2010 NFL Draft

[Guest TerraTor]

3 (75) Myron Rolle: FS/SS Out of football for over a year so may fall to us in 3rd. Great instincts and perfect blend of size and speed. Also, a genius and great leader

 

4 (106) O'Brien Schofield: DE/OLB had a great senior season and very athletic

(106) Riley Cooper: WR really like this kid, could be solid possession WR

 

5 (137) Taylor Price: WR great size and speed combo

(137) Brandon Carter: OG/OT beast of a lineman from a pass heavy team

 

 

Free Agency: Must pickup at least a new starting OT.OG.. Garza blows and Shaffer is crap Really like Logan Mankins OG

 

Also, need a premier DE/DL = Aaron Kampman (UFA) and Casey Hampton (UFA). Peppers of course would be best but no reason to spend a huge wad on Peppers with Kampman much cheaper

 

COrnerback - Leigh Bodden

[flea]

I think Rolle woukld be a nice addition but I think he's gone before the 3rd

[defiantgiant]

I think Rolle woukld be a nice addition but I think he's gone before the 3rd

I'd be surprised if he were gone, actually. This is a great safety crop this year, and Rolle's only going to be able to play strong safety. I don't know where FS/SS came from, but Rolle played a rover-type position at FSU. If anything, it's hard to tell whether he's a jumbo strong safety or a small outside linebacker. Either way, the guy's just not a ballhawk: he's got ONE career interception. There are also some concerns about his range in coverage. He's a very smart, durable, assignment-sound safety, and he'd be great for a team like Detroit or Green Bay that has an established FS to pair him with, but the Bears need a guy like Nate Allen who can play in coverage. Unfortunately, Nate Allen will definitely be gone before the 3rd.

 

Also, O'Brien Schofield will probably be available in the 7th. He destroyed his left knee (tore his ACL and maybe did other damage, too) in Senior Bowl practice. I would have loved to get him in the 4th before the injury, but now teams are going to be wondering if he'll even play again.

 

If I had to do a draft board for the Bears, it would look like this:

3.) T.J. Ward, S, Oregon - Has played both strong and free safety at Oregon after starting out at corner, but FS is his best position. Big hitter, reliable tackler, excellent in zone coverage. Undersized (5'10", 199 lbs.) but extremely strong for his frame (squats 495 and cleans 330.) Doesn't have quite the range to be an Ed Reed-type centerfielder, but is more than good enough in coverage for a team that likes to play 2 deep safeties like Chicago. And did I mention that he can hit? Comes from an Oregon program that has been churning out quality NFL starters in the secondary. Injured his knee in high school, and had a separate injury to the same knee in 2006. Knee hasn't been a problem since, but he'd have to check out medically. Reminds me a lot of a young Mike Brown.

 

4.) Chris Scott, OT, Tennessee - Big, powerful lineman at 6'5" 328 lbs. Played left tackle at Tennessee and gave up very few sacks, but doesn't have the mobility to stay on the left side in the NFL. However, he's an absolute bulldozer in the run game, and should be more than adequate in pass-protection as a right tackle. Started his college career at right guard, and could potentially move back there if he struggles at right tackle, or if James Marten suddenly turns it on.

 

5.) Nate Collins, DT, Virginia - Really interesting prospect: he played a nose tackle in UVa's 3-4, but he's only 6'2" and 280 pounds. Emotional leader and a captain on Virginia's defense, despite only being a starter for 1 year. Also, where a normal nose tackle is a big space-eater, Collins is a disruptive, fairly explosive gap-shooting lineman, leading some evaluators to project him as a one-gap three-technique DT. Has pretty good burst, is an excellent handfighter, and has a nasty swim move and a solid bull-rush...he was apparently the second-hardest 3-tech to block one-on-one at the Senior Bowl, right after Geno Atkins. If he continues to transition well to under tackle, he could spell Tommie Harris, allowing Marcus Harrison to stay at nose tackle and Jarron Gilbert to move to DE.

 

6.) Clifton Geathers, DE, South Carolina - Unbelievable frame: looks lean, almost lanky, despite measuring 6'8" and 285 pounds. Probably should have stayed another year at South Carolina, but decided to declare despite only being given a mid- to late-round grade. Raw, and will need development, but has great bloodlines: brother Robert Geathers is a defensive end for the Bengals, and both his father and uncle were starters in the NFL as well. Total upside pick for his freak physical ability, but if Marinelli is what he's cracked up to be, Geathers and Gilbert could be an intimidating DE tandem in a year or two.

 

7.) James Starks, RB, Buffalo - Could provide an interesting complement to Forte and Kahlil Bell. Former QB who converted to halfback, and looks like an excellent third-down back. Decent size at 6'2" 218 lbs, and very good straight-line speed. Excellent hands as a receiver, caught 127 passes in three seasons at Buffalo. Was productive on the ground, too, rushing for 3140 yards and 34 TDs on 698 carries. Not a terribly shifty runner, more of a one-cut-and-go type of guy. But

once he gets to the "go" part. Would be excellent in a zone-blocking scheme. Will need to work on his blocking. Has a shoulder injury that was surgically repaired back in August, will need to be checked out.

