Now that the 2012 NFL Draft is over, we're profiling each team's draft. Who were the steals? Who were the reaches? We continue with the Chicago Bears.
2012 NFL Draft analysis: Chicago Bears
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Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall are back together again. But the trade to bring Marshall to Chicago cost the Bears a few draft picks. Once the fans at Soldier Field see the Cutler to Marshall connection, they won't care too much about those extra draft choices.
The Bears went in a direction few saw coming in the first round, drafting linebacker Shea McClellin, who seems to be best suited for a 3-4 defense. He is a versatile player, and it will be interesting to see how the Bears plan to utilize him.
Chicago added another weapon to Cutler's arsenal in wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. Once considered a first round pick, Jeffery dropped down boards due to concerns over his work ethic, deep speed and weight. In the second round, though, the Bears have drafted a player with huge upside.
In the later rounds, the Bears adressed the secondary, using picks on a safety and a pair of cornerbacks to round out a solid draft.
Questionable pick: McClellin, Round 1, Pick 19
Best suited for the 3-4 defense, it’s tough to envision a great fit for McClellin in the Bear’s 4-3 defense. He definitely has the ability to put his hand in the dirt, but is that going to maximize his ability? Will they stick him at linebacker? Does he have the coverage skills? It will be interesting to see this situation play out in Chicago.
Best Value Pick: Jeffery, Round 2, Pick 45
The Bears didn’t exactly steal any players in the later round, instead filling needs with prospects that don’t appear to have tons of upside. Instead, I’ll take this space to discuss the Jeffery pick a bit more. Despite the fact that he was a second round pick, the South Carolina wide receiver presents amazing value in the second round. Concerns over his deep speed may be over-exaggerated. Jeffery was a huge downfield threat throughout his career, and if given better quarterback play, he may have put up similar numbers to some of the first round wideouts. Provided he keeps his weight down, he has a chance to be a No. 1 wide receiver in the NFL.
2013 mock draft pick: Josh D - D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama | Matthew Fairburn - Oday Aboushi, OT, Virginia
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2012 NFL Draft Grades and Analysis: NFC North Edition (via sbnation)
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