The last mock draft feature a blind side protector for Jay Cutler, but this week's mock draft takes a hypothetical approach. Where will the Bears go if the top offensive linemen are off the board by pick #29? Florida's Guard/Center Mike Pouncey was a strong possibility for the Bears, but after his pro day performance, most scouts not only see him as a starting guard but a franchise C. Of the top Offensive Tackles prospects in the draft, Mississippi State Derek Sherrod was the most likely OT to fall to the Bears. With his solid pro day, he looks like a strong possibility to go in the top 25 or at worst, to Baltimore.
This week's WCG mock draft pieces together an in-depth scenario if the top OL are off the board by pick #29.
1st Round
Both OL Derrick Sherrod and Mike Pouncey had impressive pro days, and there might be a possibility these two have moved up most team's draft boards. With the possibility of Sherrod and Pouncey moving up, I assume some guys will get pushed down.
Round 1 selection: DT Corey Liuget Illinois
Analysis: Liuget was reportedly working with Bears Defensive Coordinator Rod Marinelli at Illinois Pro Day. Liuget has that explosion off the line that you want from a defensive 3 technique tackle. The athleticism that he possesses is just an added bonus in a scheme that relies heavily on speed and athleticism. Lining up as a 5 technique in Illinois 3-4, Liuget hasn't had the chance to develop pass rush moves but displays potential. Under Marinelli, Liuget should be able to reach his full potential and be a force for years to come.
2nd Round
I guess we know what position the Bears will be targeting with the 2nd pick in the draft.
Round 2 selection: OG Marcus Cannon TCU
Analysis: I hear a lot of complaints from Bears fans about the need for a LT, and while it is true we need an upgrade at that position, the true weakness on the line is in the interior. The Bears currently have two guys who are over the hill, and an OT force to playing inside because the other reserves are not capable of starting. The 6-6 349 pound Marcus Cannon would be a step in the right direction of fixing the interior line. Cannon is not a slug and is very mobile for a guy his size and that will come in handy as the Bears like to pull their interior linemen outside most times. You can plug him in at LG or RG, but I would plug him in at RG where you will have an answer for division opponents DT's Ndamukong Suh (Lions), Kevin Williams (Vikings), and B.J.Raji (Packers).
3rd Round
Just like the 1st two rounds of the draft, the 3rd round is pretty much a round you are trying to find impact players. Guys like Cal RB Shane Vereen, Abilene Christian WR Edmond Gates, and Miami DE Allen Bailey should be available prospects in the 3rd round that's capable of contributing right away.
Round 3 selection: WR Terrence Toliver LSU
Analysis: Cutler needs more time in the pocket and he also needs a big target to compliment the speed on the perimeter. Earl Bennett will deservedly have a big role next season, while I imagine that Martz will go with his original plan he had when he arrived here with giving Hester that Az-hir Hakim role. Toliver gives this offense another dimension at the WR spot as far as size is concern. He's a decent route runner, good hands, makes tough catches, and can play both on the outside and in the slot.
4th round
The first three picks were aimed at getting players that can contribute right away. The 4th and later rounds will most likely be used to select players who have upside to be future starters.
Round 4 selection: OG/C John Moffitt Wisconsin
Analysis: We have seen linemen that were highly touted slip in the draft; case in point, former Notre Dame C Eric Olsen who was supposed to be a 2nd or 3rd round pick, but slid all the way to the 6th round. Moffitt is rated on most draft sites as a 3rd to 4th round prospect; walterfootball.com has him going #108 to the Titans his the 4th round. Mike Tice was on hand at Wisconsin pro day and got a first hand look at the smart LG. Moffitt would give the Bears a guard that's capable of starting right away for you at LG while also being groomed to be the future C. The Bears might strike out at getting one of the top OT in the 1st round, but they will have a chance at improving this interior line all in this draft.
5th round
So far the Bears have answered questions at DT with Liuget, the interior line with Cannon and Moffitt, and a big WR target in Terrence Toliver. The 5th round will most likely be a round where the Bears will go best player available. There are still questions at LT and CB, but if free agency occurs after the draft those can be positions that will be targeted.
Round 5 selection: OLB/ILB Lawrence Wilson Connecticut
Analysis: This is a prospect I am pretty much stuck on as he made my mock a couple weeks back, and was also selected in my Chicago Bears draft board LB edition. He's an interesting prospect that, like I said last week, just needs to be coached up. He filled in nicely at times last year at MLB so that versatility can benefit the Bears to where he can potentially back-up both spots at SLB and MLB.
Round 6 selection: FS Mark Legree Appalachian State
Analysis: The Bears need to protect themselves if Daniel Manning decides to sign elsewhere. Mark Legree is a physical FS that's capable of playing SS at the next level. He led the nation in interceptions and that should entice Lovie who stated last year he wants playmakers at the safety position