 

UDFA) Trindon Holliday, RB/WR/KR/PR, LSU - Honestly, I don't know what we'd do with this little guy, but he's quite possibly the fastest player in football at any level, anywhere. Has been timed at 4.28 in the 40-yard dash, from a two-point stance, while wearing basketball shoes. The coaches didn't believe it, so he did it again and ran a 4.27. Borderline Olympic-level track athlete, but is a football player running track, not the other way around. Despite primarily training for football, runs the 100-meter in 10 seconds flat. Used to run the first leg on LSU's 4x100 relay team, but the second runner couldn't time his starts because Holliday's feet were moving too fast to see. Incredibly tiny (5'5" and 165 lbs.) but has a bowling-pin physique like a smaller Maurice Jones-Drew, and is not shy about contact. However the Bears wanted to use him, Holliday's speed and tackle-breaking ability would make him a weapon.

[madlithuanian]

Nice write up! Thanks for the insight...

 

I'd be surprised if he were gone, actually. This is a great safety crop this year, and Rolle's only going to be able to play strong safety. I don't know where FS/SS came from, but Rolle played a rover-type position at FSU. If anything, it's hard to tell whether he's a jumbo strong safety or a small outside linebacker. Either way, the guy's just not a ballhawk: he's got ONE career interception. There are also some concerns about his range in coverage. He's a very smart, durable, assignment-sound safety, and he'd be great for a team like Detroit or Green Bay that has an established FS to pair him with, but the Bears need a guy like Nate Allen who can play in coverage. Unfortunately, Nate Allen will definitely be gone before the 3rd.

 

Also, O'Brien Schofield will probably be available in the 7th. He destroyed his left knee (tore his ACL and maybe did other damage, too) in Senior Bowl practice. I would have loved to get him in the 4th before the injury, but now teams are going to be wondering if he'll even play again.

 

If I had to do a draft board for the Bears, it would look like this:

3.) T.J. Ward, S, Oregon - Has played both strong and free safety at Oregon after starting out at corner, but FS is his best position. Big hitter, reliable tackler, excellent in zone coverage. Undersized (5'10", 199 lbs.) but extremely strong for his frame (squats 495 and cleans 330.) Doesn't have quite the range to be an Ed Reed-type centerfielder, but is more than good enough in coverage for a team that likes to play 2 deep safeties like Chicago. And did I mention that he can hit? Comes from an Oregon program that has been churning out quality NFL starters in the secondary. Injured his knee in high school, and had a separate injury to the same knee in 2006. Knee hasn't been a problem since, but he'd have to check out medically. Reminds me a lot of a young Mike Brown.

 

4.) Chris Scott, OT, Tennessee - Big, powerful lineman at 6'5" 328 lbs. Played left tackle at Tennessee and gave up very few sacks, but doesn't have the mobility to stay on the left side in the NFL. However, he's an absolute bulldozer in the run game, and should be more than adequate in pass-protection as a right tackle. Started his college career at right guard, and could potentially move back there if he struggles at right tackle, or if James Marten suddenly turns it on.

 

5.) Nate Collins, DT, Virginia - Really interesting prospect: he played a nose tackle in UVa's 3-4, but he's only 6'2" and 280 pounds. Emotional leader and a captain on Virginia's defense, despite only being a starter for 1 year. Also, where a normal nose tackle is a big space-eater, Collins is a disruptive, fairly explosive gap-shooting lineman, leading some evaluators to project him as a one-gap three-technique DT. Has pretty good burst, is an excellent handfighter, and has a nasty swim move and a solid bull-rush...he was apparently the second-hardest 3-tech to block one-on-one at the Senior Bowl, right after Geno Atkins. If he continues to transition well to under tackle, he could spell Tommie Harris, allowing Marcus Harrison to stay at nose tackle and Jarron Gilbert to move to DE.

 

6.) Clifton Geathers, DE, South Carolina - Unbelievable frame: looks lean, almost lanky, despite measuring 6'8" and 285 pounds. Probably should have stayed another year at South Carolina, but decided to declare despite only being given a mid- to late-round grade. Raw, and will need development, but has great bloodlines: brother Robert Geathers is a defensive end for the Bengals, and both his father and uncle were starters in the NFL as well. Total upside pick for his freak physical ability, but if Marinelli is what he's cracked up to be, Geathers and Gilbert could be an intimidating DE tandem in a year or two.

