Bears Blitz

Published by Bryan Dietzler on April 11, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

You may have heard the rumors that the Bears are really interested in Illinois defensive tackle Corey Liuget.  Chicago has worked him out a few times and some seem to think that he would be an ideal fit for Chicago Bears and their need at the defensive tackle position.

Chicago does need some help at the defensive tackle position now that they have let Tommie Harris walk.  You can bet that they are going to select one somewhere in the draft, but will it be in the first round?  That’s possible despite their glaring needs on the offensive line and the Bears will try to go for the best player available at a need position in the first round.

If Liuget is there when the Bears make their pick at No. 29 in the 2011 NFL Draft then it’s almost assured that they would select him with that pick.

So what makes Liuget so special?  First, he has the size that the Bears like in their defensive tackles.  He comes in at 6’2” and weighs 298 pounds.  He is athletic for his size and gets off the line quickly.  He also has nice strength at the point of attack and has a good punch when he gets his hands on offensive linemen.  Liuget has the ability to get into the backfield quickly and break up the running or passing play and does well at shedding blocks to get into the backfield.

He is a high motor and plays hard on each and every play.  Liuget is able to take on double teams well and keeps his feet moving up the field at all times.  He tackles well, hits hard and would fit in well with the Bears because he likes to try to strip the ball during the tackle and has forced several fumbles.

He’s been characterized as a leader on the field and in the film/weight room and is very likable.

But as there are with any player Liuget does have a few draw backs.  While he can rush the passer he doesn’t have a lot of different moves that he can use to get to the passer and will need to develop those in the NFL.  Without these moves, he may be stonewalled by some bigger and better offensive lineman rendering him ineffective.  Liuget has also had some trouble keeping his weight out of control and needs to work on his conditioning.

As mentioned, the Bears have taken a lot of looks at Liuget and could be interested in drafting him if he is there in the first round.  Odds are that he will be so if the Bears find that there isn’t an offensive lineman available at No. 29 and he could be a high impact starter for the on defense right away.

Would it be disappointing to see the Bears select a defensive tackle or would it be beneficial?  Knowing that Chicago has needs on both the offensive and defensive line it’s hoped that they would select an offensive lineman in the first round but if the talent is there (at the defensive line position) then they may choose to go that route.

Read more Chicago Bears news on BleacherReport.com