2013 Mock Draft: The Chicago Bears Select…

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell introduces Shea McClellin (Boise State) as the number nineteen overall pick to the Chicago Bears in the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

Just like going to a store and seeing Christmas decorations in mid-October, mock draft season is starting earlier and earlier every year.  I guess I get it; for quite a few teams, their season is essentially over, so all their bloggers and fans have to do is watch the rest of the teams in the league with a shot at the playoffs and dream of transforming their team for next season.

FanSided has released their first mock draft for the 2013 season and they’ve made a selection for the Chicago Bears.  At this point, it’s unclear where the Bears will pick, but based on where they are today, they’d be drafting out of the 26th spot in the first round.  So with the 26th pick in the 2013 draft, the Chicago Bears select…

Sep 3, 2011; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman DJ Fluker (76) warms up prior to the game against the Kent State Flashes at Bryant Denny Stadium. The Tide defeated the Flashes 48-7. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-US PRESSWIRE

DJ Fluker, OT, Alabama

Here’s what FanSided mock draft expert Josh Hill said about the Bears selection:

"The Bears need help on the offensive line, as it might be the reason they don’t win a Super Bowl this year. When Jay Cutler gets protection, he’s great and Matt Forte can run the ball. When there’s no protection, people get hurt and the Bears are experiencing that right now with a thin and terrible line."

I completely agree with the idea that the Bears would select a offensive lineman in the first round, but the massive 6’7″ 350 pound Fluker is projected as a right tackle.  I know that Gabe Carimi has fallen on hard times this season, but I’m not willing to give up on him just yet.  I’d like to see what the former first rounder can do with a full offseason.  He hasn’t had one since he’s come out of school.  The first year he came out was the lockout and then he missed his offseason program last year while rehabbing his knee.

Drafting an offensive lineman at the bottom of the first round is far from a sure-fire thing.  Fluker is well regarded and has a late first round grade, so it seems like a reasonable pick but I’d rather find a left tackle prospect to take J’Marcus Webb’s spot.  Here’s some tape on Fluker vs Michigan earlier this season:

So what do you think?  Do you agree with the pick?  Who are you targeting for a first-round pick?  Should the Bears be looking for an O-lineman or another position?

Check out the entire FanSided Mock Draft right here.