 

7.) James Starks, RB, Buffalo - Could provide an interesting complement to Forte and Kahlil Bell. Former QB who converted to halfback, and looks like an excellent third-down back. Decent size at 6'2" 218 lbs, and very good straight-line speed. Excellent hands as a receiver, caught 127 passes in three seasons at Buffalo. Was productive on the ground, too, rushing for 3140 yards and 34 TDs on 698 carries. Not a terribly shifty runner, more of a one-cut-and-go type of guy. But

once he gets to the "go" part. Would be excellent in a zone-blocking scheme. Will need to work on his blocking. Has a shoulder injury that was surgically repaired back in August, will need to be checked out.

 

UDFA) Trindon Holliday, RB/WR/KR/PR, LSU - Honestly, I don't know what we'd do with this little guy, but he's quite possibly the fastest player in football at any level, anywhere. Has been timed at 4.28 in the 40-yard dash, from a two-point stance, while wearing basketball shoes. The coaches didn't believe it, so he did it again and ran a 4.27. Borderline Olympic-level track athlete, but is a football player running track, not the other way around. Despite primarily training for football, runs the 100-meter in 10 seconds flat. Used to run the first leg on LSU's 4x100 relay team, but the second runner couldn't time his starts because Holliday's feet were moving too fast to see. Incredibly tiny (5'5" and 165 lbs.) but has a bowling-pin physique like a smaller Maurice Jones-Drew, and is not shy about contact. However the Bears wanted to use him, Holliday's speed and tackle-breaking ability would make him a weapon.

 

[defiantgiant]

So I think this thread is as good a place as any for this - according to Brad Biggs, Angelo was personally scouting at both the East-West Shrine Game and the Texas vs. The Nation Game. Here are a few prospects who reportedly did well at each...maybe there's somebody Angelo's targeting. I'll do the East-West Game first:

 

Roger Saffold, OT, Indiana - Polished, better-than-advertised right tackle prospect. Good-not-great size at 6'5" and 312 pounds, holds up exceedingly well in pass protection, and pretty good as an in-line run blocker. Mobile enough to pull and trap. NFLDraftScout Projected Round: 3-4

 

Kam Chancellor, FS, Virginia Tech - Poor man's Taylor Mays. Jumbo safety (6'3" and 232 lbs.) who has good straight-line speed but isn't very agile in space. Former corner, and excellent at jamming receivers at the line. Was productive for the Hokies, but their DBs have a track record of struggling to adjust in the NFL. Probably best as an in-the-box SS or a nickel DB at the next level, but physical ability is intriguing. NFLDraftScout Projected Round: 3-4

 

Sergio Render, OG, Virginia Tech - Leader on the Tech offensive line. Squatty, powerful lineman, but has short arms and limited range. Some durability questions after shoulder surgery in 2008 and a pectorals injury this year. Potential starter or borderline-starting backup if he clears medically. NFLDraftScout Projected Round: 5-6

 

Greg Hardy, DE, Ole Miss - Has the size/speed combination for the position (6'4" 279 pounds, 4.67 in the 40) and is a talented pass rusher, but runs very hot and cold. Will get handled one-on-one when he takes plays off, other times shows tons of ability. Good bull-rush, arm-over, and swim move. NFLDraftScout Projected Round: 2-3

 

Dmitri Nance, RB, Arizona State - Square, between-the-tackles running back who is difficult to bring down. Powerful build at only 5'9" but 224 pounds. Has adequate speed (4.56 int the 40) for a short-yardage back, but not much more. NFP's scouting correspondent said it best: "Nance is so thick and compact that tackling him is like trying to wrap up a Coke machine." NFLDraftScout Projected Round: FA

 

Other Prospects: Both Nate Collins and TJ Ward (who are in my mock) did well for themselves at the East-West Game. NFP liked Collins' interior pass-rushing ability, and thought he could develop into a nickel rusher or a rotational player at DT. Their report on TJ Ward was pretty good, too: "Ward isn’t the biggest or most physical athlete playing the position here, but the guy is an instinctive football player who knows how to decipher information and get after the ball. He displayed impressive bend, footwork and overall fluidity in coverage Monday and has the ability to redirect, accelerate and quickly close on the play. He has a tendency to get caught ball-watching and will take himself out of plays at times freelancing, but he looks like a player at the next level."

[Connorbear]

I'd be surprised if he were gone, actually. This is a great safety crop this year, and Rolle's only going to be able to play strong safety. I don't know where FS/SS came from, but Rolle played a rover-type position at FSU. If anything, it's hard to tell whether he's a jumbo strong safety or a small outside linebacker. Either way, the guy's just not a ballhawk: he's got ONE career interception. There are also some concerns about his range in coverage. He's a very smart, durable, assignment-sound safety, and he'd be great for a team like Detroit or Green Bay that has an established FS to pair him with, but the Bears need a guy like Nate Allen who can play in coverage. Unfortunately, Nate Allen will definitely be gone before the 3rd.

