It's been a good week in Bear country, with the team shaving some salary (goodbye, Gate 68, we won't miss you), so let's celebrate by examining some updated mock drafts. We've got three new mock drafts to look at this time around featuring two players that might be surprising first round selections for the Bears at #19 after the Combine, and a five round mock draft for your perusal. Hit the jump and let's all get to the mocking.
First up is Russ Lande's mock draft from yesterday on the Sporting News. Lande has the Bears taking Kendall Wright at #19, with Blackmon going to the Vikings and Floyd going #7 to the Jaguars. Lande says:
Despite his poor 40 time (4.61) at the Scouting Combine, Wright is considered the most explosive receiver in the draft and would stretch the field for the Bears' offense.
I guess I'm a bit surprised that Wright didn't fall harder after his forty at the Combine, but Lande does have some interesting prospects still on the board at #19: Kirkpatrick went #20, Fleener #22, Kuechly #25, and Mercilus #27.
WalterFootball's
mock also has the Bears going with Wright at #19, saying:
Kendall Wright had a poor showing at the Combine, but as I wrote earlier, it won't hurt him very much. He's still a first-round prospect, and it still wouldn't surprise me if the Jaguars picked him at No. 7 overall.
This mock has Mercilus and Cordy Glenn on the board, and has three defensive tackles (Cox, Brockers, Still) as options for the pick as well.
Charlie Campbell has his
own mock up on WalterFootball, and he goes the offensive route by selecting Jonathan Martin at #19. His reasons:
He dominated the Pac-10/12 the past few seasons. Martin has the pass-protecting potential to be a standout tackle, and is a tenacious run blocker. He does a fabulous job of setting the edge, and the Cardinal had a lot of success running behind him with David DeCastro pulling from right guard. Martin is experienced at protecting a franchise quarterback and the pressure that comes with the position. At the pro level, he will need some work to develop his pass protection, but he has big upside. Martin could be an excellent right tackle, and some teams could draft him for the right side.
Mercilus and Glenn are still available in this mock, as well.
WalterFootball has updated their full five round mock draft as well. Their picks by round and reasoning:
Another weapon for Jay Cutler. Mike Martz is gone, so the Bears will probably start using talented tight ends - that is, of course, unless they hire another crazed lunatic as their offensive coordinator.
Round 3: Brandon Washington, G/OT Miami
Mike Tice did a phenomenal job with the offensive line this past year. However, the front still needs an upgrade at the right guard position, where Chris Spencer struggled.
Round 3: Cam Johnson, DE Virginia
The Bears need to get younger at defensive end, as both Julius Peppers and Israel Idonije will be 32 by mid-season. Cam Johnson is the best player available.
Starting cornerback Tim Jennings will be a free agent this March. If the Bears can't retain him, they'll need depth at the position.
The Bears need depth at defensive tackle after cutting Anthony Adams.
