2012 NFL Combine: Tuesday Schedule And Preview

The 2012 NFL Combine is coming to its close, but on Tuesday there are still very important drills and workouts for defensive secondary prospects hoping to improve their stock for the 2012 NFL draft. Can Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Harrison Smith do enough to move past Alabama Crimson Tide safety Mark Barron on draft boards? Smith has the physical tools and the prototypical build for a safety in the NFL, and if he can test well at the combine he might be able to boost his stock enough to jump into the bottom half of the first round.

Tuesday's schedule in Indianapolis looks like this:

Tuesday

Group 10 (DB), Group 11 (DB)

-Workout (timing, stations, skill drills), departure from Indianapolis

Here's a list of some top prospects from the defensive secondary that will be looking to prove themselves on Tuesday:

• Morris Claiborne | Cornerback | LSU
• Dre Kirkpatrick | Cornerback | Alabama
• Janoris Jenkins | Cornerback | North Alabama
• Stephon Gilmore | Cornerback | South Carolina
• Mark Barron | Safety | Alabama
• Jamell Fleming | Cornerback | Oklahoma
• Chase Minnifield | Cornerback | Virginia
• Markelle Martin | Safety | Oklahoma State
• Alfonzo Dennard | Cornerback | Nebraska
• Harrison Smith | Safety | Notre Dame

You can find the full list of players invited to the 2012 NFL Combine via the NFL Combine's official website.

For news and information regarding the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine, please stay tuned to this StoryStream. For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, check out SB Nation's dedicated section and Mocking the Draft.

2012 NFL Combine: Illinois DE Whitney Mercilus Runs 40-Yard Dash In 4.68 Seconds

Whitney Mercilus took part in drills along with the rest of the defensive linemen and linebackers at the 2012 NFL Combine on Monday. Mercilus has been projected as a first round selection in some mock drafts, but he still has a lot to prove to scouts after only one productive year in college.

Related: NFL Draft 2012, Whitney Mercilus: San Diego Considering Illinois Defensive End

He didn't hurt himself in the 40-yard dash, where he clocked the fourth-fastest time among defensive linemen. West Virginia's Bruce Irvin topped all defensive linemen with a 4.50 40.

Here is how Mercilus fared in some of the other drills:

Bench Press: 27 reps

Vertical Jump: 32 inches

Broad Jump: 118 Inches

3-Cone Drill: 7.17 seconds

20-Yard Shuttle: 4.53 seconds

For news and information regarding the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine, please stay tuned to this StoryStream. For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, check out SB Nation's dedicated section and Mocking the Draft.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Bears Still On Kendall Wright?

NFL Draft 2012, Whitney Mercilus: San Diego Considering Illinois Defensive End

It's a big week for Whitney Mercilus, who is at the 2012 NFL Combine doing his best to prove that his performance in 2011 was no fluke and that he is worthy of a first round draft pick.

Mercilus has been bothered by the "one-year wonder" label, which isn't all that surprising given that he had a total of two sacks combined in 2009 and 2010 and finished 2011 with 16. But that's probably not going to prevent him from going relatively early in the 2012 NFL draft; the San Diego Chargers are one of the franchises taking a look at him:

Don’t be shocked if the Chargers are the team to give Mercilus that chance. He would fill one of their greatest needs. And indeed, Mercilus said the Chargers are among the the teams showing the most interest in him.

Mercilus led the NCAA in both sacks and fumbles forced last season.

For news and information regarding the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine, please stay tuned to this StoryStream. For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, check out SB Nation's dedicated section and Mocking the Draft.

2012 NFL Combine Results: Notre Dame's Michael Floyd Blazes In 40-Yard Dash

Michael Floyd of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish has unquestioned size and production in college, but it's widely thought that his speed will determine if he's drafted somewhere in the middle of the first round (say, by the Chicago Bears) or if he creeps up closer to the top 10. Well, if his performance at the 2012 NFL Combine holds any weight, Floyd may be inching up some draft boards, as he ran in the low 4.4 range in the 40-yard dash Sunday morning in Indy.

2012 NFL Combine Schedule And Preview: Sunday Workouts, Tests And Measurements

The 2012 NFL Combine continues chugging along as the we bid farewell to the offensive lineman and the focus turns onto Group 4, 5 and 6 skills players workouts.

Here is a look at Combine schedule for Sunday's activities:

Workouts: Timing, stations and skill drills.

Group 4 (quarterbacks and wide receivers)
Group 5 (quarterbacks and wide receivers)
Group 6 (running backs)

Psychological Tests, Interviews, NFLPA Meeting

Group 7 (defensive lineman)
Group 8 (defensive lineman)
Group 9 (line backers)

Measurements, Medical Examinations, Media, Psychological Testing

Group 10 (defensive backs)
Group 11 (defensive backs)

One of the most notable events will be the quarterback workouts. Among the quarterbacks working out, star Baylor Bears QB Robert Griffin III will have yet another chance to improve his stock for the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft. Griffin will be joined by Michigan St. Spartans QB Kirk Cousins and Northern Illinois Huskies QB Chandler Harnish.

Sunday's portion of the 2012 NFL Combine will also feature the first interviews for Illinois Fighting Illini DE Whitney Mercilus. The sack artist from the 2011 college football season weighed in at 261 lbs. and measured at 6"4' in Saturday's measurements. He will work out on Monday, attempting to prove to NFL teams that his 2011 sacks number were no fluke.

For news and information regarding the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine, please stay tuned to this StoryStream. For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, check out SB Nation's dedicated section and Mocking the Draft.

2012 Combine Update: Bills Showing Interest In Whitney Mercilus

After a tremendous junior season, in which he recorded 16 sacks and forced nine fumbles, former Illinois DE Whitney Mercilus is a guy that will be a great fit for any team looking for a 4-3 defensive end. According to Joe Buscaglia of WGR-550, Mercilus noted a handful of teams that he has been hearing from, with one team apparently showing heavy interest:

The Buffalo Bills are clearly in the market for another 4-3 defensive end to complete their defensive line. At least one player in the second round range has said the Bills are interested.

Speaking at the 2012 NFL Combine, Illinois DE Whitney Mercilus was rattling off teams that have shown interest in him when he dropped the latest nugget of information important to Bills fans:

"Some of the teams I've talked with... Bears, Chargers showed interest also. Also the Bills, they showed interest... a lot of interest. Those are just to name a few."

Mercilus really burst on to the scene last season after limited production during his first couple of seasons at Illinois. The former Illinois DE has high potential and needs to prove that this past season wasn't an aberration.

For news and information regarding the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine, please stay tuned to this StoryStream. For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, check out SB Nation's dedicated section and Mocking the Draft.

2012 NFL Combine: Notre Dame Safety Harrison Smith Among Day 4 Arrivals

Day 4 of the 2102 NFL Combine is when the top defensive backs and safeties are scheduled to travel to Indianapolis, register, take hospital pre-examine x-ray, attend orientation and give interviews. Notre Dame safety Harrison Smith is currently ranked as the No. 66 overall 2012 NFL Draft prospect and the third-best safety in the class, according to SB Nation's Mocking The Draft blog, but he now gets the opportunity to make his mark in front of scouts and talent evaluators from every team in the NFL.

The two safety prospects ranked ahead of him are Mark Barron of the Alabama Crimson Tide (No. 39 overall) and Markelle Martin of the Oklahoma State Cowboys (No. 55 overall). Can Smith distinguish himself and become the number one safety on draft boards? Saturday kicks off his best opportunity to make that upward move.

