In the second edition of my all-Bears mock draft, a couple of changes have been made from the first version. Georgia Tech running back Tashard Choice and San Diego quarterback Josh Johnson have made emphatic moves into the third round. Both players’ stocks are rising so the Bears may need to act quicker now in order to nab them. Also, Vanderbilt wide receiver Earl Bennett takes the place of Coastal Carolina wideout Jerome Simpson as being the Bears’ first wide receiver selected — the Bears will take him in the second round. Additionally, much more emphasis is placed on offense in this draft as 8 of the 11 picks are offensive players. Hope you enjoy and as always, feedback is appreciated.

Round 1, # 14 (14 overall) – Chris Williams, OT Vanderbilt

6-6 1/2, 317 LBS., 40 TIME: 5.15E

Losing veteran linemen Ruben Brown (LG) and Fred Miller (RT) only further decimates a line that wasn’t too impressive last season to begin with. The good news is that this year’s draft is loaded with talent at tackle. A lot of talk has been made to suggest current left tackle John Tait would benefit from a move to the right side. In that case, the Bears would be wise to select the player who could start at left tackle right away. Outside of Boise State’s Ryan Clady, who projects to be gone by pick 14, the best left tackle on the board is Vanderbilt’s Chris Williams. Williams is athletic, can handle edge speed, shows solid anchor strength and plays with great balance. In the last two seasons he has only allowed two sacks.

Round 2, # 13 (44) – Earl Bennett, WR Vanderbilt

6-0 1/2, 200 LBS., 40 TIME: 4.5e

After two key free agent losses, the Bears will desperately be searching for that quality number one receiver in this year’s draft. Vanderbilt wide receiver Earl Bennett has good size and projects to become a prototypical possession receiver at the next level. Bennett is deceptively strong and can get yards after contact. He possesses good hands, great concentration skills, good body control and adjusts well to poorly thrown balls.

Round 3, # 7 (70) – Tashard Choice, RB Georgia Tech

5-8 5/8, 210 LBS., 40 TIME: 4.55E

Georgia Tech’s Tashard Choice reminds me so much of former Bears running back Thomas Jones, it is scary. While that is almost enough for me to warrant the pick, Choice’s mental makeup, incredible passion and good vision also figure in to me thinking he is everything Cedric Benson is not.

Round 3, #27 (90) – Josh Johnson, QB San Diego

6-2 5/8, 200 LBS., 40 TIME: 4.56E

Josh Johnson might not fall this far but the University of San Diego quarterback could prove to be a steal if he does. He hasn’t yet faced any top-notch competition but his 43-1 — that’s right, forty three to one –touchdown-interception ratio is strikingly intriguing. He will not be ready to play this season but should the Grossman/Orton experiment fail, Johnson could develop into a viable starter as early as next season.

Round 4, # 11 (106) – Andre Fluellen, DT Florida State

6-1 7/8, 285 LBS., 40 TIME: 5.05e

The Bears defensive scheme relies on the ability to rotate defensive lineman in and out throughout an entire game. Depth on the line is not as good as it once was for Chicago. Israel Idonije has moved inside and Matt Toeaina has shown flashes but outside of Pro-Bowler Tommie Harris, the Bears lack any really proven talent at tackle. Florida State defensive tackle Andre Fluellen is a great athlete who posseses good upper-body strength. He also has the burst at the snap to get himself into the backfield quickly and is a tough competitor.

Round 5, # 9 (136) - Cornelius “Pig” Brown, S Missouri

5-11, 205 LBS., 40 TIME: 4.58

Second-year safety Kevin Payne looks like a total stud. Even so, with Mike Brown’s future uncertain and over-hyped Adam Archuletta being a total bust, the Bears could use some help at safety. Missouri’s Pig Brown is a strong tackler and not afraid to hit a ballcarrier in the mouth. Brown shows passion for the game, has big-play ability and demonstrates emotional leadership. He would probably be drafted higher if it were not for a torn Achilles’ tendon that caused him to miss the final six games last year. The fifth-round is high enough to take a chance on a guy that if he were to recover strong he would be an absolute steal.

Round 6, # 9 (168 ) – Fernando Velasco, G Georgia

6-2 3/4, 308 LBS., 40 TIME: 5.24

It might be puzzling to some that I think the Bears will wait until the sixth round to select a guard, a definite need. However, this year’s draft class is weak and the Bears would do better to fill other needs early. Georgia center Fernando Velasco is projected to play guard in the NFL, a position he played his junior season. He has big, strong hands and can maul and control defenders. He shows solid strength in run protection and possesses the type of frame that will allow for him to get bigger and stronger. Velasco has a strong work ethic and great character. Plus, his versatility would allow the Bears to plug him into multiple positions including left guard.

Round 7, # 15 (215) – Justin Harper, WR Virginia Tech

6-3 3/8, 205 LBS., 40 TIME: 4.54

Adding another wide receiver wouldn’t hurt the Bears, who are, big surprise, relatively weak at this position. Virgina Tech’s Justin Harper may have gotten lost in the shuffle of fellow Hokie receivers, Eddie Royal and Josh Morgan, in this year’s draft but he has some serious upside. He is a good athlete, runs fine routes and can make difficult catches.

Round 7, # 43 (243) *compensatory pick* – Shawn Murphy, G Utah State

6-4 1/8, 319 LBS., 40 TIME: 5.19

The crop of guards coming into the draft this season is weak, at best. Yet, considering the Bears have not done anything to address the position in free agency, they could pick Utah State’s Shawn Murphy to compete with last year’s fourth round draft pick Josh Beekman for the vacanted left guard spot. Murphy gets into blocks quickly and besides being durable, is very smart and hardworking. Upping Chris Williams’ impressive feat, Murphy did not allow a single sack as a senior.

Round 7, # 47 (247) *compensatory pick* – Barry Booker, DT Virginia Tech

6-4, 277 LBS., 40 TIME: 5.12

Hokie defensive tackle Barry Booker is undersized which makes him best suited for playing in a one-gap system, which the Bears employ. He comes off the ball low and is quick and nimble through gaps. He shows a solid closing burst and is stout defending the run.

 
Round 7 # 48 (248 ) *compensatory pick* – Ryan Torain, RB Arizona St.

6-0 1/8, 213 LBS., 40-TIME: 4.56

Sundevil running back Ryan Torain has great size and good run strength. He fights hard for those extra yards and would make an ideal third down or goal line situational back. Plus, he has good enough hands to be adequate catching out of the backfield.

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