 

Also, O'Brien Schofield will probably be available in the 7th. He destroyed his left knee (tore his ACL and maybe did other damage, too) in Senior Bowl practice. I would have loved to get him in the 4th before the injury, but now teams are going to be wondering if he'll even play again.

 

If I had to do a draft board for the Bears, it would look like this:

3.) T.J. Ward, S, Oregon - Has played both strong and free safety at Oregon after starting out at corner, but FS is his best position. Big hitter, reliable tackler, excellent in zone coverage. Undersized (5'10", 199 lbs.) but extremely strong for his frame (squats 495 and cleans 330.) Doesn't have quite the range to be an Ed Reed-type centerfielder, but is more than good enough in coverage for a team that likes to play 2 deep safeties like Chicago. And did I mention that he can hit? Comes from an Oregon program that has been churning out quality NFL starters in the secondary. Injured his knee in high school, and had a separate injury to the same knee in 2006. Knee hasn't been a problem since, but he'd have to check out medically. Reminds me a lot of a young Mike Brown.

 

4.) Chris Scott, OT, Tennessee - Big, powerful lineman at 6'5" 328 lbs. Played left tackle at Tennessee and gave up very few sacks, but doesn't have the mobility to stay on the left side in the NFL. However, he's an absolute bulldozer in the run game, and should be more than adequate in pass-protection as a right tackle. Started his college career at right guard, and could potentially move back there if he struggles at right tackle, or if James Marten suddenly turns it on.

 

5.) Nate Collins, DT, Virginia - Really interesting prospect: he played a nose tackle in UVa's 3-4, but he's only 6'2" and 280 pounds. Emotional leader and a captain on Virginia's defense, despite only being a starter for 1 year. Also, where a normal nose tackle is a big space-eater, Collins is a disruptive, fairly explosive gap-shooting lineman, leading some evaluators to project him as a one-gap three-technique DT. Has pretty good burst, is an excellent handfighter, and has a nasty swim move and a solid bull-rush...he was apparently the second-hardest 3-tech to block one-on-one at the Senior Bowl, right after Geno Atkins. If he continues to transition well to under tackle, he could spell Tommie Harris, allowing Marcus Harrison to stay at nose tackle and Jarron Gilbert to move to DE.

 

6.) Clifton Geathers, DE, South Carolina - Unbelievable frame: looks lean, almost lanky, despite measuring 6'8" and 285 pounds. Probably should have stayed another year at South Carolina, but decided to declare despite only being given a mid- to late-round grade. Raw, and will need development, but has great bloodlines: brother Robert Geathers is a defensive end for the Bengals, and both his father and uncle were starters in the NFL as well. Total upside pick for his freak physical ability, but if Marinelli is what he's cracked up to be, Geathers and Gilbert could be an intimidating DE tandem in a year or two.

 

7.) James Starks, RB, Buffalo - Could provide an interesting complement to Forte and Kahlil Bell. Former QB who converted to halfback, and looks like an excellent third-down back. Decent size at 6'2" 218 lbs, and very good straight-line speed. Excellent hands as a receiver, caught 127 passes in three seasons at Buffalo. Was productive on the ground, too, rushing for 3140 yards and 34 TDs on 698 carries. Not a terribly shifty runner, more of a one-cut-and-go type of guy. But

once he gets to the "go" part. Would be excellent in a zone-blocking scheme. Will need to work on his blocking. Has a shoulder injury that was surgically repaired back in August, will need to be checked out.

 

UDFA) Trindon Holliday, RB/WR/KR/PR, LSU - Honestly, I don't know what we'd do with this little guy, but he's quite possibly the fastest player in football at any level, anywhere. Has been timed at 4.28 in the 40-yard dash, from a two-point stance, while wearing basketball shoes. The coaches didn't believe it, so he did it again and ran a 4.27. Borderline Olympic-level track athlete, but is a football player running track, not the other way around. Despite primarily training for football, runs the 100-meter in 10 seconds flat. Used to run the first leg on LSU's 4x100 relay team, but the second runner couldn't time his starts because Holliday's feet were moving too fast to see. Incredibly tiny (5'5" and 165 lbs.) but has a bowling-pin physique like a smaller Maurice Jones-Drew, and is not shy about contact. However the Bears wanted to use him, Holliday's speed and tackle-breaking ability would make him a weapon.

I like this draft. No way do I spend any picks on WR.

 

Peace

 

[defiantgiant]

I like this draft. No way do I spend any picks on WR.

Thanks, man! I feel the same way...Lovie & Co. need to just work on bringing along the young guys we already have.