Here a look at some of the best players who arrived in Indy on Saturday:

• Morris Claiborne | Cornerback | LSU
• Dre Kirkpatrick | Cornerback | Alabama
• Janoris Jenkins | Cornerback | North Alabama
• Stephon Gilmore | Cornerback | South Carolina
• Mark Barron | Safety | Alabama
• Jamell Fleming | Cornerback | Oklahoma
• Chase Minnifield | Cornerback | Virginia
• Markelle Martin | Safety | Oklahoma State
• Alfonzo Dennard | Cornerback | Nebraska
• Harrison Smith | Safety | Notre Dame

You can find the full list of players invited to the 2012 NFL Combine via the NFL Combine's official website.

For news and information regarding the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine, please stay tuned to this StoryStream. For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, check out SB Nation's dedicated section and Mocking the Draft.

2012 NFL Combine: Saturday Schedule And Preview

The 2012 NFL Combine action is heating up, as the offensive linemen, tight ends and special teams players begin their workouts in front of NFL talent evaluators. Ohio State OT Mike Adams failed to impress on Friday in the bench press by lifting the 225 pound bar only 19 times, so he will need a big day in the drills to avoid taking a serious hit in his draft stock.

Another player hoping to dispel concerns heading into the 2012 NFL Draft is Iowa Hawkeyes OT Riley Reiff, who had been talked about as a potential top-10 pick but measured in with very short arms for a left tackle prospect in the NFL. The group to take measurements on Saturday is the defensive front seven, meaning Illinois Fighting Illini defensive end Whitney Mercilus has a chance help his stock with good measurements.

Here is the Saturday schedule for all groups. Combine events are streaming live at NFL.com.

Saturday

Group 1 (P/K, ST, OL), Group 2 (OL), Group 3 (TE)

Workout (timing, stations, skill drills), departure from Indianapolis

Group 4 (QB, WR), Group 5 (QB, WR), Group 6 (RB)

NFLPA Meeting, psychological testing, interviews

Group 7 (DL), Group 8 (DL), Group 9 (LB)

Measurements, medical examinations, media, psychological testing, interviews

Group 10 (DB), Group 11 (DB)

Travel to Indianapolis, registration, hospital pre-exam and X-rays, orientation, interviews

You can find the full list of players invited to the 2012 NFL Combine via the NFL Combine's official website.

For news and information regarding the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine, please stay tuned to this StoryStream. For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, check out SB Nation's dedicated section and Mocking the Draft.

2012 NFL Combine: Jonas Gray, Chandler Harnish And Other Local Prospects Weigh-In

The 2012 NFL Combine is underway in Indianapolis, and there are several prospects from area colleges who are attending in the hopes of impressing some NFL scouts. Not many physical drills have started just yet, but most of the players have weighed-in. The official height and weight, and some additional measureables, for area prospects are listed below:

WR A.J. Jenkins (Illinois)
Height: 6-0
Weight: 190
Hand: 9-1/2

QB Chandler Harnish (Northern Illinois)
Height: 6-2
Weight: 219
Hand: 9-1/4

OL Taylor Dever (Notre Dame)
Height: 6-5
Weight: 298
Bench: 18
Arm: 32-1/2

RB Jonas Gray (Notre Dame)
Height: 5-10
Weight: 223
Hand: 10

Star Notre Dame receiver Michael Floyd also has weighed in, but we're still waiting on the numbers for Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron. Check out Mocking The Draft's prospect rankings for a look at the bigger NFL draft picture.

2012 NFL Combine: Michael Floyd Measures In At 6'2" With 78" Wingspan

The dynamic Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Michael Floyd got his final measurements Friday afternoon at the 2012 NFL Combine. The results were impressive:

#NotreDame WR Michael Floyd's official measurement was 6'2 5/8, 220. 9 3/8" hands. 78" wingspan. Has shed nearly 10 lbs since Spring 2011.

— Evan Silva (@evansilva) February 24, 2012

Coming in at 6'2", Floyd does not register as the tallest wide receiver at the combine -- that distinction goes to Miami Hurricanes WR Tommy Streeter (6'5") -- but Floyd is still in the upper half. His weight of 202 lbs. is nearly a whopping 20 pounds heavier than the average wide receiver at the combine and certainly among the heaviest tier. His hands also are touch larger than average.

His 6'6" wingspan puts him just four inches behind the 6'10" wingspan of the Detroit Lions star WR Calvin Johnson.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron. Check out Mocking The Draft's prospect rankings for a look at the bigger NFL draft picture.

2012 NFL Draft: Whitney Mercilus Among The Players With A Lot To Prove

The highly touted Illinois Fighting Illini defensive end Whitney Mercilus may have led Division I football with 16 sacks and won the 2011 Ted Hendricks Award, the Bill Willis Lineman Award, and a slew of other recognitions, but football analyst Jason Garrison says Mercilus still has a lot to prove at the 2012 NFL Combine.

According to Garrison, the Illini lineman has to prove he is not just a one hit wonder:

2: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

The NFL is a passing league, and when three players throw for more then 5,000 yards in one season, defenses need to figure out a way to stop them. One way to do that is to have guys who know how to get to the quarterback. Mercilus is potentially one of those guys, but needs to prove that he can do it consistently. Mercilus has had one big season so this is a time for him to explain to teams what happened in 2009 and 2010 when he combined for just two sacks. If he has a good Combine, he could rise up draft boards. Teams love pass rushers.

Mericilus also is aware that some scouts have also been questioning his physical abilities in addition to his statistics. According to his public draft diary, he looks to prove them wrong too:

I want to show the NFL I am fluid with my movements, and that I have great hips. I heard I was getting knocked on that. I've been doing everything I can here so I'll be ready to show them I can even be an outside linebacker in a 3-4, as well a 4-3 right end. If they want me to do outside linebacker drills at the combine, I will.

Coming in at No. 1 in Garrison's list is ILB Vontze Burfict of the Arizona St. Sun Devils, whose potential character issues have seemingly killed all the buzz surrounding his talent.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron. Check out Mocking The Draft's prospect rankings for a look at the bigger NFL draft picture.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Bears Get Kendall Wright In SB Nation Mock, Michael Floyd To Redskins At No. 6

The landscape of the 2012 NFL draft could change dramatically based on measurements and drills from the NFL combine in Indianapolis, but sometimes it is important to remember where players rank prior to all of the combine festivities. Jason Garrison of SB Nation put together a pre-combine 2012 NFL Mock Draft, and the Chicago Bears are projected to select Baylor Bears wide receiver Kendall Wright with the No. 19 overall pick.

The most interesting aspects of the mock draft is how the receiver position shakes out in the first round. Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver Justin Blackmon goes to the St. Louis Rams at No. 4 (after a trade with the Cleveland Browns), Notre Dame Fighting Irish WR Michael Floyd jumps off the board at No. 6 to the Washington Redskins, the Chicago Bears then choose Kendall Wright over Rutgers Scarlet Knights WR Mohamed Sanu (No. 26) and LSU Tigers WR Rueben Randle (No. 30).

Here is what Garrison had to say about the Bears' pick:

19. Chicago Bears, Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Hey, speaking of Wright...he doesn't have Blackmon or Floyd's size, but he has elite speed and the Bears badly need help at wide receiver. Wright had a big season in 2011, with 1,663 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. He may not have the ability to consistently make the tough catch over the middle, but with Jay Cutler's arm, Wright will be a huge deep threat and should open things up for other receivers.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron. Check out Mocking The Draft's prospect rankings for a look at the bigger NFL draft picture.

