Initially whenever I talked about the draft, I was a huge proponent for trading the two third round picks to Miami for Brandon Marshall instead of taking Michael Floyd in round 1 because Marshall is a proven talent while Floyd may end up being a bust. The window to win for the Bears is 1-2 years with their aging defense. After I thought about trading the two thirds for Marshall, I realized that the rationale for doing so was fine, but why trade two thirds for Marshall when you can easily sign Vincent Jackson or Marques Colston? They will command the same amount of money, but by going to the free agency market, we can keep the two thirds and get some younger players. This mock draft will go under the impression that the Bears will sign Jackson or Colston, which Phil Emery must do.
Needs: Tight End, Linebacker, Defensive End, Cornerback, Safety, Offensive Tackle depth.
Round 1. Pick 19: Nick Perry- DE USC
The Bears need help on the defensive front. Besides Julius Peppers, the Bears pass rush came and went last year. The front four would benefit greatly with another pure pass rusher. How much more dangerous would Peppers and Melton be if there was another pass rusher to complement them? Idonije is a solid talent, but he is more of a swing defensive end. Perry would be a great pick up at 19 for the Bears.
Nick Perry Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nvhUMxoTfs
Round 2. Pick 50: Dwayne Allen- Tight End Clemson
We all saw the importance of a tight end with the Patriots. The tight end is a matchup nightmare for defenses. Corners and safeties are too small to cover them and linebackers are too slow to keep up. The Bears had a great tight end in Olsen until Jerry Angelo inexplicably traded him away. Drafting Allen would give the Bears a huge weapon in the red zone and all over the field as Allen possesses not only speed, but he possesses size. He is also a great run blocker, which will aide in the run game. Another weapon alongside Hester, Forte, Knox, Bennett, and Jackson/Colston would make the Bears offense scary. Incumbent Kellen Davis has the tools to become a great tight end, but last season he didn't show he could handle that role.
Dwayne Allen Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPfAhUW_c2A
Round 3. Pick 73: Jamell Fleming- CB Oklahoma
The Bears are in desperate need of another playmaker to play opposite of Charles Tillman. They have needed another cornerback since Nathan Vasher began his decline. The tandem of Vasher/Tillman was scary good. Adding another playmaker on the outside would shore up the pass defense of the Bears and allow for competition between Flemming and Graham (assuming he re-signs) for the starting corner spot opposite of Tillman. Flemming played opposite of Dre Kirkpatrick at Oklahoma. He had a lot of balls thrown his way and held up pretty well throughout the season. The video for Flemming is only from the Iowa game this past season.
Jamell Flemming Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU3LOO5bT_4
Round 3. Pick 80: Travis Lewis- OLB Oklahoma
The Bears need another playmaker at the linebacker position. Roach played fine last season, but getting another player for depth or for competition for a starting position would not be a bad idea. Also, it provides insurance in case the Briggs situation ends bitterly; however, I don't envision that being an issue. He is a huge linebacker at 6' 2" 232, and would fit with the Marinelli scheme.
Travis Lewis Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAtNJ13-gdg&feature=related
Round 4. Pick 111: Harrison Smith- S Notre Dame
The backend of the Bears defensive secondary has some question marks. Conte will end up to be a solid player, while Craig Steltz showed that he deserves a shot at a starting position. Also, Major Wright is injury prone and looked lost at times last year. The Bears will surely sign a free agent safety, but it will not be a big name safety. By drafting Smith who has size, speed, and is a ball hawk, the Bears will at least be able to groom a safety for the forseeable future or he will be able to start this season.
Harrison Smith Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y07I2l2g6zA
Round 5. Pick 142: Audie Cole- ILB NC State
The Bears do not have a need for an inside linebacker this season, but they do need to groom a ILB for the future once Urlacher retires, which looks like it won't be for another few seasons. Audie Cole is a fairly large linebacker at 239 pounds. He will have some time to get bigger and better under the tutelage of Urlacher and company.
Audie Cole Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OA3j41bQfk8
Round 6. Pick 172: Markus Zusevics- OT Iowa
The Bears need depth at the tackle position. The interior of the line has depth, while the tackles do not have much depth, if at all. Frank Omiyale is not going to cut it anymore, and I'm not completely sold on Jamarcus Webb. By drafting Zusevics, it guarantees the Bears another season of Webb, but gives another option in case he falters without spending a lot of money at the position.
Markus Zusevics Highlights: None available
Round 7. Pick 203: Hebron Fangupo- DT BYU
Depth is needed at the position and his name is cool.
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