 

Also, to follow up on my last post, here are some standouts from the Texas vs. The Nation Game, where Angelo was reportedly doing some scouting:

 

Jared Veldheer, OT, Hillsdale - Looks like this year's Sebastian Vollmer: a small-school tackle with ridiculous measurables. Huge frame at 6'8" and 315 pounds, and has absurd athleticism for his size...the guy runs a 4.89 40. Dominant LT at his level, but did go to a tiny college in the GLIAC conference. Smooth in pass-protection and consistently negated the best pass rushers one-on-one in TvTN practices. If Martz wants a right tackle who can pass-protect like a left tackle, this would be the pick. NFLDraftScout Projected Round: 3

 

Junior Galette, DE, Stillman - Undersized defensive end (6'2" 244 lbs.) but has an explosive first step and developing repertoire of pass-rushing moves. Good counter, outside-in, and spin moves, but not much of a bull rusher. Could be either a nickel rush DE or a 3-4 OLB. Character may be an issue - transferred from Temple after being suspended for violating team rules. NFLDraftScout Projected Round: FA

 

Toney Baker, RB, NC State - Prototype size at 5'10" and 229 pounds. Adequate speed, but not exceptional. Had a knee injury in 2007 that required surgery, but returned to play without issue. Powerful rusher, runs behind his pads and lowers his shoulder. Runs through arm tackles and is not afraid of contact. Somewhat limited agility to redirect - made defenders miss in college, but might struggle with it in the NFL. Good hands as a receiver, could develop into a third-down back. NFLDraftScout Projected Round: FA

 

Ryan Perrilloux, QB, Jacksonville State - Interesting prospect. Former LSU player who was a consensus five-star recruit, dismissed from LSU for multiple violations of team rules, but was eventually cleared of most of them. Former coach speaks highly of him, as does his current coach at Jacksonville State. Good size (6'2" 228 pounds) and excellent arm strength. Great touch and placement on deep passes, throws the out route very well. Needs to work on taking snaps from under center, and needs to improve timing/placement on shorter throws. Not a running QB, but is very mobile and can buy time. Is a tremendous natural talent who will be available late in the draft due to his checkered past. NFLDraftScout Projected Round: 7-Priority FA

 

J'Marcus Webb, OT, West Texas A&M - Physical specimen at 6'7" and 335 pounds. Mobile for his size and has plenty of ability in pass protection and run-blocking. Can get to the second level to block linebackers and DBs. Effort and desire to play are concerns. Originally recruited at Texas, where he played 12 games at tackle as a true freshman. Left UT and spent a year in junior college before coming to West Texas A&M. WT's line allowed just 19 sacks in 13 games in 2008, with Webb starting every game at left tackle. NFLDraftScout Projected Round: FA

 

Deji Karim, RB, Southern Illinois - Very elusive, shifty, sudden back. Compact, solid frame (5'8" 210 pounds) and good-to-very-good speed. Good explosiveness and ability to redirect - consistently makes the first defender miss, both in the open field and in the hole. Exceptional ball security - has NEVER fumbled in college. Difficult to bring down after contact, and generates good power from his lower body. Overaged due to 2 years of junior college and missed 2008 with a serious knee injury (partially torn patellar tendon) of the type that has hampered Cadillac Williams' career. Has returned from the injury and subsequent surgery, however, and has been tremendously productive in 2009, rushing for 1694 yards and 18 scores on just 240 carries (over 7 yards per attempt.) Will need to work on his blocking, but could become a high-end change-of-pace back in the mold of Ahmad Bradshaw. NFLDraftScout Projected Round: 7-Priority FA

[nfoligno]

I like this draft. No way do I spend any picks on WR.

 

Agreed. Honestly, I don't get it. For years, we have had crap at WR. While I am not going to pretend we were loaded w/ pro bowl WRs this past year, I will say this. For the first time in as long as I can remember, we had a group of good looked, talented, young Wrs who showed development and promise.

 

Every offseason fans complain that we don't draft well and/or don't develop players. Well, if we never give the young players an opportunity, how can they develop?

 

Hester - I swear, to some fans it is like he has to be either Steve Smith or he is a bust. Hester may never be a great WR, but I think he can be a good one. I really just do not believe many consider what sort of learning curve he had. Rookies were on the team last year w/ more experience as a WR than Hester. He has shown development each season, and that is what we should be looking for.

 

Bennett - Not a stud, but stepped up in his first year as a starter, showing develop and solid possession WR play.

 

Knox - He was a rookie, who many (myself included) felt would need a couple years to develop and adapt to the NFL speed coming from a small school, but he hit the scene running (pun intended). His role was limited, which I think was a very good thing, but w/ time his learning and role will expand.

 

DA - He was set to have a major role, but then suffered an injury just prior to the season. Since we really only used 3 WRs in Turner's offense, and the 4th WR was always a special teams guy, he found no role until late in the year when Hester was injured. But when given a chance, he shineed.

 

Iglesias - Still going to give the kid props. I think he was essentially red shirted the way we did Bennett. Bennett didn't appear to have a spot his rookie year w/ veterans on the team, and again, Turner's system which didn't utilize many WRs. We didn't have the veterans last year, but I think it was a similar situation. If we couldn't find a role for DA, why expect one for the rookie Iglesias. Knox got the nod due to his speed, but Iglesias is similar to Bennett, though faster/quicker. Anyway, I still think this is another young player who will have a role on this team.