2012 NFL Combine: Whitney Mercilus And Top DL Arrive On Day 3

Day three of the 2012 NFL Combine is the first day on the scene for prospects playing in the defensive front seven. Illinois Fighting Illini defensive end Whitney Mercilus and the rest of the defensive lineman and linebacker hopefuls are scheduled to travel to Indianapolis, register, take hospital pre-examine x-ray, attend orientation and give interviews.

Mercilus had a spectacular junior season for the Illini, but this is his chance to stand out among other blue-chip prospects on the defensive line and prove that he belongs in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Here's a look at some of the other big-name players that are in groups seven, eight and nine:

• Andre Branch, DL, Clemson Tigers
• Michael Brockers, DL, LSU Tigers
• Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona St. Sun Devils
• Quinton Coples, DL, North Carolina Tar Heels
• Fletcher Cox, DL, Mississippi St. Bulldogs
• Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama Crimson Tide
• Melvin Ingram, DL, South Carolina Gamecocks
• Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College Eagles
• Whitney Mercilus, DL, Illinois Fighting Illini
• Dontari Poe, DL, Memphis Tigers
• Devon Still, DL, Penn St. Nittany Lions
• Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama Crimson Tide

You can find the full list of players invited to the 2012 NFL Combine via the NFL Combine's official website.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron. Check out Mocking The Draft's prospect rankings for a look at the bigger NFL draft picture.

2012 NFL Combine: Friday Schedule And Preview

Friday is already a huge day for former Baylor Bears quarterback and 2011 Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III. With questions about Griffin's true height looming, Alex Marvez of FOX Sports sent out a tweet on Friday morning to announce that Griffin had measured in at 6'2 and 3/8 inches. This is a huge deal for Griffin's draft stock, and has the potential to shake up the top of the 2012 NFL Draft.

As for the rest of the prospects, the 2012 NFL Combine moves into day three in Indianapolis, and while offense of lineman and special teams players prepare for psychological testing interviews, offensive skill position players await measurements and front line defense of players attend orientation. The list of NFL talent on hand continues to grow, but the event is still building towards the ever important skill drills.

Schedule For Friday

Group 1 (P/K, ST, OL), Group 2 (OL), Group 3 (TE)

NFLPA Meeting, psychological testing, interviews

Group 4 (QB, WR), Group 5 (QB, WR), Group 6 (RB)

Measurements, medical examinations, media, psychological testing, interviews

Group 7 (DL), Group 8 (DL), Group 9 (LB)

Travel to Indianapolis, registration, hospital pre-exam and X-rays, orientation, interviews

You can find the full list of players invited to the 2012 NFL Combine via the NFL Combine's official website.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron. Check out Mocking The Draft's prospect rankings for a look at the bigger NFL draft picture.

2012 NFL Scouting Combine: Measurements For Linemen Begin, Marking The True Start Of The Combine

The 2012 NFL Combine has begun in earnest Thursday as the NFL combine measurements have just been released. The Combine technically began on Wednesday when the athletes went through registration, but Thursday marks the first significant activity.

Most notable for fans of the Illinois Fighting Illini are the lustry numbers for offensive lineman Jeff Allen:

School: Illinois

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 335

Arm: 33 1/2

Allen, a senior tackle, is projected by some analysts to get somewhere around the 4th round in the upcoming draft. Amazingly, at the sizable weight of 307 pounds, Allen actually checks in as one of the lighter linemen present. As a whole, the group is averaging about 314 pounds with no one shorter than 6'1".

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron. Check out Mocking The Draft's prospect rankings for a look at the bigger NFL draft picture.

2012 NFL Combine: Bears GM Phil Emery Faces First Big Test In Indy

Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery is preparing for his first NFL Draft as a GM, and his biggest moment of his young career as lead man for the Bears front office comes with the 2012 NFL Combine in Indianapolis. With the No. 19 overall pick, Emery will no doubt have his eye on players like Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Michael Floyd, South Carolina Gamecocks wideout Alshon Jeffery, Baylor Bears reciever Kendall Wright, Ohio State Buckeyes offensive tackle Mike Adams and Wisconsin Badgers center Peter Konz.

Regardless of who catches his eye, Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times caught up with Atlanta Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff, who thinks Emery is equipped to succeed from the start:

"It's very beneficial coming in as a college director into the GM role because you know the draft, inside and out, by the time you get the job," Dimitroff said. "And you're not coming in as a pro director, where you're trying to learn the draft on the fly. That's very, very important."

For the full list of players that will be at the NFL Combine, visit nflcombine.net.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron. Check out Mocking The Draft's prospect rankings for a look at the bigger NFL draft picture.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Bears Select Michael Floyd With No. 19 Pick In Don Banks' Mock Draft

Wide receiver is one of the most obvious targets for the Chicago Bears during this offseason, and they're projected to select Notre Dame wideout Michael Floyd with the No. 19 pick in Don Banks' most recent mock draft for Sports Illustrated. Most evaluators expect Chicago to focus on offense with its first round pick.

Floyd is coming off a big year with the Fighting Irish down in South Bend, and Banks likes how he would fit in Chicago's offense:

The Roy Williams acquisition didn't work out last year, so the Bears still need a big, strong, go-to receiver for Jay Cutler to find five or six times a game. Floyd is a physical pass-catcher who can get hot and take over games. If he runs better than expected in Indy, his stock might even climb into the first half of the round.

Floyd stands at 6-foot-3, so he's certainly got the imposing size that teams look for in top receivers. In 2011, Floyd caught 100 passes for 1147 yards and nine touchdowns for the Irish. He also scored a rushing touchdown last season. Over four years in Notre Dame, Floyd has caught 271 passes for 3686 yards and scored 38 touchdowns.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron.

2012 NFL Combine: Schedule And Preview

The 2012 NFL Combine gets underway Wednesday in Indianapolis, but like many first days, today is mainly about registration and introductions. The first batch of prospects to hit Lucas Oil Stadium will be kickers and other specialists, tight ends and offensive linemen, and they'll meet and greet NFL personell as well as undergo medical evaluations before workouts begin for them in earnest on Thursday.

Though kickers, tight ends and offensive linemen aren't usually the glamour prospects, those position groups (excluding kickers, obviously) may make up almost a quarter of this year's first round picks, with the Chicago Bears likely in the hunt for some reinforcements on their line.

Here is Wednesday's full schedule:

Group 1 (P/K, ST, OL), Group 2 (OL), Group 3 (TE)

Travel to Indianapolis, registration, hospital pre-exam and X-rays, orientation, interviews

Here's the full 2012 NFL Combine schedule by day.

You can find the full list of players invited to the 2012 NFL Combine via the NFL Combine's official website.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron. Check out Mocking The Draft's prospect rankings for a look at the bigger NFL draft picture.

2012 NFL Combine: Potential Bears Targets Arrive In Indianapolis

2012 NFL Combine: A Look At Some Combine Records

On the brink of the 2012 NFL Draft Combine, we thought it would be fun to put a few of the numbers you'll see over the next week in a bit of context. SB Nation's Louis Bien put together a primer on some of the notable records at the Combine:

40-Yard Dash

4.24 - Rondel Melendez, WR, Eastern Kentucky - 1999
4.24 - Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina - 2008
4.28 - Jerome Mathis, WR, Hampton - 2005
4.28 - Champ Bailey, CB, Georgia - 1999

Bench Press (Most 225-Pound Reps)

51 - Justin Ernest, DT, Eastern Kentucky - 1999
45 - Mike Kudla, DE, Ohio State - 2006
45 - Leif Larsen, DT, Texas-El Paso - 2000

Vertical Jump (In Inches)

46 - Gerald Sensabaugh, FS, North Carolina - 2005
45 1/2 - Derek Wake, OLB, Penn State - 2005
45 - Chris McKenzie, CB, Arizona State - 2005
45 - Chris Chambers, WR, Wisconsin - 2001

Many of the names associated with the Chicago Bears and the 19th overall selection -- like Notre Dame receiver Michael Floyd and South Carolina receiver Ashlon Jeffrey -- won't be a threat to break these records. Still, it paints a nice picture of what the current set of NFL prospects is working against.

