominant performance in the Fiesta Bowl put to rest any notion he benefits from Oklahoma State's wide-open offense.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU#
The Bucs need someone who can make a play on defense. They've already tried drafting D-linemen high, and the players they've taken have shown promise but can't stay healthy. Claiborne is the top shut-down corner in the draft.
6. Washington Redskins -- Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama#
The Redskins need a quarterback, but may be forced to turn to free agency because the right signal-caller won't be available at this spot. Instead, they'll draft the best player available. The Redskins' strength is their defense, which ranked 13th in the NFL last season, but adding the big, physical Kirkpatrick in the secondary could make life even easier for their talented pass-rushers.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars -- Devon Still, DT, Penn State
Everything depends on who the Jaguars hire at head coach and what systems they run. We'll give them the best available talent for right now. With so many needs, including receiver, the Jaguars could conceivably trade down from this spot.
8. Carolina Panthers* -- Michael Brockers, DT, LSU#
The Panthers have needs all over their defense and would benefit greatly by improving in the middle of the line. Brockers, a redshirt sophomore, will be the best prospect from LSU's outstanding defensive line if he declares himself eligible for the draft in the coming days.
9. Miami Dolphins* -- Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
Lots of questions still remain about what systems the Dolphins will be using next season, given their unsettled coaching situation. Brown is the best 4-3 outside linebacker in the draft and would help take some pressure off Cameron Wake.
10. Buffalo Bills -- Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
Coples disappointed some scouts this season, but the Bills need more pressure up front and he has a lot of natural talent. The big question with Coples is attitude. He'll have to prove he wants it in pre-draft interviews.
11. Kansas City Chiefs* -- Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
The Chiefs need to infuse their offensive line with attitude, and Reiff plays nasty. He fits every stereotype of an Iowa lineman in a good way.
12. Seattle Seahawks* -- Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
The former college wide receiver will shine during the pre-draft process. He has athletic ability and the brains to wow teams in interviews. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll has to be smarting that Matt Barkley returned to USC, but will still go quarterback to develop someone behind Tarvaris Jackson.
13. Arizona Cardinals -- Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
The Cardinals want to see their investment in quarterback Kevin Kolb pay off and will try to bolster the offensive line. Expect them to let veteran offensive tackle Levi Brown go in the offseason.
14. Dallas Cowboys -- David DeCastro, OG, Stanford
The Cowboys need help in the defensive secondary, but may not be in a good spot to get an elite cornerback here. Therefore they'll will go with the best player available.
15. Philadelphia Eagles -- Luke Kuelchy, LB, Boston College
Andy Reid doesn't draft linebackers, but the need is so glaring now, Eagles fans may revolt if the doesn't. It's been long enough for them to get over drafting Mike Mamula back in 1995.
16. New York Jets -- Mark Barron, S, Alabama
The Jets defense took a step back this season, in part because safety Jim Leonhard was hurt. Even if Leonhard is back, they need to strengthen the secondary, and Barron can help at multiple positions.
17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland Raiders) -- Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama#
Teams don't draft running backs in the first round as much any more, but Richardson is a pretty safe bet. He's short, but exceptionally strong. Richardson went to Escambia High in Florida, alma mater of Emmitt Smith, and the Bengals hope he joins quarterback Andy Dalton and receiver A.J. Green in a Smith-Troy Aikman-Michael Irvin type of triumvirate.
18. San Diego Chargers -- Courtney Upshaw, DE, Alabama
The Chargers are still looking for an explosive pass-rusher. There's some doubt about whether Upshaw can play standing up, but he may be worth the risk.
19. Chicago Bears -- Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
The NFL seems to have trouble evaluating Notre Dame products, but Floyd fits the mold of the tall, fast receiver the Bears need.
20. Tennessee Titans -- Nick Perry, DE, USC
The Titans ranked 31st in the NFL with just 28 sacks last season. Perry had 9.5 sacks as a junior and could move up in the draft process as teams study his work at USC.
21. Cincinnati Bengals -- Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
The lasting image of the Bengals' playoff loss to the Texans is Pacman Jones getting juked out of his shoes by Andre Johnson. Cincy needs a cornerback to solidify a secondary that still needs to replace Johnathan Joseph.
22. St. Louis Rams -- Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama (Trade with Cleveland Browns, from Atlanta Falcons)
If the Rams go offense early, they will try to improve their 22nd-ranked defense. Jenkins has some character questions, but teams have to be willing to take risks to find quality cover guys in today's NFL.
23. Detroit Lions -- Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
The Lions could also turn to Jenkins, but Dennard is a lot tougher. The 5-foot-10 cornerback doesn't back down, even though there is a real fear he'll struggle against tall receivers.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers -- Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
Nose tackle Casey Hampton is 34 and will likely have knee surgery. The 6-5, 350-pound Poe is cut out of the same mold and should be a strong force in the middle of a 3-4 line.
25. Denver Broncos -- Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson
Tight ends are usually a great aid to quarterbacks who struggle with accuracy. Allen won the Mackey Award for the nation's top tight end and could quickly become Tim Tebow's best friend.
26. New York Giants -- Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama#
Hightower showed his versatility in the BCS title game and will fill a need on the Giants' defense. They could also look for depth in the secondary.
27. Houston Texans -- Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers
The Texans are looking for a tall, fast receiver and the 6-2 Sanu will add a needed dimension to a productive offense. Sanu had 115 catches last season, and could move up if he comes up with a dazzling 40.
28. New England Patriots (From New Orleans Saints) -- Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
The Patriots are never predictable, but you have to figure they'll go pretty heavy on defense in this draft. They've seemed hesitant to take a pass-rusher, but they need to improve in that area. Scouts are waiting to see how Ingram runs to see where he'll be slotted. New England could also look at Clemson DE Andre Branch here.
29. Baltimore Ravens -- Kelechi Osemele, OG, Iowa State
The Ravens could have multiple needs on the offensive line depending on how their offseason goes. Osemele is listed at 347 pounds and could thrive in a system that has had success developing offensive linemen. They also could try to land a receiver, possibly LSU's Reuben Randle.
30. San Francisco 49ers -- Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
The explosive receiver deserves a lot of credit for Griffin's Heisman. His ability to make plays after the catch would be a huge addition to the Niners' ho-hum offense.
31. New England Patriots -- Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech
Hosley had nine interceptions in 2010, but was banged up last season and took a step back. The Pats have been using converted offensive players in their secondary; they need bodies.
32. Green Bay Packers -- Fletcher Cox, DE, Mississippi State
The Packers weren't able to replace Cullen Jenkins this season and no one could get to the quarterback other than Clay Matthews. Cox was a first-team All-SEC performer with five sacks last season.

Read more: Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III top our first 2012 NFL mock draft - Andrew Perloff - SI.com

Well shit. We can sign a damn free agent who will be better than Michael Floyd. Notre Dame players haven't scored well in recent years in the league. I'm not saying that Floyd isn't good, but his behavior is usually the type that would keep him from setting foot in Chicago as a Bear.

Please, PLEASE, let this be a dream!

I think we'll see the ranking of these players and who takes who change quite a bit before the draft. Guys stock will rise and others will drop. Free Agency will dictate needs other than what's listed now so to me this only fairly accurate for the first three or four picks but at least we might get some idea of who might go anywhere from 15 to 25 and some other guys in that group may be a fit besides Floyd.