 

Point is, we have a group of young, talented receivers here. We also finally have a QB who can help a WR develop, rather than having a QB who needs WRs to prop him up. I love our WR corp, and see no need to add to it. IMHO, changes along the OL and playcalling are what this offense needs, not the addition of another WR.

[AZ54]

So I think this thread is as good a place as any for this - according to Brad Biggs, Angelo was personally scouting at both the East-West Shrine Game and the Texas vs. The Nation Game. Here are a few prospects who reportedly did well at each...maybe there's somebody Angelo's targeting. I'll do the East-West Game first:

 

Roger Saffold, OT, Indiana - Polished, better-than-advertised right tackle prospect. Good-not-great size at 6'5" and 312 pounds, holds up exceedingly well in pass protection, and pretty good as an in-line run blocker. Mobile enough to pull and trap. NFLDraftScout Projected Round: 3-4

 

Kam Chancellor, FS, Virginia Tech - Poor man's Taylor Mays. Jumbo safety (6'3" and 232 lbs.) who has good straight-line speed but isn't very agile in space. Former corner, and excellent at jamming receivers at the line. Was productive for the Hokies, but their DBs have a track record of struggling to adjust in the NFL. Probably best as an in-the-box SS or a nickel DB at the next level, but physical ability is intriguing. NFLDraftScout Projected Round: 3-4

 

Sergio Render, OG, Virginia Tech - Leader on the Tech offensive line. Squatty, powerful lineman, but has short arms and limited range. Some durability questions after shoulder surgery in 2008 and a pectorals injury this year. Potential starter or borderline-starting backup if he clears medically. NFLDraftScout Projected Round: 5-6

 

Greg Hardy, DE, Ole Miss - Has the size/speed combination for the position (6'4" 279 pounds, 4.67 in the 40) and is a talented pass rusher, but runs very hot and cold. Will get handled one-on-one when he takes plays off, other times shows tons of ability. Good bull-rush, arm-over, and swim move. NFLDraftScout Projected Round: 2-3

 

Dmitri Nance, RB, Arizona State - Square, between-the-tackles running back who is difficult to bring down. Powerful build at only 5'9" but 224 pounds. Has adequate speed (4.56 int the 40) for a short-yardage back, but not much more. NFP's scouting correspondent said it best: "Nance is so thick and compact that tackling him is like trying to wrap up a Coke machine." NFLDraftScout Projected Round: FA

 

Other Prospects: Both Nate Collins and TJ Ward (who are in my mock) did well for themselves at the East-West Game. NFP liked Collins' interior pass-rushing ability, and thought he could develop into a nickel rusher or a rotational player at DT. Their report on TJ Ward was pretty good, too: "Ward isn’t the biggest or most physical athlete playing the position here, but the guy is an instinctive football player who knows how to decipher information and get after the ball. He displayed impressive bend, footwork and overall fluidity in coverage Monday and has the ability to redirect, accelerate and quickly close on the play. He has a tendency to get caught ball-watching and will take himself out of plays at times freelancing, but he looks like a player at the next level."

 

I watched Dmitri Nance all season long and I saw nothing to make me feel we need him. He has no burst or quickness to speak of and won't be very effective in the NFL. For his size he doesn't run with a lot of power but is capable of moving defenders backwards at times. In his defense ASU had zero passing game so he faced a lot of defenders on every running play but even when he had some space to run he can't get past a defender. We have Bell on the roster and I see no need to waste even a late round pick on Nance, perhaps as UDFA just to see what he's got.

 

[azbearsfan]

I watched Dmitri Nance all season long and I saw nothing to make me feel we need him. He has no burst or quickness to speak of and won't be very effective in the NFL. For his size he doesn't run with a lot of power but is capable of moving defenders backwards at times. In his defense ASU had zero passing game so he faced a lot of defenders on every running play but even when he had some space to run he can't get past a defender. We have Bell on the roster and I see no need to waste even a late round pick on Nance, perhaps as UDFA just to see what he's got.

 

 

Agreed. I am not a fan at all.

[lemonej]

I'd be surprised if he were gone, actually. This is a great safety crop this year, and Rolle's only going to be able to play strong safety. I don't know where FS/SS came from, but Rolle played a rover-type position at FSU. If anything, it's hard to tell whether he's a jumbo strong safety or a small outside linebacker. Either way, the guy's just not a ballhawk: he's got ONE career interception. There are also some concerns about his range in coverage. He's a very smart, durable, assignment-sound safety, and he'd be great for a team like Detroit or Green Bay that has an established FS to pair him with, but the Bears need a guy like Nate Allen who can play in coverage. Unfortunately, Nate Allen will definitely be gone before the 3rd.

