6 Players I Hope Are NOT on the Chicago Bears Draft Radar
Chicago Bears GM Phil Emery discussed having a short list of about 7 players which the Bears had targeted in the first round of the draft. I shared my thoughts and hopes of who those players are here. Now, I’ve got my list of 6 players which I hope the Bears leave off their short list for one reason or another.
Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois
My apologies to Illini nation. As an alum, I wish Mercilus all the success in the world, but I’m just not a believer. I tend to shy away from guys who have had crazy production for one season. He smells like a one-hit wonder to me.
Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
I was down on this guy before the positive marijuana test at the Combine, but that’s the cherry on top. Who shows up to the biggest job interview of their life – where they KNOW they’ll be tested for drugs – with drugs in their system? He started to rise on draft boards at the Senior Bowl, but he’s inconsistent at best.
"At this point Adams lacks the great technique that would make him a reliable left tackle to protect a right-handed quarterback’s blind side. Given time he certainly could learn. Meantime, Adams already moves well enough to get into linebackers on the second level. He has a substantial frame with conspicuous muscle in the right places…"
Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
Here’s an underwear Olympics champion. I’m not sure Poe has what it takes to be a consistent performer at the next level.
"Poe ran and jumped like a little man at the Combine, but showed the strength of the big guy that he is. He had 44 reps with 225 pounds and ran 40 yards in an unofficial time of 4.98 seconds, which would be acceptable for a linebacker or tight end 100 pounds lighter. Poe is obviously naturally gifted with size and strength, although some scouts are concerned that he doesn’t always play up to his ability."
Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
He’s a product of RG3’s success at Baylor. Wright is a bit undersized at 5’10” and we’ve seen that movie before. The Bears already have Hester, Knox and Bennett to fit that slot receiver mold. If the Bears go wide receiver, I’d rather see them get another big target who can be a threat in the red zone.
Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
Widely considered the top tight end in the draft, I’m not sold on Fleener. He seems to be in the mold of the Jimmy Grahams of the world, but I don’t think he’s at that elite level. In the second round, I’d love this pick, but not as a first rounder with so many other urgent needs to fill.
Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
I’m going back to back Standford guys. I talked earlier about how Kendall Wright was a beneficiary of RG3’s success. Similar marks for Fleener and OT Jonathan Martin. Stanford’s system, run by #1 overall pick Andrew Luck, was based on quick releases. See if this raises any red flags:
"Some scouts believe that Stanford’s zone blocking scheme helped Martin maximize his results and that he will need more strength to battle the behemoths he will encounter in the NFL. That concern was amplified when, after not working out at the Scouting Combine, Martin managed only 20 reps on the bench with 225 pounds at Stanford’s pro day. He does flash some attitude on the field, but is far from a bully."
He’s another guy I’d be thrilled with as a 2nd rounder, but I just don’t like him at #19.
The draft is just 48 hours away.