2011 NFL Draft Preview: Chicago Bears and New York Jets

#29 Chicago Bears

What They Need: Though better than the Seahawks, I have the same feeling about where the Bears pick in this draft.  Talent-wise, they should select in the top-15, but they found a way to the NFC championship last year and now pick at twenty-nine.  Jay Cutler is a turnover-prone head case with a golden arm—Jeff George anyone?—but he’s too talented and the Bears have invested too much in him to look for a replacement.  At running back Matt Forte had a nice bounce back season last year, and Chester Taylor is still a very good second option.  Receiver is a big area of need.  Johnny Knox is a good player and a speedster, but he doesn’t have the physicality or size to be a move-the-chains type.  I’ve heard a lot of people say Greg Olsen had a breakout year last year, but he had just 40 catches.  Everyone likes his talent, but so far his production has been lacking.  The offensive line was atrocious last year; everyone outside of aging Olin Kreutz could be replaced.  Defensively the Bears were good against the run and bad defending the pass.  Julius Peppers was worth the money last year, bringing pressure and surprising run defense every game.  The rest of the defensive linemen are no more than average though.  Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher are a tremendous combo at linebacker, though they aren’t as fast as they once were.  The secondary doesn’t have a single standout player.  Charles Tillman is their best corner and he is now 30 years old.

Who they Might Pick: On offense they have to either add a receiver or an offensive lineman.  I would guess the Bears want to protect Cutler, so offensive line is probably the first priority.  The only problem with that is, the best lineman prospects could all be gone by now.  Nate Solder, the tackle from Colorado, is slipping lately on draft boards so maybe he could fall to this spot.  Mike Pouncey (Florida) and Danny Watkins (Baylor) are physical guards that could bolster the Bears’ protection.  There’s a huge drop-off at the receiver position after Julio Jones and AJ Green, but Maryland’s Torrey Smith is a fringe first round player and could really help Cutler’s cause.  The Bears’ defense was good last year, and although it has its weak spots, I think they have to address the offense with this pick.  They could add a corner here or maybe a defensive lineman, but I just can’t see them ignoring their bigger needs on the other side of the ball.

My Advice: With BJ Raji, Ndamukong Suh, and Kevin Williams in the same division, the Bears must shore up the middle of their offensive line.  Danny Watkins is the best lineman left on my board and should be the pick.  Once a fireman, the 26-year-old Watkins has had a strange path to the league.  He played left tackle in college but projects as a guard.  He has plenty of athleticism and enough strength to hold up at the point of attack.

With the twenty-ninth selection, the Chicago Bears take Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor.

#30 New York Jets

What They Need: It would be helpful to know what the Jets’ plans are for potential free agents Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards, but for our purposes let’s assume they keep both guys.  Mark Sanchez is obviously the foundation at quarterback, and though he’s had his ups and downs, he’s just entering his third year.  Shonn Greene can be a powerhouse at running back and LaDanian Tomlinson showed he had plenty left to be a good backup.  The offensive line is tremendous with D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold both playing at Pro Bowl-levels.  Maybe the Jets could stand to add another receiving threat, but that is their only need on offense.  Defensively the Jets are fine in the secondary with a great corner trio of Darelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie, and Kyle Wilson.  The linebackers are talented as well, and though getting older, probably don’t need to be addressed at this spot in the draft.  The real area of need for the Jets is the defensive line where Kris Jenkins is injured every year and there aren’t any other standout performers.

Who They Might Pick: I could see Torrey Smith being the pick here at wide receiver.  He’s a burner and fits an area of need.  Kyle Rudolph, the tight end from Notre Dame could be a thought as well to add another big target in the red zone.  If a pass rushing linebacker like Aldon Smith (Missouri) or Akeem Ayers (UCLA) fell to this point, the Jets might snap them up because their defense relies so much on creating pressure, but I doubt either guy would fall this far.  Stephen Paea (Oregon State) could fit nicely at nose tackle if he’s available.  Marvin Austin (North Carolina) and Corey Liguet (Illinois) are both talented defensive tackle prospects that could probably play anywhere on the Jets’ 3-4 front line.

My Advice: Take Corey Liuget.  He’s big enough (6’2”, 298 pounds) to play end in the 3-4 and has the strength and quickness to both push the pocket and hold up against the run.  He’s considered a top-20-25 prospect, so it would be a steal to get him this late.  Adding Liuget’s talents to their line could really help the whole defense take the next step toward greatness.

For the thirtieth pick, the New York Jets select Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois.

--from Adam

(first image from jetsconfidential.com, second from petcaregt.com)