Thread: Kiper thinks Bears will draft Mercilus - New Frontpage Article

I wouldn't mind the drafting of Mercilis, to be honest with you. He put up the best numbers in college football for a DE last season playing on a bad team. He may not be as big as Quinton Couples, but he also doesn't have the reputation as a loafer like Couples does, either. And besides, it would give Illinois natives great joy that one of their statesmen gets to play for The Beloved.

Originally Posted by VJ18

id rather still have Couples any day of the week, Mercilis had 1 decent year and and good year... not sold on him. Id much rather have two UNC boys on opposite sides of each other

I was just about to say that. Peppers and Coples would be monstrous.

Originally Posted by Riczaj01

isn't that why they grabbed Garrette the Wolfe? poor reason. But in this case, I wouldn't mind either.

Comparing Garrett Wolfe to Whitney Mercilis is like comparing PBR to Chardenay: one is rot gut, while the other is refined. Mercilis could be a beast, and his stock has improved over the course of the past few weeks. Still, wouldn't it also be nice to see if Coples drops as low as 19th? It's not totally out of the realm of possibility with the way his stock has been dropping.

Don't look now, but look who WalterFootball.com is projecting the Bears to take in the First Round:

Chicago Bears: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
Quinton Coples can easily fall on Draft Day. He's very talented, but there are questions about his work ethic and motor. When asked to evaluate his own effort as a senior in an interview with Charley Casserly, Coples gave himself a C, admitting that he didn't give 100 percent in 2011. I find that very troubling. What's he going to do once he receives a signing bonus?

The Bears may believe he's way too good to pass up, however. They need a pass-rusher across from Julius Peppers, who also happens to be a talented defensive end out of North Carolina. The front office may believe that Peppers could be a great tutor for Coples.

*** OTHER 2012 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Kendall Wright, WR/KR - Just because the Bears acquired Brandon Marshall doesn't mean they'll eschew drafting a receiver at No. 19. Jay Cutler needs a second wideout, especially considering that Johnny Knox is doubtful to play in 2012 coming off back surgery.

2. Jonathan Martin, OT or Cordy Glenn, G - Martin would be an upgrade at left tackle, but Mike Tice is inexplicably infatuated with J'Marcus Webb. Glenn is a great fit for Tice's blocking scheme, and the guard position needs to be upgraded.

Pick change; previously Quinton Coples, DE