Sunday, April 14, 2013

Chicago Bears: 12 Prospects at #20

Breaking down the draft each year takes painstakingly long and even worse is trying to decide who the best fit is for your team and when they should be taken. Drafting is not a science but at best a stock market gamble or high-stakes poker game.  With players constantly rising and falling, teams that draft the best put together fluid draft plans. Or if you're Jerry Angelo, you throw feces at a board and draft what sticks.  Luckily, Phil Emery is the new man in charge and although I was not impressed by last year's draft class, I have seen a modicum of improvement. Here are 12 prospects that I zeroed in at the #20 spot and how they fit into the Bear's plans (or don't).

My Top Guys

1. Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina

In my opinion, Cooper is the best on the board. Taking a Guard in the 1st round has been done before and if you're going to do it, Cooper is the man. Cooper is the kind of guy you ink in at starter for the next 8-10 years and an instant upgrade. Chance he's still on the board: 30%.

2. D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama
Fluker is a road-grating left tackle weighing a tic-tac shy of 340. Questions arise about his ability to block speed-rushing ends but Fluker is the best Right Tackle in the draft. When you look at the likes of Gabe Carimi and J'Marcus Webb, Fluker is head and shoulders above them. If Cooper is gone, Fluker deserves a solid look. Chance he's still on the board: 65%.

3. Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
Trufant is a shut-down corner with some warts but a tremendous upside. Trufant comes with a good pedigree having two brothers already in the league and his skils are undisputed. Trufant would work out great in a secondary that has really no depth after the long-toothed Peanut Tillman and the upstart Tim Jennings. Chance he's still on the board: 45%.

4. Arthur Brown, ILB\OLB, Kansas State
Brown is a physical specimen who can play inside or outside linebacker. After watching 2 of 3 starters leave, Chicago is needy at the position. Brown is a guy who could step into the middle or play the strong side. A tackling machine. Chance of being on the board: 85%.

The Other Guys

5. Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU
Minter is a prototype MLB who grinds it out. Known more as a sure tackler than a "knockout" hitter, Minter is the kind of player that can provide solid play between the ends. In the right system, Minter could have a long career in the NFL. I prefer Brown because of his versatility but Minter is still a top prospect. Minter will be on the board, it'll be interesting to see if he is weighed as the heir apparent for Brian Urlacher.

6. Cordarrelle Peterson, WR, Tennessee
Peterson possesses that blazing speed the Bears need to stretch the field and can double as a return man. The problem is that he's still very raw and lacks instinct and solid route-running. I love the 4.3 speed but am not sold that he will not be another Devin Hester.  The 1st-round seems a bit too early to take on a project WR.  There is a good chance Peterson will be off the board anyway.

7. Daytone Jones, DE, UCLA
Jones has good size for a DE and can hold up well against the run game. Inconsistencies have plagued him in his college career but that does not stop him from being one of the top prospects at his position. If the Bears are not convinced that Coorey Wooton is ready to take the next step, Jones would be a good pickup.

8. Kenny Vaccaro, FS, Texas
I like this kid out of Texas but he will probably be well off the board before the Bears draft. However, if he's still their, do the Bears take on a bonafide Free Safety, a position that has been a revolving door since Mike Brown left the team?

How About NO
Of the 12 prospects that brought value and could be available for Chicago, I red-flagged four for various reasons.

Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
Eifert is the 2nd-coming of Kellen Davis. He is a top-rated TE only because this draft does not offer much at that position. Eifert fits more of the "overgrown" WR mold than he does what you would want at the TE position.

Keenan Allen, WR, California
The Bears are loaded with possession receivers so adding Allen makes no sense. His 40-times were slow and his injury history is enough to steer clear of the Cal product.

Alec Ogletree, OLB, Georgia
Ogletree seems to be a popular pick among mock drafters for the Bears; I'm guessing because he's a converted safety and people grow nostalgic over Brian Urlacher. Ogletree is 230 pounds and may be maxed out as far as weight. He's also a raw talent having played linebacker for only two seasons; throw in substance abuse problems and that's 3 strikes.

Manti Te'o, ILB, Notre Dame
The Notre Dame crowd around Chicago loves Te'o however he falls below on my value board of even Ogletree. Te'o may have a bright future in the NFL or he might fall on his face much like he did against Alabama. Regardless, the guy is surrounded by questions and not worth a 1st-round pick.




With the 2013 draft rapidly approaching, the Bears are hopefully in high-gear evaluating this year's prospects. The team has several needs to fill but has been very active in free agency. Let's hope that Phil Emery has a plan to move forward because in order to be the elite team, it starts with solid drafts year after year.

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