One other record of note: Pat McInally of Harvard is the only player to ever score a perfect 50 on the Wonderic Test. McInally played from 1976 to 1985 as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals.

For more on the NFL Combine and the 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation's NFL hub and Mocking The Draft, as well as and our dedicated 2012 NFL Draft section.

2012 NFL Combine Invitees: Whitney Mercilus, Michael Floyd Highlight Representatives From Area Schools

The 2012 NFL Combine gets underway this week, and it's a crucial time of year for NFL draft hopefuls. Big-name prospects like Andrew Luck, Justin Blackmon, Robert Griffin III and Matt Kalil will be trying to prove they are worthy of top-10 selections, while others will be out to impress enough scouts to move themselves up draft boards, which can make a big difference financially.

Related: 2012 NFL Combine: Schedule And Preview

There are several invitees from area schools, including first round hopefuls Whitney Mercilus and Michael Floyd. The Chicago Bears in particular will be keeping an eye on Floyd, since wide receiver is one of the team's primary needs.

A full list of invitees is available here, and this is the rundown of invitees from local schools:

OL Jeff Allen (Illinois)
PK Derek Dimke (Illinois)
WR A.J. Jenkins (Illinois)
DE Whitney Mercilus (Illinois)

QB Chandler Harnish (Northern Illinois)

CB Robert Blanton (Notre Dame)
OL Taylor Dever (Notre Dame)
LB Darius Fleming (Notre Dame)
WR Michael Floyd (Notre Dame)
RB Jonas Gray (Notre Dame)
S Harrison Smith (Notre Dame)

For more on the NFL Combine and the 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation's NFL hub and Mocking The Draft, as well as and our dedicated 2012 NFL Draft section.

2012 NFL Combine: Schedule And Preview

The 2012 NFL Combine is a huge opportunity for the Chicago Bears and GM Phil Emery to solidify the draft board heading into April's draft, and a lot of eyes from the organization will be on the wide receiver prospects in Indianapolis. The Bears hold the No. 19 pick overall, and have been linked to Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Michael Floyd, South Carolina Gamecocks wideout Alshon Jeffery and Baylor Bears reciever Kendall Wright in mock drafts.

All three players will have a chance to distinguish themselves from the pack when position drills kick off on the weekend. Which players will skyrocket up draft boards, and which ones will fail to impress? To make sure you are aware of all the happenings in one of the NFL draft's biggest events, here's the full 2012 NFL Combine schedule by day.

Wednesday

Group 1 (P/K, ST, OL), Group 2 (OL), Group 3 (TE)

Travel to Indianapolis, registration, hospital pre-exam and X-rays, orientation, interviews

Thursday

Group 1 (P/K, ST, OL), Group 2 (OL), Group 3 (TE)

Measurements, medical examinations, media, psychological testing, interviews

Group 4 (QB, WR), Group 5 (QB, WR), Group 6 (RB)

Travel to Indianapolis, registration, hospital pre-exam and X-rays, orientation, interviews

Friday

Group 1 (P/K, ST, OL), Group 2 (OL), Group 3 (TE)

NFLPA Meeting, psychological testing, interviews

Group 4 (QB, WR), Group 5 (QB, WR), Group 6 (RB)

Measurements, medical examinations, media, psychological testing, interviews

Group 7 (DL), Group 8 (DL), Group 9 (LB)

Travel to Indianapolis, registration, hospital pre-exam and X-rays, orientation, interviews

Saturday

Group 1 (P/K, ST, OL), Group 2 (OL), Group 3 (TE)

Workout (timing, stations, skill drills), departure from Indianapolis

Group 4 (QB, WR), Group 5 (QB, WR), Group 6 (RB)

NFLPA Meeting, psychological testing, interviews

Group 7 (DL), Group 8 (DL), Group 9 (LB)

Measurements, medical examinations, media, psychological testing, interviews

Group 10 (DB), Group 11 (DB)

Travel to Indianapolis, registration, hospital pre-exam and X-rays, orientation, interviews

Sunday

Group 4 (QB, WR), Group 5 (QB, WR), Group 6 (RB)

Workout (timing, stations, skill drills), departure from Indianapolis

Group 7 (DL), Group 8 (DL), Group 9 (LB)

NFLPA Meeting, psychological testing, interviews

Group 10 (DB), Group 11 (DB)

Measurements, medical examinations, media, psychological testing, interviews

Monday

Group 7 (DL), Group 8 (DL), Group 9 (LB)

Workout (timing, stations, skill drills), departure from Indianapolis

Group 10 (DB), Group 11 (DB)

NFLPA Meeting, psychological testing, interviews

Tuesday

Group 10 (DB), Group 11 (DB)

Workout (timing, stations, skill drills), departure from Indianapolis

For more on the NFL Combine and the 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation's NFL hub and our dedicated 2012 NFL Draft section.

2012 NFL Draft: Michael Floyd To The Bears In SB Nation's Mock Draft

The Chicago Bears may or may not pick a wide receiver in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, but if they do, they should be able to get an exciting young player who can contribute right away. Who that receiver could be almost certainly depends on what happens at this week's NFL Combine, and one player to focus on is Notre Dame Fighting Irish WR Michael Floyd.

NFL Draft 2012, Whitney Mercilus: Defensive End Hopes To Prove Himself At NFL Combine

Former Illinois Fighting Illini defensive end Whitney Mercilus is preparing for a crucial couple of months, beginning with the NFL combine, which starts this week. Mercilus is traveling to the combine on Thursday, and he's also writing about his path to the 2012 NFL draft for the Chicago Tribune.

Related: Whitney Mercilus A Risky Prospect That Could Win Big In Drills, Says Wes Bunting Of NFP

In a recent entry for the Trib, Mercilus expressed his desire to prove himself to scouts by doing whatever is necessary in workouts:

I want to show the NFL I am fluid with my movements, and that I have great hips. I heard I was getting knocked on that. I've been doing everything I can here so I'll be ready to show them I can even be an outside linebacker in a 3-4, as well a 4-3 right end. If they want me to do outside linebacker drills at the combine, I will.

I plan on doing everything there. I want to prove to everybody I am that guy to pick up.

Mercilus added that he's been working his "butt off" this offseason and believes he can be one of the top defensive ends in the 2012 draft.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron. Check out Mocking The Draft's prospect rankings for a look at the bigger NFL draft picture.

2012 NFL Draft Combine: Whitney Mercilus A Risky Prospect That Could Win Big In Drills, Says Wes Bunting Of NFP

The 2012 NFL Draft Combine is just a few weeks away, and Illinois Fighting Illini defensive end Whitney Mercilus is busy trying to prove he belongs in the first-round of the draft. His eye-opening performance as junior pass rusher put him on the map as a potentially elite prospect or not, but plenty of scouts are still skeptical that he can keep up that level of play at the professional level.

Wes Bunting of the National Football Post created a list of defensive prospects in need of a strong performance at the draft combine in Indianapolis, and Mercilus appears at the top:

DE Whitney Mercilus: Illinois (6-4, 265)
Physically he looks the part and has the natural talent to simply man handle college lineman. However, he's a raw kid who is stiff in the hips and doesn't have a great feel for the game when asked to find the football. He's got some upside, but his tightness and overall lack of natural feel for the game are two very big concerns of mine. Nevertheless, he's got the ability to "wow" during workouts and could be one of the big winners to come out of Indy and set his draft stock soaring.