 

Also, O'Brien Schofield will probably be available in the 7th. He destroyed his left knee (tore his ACL and maybe did other damage, too) in Senior Bowl practice. I would have loved to get him in the 4th before the injury, but now teams are going to be wondering if he'll even play again.

 

If I had to do a draft board for the Bears, it would look like this:

3.) T.J. Ward, S, Oregon - Has played both strong and free safety at Oregon after starting out at corner, but FS is his best position. Big hitter, reliable tackler, excellent in zone coverage. Undersized (5'10", 199 lbs.) but extremely strong for his frame (squats 495 and cleans 330.) Doesn't have quite the range to be an Ed Reed-type centerfielder, but is more than good enough in coverage for a team that likes to play 2 deep safeties like Chicago. And did I mention that he can hit? Comes from an Oregon program that has been churning out quality NFL starters in the secondary. Injured his knee in high school, and had a separate injury to the same knee in 2006. Knee hasn't been a problem since, but he'd have to check out medically. Reminds me a lot of a young Mike Brown.

 

4.) Chris Scott, OT, Tennessee - Big, powerful lineman at 6'5" 328 lbs. Played left tackle at Tennessee and gave up very few sacks, but doesn't have the mobility to stay on the left side in the NFL. However, he's an absolute bulldozer in the run game, and should be more than adequate in pass-protection as a right tackle. Started his college career at right guard, and could potentially move back there if he struggles at right tackle, or if James Marten suddenly turns it on.

 

5.) Nate Collins, DT, Virginia - Really interesting prospect: he played a nose tackle in UVa's 3-4, but he's only 6'2" and 280 pounds. Emotional leader and a captain on Virginia's defense, despite only being a starter for 1 year. Also, where a normal nose tackle is a big space-eater, Collins is a disruptive, fairly explosive gap-shooting lineman, leading some evaluators to project him as a one-gap three-technique DT. Has pretty good burst, is an excellent handfighter, and has a nasty swim move and a solid bull-rush...he was apparently the second-hardest 3-tech to block one-on-one at the Senior Bowl, right after Geno Atkins. If he continues to transition well to under tackle, he could spell Tommie Harris, allowing Marcus Harrison to stay at nose tackle and Jarron Gilbert to move to DE.

 

6.) Clifton Geathers, DE, South Carolina - Unbelievable frame: looks lean, almost lanky, despite measuring 6'8" and 285 pounds. Probably should have stayed another year at South Carolina, but decided to declare despite only being given a mid- to late-round grade. Raw, and will need development, but has great bloodlines: brother Robert Geathers is a defensive end for the Bengals, and both his father and uncle were starters in the NFL as well. Total upside pick for his freak physical ability, but if Marinelli is what he's cracked up to be, Geathers and Gilbert could be an intimidating DE tandem in a year or two.

 

7.) James Starks, RB, Buffalo - Could provide an interesting complement to Forte and Kahlil Bell. Former QB who converted to halfback, and looks like an excellent third-down back. Decent size at 6'2" 218 lbs, and very good straight-line speed. Excellent hands as a receiver, caught 127 passes in three seasons at Buffalo. Was productive on the ground, too, rushing for 3140 yards and 34 TDs on 698 carries. Not a terribly shifty runner, more of a one-cut-and-go type of guy. But

once he gets to the "go" part. Would be excellent in a zone-blocking scheme. Will need to work on his blocking. Has a shoulder injury that was surgically repaired back in August, will need to be checked out.

 

UDFA) Trindon Holliday, RB/WR/KR/PR, LSU - Honestly, I don't know what we'd do with this little guy, but he's quite possibly the fastest player in football at any level, anywhere. Has been timed at 4.28 in the 40-yard dash, from a two-point stance, while wearing basketball shoes. The coaches didn't believe it, so he did it again and ran a 4.27. Borderline Olympic-level track athlete, but is a football player running track, not the other way around. Despite primarily training for football, runs the 100-meter in 10 seconds flat. Used to run the first leg on LSU's 4x100 relay team, but the second runner couldn't time his starts because Holliday's feet were moving too fast to see. Incredibly tiny (5'5" and 165 lbs.) but has a bowling-pin physique like a smaller Maurice Jones-Drew, and is not shy about contact. However the Bears wanted to use him, Holliday's speed and tackle-breaking ability would make him a weapon.

 

More on Chris Scott according to some reports he went more than 700 snaps without giving up a sack while protecting his Qbs blindside during the season but during Senior Bowl practice it was proven beyond a doubt that he didn't belong on the left side as he struggled one on one with top pass rushers.

[OmahaBear]

Sorry but Holiday doesn't have tackle breaking ability.. I've watched him for several years, it doesn't really take much to bring him down. The threat is if he gets by you or in open space, he will eat up yards fast.

[defiantgiant]

Sorry but Holiday doesn't have tackle breaking ability.. I've watched him for several years, it doesn't really take much to bring him down. The threat is if he gets by you or in open space, he will eat up yards fast.

