With the combine over and Pro Days (glorified make-up quiz with notes and textbook) underway, we get to see which prospects Bears fans are strongly interested in while also trying to read in between the lines of what they might have plan. Some of the guys the Bears work out could be smoke screens, but some end up being legit for example Matt Forte in 2008 and Major Wright 2010. In the following weeks we will hear about more prospects the Bears are interested in and inviting private work outs to.
For now, here are links and my analysis on the Bears draft prospects they have target since the combine.
Tice scouting Florida Offensive lineman
The targets are Interior Lineman Mike Pouncey, Carl Johnson, and OT Marcus Gilbert with Pouncey being the big fish that the Bears might be heavily targeting. I think if the Bears are targeting Pouncey with that #29 selection you would assume they will view him as Olin Kreutz eventual replacement or replacement. He's not as good as his brother Maukrice Pouncey the Steelers starting Center, but has that determination to be better than him. Gilbert and Johnson are both developmental projects at the next level that the Bears might keep an eye on if both guys slip to the late rounds or go undrafted. What I take from this is that Mike Pouncey in a Bears uniform come the fall is high possibility.
T.J. Yates Scouting Report courtesy of mockingthedraft.com
Bears looking at Shane Vereen as potential Forte backup
I thought this was the most interesting story as you probably remember Moon Mullin coming out saying that Chester Taylor will be release, and Angelo refuted that saying he don't know why that was reported. Vereen is a talented running back that can catch out the backfield, and has that second gear once gets to the second level. Most mock draft sites project him as a 2nd to 4th round prospect, so if the Bears are truly strongly interested in him Chester might be out the door.
Bears working out Boise State WR Austin Pettis today
Austin Pettis is a very decent wide receiver prospect that would be a good fit for Martz spread offense. He's the type of receiver that would work best mainly in the slot, but can also line up outside where his size will be an advantage over some small DB's. The fact that they have worked out Pettis tells me that they realize they need another target for Jay. Martz have came out and said that next season Bennett will have a bigger role in the offense; which tells me that Johnny Knox and Earl Bennett will be your starters while Hester and a rookie will battle it out to decide the 3rd and 4th slots.
Bears holding private workout for UNC QB T.J. Yates
He's no Dan Lefeavor which means while he's a good running QB, he can also throw the football. Yates is a long term project that is best suited learning behind a establish starter and experience back-up. Martz ideally wants an experience veteran back-up follow by a 3rd string QB who he can gradually develop.
Bears coaches on hand at Wisconsin pro day
Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz, Offensive Line coach Mike Tice, and Tight End coach Mike Debord was present at Wisconsin Pro Day. Left Tackle Gabe Carimi and Left Guard John Moffitt are both the type of lineman Tice can groom to be pro bowl caliber offensive lineman. Most scouts believe Carimi is best suited to be a Right Tackle at the next level; my belief is that a very good offensive line coach can coach him up to be a starting caliber LT. Moffitt is a smart offensive guard that is capable of contributing for most teams right away at either guard spot. Best position at the next level might be at Center, a position he has experience while at Wisconsin. Tight End Lance Kendricks is also a player that's on the Bears radar in case they want to use Greg Olsen in a package deal to move up and get a Tackle like Gabe Carimi.
Other notable targets
Tackle Sherrod could be an option for Bears
Bears have shown heavy interest in the Mississippi State Left Tackle.
TCU QB Andy Dalton to work out for Bears, Vikings
Looks like Martz is strongly looking for a developmental QB.