2011 NFL Draft Thread

[davell]

Darvin Adams turned pro.

[Banedon]

Todd McShay has a new mock draft out today. One of the few that doesn't reflexively have the Bears taking an O-lineman Has them with Drave Nevis:

 

Drake Nevis, DT, LSU

 

Tommie Harris has not taken the next step to become an elite force, and the Bears are always looking for smaller, quicker defensive linemen who fit their scheme. Nevis could provide depth while preparing to step into a starting role. Chicago needs an offensive tackle but the talent dropoff is significant after the top four and no available tackle is worth this pick.

 

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/insider/news/story?id=6036153

 

There's a Kiper mock too, but it's insider only. For some reason, even thought the McShay one says insider in the url, it let me see it.

[rawaction]

Todd McShay has a new mock draft out today. One of the few that doesn't reflexively have the Bears taking an O-lineman Has them with Drave Nevis:

 

Drake Nevis, DT, LSU

 

Tommie Harris has not taken the next step to become an elite force, and the Bears are always looking for smaller, quicker defensive linemen who fit their scheme. Nevis could provide depth while preparing to step into a starting role. Chicago needs an offensive tackle but the talent dropoff is significant after the top four and no available tackle is worth this pick.

 

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/insider/news/story?id=6036153

 

There's a Kiper mock too, but it's insider only. For some reason, even thought the McShay one says insider in the url, it let me see it.

 

Kiper has the Bears taking CB, Aaron Williams of Texas.

 

Corey Liuget is my first choice, but if he's gone, Nevis is a nice pick. Aaron Williams was pretty terrible this year, but he's an elite talent, and would be a solid pick if the Bears can develop him. If you feel you have to go OL, I'd look at Stefan Wisnewski and Mike Pouncey. But I don't think that it's a big dropoff from those 2 and a 2nd round guy like Ben Ijalana out of Villanova or Marcus Cannon out of TCU (both who provide T/G flexibility). The dropoff at DT and CB are huge in this draft.

[jersey cubs fan]

Todd McShay has a new mock draft out today. One of the few that doesn't reflexively have the Bears taking an O-lineman Has them with Drave Nevis:

 

I've only seen 4-5 but most of them seem to be taking somebody other than an OL. Why do you call it reflexively taking a lineman? It's still a real need.

[rawaction]

Todd McShay has a new mock draft out today. One of the few that doesn't reflexively have the Bears taking an O-lineman Has them with Drave Nevis:

 

I've only seen 4-5 but most of them seem to be taking somebody other than an OL. Why do you call it reflexively taking a lineman? It's still a real need.

 

I've probably seen every mock on the internet the last 2 months, and I'd say about 75% of them have the Bears not only taking OL, but taking an OT. I think most people who mock say "52 sacks? Bears need a franchise LT". Nevermind the fact that the Bears have 3 OTs under 27, with an interior line w/ 2 guys well over 30 and another playing out of position. Nevermind the fact that there is no such thing as a franchise LT taken after the 25th pick where the Bears have solidly been placed for a couple months.

[Banedon]

Todd McShay has a new mock draft out today. One of the few that doesn't reflexively have the Bears taking an O-lineman Has them with Drave Nevis:

 

I've only seen 4-5 but most of them seem to be taking somebody other than an OL. Why do you call it reflexively taking a lineman? It's still a real need.

 

Oh I'm not denying that it's a need. I'm just not sure that late first round is where you can get an O-lineman without reaching. That's all. O-line is undoubtedly a need, I just think you can probably get better value at the first round pick with a different position.

[shnsajax]

Todd McShay has a new mock draft out today. One of the few that doesn't reflexively have the Bears taking an O-lineman Has them with Drave Nevis:

 

Drake Nevis, DT, LSU

 

Tommie Harris has not taken the next step to become an elite force, and the Bears are always looking for smaller, quicker defensive linemen who fit their scheme. Nevis could provide depth while preparing to step into a starting role. Chicago needs an offensive tackle but the talent dropoff is significant after the top four and no available tackle is worth this pick.

 

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/insider/news/story?id=6036153

 

There's a Kiper mock too, but it's insider only. For some reason, even thought the McShay one says insider in the url, it let me see it.

 

Kiper has the Bears taking CB, Aaron Williams of Texas.

 

Corey Liuget is my first choice, but if he's gone, Nevis is a nice pick. Aaron Williams was pretty terrible this year, but he's an elite talent, and would be a solid pick if the Bears can develop him. If you feel you have to go OL, I'd look at Stefan Wisnewski and Mike Pouncey. But I don't think that it's a big dropoff from those 2 and a 2nd round guy like Ben Ijalana out of Villanova or Marcus Cannon out of TCU (both who provide T/G flexibility). The dropoff at DT and CB are huge in this draft.

