Down to 13 days....

[ASHKUM BEAR]

We are under two weeks until the 2014 draft kicks off. The long wait will soon be over. Time to be bold and make some predictions. Who do you think the Bears will draft? You can predict one pick or all 7.

 

Here is my take:

Rd1. RaShede Hageman DT- I don't think Donald will get by 12. Hageman is still learning, athletically gifted, and has size.

Rd2. Deonne Buccanon S - size, speed, and a need

Rd3. Pierre Desir CB- lengthy small school talent with great understanding of work ethic

Rd4. Shayne Skov LB- hard nosed LB that makes plays. One yr removed from injury and getting legs back

Rd5. Walt Aikens CB- loading up on small school DBs, one will emerge

Rd6. DeAnthony Thomas RB- Bears have interest, can play multiple roles

Rd6. Marqueston Huff FS- another S to compete

 

Next..

[scs787]

Since I'm the Bears GM in the community mock draft I can't reveal my picks

 

I'm not so sure I'm comfortable with Palmer as the backup so I'd probably replace Aikens with a QB.

 

Shayne Skov and his 4.95 40 does absolutely nothing for me. I think he's a 3-4 MLB and nothing more.

 

I wonder if DAT was just brought in to see if he can pass block...Otherwise that kinda goes away from the whole "We'd like our #2 RB to be able to pass protect" statement.

[dawhizz]

What I would do:

 

1) Aaron Donald, DT, Pitt - Love him and don't really like the other DTs

**Trade down in 2nd for extra 4th & 7th**

2) Terrence Brooks, S, Florida State - Like his tackling and coverage more than any non 1st round safety.

3) LaMarcus Joyner, CB, Florida State - His size might push him down, but he's tough and can learn a lot from Jennings.

4a) Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU - Not comfortable with Jordan Palmer as a backup. QBs always go lower than they are expected and Mettenberger has the size and arm that Emery & Trestman like.

4b) Trevor Reilly, LB, Utah - Versatile LB to help after the iinevitable DJ Williams injury.

5) Storm Johnson, RB, Central Florida - Bruiser with some shiftyness to spell Forte

6a) Colt Lyerla, TE, Oregon - Tremendously gifted TE with excess baggage. Was at his best when being mentored at Oregon by - wait for it - Kyle Long. Worth a shot, I say.

6b) Cornelius Lucas, OT, Kansas State - Potential swing tackle to develop.

7) Jeremy Gallon, WR, Michigan - I just like him.

 

What I think the Bears will do (that I wouldn't hate):

 

1) Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville - Vision of Conte missed tackles convince them to take the hardest hitting and best tackling safety in the draft.

2) Will Sutton, DT, Arizona State - Bears have worked him out, and his junior numbers were almost identical to Donald's. Then he added weight and lost effectivness. Bears hope he can regain past explosion.

3) Shayne Skov, LB, Stanford - Looks like Bostic is going to be tried at OLB, so they take one of the more NFL-ready LBs to back-up the middle and take over after Williams. I'm not a big fan, but it makes sense.

4) Alfred Blue, RB, LSU - Bears get cute and take physically gifted but little tested Blue. Bears will tout his special teams experience immediately.

5) Walt Aiken, CB, Liberty - Prototypical size for CB position and former Illinois DB.

6a) Jeff Mathews, QB, Cornell - Mettenberger-lite - good size and big arm for Trestman to mold.

6b) Jon Dun Duncan, TE, Dixie State - Pass-catching TE who can make the squad as a long-snapper (since Mannelly may be done) while he develops.

[ASHKUM BEAR]

What I would do:

 

1) Aaron Donald, DT, Pitt - Love him and don't really like the other DTs

**Trade down in 2nd for extra 4th & 7th**

2) Terrence Brooks, S, Florida State - Like his tackling and coverage more than any non 1st round safety.

3) LaMarcus Joyner, CB, Florida State - His size might push him down, but he's tough and can learn a lot from Jennings.

4a) Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU - Not comfortable with Jordan Palmer as a backup. QBs always go lower than they are expected and Mettenberger has the size and arm that Emery & Trestman like.

4b) Trevor Reilly, LB, Utah - Versatile LB to help after the iinevitable DJ Williams injury.