Brain fart. That should have read "game-breaking." I've watched Holliday play, and nobody who plays football at ~165 pounds is going to break a lot of tackles.

 

And on Nance, I haven't actually seen full-game film of him, just highlights. Anybody who's watched him care to comment more? Specifically, do you guys think he'd be good as a short-yardage back? I'd prefer a guy like Karim with some explosiveness to him, but the Bears were awful in short-yardage and goal-line running this year, and I think they could do a lot worse than bringing in a short-yardage back as a UDFA.

[defiantgiant]

More on Chris Scott according to some reports he went more than 700 snaps without giving up a sack while protecting his Qbs blindside during the season but during Senior Bowl practice it was proven beyond a doubt that he didn't belong on the left side as he struggled one on one with top pass rushers.

 

Yeah, he's not going to be a left tackle in the NFL, which will push him way down in the draft. I do think he's got more than enough ability in pass-protection to play on the right side, though, and that's where Chicago needs somebody. With the free agency market being so talent-poor this year, I'm really hoping Lovie and Angelo address RT in the draft.

[lemonej]

Yeah, he's not going to be a left tackle in the NFL, which will push him way down in the draft. I do think he's got more than enough ability in pass-protection to play on the right side, though, and that's where Chicago needs somebody. With the free agency market being so talent-poor this year, I'm really hoping Lovie and Angelo address RT in the draft.

DFG a guy I covet for the Bears is Mississippi OG John Jerry who is versatile enough to move back outside to OT but just fine where he is. I also like U Mass' Vladimir Ducasse who projects inside but also played OT.

What your opinion of these two?

[AZ54]

Brain fart. That should have read "game-breaking." I've watched Holliday play, and nobody who plays football at ~165 pounds is going to break a lot of tackles.

 

And on Nance, I haven't actually seen full-game film of him, just highlights. Anybody who's watched him care to comment more? Specifically, do you guys think he'd be good as a short-yardage back? I'd prefer a guy like Karim with some explosiveness to him, but the Bears were awful in short-yardage and goal-line running this year, and I think they could do a lot worse than bringing in a short-yardage back as a UDFA.

 

 

On Nance:

short yardage move the pile - nope

short yardage burst to the hole - nope

short yardage speed to get to the corner - nope

[dawhizz]

My picks (at this point):

 

3) Mike Johnson, OG, Alabama - A guy who can anchor against the pass and create a big push for the run, with a lot of experience in big games against big-time opponents. I think he can start as a rookie, especially given our recent O-line struggles.

4) Robert Johnson, S, Utah - Pure free safety with good hands and a knack for making big plays. Plus, gives the secondary a safety with legit NFL safety size at 6'2", 200 lbs.

5) Patrick Stoudamire, CB, Western Illinois - I'm scared to death of our CBs at this point. Tillman has gone way downhill and doesn't tackle any more. I like Bowman and Graham, but neither are sure things at this point. We haven't seen anything from DJ Moore. So I'll take this kid from down the road who apparently did not allow a TD pass during his career at Western and has shown pretty good ability in the Shrine Game.

6) Jammie Kirlew, DE, Indiana - A disruptive force in the backfield against the run and the pass that can rotate in and maybe make some plays once Ogun and (probably) Anderson move on.

7) Chris Marinelli, OT, Stanford - Underrated pure right tackle that was a central part of a very good Stanford offensive line. Has had some shoulder problems, but is worth the gamble, IMO.

[defiantgiant]

DFG a guy I covet for the Bears is Mississippi OG John Jerry who is versatile enough to move back outside to OT but just fine where he is. I also like U Mass' Vladimir Ducasse who projects inside but also played OT.

What your opinion of these two?

 

I think both of them are guard/right tackle prospects in the pros. Vlad Ducasse isn't going to stay at LT, and he might not even stay at tackle. He has tremendous work ethic and desire to get better, but he's also very raw and somewhat limited in terms of flexibility, lateral range, and redirecting. He was having a hard time with outside-in moves from defensive ends at the Senior Bowl, which could be a problem if he plays right tackle in the NFL: he might be best as a guard. Jerry, I think, is the better prospect. He could probably stay at guard and be great, but at the Senior Bowl he looked like he could be a legit starter at RT. Also, I'd be a little worried about his height at guard, since he's almost 6'6".

 

The Bears could do pretty well with either guy, but I'm not sure either will be around when we pick in the 3rd. From a physical standpoint, both guys have starting-caliber talent, and I could see both of them potentially getting picked in the late 2nd.

[defiantgiant]

On Nance:

short yardage move the pile - nope

short yardage burst to the hole - nope

short yardage speed to get to the corner - nope

 

Damn. Judging from his physique and the little bit of tape I've seen, I figured he'd at least be good in short yardage. Oh well, Deji Karim is higher on my list anyway, and he could be there at the end of the draft when Nance would be available.