Outside the Box Draft Possibilities

[dawhizz]

Now that I've started to look at the draft more closely, I wanted to get some reaction to those who watched more college football than I did regarding a couple players who seem to fit what the Bears might want, but who I haven't heard mentioned much on this board:

 

Max Unger, OL, Oregon - Started for four years, beginning at LT and finishing at center and can probably play every position on the line. Looking at his measurables and combine performance, I can't help but be reminded of Branden Albert last year, who played OG but everyone projected could play LT. Unger seems to offer the same ability, except you KNOW he can play OT. I keep seeing him go in the last first, early second, but doesn't his combination of versatility and track record put him in play at #18?

 

Sean Smith, DB, Utah - Great size for safety or CB at 6'3". He might be gone by the middle of the second and I don't know that he's worth #18, but he seems to offere the size and playmaking ability we are looking for in a FS, especially when you have to match up against big receivers on a regular basis.

 

Are these guys good fits for us? Any other players who aren't listed in many mocks for the Bears who are worth a look?

[nfoligno]

While I see where you are going w/ the Albert comparison, I am not sure it is there. While Unger did play LT for two years in college, I have yet to see anyone really believe he can play outside in the NFL. That doesn't mean he can't, but few believe he has the footspeed or quickness to seal the outside, yet he could be a great inside guy. Albert only had two starts at LT, but his intangibles led many to believe he had the potential to be a great LT.

 

Albert aside, I don't have an issue w/ your outside the box thinking. I like Unger as (a) I think he could play OG right away and ( while Beekman may become a good center, there is little question Unger would offer a considerably higher grade prospect to eventually move over and take over for Kreutz after he leaves.

 

One problem w/ Unger is draft value. He is considered a late 1st round pick, and would be a reach at 18, thus we likely would need to trade down for him.

 

Honestly don't know enough about Smith to really say.

 

Now that I've started to look at the draft more closely, I wanted to get some reaction to those who watched more college football than I did regarding a couple players who seem to fit what the Bears might want, but who I haven't heard mentioned much on this board:

 

Max Unger, OL, Oregon - Started for four years, beginning at LT and finishing at center and can probably play every position on the line. Looking at his measurables and combine performance, I can't help but be reminded of Branden Albert last year, who played OG but everyone projected could play LT. Unger seems to offer the same ability, except you KNOW he can play OT. I keep seeing him go in the last first, early second, but doesn't his combination of versatility and track record put him in play at #18?

 

Sean Smith, DB, Utah - Great size for safety or CB at 6'3". He might be gone by the middle of the second and I don't know that he's worth #18, but he seems to offere the size and playmaking ability we are looking for in a FS, especially when you have to match up against big receivers on a regular basis.

 

Are these guys good fits for us? Any other players who aren't listed in many mocks for the Bears who are worth a look?