5) Storm Johnson, RB, Central Florida - Bruiser with some shiftyness to spell Forte

6a) Colt Lyerla, TE, Oregon - Tremendously gifted TE with excess baggage. Was at his best when being mentored at Oregon by - wait for it - Kyle Long. Worth a shot, I say.

6b) Cornelius Lucas, OT, Kansas State - Potential swing tackle to develop.

7) Jeremy Gallon, WR, Michigan - I just like him.

 

What I think the Bears will do (that I wouldn't hate):

 

1) Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville - Vision of Conte missed tackles convince them to take the hardest hitting and best tackling safety in the draft.

2) Will Sutton, DT, Arizona State - Bears have worked him out, and his junior numbers were almost identical to Donald's. Then he added weight and lost effectivness. Bears hope he can regain past explosion.

3) Shayne Skov, LB, Stanford - Looks like Bostic is going to be tried at OLB, so they take one of the more NFL-ready LBs to back-up the middle and take over after Williams. I'm not a big fan, but it makes sense.

4) Alfred Blue, RB, LSU - Bears get cute and take physically gifted but little tested Blue. Bears will tout his special teams experience immediately.

5) Walt Aiken, CB, Liberty - Prototypical size for CB position and former Illinois DB.

6a) Jeff Mathews, QB, Cornell - Mettenberger-lite - good size and big arm for Trestman to mold.

6b) Jon Dun Duncan, TE, Dixie State - Pass-catching TE who can make the squad as a long-snapper (since Mannelly may be done) while he develops.

nice work! I like TE Colt Lyeria and think he's worth a look. Long gets along with him. Maybe he can mentor him.

 

[ASHKUM BEAR]

Since I'm the Bears GM in the community mock draft I can't reveal my picks

 

I'm not so sure I'm comfortable with Palmer as the backup so I'd probably replace Aikens with a QB.

 

Shayne Skov and his 4.95 40 does absolutely nothing for me. I think he's a 3-4 MLB and nothing more.

 

I wonder if DAT was just brought in to see if he can pass block...Otherwise that kinda goes away from the whole "We'd like our #2 RB to be able to pass protect" statement.

Well prepare, I asked to be bold. I dont want to see you on here the week after saying yourthey were all your guys. Skov was slow, but so was Vontaze Burfict. You can't teach the skills they have. You have 12 days.

[AZ54]

What I think the Bears will do (that I wouldn't hate):

 

1) Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville - Vision of Conte missed tackles convince them to take the hardest hitting and best tackling safety in the draft.

2) Will Sutton, DT, Arizona State - Bears have worked him out, and his junior numbers were almost identical to Donald's. Then he added weight and lost effectivness. Bears hope he can regain past explosion.

3) Shayne Skov, LB, Stanford - Looks like Bostic is going to be tried at OLB, so they take one of the more NFL-ready LBs to back-up the middle and take over after Williams. I'm not a big fan, but it makes sense.

4) Alfred Blue, RB, LSU - Bears get cute and take physically gifted but little tested Blue. Bears will tout his special teams experience immediately.

5) Walt Aiken, CB, Liberty - Prototypical size for CB position and former Illinois DB.

6a) Jeff Mathews, QB, Cornell - Mettenberger-lite - good size and big arm for Trestman to mold.

6b) Jon Dun Duncan, TE, Dixie State - Pass-catching TE who can make the squad as a long-snapper (since Mannelly may be done) while he develops.

 

Will Sutton didn't just "gain weight" he got fat. I watch quite a few ASU games and he was quicker and more of a force in 2012. Even then he was not anywhere close to the athleticism Donald displays on the field. I'd say he's closer to Melton in terms of upfield quickness but not as agile as Melton. Sutton is not a guy who is going to cut left or right and chase after a player like Russell Wilson. Maybe if he improved his conditioning he'd be better but that's what I saw this past season.

[Stinger226]

Will Sutton didn't just "gain weight" he got fat. I watch quite a few ASU games and he was quicker and more of a force in 2012. Even then he was not anywhere close to the athleticism Donald displays on the field. I'd say he's closer to Melton in terms of upfield quickness but not as agile as Melton. Sutton is not a guy who is going to cut left or right and chase after a player like Russell Wilson. Maybe if he improved his conditioning he'd be better but that's what I saw this past season.

