With the draft a week away all Bears fans are wondering what Phil Emery has up his sleeve this year. Last year with his first pick Phil went with at the time a highly questionable pick of Kyle Long.
The offensive guard from Oregon was at best a late second round pick in most mock drafts. Phil saw something in Long and wanted to get him off the board before someone else did. And that gamble paid off. Long had a stellar season at guard for a overall productive Bears offensive line. Even being selected to the Pro Bowl as a rookie.
This year all speculation leads to the Bears looking to add some pieces to a aging defense that struggled with injuries last season. With the offseason free agent signings of Lamar Houston and Willie Young. And bringing back players like Charles Tillman and Nate Collins the front office looks to be focused on the defense. With a need for players at the defensive tackle and safety position it’s anyone’s guess who the Bears have on there radar.
The latest mock draft from ESPN’s Mel Kiper has the Bears drafting CB Justin Gilbert of Oklahoma State. Gilbert who has been called “The most talented cover corner in this year’s draft class” has great speed and size. He has had some off the field issues and is known to have a short temper. A top 15 projected pick could potentially be there at 14 for the Bears.
In most other mock drafts including ESPN’s Todd McShay at 14 the have the Bears selecting the Defensive Tackle out of Pittsburgh Aaron Donald. The 6’1 287 pound tackle stock soared after his combine and pro day. He’s projected as the number 1 defensive tackle in the draft. He would fit very well into the Bears scheme and with a need for a run stopper he seems like a great fit.
In a week we will know. Until then it is all speculation. And as Geno Smith and myself learned from previous drafts. No-one really knows who’s going where. Phil Emery has shown he isn’t scared to go against the grain. So all we can do is sit back and watch along with the rest of the world on Thursday May 8th.