With the 2008 NFL Pro Football Draft coming up quickly on the horizon I though it appropriate to take a look at some of the likely candidates for the Bears. This section will be profiling players that the Chicago Bears might target on that weekend in late April.

Offensive tackle is sore spot with the Bears and it seems likely that they will look at address this position early. Most believe with their first round pick, #14.

First up is Jeff Otah from Pittsburgh. Otah is the 3rd ranked offensive tackle on most boards and comes in at around 15 overall on most.

Otah projects mid first round right about where the Bears sit.

Per Fantasy Football Toolbox:

His senior season has seen his draft stock soar, as he (along with likely first-day selection Mike McGlynn) helped pave the way for 1,000 yard rusher LeSean McCoy. For his standout season he was named a first-team All-Big East selection by the conference's coaches.

His most notable performance of the year may have been in a 48-37 loss to South Florida on November 24, when he held USF end George Selvie (second in the nation with 14.5 sacks; first in tackles for loss with 31.5) to no sacks and only two tackles.

With his massive frame, he's not going to be easily moved by opposing defensive linemen and he can fit in on either side of the line at his primary position, left tackle, or at right tackle.

The fact that he's only been playing football for such a short time shows that he still has a lot of room to develop, which might make him even more of an attractive prospect and might turn some other teams off. But, the fact that he's come as far as he has in only a few years is a testament to his raw ability and potential as an athlete.

Otah is being projected as a top-20 pick by a couple of draft services, so he won't have to wait too long to hear his name called. If his adjustment to the NFL goes as well as his adjustments to the previous levels, then it won't be long before he'll be making an impact in the pros.

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DOWN. Otah ran a 5.54 40, eventhough offensive linemen should not be judged on their 40 time, this was still slow.  He did not practice well in drills and was said to show up a little flabby.