Bears Blitz

Published by Bryan Dietzler on April 2, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

Imagine what it would be like in a perfect world where everything you thought your favorite team should do, they actually did.  Take the Bears for example.  Everyone knows that they have needs on the offensive line and the ideal thing for them to do would be to take an offensive lineman in the first round.  But knowing the team’s track record with offensive linemen, they may choose to steer clear of this vital need until the later rounds of the 2011 NFL Draft.

But they can’t afford to let the opportunity of grabbing a good offensive lineman slip away from them in this draft.  They have to take one in the first round (unless there is no one there of course).

So for their first round selection will be dictated by the talent available at No. 29, but you can bet that they will go for either an offensive or defensive lineman at this point.  There are some possibilities there for both positions and some of these guys should be around when Chicago makes their pick in the first round.  But what should the Bears really do?  Should they go with the offensive line or with the defensive line?

The answer is that the Bears need to address the offensive line first.  If they can find that guy that can step in and start right away, whether it’s at tackle or guard, then they will have won in this draft.  Hopefully they will be able get that help in the first round and fix some of the problems that they have on the offensive line.

The second round should be reserved for a defensive tackle (if the Bears don’t take one in the first round) and there are a few players that could be good selections for the Bears.  If they ended up getting one in the first round then look for them to go with an offensive lineman here.

The third round will be toss up.  This could be a good place for the Bears to take a wide receiver or a cornerback because the talent level here at both positions is strong.  The Bears may choose to take a look at guys like Texas cornerback Curtis Brown or Indiana wide receiver Tandon Doss at this point.  Either way it would be a nice place to load up on an extra cornerback or wide receiver.

The fourth round could be the spot where the Bears try to get a center to replace the aging and soon to be retired Olin Kreutz.  They could also try to get a linebacker to help fill their need opposite Lance Briggs especially with the status of both Nick Roach and Pisa Tinoisamoa up in the air.

Perhaps they could take Syracuse linebacker Doug Hogue here.  They are very interested in Houge and they might decide to grab him here.

The fifth round should be a spot where the Bears take another offensive lineman and could look at getting a guard.  They have the guard position in order temporarily, (depending on whether or not they keep Chris Williams at one tackle spot) but need to add some depth there and get someone in there that they can start grooming to take over for the aging Roberto Garza.  Other possibilities include a cornerback, a wide receiver or another offensive lineman.

In the sixth round, the Bears will have several options in which they can pick up some backup type talent at almost any position but perhaps this would be a good place to either try to get a developmental wide receiver or add some depth at the offensive tackle position.  Hopefully the Bears will have already taken a quality starter by now and just fill in some needs with their depth with this, their final pick in the draft.

Of course, Chicago is going to do what they feel is best but the ideal path for them to follow is laid out here somewhat.  Chicago has to get better on the offensive line and there is plenty of opportunity for them to do so in this draft.  Their need at the defensive tackle position should be taken care of easily as well.  Hopefully they can take advantage of what the draft has to offer and get better.

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