Bunting's analysis doesn't seem to suggest there isn't anything Mercilus can do to assuage fears that he lacks the necessary "feel for the game" before the draft, but if his performance in combine drills can make a team believe in him at the top of the draft, an opportunity to shine in the NFL might be all he really needs anyways.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more on Mercilus, be sure to check outIllinois blog Hail to the Orange. Head over to SB Nation's NFL news hub for more on the 2012 NFL draft.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Mel Kiper Projects Bears To Select Mike Adams With No. 19 Pick

ESPN's Mel Kiper recently rolled out the second edition of his 2012 NFL Mock Draft, projecting selections for each of the 32 first-round picks. The Chicago Bears select No. 19 in the draft, and Kiper projects them to take Ohio State offensive tackle Mike Adams with the pick.

Mike Tice knows as well as anybody that Jay Cutler can be successful in the passing game first if he's not getting hit on every play. Adams is a guy who I've come around on, because he simply knows how to protect the pocket. He can slide his feet and doesn't get beat inside, but he has the length and technique to protect the edge.

Kiper notes that the Bears are sure to be seeking out help at wide receiver as well, but he adds that the team shouldn't neglect the offensive line simply because it's not totally awful.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron.

2012 NFL Draft: League Releases Full Pro Day Schedule

The Bears are expected to be watching a number of important wide receivers during the 2012 pro days.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Could The Bears Target Secondary?

Conventional wisdom amongst NFL draftniks is that the Chicago Bears will likely look to upgrade at wide receiver or offensive line, two position groups that many have felt have been lacking in the Windy City for a few years running. But drafts rarely shake out how everyone thinks, and sometimes teams have their hands forced or just target another area all together.

NFL Draft 2012: Kendall Wright Among Chicago Bears' Options At Wide Receiver

Many of the 2012 NFL mock drafts that have been published up to this point have the Chicago Bears taking a wide receiver in the first round, but there has been some disagreement on exactly which receiver the Bears should draft. Some believe it will be Michael Floyd or Alshon Jeffery, while WalterFootball.com thinks it's Kendall Wright that Chicago should select:

Kendall Wright is the best consensus players [sic] on the board (even over Michael Floyd), and the Bears would be foolish if they didn't grab him to help their quarterback. The coaching staff has already mentioned that it will target a wideout this offseason anyway.

Related: Complete Chicago Bears 2012 NFL Draft Coverage

Wright had a huge season for the Baylor Bears in 2011 -- the senior caught 108 passes for 1,663 yards and 14 touchdowns. He finished sixth nationally in receptions and third in receiving yards.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron. Check out Mocking The Draft's prospect rankings for a look at the bigger NFL draft picture.

2012 NFL Draft News: Whitney Mercilus An Overrated DE Prospect, According To Josh Norris Of Rotoworld

The 2012 NFL Draft is just over two months away, and Illinois Fighting Illini defensive end Whitney Mercilus has been listed as a late first-round selection on various mock drafts around the web. His amazing junior season has created questions whether he is an elite prospect or not, and the NFL Combine will be his best chance to prove to scouts that he can be an impact player in the NFL. Then again, some think his on-field resume simply isn't strong enough.

Josh Norris of Rotoworld has done "extensive film study" and has emerged with a list of 10 players he believes "are receiving too much positive attention in media evaluations and mock drafts." Illinois DE/OLB Whitney Mercilus makes an appearance on his overrated prospect list:

Illinois DE/OLB Whitney Mercilus (6-3/265/4.68) - The nation's leader with 16 sacks, Mercilus' talent does not equal his production. He lacks a great first step and has minimal explosion off the edge. Mercilus is only adequate in many areas: hand use, length to separate, strength at the point of attack, and athleticism to bend the corner. Many of his sacks started with quick inside moves against heavy-footed linemen, or catching a scrambling QB out of the pocket. I will certainly credit Mercilus for his on-field awareness, as he consistently holds his edge assignment and effectively flows down the line. Mercilus also chases plays to the sideline, exhibiting a persistent style that will attract 3-4 teams. He will benefit from a shallow pass-rushing class.

Whether teams agree with this evaluation is another story all together, as a strong showing at the Combine could certainly prove that he would fit in the right system.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more on Mercilus, be sure to check out Illinois blog Hail to the Orange. Head over to SB Nation's NFL news hub for more on the 2012 NFL draft.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Bears Take Iowa OT Riley Reiff In AOL Sporting News Mock

The 2012 NFL Draft season is kicking into full gear, and various prospects are rising and falling on draft boards across the NFL. With the Combine looming and plenty of things still left to be proven or disproven, the volatility in mock drafts is expected to increase up until draft day. Russ Lande of AOL Sporting News recently updated his 2012 NFL Mock Draft, and rather than focus on a wide receiver, Lande has the Chicago Bears taking Iowa offensive tackle Riley Reiff:

19. Chicago Bears: Riley Reiff*, OT, Iowa. Even when Jay Cutler was healthy, the offense struggled with consistency because the line could not provide consistent pass protection. They gamble on Reiff, who is viewed as overrated by many draft analysts.

Ohio State OT Mike Adams is off the board at No. 13 to the Arizona Cardinals, so Lande thinks the Bears are determined to grab an offensive lineman, even if it means gambling on an overrated prospect. Interestingly, wide receivers like Kendall Wright and Alshon Jeffery are still on the board when the Bears pick, and are selected at No. 20 and No. 26, respectively.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron. Check out Mocking The Draft's prospect rankings for a look at the bigger NFL draft picture.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Mocking The Draft Projects Chicago Bears Will Select WR Alshon Jeffery

In the latest mock from the NFL draft specialists over at Mocking The Draft, the Chicago Bears are projected to take South Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. Jeffery's name has been attached to the Bears in a number of mock drafts this offseason, along with other wide receivers like Michael Floyd and several offensive linemen. Here's what MTD had to say about the Jeffery pick:

The Bears have two main needs this off-season. Protect Jay Cutler, and get Jay Cutler a target. With the best offensive lineman gone, the Bears finally get Cutler a big bodied wide out to throw to. At 6'4", 229, Jeffery gives Cutler a big target area, and Jeffery has the ability to go up and get the football. He will need to work on his ability against physical press coverage, but he has the body to be able to cope with it at the NFL level.

Related: 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Kendall Wright To Bears In SB Nation Mock Draft

Jeffery caught 49 passes for 762 yards and eight touchdowns with the Gamecocks in 2011.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron. Check out Mocking The Draft's prospect rankings for a look at the bigger NFL draft picture.

NFL Draft 2012, Whitney Mercilus: Illinois Defensive Lineman Could Land In New England

Whitney Mercilus had a huge breakout year for the Illinois Fighting Illini in 2011, and was good enough to perhaps work his way into the first round of the 2012 NFL draft. In his latest mock draft, SB Nation's Ryan Van Bibber projects the defensive lineman will get drafted by the New England Patriots with pick No. 31.

2012 is shaping up to be the year of the scheme versatile pass rusher. That probably sets up some teams for disappointment. Mercilus does not look like a prospect who will disappoint. He has the speed and power to get around blockers and get to the passer, something he did with regularity last season. If he had more than one year of starting experience under his belt, he might get picked higher. Tweener or not, he's the kind of player the Patriots will find a way to use.