It always bothers me when a player doesnt have a non-stop motor, and doesnt always work hard at his craft. I think there are better choices in the second round at DT when Sutton would have been picked.

[ASHKUM BEAR]

Would you trade your 1st and 3rd for a 1st and 5th if it meant securing Aaron Donald? It is worth a consideration if Tennessee would and we thought NYG would take him at 12.

[scs787]

Would you trade your 1st and 3rd for a 1st and 5th if it meant securing Aaron Donald? It is worth a consideration if Tennessee would and we thought NYG would take him at 12.

 

I love Aaron Donald just as much as anyone and I don't think I'd do it. At least not in this draft that is stockpiled with talent.

[ASHKUM BEAR]

I love Aaron Donald just as much as anyone and I don't think I'd do it. At least not in this draft that is stockpiled with talent.

If it was for Clowney I bet you would. The reason I'd consider this is Donald fills the one position we need the most. Some scouts have said he is a top 5 talent and if he had 2 more inches, he'd be considered the top pick. We still have the same amount of picks, just 100 slots down the chart.

[scs787]

If it was for Clowney I bet you would. The reason I'd consider this is Donald fills the one position we need the most. Some scouts have said he is a top 5 talent and if he had 2 more inches, he'd be considered the top pick. We still have the same amount of picks, just 100 slots down the chart.

 

Oops, I misread the word "for" for "or"....Ya I might consider that.

 

BTW I like Donald more than Clowney.

[ASHKUM BEAR]

Oops, I misread the word "for" for "or"....Ya I might consider that.

 

BTW I like Donald more than Clowney.

I also see Detroit is shopping Suh, they might be in the DT market.

[Stinger226]

Would you trade your 1st and 3rd for a 1st and 5th if it meant securing Aaron Donald? It is worth a consideration if Tennessee would and we thought NYG would take him at 12.

To make that move it would cost more than that. If there is action on Donald, we wont be the only ones going after that pick or another and exchanging a 3 and 5 is chum change.

[dawhizz]

Would you trade your 1st and 3rd for a 1st and 5th if it meant securing Aaron Donald? It is worth a consideration if Tennessee would and we thought NYG would take him at 12.

 

I wouldn't, but that's just because I like the top two safeties a lot too and would have no problem with one of them as our first pick. The nightmare scenario, of course, is if somehow both safeties AND Donald are gone, like in Pat Kirwan's recent mock draft (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/pat-kirwan/24538525/nfl-mock-draft-manziel-only-qb-in-round-1-watkins-moves-up). I would think if the Bears saw two of those guys go, they would do whatever they could to move up to get whichever of the three is left, take Dennard (like Kirwan does) or move down and target one of Jernigan/Hageman/Tuitt/whatever safety they like.

[ASHKUM BEAR]

To make that move it would cost more than that. If there is action on Donald, we wont be the only ones going after that pick or another and exchanging a 3 and 5 is chum change.

Pick 11 is worth 1250, pick 11 is worth 1100. Our 3rd is worth around 200, there 5th around 50. It worked out value wise.

[madlithuanian]

Really?

 

I'll take the fool. Maybe not being around a thug coach can do the guy some good... That would shore up our middle with a quickness...

 

Depends what they want...

 

I also see Detroit is shopping Suh, they might be in the DT market.

 

[ASHKUM BEAR]

Really?

 

I'll take the fool. Maybe not being around a thug coach can do the guy some good... That would shore up our middle with a quickness...

 

Depends what they want...

Detroit may be using Suh as bait to trade up for Watkins.

Another trade possibility is SF looking to trade up for WR Mike Evans. If Evans makes it to 11, doubtful, the Giants would love to move down with multiple needs at TE, OT, C, DT. That may give the Bears a shot at Donald. But SF will be a player in getting Evans.

[ParkerBear7]

Here is my trade back twice and out of the first round scenario: With top FS and CB off the board I elected to trade back and passes on DT Donald to aquire more 2nd and 3rd round picks.

