2011 Chicago Bears Draft Needs
Written by Jack Jones
Head coach Lovie Smith came into the 2010 season on the hot seat. After an 11-5 campaign and a trip to the NFC Championship, Smith was rewarded with a two-year contract extension. Chicago made a huge splash last offseason by signing DE Julius Peppers. It paid major dividends as he wreaked havoc in opposing backfields and clearly still has a lot left in the tank.
The Bears made the most out of the five draft picks they selected last April. They didn’t have a single selections in the first two rounds, but third-rounder Major Wright appears to have a bright future at free safety provided he can stay healthy. The Bears got a steal in the seventh round in ORT J’Marcus Webb, who played in 14 games and started 12 during the regular season.
Chicago has six picks to utilize for the 2011 draft, starting with the 29th selection in Round 1. Our 2011 NFL Mock Draft shows you a player that is likely to be on their radar here.
Top 5 Team Needs
1.) Offensive Line – The Bears’ offensive line was decimated by injuries last season. Aside from OLG Chris Williams and ORT J’Marcus Webb, Chicago is getting very old up front. Frank Omiyale was serviceable at left tackle, but the Bears could look for a young blindside protector early. C Olin Kreutz has been the leader up front for years, but he’s set to be a free agent. Even if they re-sign him they have to be targeting his eventual replacement. Tackle Nate Solder from Colorado would be a perfect fit if he’s still available at No. 29.
2.) Defensive Tackle – With the release of Tommie Harris, the need for a big body along the interior of the defensive line is a pressing one. Antony Adams was a standout last year, but he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent. Finding a player in the mold of Harris would be ideal. DT Christian Ballard from Iowa may just be that guy in the second or third round.
3.) Wide Receiver – GM Jerry Angelo has avoided drafting a receiver in the first round since he came to Chicago back in 2001. I don’t expect him to change that trend in 2011, but finding a true No. 1 receiver for Jay Cutler would give the offense a much-needed boost. Bears fans wanted Anquan Boldin last offseason, and if they don’t find a real No. 1 in free agency, they have to be looking for one in the draft.
4.) Defensive Back – Chicago has little depth in the secondary. Safety is the biggest concern, where starter Danieal Manning is likely to test the free agent market once his contract expires. Chris Harris only has one year left on his deal. While Major Wright showed a ton of promise in his rookie season and is poised to become a full-time starter at free safety, they must be looking for a replacement for either Manning or Harris. At cornerback, Zach Bowman lost his starting job early in 2010 and backup Corey Graham is headed for free agency. Chicago is not in dire need of a starter, but they certainly could use some depth.
5.) Linebacker – On the strong side, last year’s starters Pisa Tinoisamoa and Nick Roach have contracts expiring this offseason. The Bears have a lot invested in MLB Brian Urlacher and WLB Lance Briggs, so they certainly aren’t going to want to pay much for another linebacker. This is a much less pressing need if both Tinoisamoa and Roach are re-signed, but I don’t see that happening.
Individual NFL Team Mock Drafts
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