Related: Illinois DE Whitney Mercilus Headed To Patriots In National Football Post Mock

Mercilus finished the 2011 season with 16 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron. Check out Mocking The Draft's prospect rankings for a look at the bigger NFL draft picture.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Kendall Wright To Bears In SB Nation Mock Draft

If the Chicago Bears— as most mock drafts suggest— have zeroed in on wide receiver as their number one priority heading into the 2012 NFL Draft, then they should have their pick of the litter after consensus top wide receiver Justin Blackmon of Oklahoma State goes off the board. The Bears may choose Notre Dame Fighting Irish WR Michael Floyd, or, as projected by SB Nation's Ryan Van Bibber in his most recent mock draft, they may select Baylor Bears receiver Kendall Wright.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: LSU's Rueben Randle To Bears In Pro Football Weekly Mock

The Chicago Bears have been linked of plenty of wide receiver prospects in 2012 NFL Mock Drafts, but Nolan Nawrocki of Pro Football Weekly has presented one of the more interesting options in his first projection. With Baylor Bears WR Kendall Wright coming off the board at No.13 to the Arizona Cardinals, Nawrocki has Phil Emery and the Bears turning to LSU product Rueben Randle at No. 19 overall. Jay Cutler certainly needs an additional option to test defenses deep, and the PFW draft expert says Randle is "a big speed merchant who's capable of making plays downfield."

Other intriguing tidbits include the fact that Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd drops all the way down to No. 26 overall to the Houston Texans, and that Rutgers wide receiver Mohamed Sanu is taken at the end of the first round by the New England Patriots.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Todd McShay of ESPN Projects Baylor WR Kendall Wright To Bears

The Chicago Bears and new general manager Phil Emery are no doubt focused on finding an impact player in the 2012 NFL Draft, and Todd McShay of ESPN believes the Bears will target a wide receiver in the first round for the first time since 2001 -- when they selected disappointing WR David Terrell at No. 8 overall. This time around McShay believes Emery use the No. 19 pick to provide Jay Cutler with Baylor Bears wide receiver Kendall Wright, a "versatile speedster who can threaten defenses vertically and is dangerous after the catch."

In McShay's mock, Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd stays on the board until the Cleveland Browns take him No. 22 pick, and the first wideout off the board is Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiever Justin Blackmon, who went to the Washington Redskins at No. 6 overall.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Chicago Could Target Wisconsin OL Peter Konz

In his latest 2012 NFL mock draft, Fox Sports' Peter Schrager has the Chicago Bears bolstering their offensive line in the first round:

19. Chicago Bears: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin: The Bears drafted one Badgers offensive lineman in Gabe Carimi last year and would be wise to take another in Konz. He's a mauler who can play either guard or center at the next level.

Konz helped establish a dominant ground game at Wisconsin; the Badgers ran for nearly 3,300 yards in 2011 and averaged 5.4 yards per carry.

Related: Bears Grab OT Mike Adams At No. 19 In National Football Post Mock

Chicago could also use some help at wide receiver, and there seems to be a fairly even split among the experts about the direction in which the Bears will go with their first pick.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron.

NFL Draft 2012: Notre Dame's Michael Floyd Missed Senior Bowl Due To Injury

Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd missed the 2012 Senior Bowl while recovering from a rib injury that he suffered in the 2011 Champ Sports Bowl, according to Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune. The wideout still expects to participate in the NFL Combine later this month.

Floyd, 22, is considered one of the top wide receivers in the draft. While Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon is the consensus top wideout in the draft, the general expectation is that Floyd will end up being taken in the first round. The Chicago Bears are one team that could potentially target Floyd, as Mel Kiper projected Chicago to select him with the No. 19 overall pick in his first mock draft.

In 2011, Floyd caught 100 passes for 1147 yards and nine touchdowns. He also scored a rushing touchdown last season. Over four years in Notre Dame, Floyd has caught 271 passes for 3686 yards and scored 38 touchdowns. The Senior Bowl occurred on Jan. 28.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Illinois DE Whitney Mercilus Headed To Patriots In National Football Post Mock

The New England Patriots are busy preparing for Sunday's Super Bowl matchup with the New York Giants, but that doesn't mean we can't look ahead to their first round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Wes Bunting of the National Football Post has recently released his second mock draft, in this version he has former Illinois Fighting Illini defensive end Whitney Mercilus headed to the Patriots at the end of the first round. Here is the analysis:

32. New England Patriots: Illinois DE Whitney Mercilus
Age is creeping up on the Patriots at the defensive end position and Mercilus has the type of measurables to really move up draft boards with a solid post-season.

If Mercilus does perform well in the combine events and works his way into the first round, there would be no better place to land than with the Patriots, where he could compete for a starting job from day one.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more on Mercilus, be sure to check outIllinois blog Hail to the Orange. Head over to SB Nation's NFL news hub for more on the 2012 NFL draft.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Bears Grab OT Mike Adams At No. 19 In National Football Post Mock

The Chicago Bears finally have their general manager, as they officially introduced Phil Emery on Monday, so now the focus turns to the 2012 NFL Draft. They need help on the offensive line and at wide receiver, among other spots, and while most mocks have the Bears going with fresh receiving talent, there are still places where the needs on the offensive line are too great to ignore. Wes Bunting of the National Football Post has recently released his second mock draft, and in this iteration he has the Bears taking former Ohio State Buckeyes offensive tackle Mike Adams:

19. Chicago Bears: Ohio State OT Mike Adams
You have to think after the struggles the Bears have had at left tackle this season, drafting a guy like Adams who has the size and athleticism to handle premier NFL pass rushers is a must for them this off-season.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron.

NFL Draft 2012: The Latest SB Nation Mock Draft Has The Bears Taking WR Michael Floyd

Ryan von Bibber published his newest mock draft at SB Nation today and it gave the Bears Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd. It's a name that should make Bears fans happy. Chicago has been in desperate need of a big target for quarterback Jay Cutler for a few seasons and Floyd would seem to fit the bill perfectly.

Here's what von Bibber has to say about the pick:

19. Chicago Bears, Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

The Bears finally get a big, reliable target for Jay Cutler. Mike Martz is gone, so look for the Bears to run a more traditional offense. You can make the case that they need better blockers first. Adding Floyd gives Chicago a top receiver.

The Indianapolis Colts are pegged to take Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with the top overall pick. A proposed trade in the No. 2 slot gives the Washington Redskins Baylor quarterback and Heisman winner Robert Griffin III.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Another Projection Has WR Michael Floyd Landing In Chicago

Sports Illustrated's Don Banks published his updated 2012 NFL mock draft on Friday, and he is one of many who believes the Chicago Bears will address their wide receiver situation by taking Notre Dame's Michael Floyd in the first round.

Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame. The Bears didn't get what they thought they'd get from Roy Williams last season, and I suppose they have Mike Martz to thank for that. Finding a big, go-to receiver for Jay Cutler is near the top of the to-do list in Chicago, and Floyd and/or Baylor's Kendall Wright look like the draft's No. 2 receiver after OSU's Blackmon.

Floyd has probably been the most popular pick for the Bears in mock drafts so far, though some believe Chicago will look to upgrade its offensive line instead.

Related: 2012 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears Should Look At Two DE Prospects From Senior Bowl

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Chicago Bears Could Upgrade Offensive Line With David DeCastro

A lot of mock drafts done to this point have the Chicago Bears addressing their needs at wide receiver in the first round, but they also could use some help up front, and Charles Davis of the NFL Network projects that will be the direction in which the Bears go. Davis has Chicago taking Stanford offensive guard David DeCastro:

The offensive line continues to need shoring up. The All-American from Palo Alto is a solid player who the Bears should be able to plug in right away.

DeCastro, an Outland Trophy Finalist in 2011, is considered to be among the top few interior linemen in the draft.

