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Bears Draft Rumor: Coples/Branch [9 days out]
SI.com draft analyst Tony Pauline "hears" that the Bears will select LSU DT Michael Brockers if he's available with the No. 19 pick.
Pauline also passes along word that Illinois DE Whitney Mercilus "has been ranked high" on the Bears' draft board, and could be the 19th pick if Brockers goes in the top 18. Pauline reports that Chicago's draft strategy is "more likely" to involve drafting a defensive lineman in the first round, and waiting for receivers in frames two or three. They were previously linked to Baylor WR Kendall Wright. The approach would be sensible in a wideout-rich draft.
Last edited by WindyCity; 04-18-2012 at 04:44 PM.
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He is raw.
But the guy is 20 years old and has MONSTROUS physical potential that a team can develop.
He already is very good against the run and with coaching and his long arms and burst he could be a quality pass rusher.
I think Brockers would start at NT and be a run defender and allow Paea and Melton to rush the passer.
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I would be happy with Brockers.
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Originally Posted by
WindyCity
He is raw.
But the guy is 20 years old and has MONSTROUS physical potential that a team can develop.
He already is very good against the run and with coaching and his long arms and burst he could be a quality pass rusher.
I think Brockers would start at NT and be a run defender and allow Paea and Melton to rush the passer.
Doesn't sound half bad but I don't believe he starts instead of Toe- just platoon them.
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Hahaha, so this is now the 10th name to hit the lists of potential Bears 1st round picks. I'm waiting to see if they can make it an even dozen. Lovie and Phil are doing a great job of keeping people "buffaloed". He's a big guy 6'6" 300lbs + and the top rated DT in the draft. In fact NFP has him in their top ten overall. Wouldn't bother me to see us take a DT instead of a DE either but he has also played DE so.......who knows.
MICHAEL BROCKERS DT, Louisiana State
- 2011 GRADE: 8.0 D J HT: 6-6 WT: 306
- Overview
Came to LSU as a 6-6, 255-pound strong side linebacker recruit. Has added significant weight since than and really filled out his thick, broad frame. Displays impressive lower body strength through his lower half, with a thick set of legs and strong bubble. Possesses natural bend when asked to sit into his stance for his size and generates an explosive snap off the football. Plays the run game about as well as any 6-6 prospect I have seen inside. Is able to keep his pad level down, gain leverage and sit into his stance. Showcases the ability to anchor vs. the double team as well, despite his size and is a bear to move off the football. Would like to see him do a more consistent job extending his arms into contact. However, has the length and upper body strength to extend through contact, overpower/shed the block and make plays off his frame. Is a solid athlete off his frame, but is better in tighter areas where he can use his length to wrap on contact. However, when he does extend his arms off the snap showcases the burst and athleticism to create a jolt and slip his man, allowing him to get into the backfield. Exhibits "plus" ball awareness and overall instincts for the game as well. Routinely is able to sniff out the screen game, locate the ball inside and make his way toward the carrier.
Now, is still developing as a pass rusher. Showcases a good get off burst and when he keeps his pad level down has the ability to gain leverage, extend his arms and use his long arms to shed. Showcases some nasty with his length in order to keep himself clean and shed. Also displays some natural body control and suddenness off the snap in order to slip blocks initially and get up the field. However, too often allows his pad level to get upright initially when trying to slip blocks on contact and through the play. He's so naturally powerful/gifted that he can still force his way up the field. But is easy to seal from the action and stick to through contact. Looks athletic enough to stunt toward the edge and displays some know how of when to work his club toward the edge; at times will even try to turn the corner. But again gets upright and will expose his frame. Uses his powerful club inside as well and can gain a step, but eventually pops upright in the process. It's just a matter of him learning how to be a more effective pass rusher though because he displays the suddenness/length and natural power to overwhelm initially on the bull rush and shed.
Doesn't have a ton of experience playing inside either. Is a redshirt sophomore who started only one year at the position and is still raw. However, he has displayed the willingness to put on the weight off the field and keep himself in good shape. Plus, he's an instinctive kid who finds the football. That tells me he puts in the work, has a passion for the game and will continue to get better.
Impression: He might be a little raw and could have used some more work at the college level. However, he's an NFL talent with "plus" upside but can also come in and play vs. the run at a high level right away. Should get looks at both the three and five-technique spots and in my mind has the ability to become one of the better defensive lineman in the NFL down the line.
My impression? This kid has the look of a Phil Emery type pick all over him. He's obviously got Quinton Coples type physical freakishness too and whereas teams have doubts about Coples passion Brockers doesn't seem to be lacking in that department. What I highlighted is what piques my interest. In addition to being a superior physical force the kid knows how to play the game. He's got football intelligence and character which is exactly what Emery said he's looking for.
The last NFP Mock has him going to Dallas at #14 but Dallas also needs help at CB and I've seen them mocked as taking Kirkpatrick too. The SI Mock has Brockers slipping all the way to the Broncos at #25. Wouldn't we love to steal their guy this time as payback for taking Clady? I'd be happy to toss this guys name in our hat too. He may take a few games to get the hang of the pass rush but Marinelli seems to have pretty good success with getting that out of DT's as evidenced by how much better Melton rushes last year and even Okoye looked good.
Dominant players are where you find them so if Phil Emery sees Brockers as a better pick than Mercilus assuming both are there who am I to criticize. So we take an edge rusher somewhere else. I just want to build up our lines with the best talent we can find on either side of the ball.
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I'd like to see us get a top rated guy at his position rather then the 4th or 5th rated guy at a "need" position; and I consider DE a need position also. I like Toe and Melton, but lets face it, even w/Okoye they struggled to get the job done considering the guy next to them was getting double/triple teams and held; Peppers was the sole attention on the line, and these guys just didn't get the consistant rush we needed them too.
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There is no way in hell we are drafting a nt in the first if lovie is hc. 3 tech yes but not nt
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Originally Posted by
motownbear
There is no way in hell we are drafting a nt in the first if lovie is hc. 3 tech yes but not nt
He's no NT. Just read his scouting report. The kid is a gap shooter and a very big one at that. You play him at 3t and as a LDE sometimes. He's a guy you could move around. Paea is a NT who can pass rush halfway decently this guy is a 3t who plays the run very very well.
I'm getting to that age where a lifetime warranty just doesn't mean as much to me anymore as an afternoon nap.
Honey Badger Don't Care. Honey Badger Don't Give a Shit.
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Just reading about him makes it sound like a guy that can play inside or outside and do it real well...potentially...I'm not a big fan of "potential" in the first round, I'd rather go no doubt day 1 starter but w/his size, even if he only stays on the inside I'd be happy. We need all the help we can get on the DL.
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no way i see brockers lasting to 19. no way
but,
1) Brockers
2) Irving
3) Randle / Childs / Sanu / Quick / Criner / Broyles
I would love that!