Chicago Bears Appear Poised to Draft Defensive Line in the First Round

Tony Pauline of Draftinsider.net and Sports Illustrated believes that the Chicago Bears are looking to draft a defensive end. Word from the Windy City is the Chicago Bears are more likely to take a defensive lineman in round one then look for a slot receiver in the second or third frame based on the strengths of each position in the draft.  If Michael Brockers of LSU is there we hear the team will select him.  Last week we reported Chicago has an interest in Shea McLellin.  We now hear Whitney Mercilus of Illinois has been ranked high on the teams board.  Mercilus did visit the Bears and was worked out privately by the team.

I think that makes a lot of sense. The Bears were rumored to be heavily interested in adding Mario Williams before the Bills kidnapped him and held him hostage in Buffalo until he signed their huge contract offer. Also based on where the Bears are drafting it appears that the best value is likely to be defensive linemen or Wide receiver. What’s interesting is the point about Michael Brockers because he does not play defensive end, of course.

The other question is what if Kendall Wright is available when the Bears pick would it make more sense to go Kendall Wright and wait to see what defensive linemen is available in the second round? I think it’s best to go DE. Based on most mock drafts out there when the Bears pick 19th a combination of three are likely to be available: Whitney Mercilus, Nick Perry, Chandler Jones, Michael Brockers, Andre Branch. I also believe Kendall Wright, Rueben Randle, and Stephen Hill will all be available.

If the Bears want to add talent to the defensive line the opportunity will be there. Will they stay local? Mercilus is athletic and was the most productive and consistent player of the group, but is considered to have less upside than Nick Perry or Chandler Jones.

What is clear is that at 19th the odds are the Chicago Bears are drafting a defensive linemen to try and improve their pass rush because of the devastating aerial attacks in their division.