 

The saftey's for Texas sucked this year and Williams was having to cover for Blake Gideon a lot. I would look at what Williams did last year with Earl Thomas playing more than this year.

[Guest]

I understand taking Nevis in McShay's draft (DT is a need and the top 4 OL were gone) but Mel Kiper had the Bears going with a CB (a talented one by CBs are further down the list of needs) with Derek Sherrod and Tyron Smith still available.

 

Whatever. McShay is better than Kiper.

[davell]

Reading the article on Webb, with Martz praising him as much as he does, makes me think he's almost definitely a starter next year. Omiyale? Not sure personally if he'll stay at LT, but he's going to be SOMEWHERE on the line next year, I would think.

 

The more I think about this, the more I think the Bears will go interior linemen over taking a tackle. Could wind up being a slight reach, depending on who's still out there, but I think Martz and Tice are probably relatively happy with our tackles at this stage.

[davell]

http://www.everydayshouldbesaturday.com/2011/1/19/1943956/the-happy-football-life-of-will-hill

 

Will Hill. Rather entertaining fella, just don't want to see him wind up a Bear.

[jersey cubs fan]

Reading the article on Webb, with Martz praising him as much as he does, makes me think he's almost definitely a starter next year. Omiyale? Not sure personally if he'll stay at LT, but he's going to be SOMEWHERE on the line next year, I would think.

 

The more I think about this, the more I think the Bears will go interior linemen over taking a tackle. Could wind up being a slight reach, depending on who's still out there, but I think Martz and Tice are probably relatively happy with our tackles at this stage.

 

They could use help anywhere on the line.

 

They probably need to replace 3 positions within the next 2 years. Omiyale isn't going to hold up longterm as a LT. Kreutz is not worth an extension in a salary cap world, and Garza is fading fast. They went 6 years without drafting a lineman high before getting Williams, and they have already gone 2 years since then without drafting one high.

[Guest]

Webb is young and has room for improvement but I don't think he's athletic enough to be a good tackle. OT is definitely a need. Even if they OTs on the roster are younger than Garza and Kreutz, they're not good and have limited ceilings.

[rawaction]

Webb is young and has room for improvement but I don't think he's athletic enough to be a good tackle. OT is definitely a need. Even if they OTs on the roster are younger than Garza and Kreutz, they're not good and have limited ceilings.

 

I don't agree on Webb. He's a former 4-star recruit to Texas. He got kicked out due to grades his freshman year and spent 4 years with minimal coaching. I think he has made great strides already this season, and a full offseason, minicamp, and camp as the starter at RT with Tice (if no lockout)....then I think he can improve even further.

 

Actually, it is his athleticism that has been raved about from scouts.

 

He has the feet, runs extremely well, that great wingspan, and impressive technique. However it is strength and strength only needed for him to take his game where it needs to be.

 

Prototypical body, natural athlete despite his size. Has lateral movement, nice anchor and arm length to extend and keep rushers at bay. Strong run blocker who is capable of turning his man and getting out into space to neutralize defenders. Could play left or right tackle with his athleticism/strength combination.

 

Strength thing is contradictory, but athleticism comes up both times.

[SpongeWorthy]

Yeah, I'm polyannaish on Webb. He's pretty talented and he's athletic enough to hold up in a 7 step drop. Seems like most of his problems are brain farts with blown assignments and getting owned on occasion by the straight up bull rush.

[rawaction]

Yeah, I'm polyannaish on Webb. He's pretty talented and he's athletic enough to hold up in a 7 step drop. Seems like most of his problems are brain farts with blown assignments and getting owned on occasion by the straight up bull rush.

 

It's a little bit of everything. At times he can be overpowered, he can be run by, he has bad footwork, he's slow out of his stance, he has bad technique. But those mistakes have come further between each other the last 6 or so weeks. I just think he needs more experience and coaching.

 

He really shouldn't be on the field this year. I'm sure if the Bears thought they could have put him on the P-squad they would have. I wouldn't be opposed to drafting a LT and moving Omiyale back to RT for a year, letting J'Marcus basically redshirt. But I'm also fine if they don't draft an OT early and let him play again next year, provided he improves and earns the job in camp.

[mul21]

 

Oh I'm not denying that it's a need. I'm just not sure that late first round is where you can get an O-lineman without reaching. That's all. O-line is undoubtedly a need, I just think you can probably get better value at the first round pick with a different position.