 

http://fanspeak.com/ontheclock/premium/draft.php?d=otqeyc

 

 

 

 

 

39

TE NIKLAS, TROY

NOTRE DAME

 

 

51

DT HAGEMAN, RA'SHEDE

MINNESOTA

 

 

54

S WARD, JIMMIE

NORTHERN ILLINOIS

 

 

70

S REYNOLDS, ED

STANFORD

 

 

82

CB DESIR, PIERRE

LINDENWOOD

 

 

86

ILB JONES, CHRISTIAN

FLORIDA STATE

 

 

117

DT EASLEY, DOMINIQUE

FLORIDA

 

 

144

WR LATIMER, CODY

INDIANA

 

 

156

RB THOMAS, DE'ANTHONY

OREGON

 

 

180

TE LYERLA, COLT

OREGON

 

 

183

CB PURIFOY, LOUCHEIZ

FLORIDA

[jason]

Here is my trade back twice and out of the first round scenario: With top FS and CB off the board I elected to trade back and passes on DT Donald to aquire more 2nd and 3rd round picks.

 

http://fanspeak.com/ontheclock/premium/draft.php?d=otqeyc

 

 

 

 

 

39

TE NIKLAS, TROY

NOTRE DAME

 

 

51

DT HAGEMAN, RA'SHEDE

MINNESOTA

 

 

54

S WARD, JIMMIE

NORTHERN ILLINOIS

 

 

70

S REYNOLDS, ED

STANFORD

 

 

82

CB DESIR, PIERRE

LINDENWOOD

 

 

86

ILB JONES, CHRISTIAN

FLORIDA STATE

 

 

117

DT EASLEY, DOMINIQUE

FLORIDA

 

 

144

WR LATIMER, CODY

INDIANA

 

 

156

RB THOMAS, DE'ANTHONY

OREGON

 

 

180

TE LYERLA, COLT

OREGON

 

 

183

CB PURIFOY, LOUCHEIZ

FLORIDA

 

That ends up being a pretty decent draft, but a #2 TE in the first for the Bears is an atrocious pick.

[ParkerBear7]

That ends up being a pretty decent draft, but a #2 TE in the first for the Bears is an atrocious pick.

 

 

 

 

I traded out of the first round and used the first of my 3 second round picks and took the top remaining TE.

 

 

[ASHKUM BEAR]

That ends up being a pretty decent draft, but a #2 TE in the first for the Bears is an atrocious pick.

Two TE sets is what this offense needs, but the defense needs to be the focus. If this draft somehow fell this way, I'd be ecstatic. It seems unrealistic but hey, it has me dreaming.

I seen a mock today with Buccanon as the first S taken. This was done by ourlads, which were former nfl scouts.

[scs787]

That ends up being a pretty decent draft, but a #2 TE in the first for the Bears is an atrocious pick.

 

 

I guess it depends on what was there and what Trestman wants to do with the offense. It's possible he wants to go heavy on the 2 TE package ala the Pats so it would be a really intriguing pick. In his draft I see he got Hageman with his 2nd pick, but I probably would have grabbed him with the first(I know in hingsight he did get him anyway but you know what I mean).

 

Fanspeak mock are fun but it's hard to really critique because we don't know what else was on the board at the time.

 

Not my official mock, but using those picks, and the WF mock I'd go with....

 

39- Stephon Tuitt DT ND- Should be able to help in both the run and pass game

51- Jimmie Ward FS NIU- Should be a solid FS with his coverage skills.

54- Keith Mcgil CB Utah - Solid CB with good size. Could play outside with Jennings playing nickle in said package. Takes over for Tillman next year

70- Austin Serafian-Jenkins TE Wash- I have to admit I love the idea of 2 TE sets. Some might say ASF is the most complete TE in the draft Blocking/receiving.

82- Daquan Jones DT Penn St.- They set a big DT combo of Jones/Tuitt for years to come. Both are good run defenders who can also push the pocket.

86- Logan Thomas QB UVA- Footwork is his main issue and I think that's something Trestman can fix.

117- Phillip Gaines CB Rice- Bears take advantage of the depth at CB to set them up for the future. Blazing 4.3 speed with good size at 6'.

144- Jeff Janis WR SVS- Really liked him at the senior bowl and he fits the mold of Marshall/Jeffery/Wilson.

