Kiper Puts New Twist on Bears Picks......................

April 19, 2012 Kiper puts new twist on mock draft

By: Larry Mayer | Last Updated: 4/19/2012 3:38 PM



If ESPN analyst Mel Kiper were in charge of the Bears draft, he would select Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus in the first round (19th overall) , Appalachian State receiver Brian Quick in the second (50th) and Penn State defensive tackle Devon Still in the third (79th).


Unlike a mock draft where prognosticators predict how the selection process will unfold, Kiper has generated a three-round draft in which he made all the picks based on the prospects he felt each team should choose.

http://www.chicagobears.com/userfile...lus_inside.jpg Whitney Mercilus

“The Bears really need to shore up the offensive line, but they've expressed a lot of optimism -- particularly [coordinator] Mike Tice -- and I can see them waiting around to add help,” Kiper wrote. “So I'll play along. Clearly, they've talked me into it, as I'm also looking elsewhere, targeting the pass rush in Round 1.

“Mercilus is a one-year wonder in terms of production, but the tape shows a guy who figured it out, and if he can play at the level he did in 2011 (I have no reason to believe it'll disappear), this is a player who fits the system in Chicago and can close on quarterbacks when he gets the edge.


“Quick is another huge target (6-4, 220) for Jay Cutler, and while I think Chicago needs to go O-line here, the way the board lines up for this Quick is a steal, and a couple of O-line options I can see here look like reaches. I'm not married to this pick, but it wouldn't be a bad one for need and value.


“Still is a steal this late, and I may have left him on the board too long. The Bears do want help at defensive tackle, and Rod Marinelli can do a lot with Still.” (ya think, others have him as a late 1st rounder but after Haynes I don't that I want another PSU lineman)

I think Mel maybe getting close here but I'd flop the picks in rounds two and three around. Assuming we don't take any Olineman in the first three rounds as Kiper predicts this may be just as good or better.

Round 1: Mercilus seems to gaining ground as our consensus pick and I like what Kiper has to say about his play on tape. That he's beginning to get it.

Round 2: Quick should last and if not there are still guys in three who could fit the bill. I like the looks of this guy instead of Still. To me he's a better prospect for a 3t DT. Kendall Reyes

KENDALL REYES DT, Connecticut

• 2011 GRADE: 6.4 HT: 6-4 WT: 295
  
• Overview

A physically put together, long armed, athletic tackle with good girth through his lower half who looks stronger than his frame would indicate. Exhibits the ability to coil up into his stance, keep his base down off the ball and exhibits an explosive first step. Routinely gets off the ball on time and into the chest plate of blockers quickly, exhibiting the natural power to hold the point inside when run at. He extends his arms well and, despite not being the most violent of defenders when asked to shed, has some coordination to get off blocks and the range to make plays off his frame. I would like to see him be a little more balanced routinely as a run defender as he will lower his head into contact and allow his lower half to get upright on the play at times allowing himself to be sealed off the snap. Plus, at times, he doesn't find the football consistently inside. However, he exhibits the first-step quickness and arm-over to threaten gaps off the ball, knife his way into the backfield and stop plays before they start. Breaks down well for a big guy and wraps solidly inside.

Needs to win with his first step as a pass rusher at this stage. Exhibits the burst to threaten gaps and/or cross the face of a blocker and make his way into the backfield. Is a gifted athlete who can stunt inside and exhibits good closing range in space. Gets upright into contact off the ball at times. However, he has the skill set, to rush the passer. At times will flash the ability to stay low, extend his arms in order to keep himself clean and side step blocks laterally. Showcased some improvements to his game at the Senior Bowl as a pass rusher and should be able to continue to improve. Gets his hands up routinely inside and knocks a lot of footballs down at the line.

Impression: Displays some natural talent and did a better job at Senior Bowl playing with a lower pad level. If he can continue to play lower should be able to fight for a starting role in both a 34 or 43 scheme as a three or five technique.

Round 3: This is where I go for Quick or another WR if there isn't an Olineman here we like better. OT isn't all that deep but there are OG's and WR's will the talent to become starters all the way into the 4th round.

Mercilus scares me because he was a one year wonder statisticly but quick is growing on me

Id rather go ol than DT in 3

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Originally Posted by Grizzblue

Mercilus scares me because he was a one year wonder statisticly but quick is growing on me

Id rather go ol than DT in 3

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I'd start getting un-scared in a big hurry because WM is by all indications the player most likely to be selected 1st by the Bears. He's clearly a 1st round guy by draft status, meets a key obvious need, fits our scheme, should reasonably be available in the mid-first, and the team has displayed interest in him.

I don't see any other single player who puts all that in one package as far as likelihood of being picked next Thursday night.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Grizzblue

Mercilus scares me because he was a one year wonder statisticly but quick is growing on me

Id rather go ol than DT in 3

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The NFP came out with a 2nd Round Mock v7.0 Grizz. They've got us taking Zeitler and to me that would be a much better pick than Quick in two. Then I look for Reyes if he's still on the board in three and slide WR to four. There's a lot of good quality depth there this year.

I just like the idea of taking what the market gives us. There are only a couple of DE's or a DT/DE like Brockers who fit us well in our need for a pass rusher so I think that has to be a priority in one. If we go by this mock and based on our needs an OG or a CB would be the best value for us in two but given the choice I'll take the OG. Even though we picked up Rachal he may still be a flop and we have guys in their contract years so by next year the need will be there. If we move CWill to LT that need comes even sooner so I like the Zeitler pick.

I think there will be some good DT's on the board yet in three. The lack of top OT's, DE's, in the first and the abundance of WR's, OG's, and LB's in two are gonna push some of these guys down. So a DT would be nice here. Then we fill that need for a younger bigger WR in four.

After that we could take a punter and two long snapper as far as I'm concerned. My knowledge of college prospects ends long before this. LOL

Mel who?

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Originally Posted by matsellah

Mel who?

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Known by his Jersey Mob name that would be Mel "The Barber" Kiper and by his Indian name "Big Hairs with Bull".

ha yeah Devon Still in the third....!

claiborne in the fourth, Richardson in the fifth and then maybe we reach for a back up QB in the sixth, I heard that chap out of Stanford is ok. What's his name? Lick? Luke? whatever, he'll do.

Don't hate on Penn State. (Hey! That rhymes!) The school gave us Mike Hartenstine and Curtis Enis...wait, did I just name Curtis Enis?