 

Maybe not this year, but the Rams started their 2nd round pick from this year at LT from day 1 and he's going to be at that spot for a long time.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

DJK pleads guilty to MJ possession in exchange for having the other drug charges dropped.

Johnson-Koulianos must also undergo a substance abuse evaluation within 30 days provide a clean urine analysis within 10 days, notify the Johnson County Clerk of Court of any changes of address and pay a $315 civil penalty.

 

I had him pegged as a 4th-5th round guy before this. I wonder if he'll even get a combine invite or drafted at all now.

[hawkeyecub]

DJK pleads guilty to MJ possession in exchange for having the other drug charges dropped.

Johnson-Koulianos must also undergo a substance abuse evaluation within 30 days provide a clean urine analysis within 10 days, notify the Johnson County Clerk of Court of any changes of address and pay a $315 civil penalty.

 

I had him pegged as a 4th-5th round guy before this. I wonder if he'll even get a combine invite or drafted at all now.

 

Today's ruling certainly helps. He's not going to the combine, unless someone drops out and they add him. I think he'll be drafted late though. When this only shows up as a deferred judgment pot charge, it won't drastically drop him.

[Mark Priors Calves]

NFL Network is airing Senior Bowl practice all week.

[Banedon]

Some comments on notable performances from Mondays senior bowl practice:

 

Jake Locker/QB/Washington: Locker struggled almost the entire first day in Mobile. He has an NFL arm, but the accuracy of his throws leaves much to be desired. Locker was constantly high of the mark, forcing receivers to leave their feet as they attempted to make the reception. His passes were also late as pass catchers were usually waiting for the ball to arrive.

 

Leonard Hankerson/WR/Miami: Hankerson proved to be a handful for whomever attempted to cover him. He continually created separation and beat multiple cornerbacks deep to make the downfield catch. Hankerson did not drop a pass all day and made several difficult receptions in practice.

 

Gabe Carimi/T/Wisconsin: Carimi was better than advertised and looked effective as a run blocker and in pass protection. He played with good fundamentals and worked his blocks hard all afternoon. Carimi was stronger than most expected and also displayed solid footwork. He constantly showed the ability to knock pass rushers away from the action.

[Guest]

Where are you getting those comments, Banedon?

 

Leonard Hankerson and Greg Little are the WRs I'd like the Bears to hone in on in rounds 2 or 3 (good size and ability to create separation).

[Banedon]

From Walterfootball.com:

 

Titus Young, WR, Boise State

Wow. I don't want to overreact to one day of practice, but it's going to be difficult not to. Titus Young was breath-taking on the practice field, blowing by defensive backs at will and breaking ankles with deadly jukes. He looks like a hybrid between DeSean Jackson and Mike Wallace.

[Banedon]

Where are you getting those comments, Banedon?

 

Leonard Hankerson and Greg Little are the WRs I'd like the Bears to hone in on in rounds 2 or 3 (good size and ability to create separation).

 

Sorry, thought I posted the link...

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/football/nfl/01/24/senior.bowl.monday/index.html?xid=cnnbin&hpt=Sbin

[rawaction]

From Walterfootball.com:

 

Titus Young, WR, Boise State

Wow. I don't want to overreact to one day of practice, but it's going to be difficult not to. Titus Young was breath-taking on the practice field, blowing by defensive backs at will and breaking ankles with deadly jukes. He looks like a hybrid between DeSean Jackson and Mike Wallace.

 

I read something on him that said. Great fit for teams that run crossing routes w/ fast WRs. Perfect fit for the offenses like those in Philly and Martz's offense in Chicago.

 

I'm a HUGE fan of Titus Young, but I don't want another sub 6', sub 190lb WR, unless you are also bringing in a bigger one.

[javy knows my name]

From Walterfootball.com:

 

Titus Young, WR, Boise State

Wow. I don't want to overreact to one day of practice, but it's going to be difficult not to. Titus Young was breath-taking on the practice field, blowing by defensive backs at will and breaking ankles with deadly jukes. He looks like a hybrid between DeSean Jackson and Mike Wallace.

 

I read something on him that said. Great fit for teams that run crossing routes w/ fast WRs. Perfect fit for the offenses like those in Philly and Martz's offense in Chicago.

 

I'm a HUGE fan of Titus Young, but I don't want another sub 6', sub 190lb WR, unless you are also bringing in a bigger one.

What about him would remind one of Mike Wallace with that size? It sounds like all Jackson to me