Get ready for NFL with LeGere's mock draft
The Bears believe they have addressed enough deficiencies through free agent additions and the trade for wide receiver Brandon Marshall that they will have flexibility when the draft kicks off at 7 p.m. Thursday with the first round.
But they are expected to use an early choice — possibly a first-rounder — on an offensive left tackle to protect quarterback Jay Cutler's blind side, or on a pass rusher to help defensive end Julius Peppers get to opposing quarterbacks.
Rounds Two and Three on Friday night could see the Bears add a wide receiver from what is considered a deep class, and perhaps a linebacker to groom behind veterans Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs. Cornerback should not be ruled out at some point in the first three rounds, since there isn't much quality depth behind last year's Pro Bowl pick Charles Tillman, who will be entering his 10th season.
This is the third straight year in which a record number of underclassmen (65) declared early for the draft, and more than half of the first-round picks could be players that had college eligibility remaining. Five players from Alabama and four from Stanford could be taken in the first round.
Eight or nine defensive linemen could hear their names called in Round One, in addition to a couple big linebackers who might project to defensive end. But it's possible just one running back and one safety will be among the first 32 players picked.
Our 2012 NFL mock draft
No. Team Pos. Player, school LeGere's quick comment
1. Colts: *QB Andrew Luck, Stanford No pressure, just be the next Peyton Manning
2. Redskins: *QB Robert Griffin, Baylor More athletic than Luck but not as polished
3. Vikings: *OT Matt Kalil, USC Best available protection for QB Christian Ponder
4. Browns: *RB Trent Richardson, Alabama Immediate help for an offense that needs it
5. Bucs: *CB Morris Claiborne, LSU Impact player just like Patrick Peterson in ‘11
6. Rams: *WR Justin Blackmon, Okla. State He makes QB Sam Bradford better right now
7. Jaguars: *DT Fletcher Cox, Miss. St. Best of the rest provides scheme diversity
8. Dolphins: QB Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M Seems like a reach but they're desperate
9. Panthers: *DT Dontari Poe, Memphis Tremendous upside if he can be motivated
10. Bills: *OT Riley Reiff, Iowa Need WR, CB too, but either is a stretch here
11. Chiefs: DE-OLB Melvin Ingram, S. Carolina They're focused on defense, and he's the best left
12. Seahawks: *LB Luke Kuechly, Bost. College Best fit, safest pick provides production for years
13. Cardinals: *OG David DeCastro, Stanford Not a sexy pick, but easily the best interior OL
14. Cowboys: DE Quinton Coples, No. Carolina More impact than a S, but a gamble on greatness
15. Eagles: S Mark Barron, Alabama Might prefer a DL, but they need help here, too
16. Jets: *LB Don't'a Hightower, Alabama Rex Ryan will be thrilled if he falls this far
17. Bengals: WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame Perfect complement to last year's No. 1, A.J. Green
18. Chargers: OL Cordy Glenn, Georgia At very least he'll start now at OG and maybe OT
19. BEARS: *OT Jonathan Martin, Stanford Now that Cutler has weapons, he needs protection
20. Titans: *CB Stephon Gilmore, S. Carolina Bigger and better character than other top corners
21. Bengals: CB Janoris Jenkins, No. Alabama Talented problem child, but they relish that type
22. Browns: WR Kendall Wright, Baylor Big-play weapon continues emphasis on offense
23. Lions: CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama Too soon for RB, top OTs, gone so CB run continues
24. Steelers: **DT Michael Brockers, LSU They need a young stud in the middle for aging “D”
25. Broncos: DT Jerel Worthy, Michigan State Disruptive force in the middle they're missing
26. Texans: LB Courtney Upshaw, Alabama If he falls, ideal replacement for Mario Williams
27. Patriots: *DE Whitney Mercilus, Illinois An upgrade after they lost Mark Anderson in UFA
28. Packers: *DE Chandler Jones, Syracuse Pass-rush threat; Clay Matthews can't do it alone
29. Ravens: *C Peter Konz, Wisconsin Need help up front; Matt Birk can't play forever
30. 49ers: OG Kevin Zeitler, Wisconsin UFA losses have left them thin in the middle
31. Patriots: RB Doug Martin, Boise State Three-down player who complements pass game
32. Giants: TE Coby Fleener, Stanford Injuries devastated this position last season