By many accounts, Chicago is also likely to take a look at Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron.

2012 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears Should Look At Two DE Prospects From Senior Bowl

The Senior Bowl is a great opportunity for established collegiate players to show they can perform in a professional setting, stand out against other motivated amateur talent and prepare themselves for the 2012 NFL Draft process. NFL scouts and talent evaluators keep a very close eye on team practices to see which players fit NFL prototypes and which can't match the physical demands of the professional game. Wes Bunting of the National Football Post has watched all of the team practices very closely, and after the full three-day experience he has listed his top 10 prospects for the 2012 Senior Bowl.

The Chicago Bears have been looking for someone to make an impact opposite Julius Peppers in the defensive line, and Bunting has identified DE Quinton Coples of the North Carolina Tar Heels and DE Courtney Upshaw of the Alabama Crimson Tide as potential fits on draft day. Bunting named Coples the No. 1 prospect and called him a standout player and "top-five caliber talent" who can overpower offensive linemen on contact, so perhaps isn't really someone the Bears can get. However, Upshaw is listed at No. 3 and not only has the versatility to play a 4-3 scheme, but also has the power and speed to "overwhelm on contact" off the edge.

Bears fans would do well to keep an eye on both players during the 2012 Senior Bowl, because the next general manager of the team might just make a play for one of them in the 2012 NFL Draft.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Chicago Bears Pick WR Mohamed Sanu In Recent Mock Draft

The analysts at Revenge of the Birds have released a new mock draft for the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft, one that offers an intriguing new name for the Chicago Bears to consider: Rutgers WR Mohamed Sanu:

19. Chicago Bears - Mohammed Sanu, WR, Rutgers. Sanu is on the rise, big time. Chicago really needs a wide receiver for Jay Cutler, and will fall in love with Sanu. He has all the skills to become an elite wide receiver, good speed, good size, but most importantly good hands. He only played wide receiver for a year, so once his route running improves, he will be a very good wide receiver.

Most mock drafts have the Bears selecting either Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd. Baylor WR Kendall Wright or an interior offensive lineman, such as C Peter Konz.

Sanu, however, played running back during his first two seasons with Rutgers, switching to wide receiver in 2011 -- when he caught 115 passes for 1206 yards and 7 touchdowns.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Michael Floyd Goes To Bears In Latest CBS Sports Mock

The Chicago Bears will be looking for help on offense and the 2012 NFL draft. It's no secret to anyone the Jay Cutler needs help on the outside, but he also needs help on the offensive line to keep him upright, allow him to progress through his reads and make accurate throws. Rob Rang of CBS Sports has weighed in on what direction he thinks the Chicago Bears will move with the number 19 overall pick in the NFL draft, and it has everything to do with adding talent on the outside:

Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame: With Mike Tice and not Mike Martz heading the Chicago Bears' offense, expect a focus on adding receivers with size and the strength to contribute as downfield blockers. The 6-3, 224-pound Floyd is an ideal match and would be a significant upgrade over veteran Roy Williams at split end.

Could Floyd be the red zone target Cutler has been searching for since he arrived in Chicago? There seems to be a consensus developing that the Bears should take the gamble.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth Bears coverage, visitWindy City Gridiron, and for more on the 2012 NFL draft, head over to Mocking The Draft. For more from around the NFL, check out SB Nation's NFL news hub.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Can The Bears Land Michael Floyd?

Though the Chicago Bears could look to upgrade their offensive line or maybe even the running back position if the team decides to not bring back Matt Forte, sentiment amongst draftniks seems to be moving towards the team selecting a wide receiver, a position group that has been a sore spot amongst fans for several years.

NFL Mock Draft 2012: Chicago Bears Select Baylor WR Kendall Wright In Latest AOL Sporting News Mock

The 2012 NFL Draft class is just about set in stone now that the deadline for petitions has passed and the NFL has granted special exemptions to a record 65 underclassmen. From here you can expect to see countless permutations laid out by various experts in mock drafts, but that's half the fun during draft season. The Chicago Bears are clearly in need of more explosive options for Jay Cutler, and accordingly have been linked to speedy, big-play wide receivers in numerous mock drafts. The Bears are currently operating without a general manager, but their needs are fairly clear, it's all about who is available at No. 19.

Russ Lande of AOL Sporting News recently weighed with his mock draft and sees the Bears taking former Baylor Bears wide receiver Kendall Wright after Michael Floyd came off the board to No. 7 overall. Here is what Lande had to say:

More: Full 2012 NFL Mock Draft at SB Nation

19. Chicago Bears: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor. With Mike Tice taking over the offense, the Bears will likely have more of a run-based attack. But they will need an explosive deep threat to keep defenses from stacking the line, and Wright is that type of receiver.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth Bears coverage, visitWindy City Gridiron, and for more on the 2012 NFL draft, head over to Mocking The Draft. For more from around the NFL, check out SB Nation's NFL news hub.

2012 NFL Draft News: East-West Shrine Practice Notes From NFP's Wes Bunting

The 2012 NFL draft is rapidly approaching, and some lesser-known prospects are trying to make a name for themselves in NFL scouting circles by performing well at the 2012 East-West shrine game. Wes Bunting from the National Football Post has been evaluating players at the team practices, and has some interesting notes on local late-round prospects from Illinois, Northern Illinois and Notre Dame.

On day one of East team practice, Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver A.J. Jenkins flashed potential that made Bunting take notice, but it wasn't something he sustained throughout the day:

Illinois wideout A.J. Jenkins made a nice catch plucking the football off his frame early in the day. However, after that he displayed his struggles as a route runner not really setting up his routes and running through his breaks. He also struggled to gain much separation and was inconsistent all day catching the football. Looks like an inside player only in the NFL who needs to be used off the line and asked to run mostly vertical routes.

On day three, quarterback of the Northern Illinois Huskies, Chandler Harnish had a difficult time gripping the ball and throwing clean spirals on a wet and sloppy field, which is something Bunting took note of in West practice. Finally, Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Robert Blanton made a positive impression during day three practices for the East squad:

It was a bit of a coming out party for Notre Dame CB Robert Blanton Wednesday. The taller, physical corner has had his fair share of struggles in off coverage this week. However, in press man this afternoon he did a nice job shooting his hand into contact, maintaining his footing and getting his head around quickly in order to locate the football. He did get a bit grabby at times, but he possesses the balance to create a burst out of his breaks and was tough to separate from in press coverage.

Each player is hoping to improve their stock heading into the 2012 NFL Draft, so the game itself should help to erase or reinforce any impressions taken from practice.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth Bears coverage, visit Windy City Gridiron, and for more on the 2012 NFL draft, head over to Mocking The Draft. For more from around the NFL, check out SB Nation's NFL news hub.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. Has Whitney Mercilus Headed To Green Bay Packers

Illinois junior defensive end Whitney Mercilus had an undeniably great 2011 season for the Fighting Illini, but he is still a question mark in the eyes of some when it comes to his stock in the 2012 NFL Draft. The 6'4, 265 pound end has all the physical tools NFL teams are looking for, especially in a 3-4 scheme. Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN has posted his first mock draft, and he sees Whitney heading to the Green Bay Packers as the No. 28 overall selection. According to ESPN's mock draft guru, the Illinois product is a perfect fit for Green Bay's 3-4 scheme as a stand-up pass rusher from the outside linebacker position. Kiper considers him a good value at the end of the first round.