154- Max Bullough ILB Mich St- I'll give the masses their slow white MLB they want. If Bostic/Williams fail or get pushed to diff positions he can fill in at MLB

180- Michael Schofield OT/OG Michigan- Another guy I liked at the Senier Bowl, looked good at both OT and OG

184- Tyler Gafney RB Stanford- Most underrated RB in the draft IMO. A bruiser, but still runs a 4.49 which for a back like him is ample speed.

[ParkerBear7]

 

Hard too complain about this draft:

 

 

32

 

S CALVIN PRYOR

 

LOUISVILLE

 

 

55

 

 

DE STEPHON TUITT

 

NOTRE DAME

 

 

81

 

 

DT KELCY QUARLES

 

SOUTH CAROLINA

 

 

89

 

 

DT ANTHONY JOHNSON

 

LSU

 

 

116

 

 

CB KEITH MCGILL

 

UTAH

 

 

117

 

 

CB LOUCHEIZ PURIFOY

 

FLORIDA

 

 

123

 

 

CB ANTONE EXUM

 

VIRIGNIA TECH

 

 

146

 

 

ILB JORDAN ZUMWALT

 

UCLA

 

 

156

 

 

RB TYLER GAFFNEY

 

STANFORD

 

 

164

 

 

WR JEFF JANIS

 

SAGINAW VALLEY STATE

 

 

165

 

 

TE MARCEL JENSEN

 

FRESNO STATE

 

 

168

 

 

TE COLT LYERLA

 

OREGON

 

 

183

 

 

QB LOGAN THOMAS

 

VIRGINIA TECH

 

 

191

 

 

FB TREY MILLARD

 

OKLAHOMA

[jason]

Hard too complain about this draft:

 

32 S CALVIN PRYOR LOUISVILLE

55 DE STEPHON TUITT NOTRE DAME

81 DT KELCY QUARLES SOUTH CAROLINA

89 DT ANTHONY JOHNSON LSU

116 CB KEITH MCGILL UTAH

117 CB LOUCHEIZ PURIFOY FLORIDA

123 CB ANTONE EXUM VIRIGNIA TECH

146 ILB JORDAN ZUMWALT UCLA

156 RB TYLER GAFFNEY STANFORD

164 WR JEFF JANIS SAGINAW VALLEY STATE

165 TE MARCEL JENSEN FRESNO STATE

168 TE COLT LYERLA OREGON

183 QB LOGAN THOMAS VIRGINIA TECH

191 FB TREY MILLARD OKLAHOMA

 

That's a great collection of talent. Must be a crazy number of trades to go back that much and stockpile that much.

I'd normally say, "3 straight CBs and 2 straight TEs?" But holy shit. That would be ridiculous. I like each of the first 8 names. I'd dislike the TEs, but it'd be hard to complain.

 

[dawhizz]

Now down to three days, after hearing Emery's press conference, here's what I think the Bears see themselves doing in the draft (thought this is not necessarily how I would go - a little too risky for me):

 

1) Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville - They would love Donald, but between rumors of Bucs, Vikings, Lions, Titans, and Giants taking him, I think they have to consider him gone.

2) Will Sutton or Dominique Easley, DT - Two guys the Bears have had their eye on with issues (weight and injury respectively), but they want another starter and after missing out on Donald, this is where they get it.

3) Pierre Desir, CB, Lindenwood - CB is more of a future need, so Bears take a developmental prospect with perfect size and hope he's more Charles Tillman than Roosevelt Williams.

4) Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU - Reporters ask Emery, "I thought there was no reason to take a 3rd day QB?" Emery replies that they had 2nd round grade on him, so they don't see him as a 3rd day prospect.

5) RB - I think they would prefer James White because he does everything pretty well (running, receiving, blocking) so he's a good scheme fit but De'Anthony Thomas is a possibility.

6) BPA on offense - This is around the time the Bears take someone who has been sliding and has been on Mel Kiper's "Best Available" for a round or so (See Cornelius Washington), but isn't a clear need.

6) Xavius Boyd, LB, Western Kentucky - Depth at LB who has that "special teams demeanor" the Bears place a premium on.