Chicago Bears Draft Staff Predictions

Boomer

Jan 3, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Justin Gilbert (4) reacts during the game against the Missouri Tigers in the 2014 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Missouri won 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State

Aaron Donald and the top safeties are off the board by the time the Bears’ turn comes up at #14.  Emery and the Bears take arguably the top cornerback in the draft.  In a stroke of draft night magic, they convince Charles Tillman to move to safety, solving their next biggest need in one fell swoop.

Michael Praser

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama

If Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is still on the board at 14, Emery is going to snatch him up without question. Safety was the weakest position last year and this guy is flat out the best safety in the draft. I know everyone is pointing at Aaron Donald, but this isn’t Lovie Smith’s defense anymore. The Bears already have Jeremiah Ratliff and they loaded up the defensive line in free agency. I don’t think Ha Ha Clinton-Dix will fall to 14, but if he does, this is Emery’s guy. I believe that the Bears want to get bigger in the middle and Aaron Donald is very undersized for a tackle in my opinion.

Robert Napier

Calvin Pryor, S — Louisville

Emery likes to surprise everyone and I don’t think this year will be any different. In part of putting our safety issues to rest, nobody on the current roster has proven that they can be “the” guy. Guess what? Neither has Calvin. We will see. I do like his ability to force the fumbles, he would fit right in, and Peanut Tillman can let him nurse on his teat for a year.

Mike Flannery

Aaron Donald, DT – Pittsburgh

Both Phil Emery and Marc Trestman have identified the 3-technique DT as the most important position on the Bears defense. Donald is the best DT in the draft by a wide margin and a perfect fit for the Bears scheme. If he’s available the Bears will take him.

Coach Boss

Kony Ealy, DE, Mizzou

I would love to see Aaron Donald in a Bears uniform but I just don’t see him on the board when the Bears select at 14. I do however, see another playmaking D-Lineman on the board and that is Kony Ealy from Missouri. He is a player with similar size and build as new Bear Jared Allen. He can play either end position and move inside when necessary providing the type of versatility Phil Emery likes. His “motor” is a concern but so was Alshon Jeffery when he was drafted and that worked out pretty well.