That generally fits the work done over at SB Nation's NFL Draft site, Mocking the Draft, where Mercilus is ranked as the No. 32 overall prospect on the board. Here is what Mocking the Draft has to say about him:

He led the country in sacks in 2011 with an impressive 16. However, it remains to be seen whether Mercilus can translate his success to the NFL. While he is pretty good at getting leverage off the snap, he tends to break down a bit through contact and can get driven out of plays by stronger offensive linemen. A lot of his sacks came when he was able to pin his ears back and get after the QB without having to worry about playing the run. That could be partly due to his inexperience, but he looks like a guy who will start his career as a situational pass rusher while he develops his run-stopping.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more on Mercilus, be sure to check out Illinois blog Hail to the Orange. Check out SB Nation's 2012 NFL Draft coverage for more news and analysis.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Mel Kiper Selects WR Michael Floyd For Bears

The Chicago Bears showed everyone in the second half of the 2011 season just how badly their offense needs additional weapons to go alongside quarterback Jay Cutler and running back Matt Forte. Without the unit's key playmakers, things essentially fell apart on that side of the ball.

Considering that, ESPN's Mel Kiper has the Bears selected Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd with the No. 19 overall pick in his first mock draft of the year.

[The Bears] now must find some help for Cutler at wide receiver. The current group has some speed, but he could use a big target, and Floyd can be that guy. He has a big frame, but Floyd actually dropped some weight for the 2011 season, and he managed to look quicker and more explosive in and out of his breaks without giving up much as a physical receiver. He'd be a nice option in this offense and a threat in the red zone.

Floyd had a big year for the Fighting Irish while establishing himself as one of the nation's top playmakers. After a breakout year as a junior in 2010, he finished his senior season with 100 catches for 1147 yards and 9 touchdowns.

With the Bears currently looking at Johnny Knox and Earl Bennett as their top receivers, it may be the time to take their first wide receiver in the first round since David Terrell in 2001.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Chicago Bears Take Baylor WR Kendall Wright In New SB Nation Mock

It's no secret the Chicago Bears need to get help for Jay Cutler in the 2012 NFL Draft. When Johnny Knox and Earl Bennett are lining up as the number one option on the outside, it is hard to expect Cutler to rise to the level of other elite quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady. Several wide receiver prospects have been linked to Chicago in recent mocks, including Notre Dame Fighting Irish WR Michael Floyd and South Carolina Gamecocks WR Alshon Jeffery, but now a new name is emerging in draft circles. SB Nation has the Bears snapping him up at No. 19. In his latest 2012 NFL Mock Draft, SB Nation's Ryan Van Bibber has the Bears finally getting some help for their quarterback:

More: Full 2012 NFL Mock Draft at SB Nation

19. Chicago Bears, Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

There's already talk of Wright as the top receiver in the draft, above Blackmon in some quarters. Maybe. His speed will definitely impress teams in Indianapolis.He also has the kind of hands that will make Jay Cutler very happy.

If selected by the Bears, Wright could make a legitimate case for entering the 2012 season as the number one receiver in Mike Tice's offense.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth Bears coverage, visitWindy City Gridiron, and for more on the 2012 NFL draft, head over to Mocking The Draft. For more from around the NFL, check out SB Nation's NFL news hub.

2012 NFL Draft News: Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd Turns Down Senior Bowl Game

Michael Floyd, a senior wide receiver for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and a projected first-round talent in the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft, has decided to skip out on the Senior Bowl all-star game in Mobile, Alabama. The January game is designed to showcase college players in an NFL-like environment, as players are provided an opportunity to work with NFL coaches and speak with media in the presence of scouts from all 32 NFL teams.

With such a crowded class of wide receivers behind Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon, Floyd could have used the game to distinguish himself from South Carolina's junior WR Alshon Jeffery and Baylor's senior WR Kendall Wright in the eyes of NFL scouts. Instead, Floyd has pulled out of the game without citing a reason, and if he is not limited by injury this will only raise questions among NFL brass.

The 6-1, 263-pound receiver caught 100 passes for 1,147 yards and 9 touchdowns in 13 games with the Fighting Irish in 2011, and added 5 receptions for 41 yard and a touchdown in the team's 18-14 loss to the Florida State Seminoles in the Champs Sports Bowl.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth Bears coverage, visitWindy City Gridiron, and for more on the 2012 NFL draft, head over to Mocking The Draft. For more from around the NFL, check out SB Nation's NFL news hub.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Michael Floyd Bears' Pick In Latest WalterFootball.com Mock

The Chicago Bears might not know who is handling their amateur scouting in the wake of the firing of Jerry Angelo, as they approached the 2012 NFL Draft, but even the untrained eye can see the team needs help at wide receiver. If Jay Cutler is going to establish himself in the top tier of NFL quarterbacks, he needs a premium talent on the outside capable of fighting for jump balls and beating double teams. In the latest mock draft by WalterFootball.com, the Bears turn to Notre Dame product, Michael Floyd. Here is the pick and the analysis:

None of the Bears wide receivers totaled 40 receptions in 2011. Chicago has to get some passing weapons for Jay Cutler through the draft and free agency.

Floyd has first-round ability, but off-the-field problems make his draft stock harder to predict because it isn't clear how heavily he will be downgraded for that. The 6-foot-3, 224-pounder has good speed to go along with his size, body control and strong hands, plus he is a polished receiver as a route-runner. In many games this year, Floyd was an unstoppable force. For the season, he had 100 receptions for 1,147 yards and nine touchdowns.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth Bears coverage, visitWindy City Gridiron, and for more on the 2012 NFL draft, head over to Mocking The Draft. For more from around the NFL, check out SB Nation's NFL news hub.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Will The Chicago Bears Turn To WR Alshon Jeffery?

By most accounts so far, the Chicago Bears are likely to draft either a wide receiver or an offensive lineman in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft. Mocking The Draft's Pick 256 projects the team to select South Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery with the 19th pick:

It's no secret that the Bears need a WR. They haven't had a franchise receiver in forever and Jay Cutler needs a reliable target. Jeffery is a guy who has a lot of questions surrounding his work ethic and athleticism. If he runs well and shines in the interview process, he will be long gone by #19.

Jeffery's 2011 season was a bit of a disappointment after a 1,500 yard season in 2010, but he possesses great size and potential and could develop into the sort of premium receiving target that the Bears are lacking.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth Bears coverage, visit Windy City Gridiron, and for more on the 2012 NFL draft, head over to Mocking The Draft. For more from around the NFL, check out SB Nation's NFL news hub.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Chicago Bears Could Target Receiver Michael Floyd

In the latest NFL mock draft from Sports Illustrated's Andrew Perloff, the Chicago Bears are pegged once again to select a wide receiver in the first round. Perloff thinks Notre Dame's Michael Floyd would be a good fit in Chicago:

19. Chicago Bears -- Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

The NFL seems to have trouble evaluating Notre Dame products, but Floyd fits the mold of the tall, fast receiver the Bears need.

Perloff certainly isn't the first person to suggest the Bears go wide receiver, or draft Michael Floyd specifically.

Floyd finished the 2011 season with 100 receptions for 1,147 yards and nine touchdowns. It was his second consecutive thousand yard season.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth Bears coverage, visit Windy City Gridiron, and for more on the 2012 NFL draft, head over to Mocking The Draft. For more from around the NFL, check out SB Nation's NFL news hub.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Notre Dame's Michael Floyd To The Redskins?

Though most that follow the NFL Draft believe that taking skill position players inside the top 10 is risky and foolish, that didn't stop the Cincinnati Bengals from drafting A.J. Green in the top five or the Atlanta Falcons trading up more than 15 spots to take Julio Jones number six overall. It seems as if the 2012 NFL Draft may see as many, if not more, wide receivers taken in the top 10, with Oklahoma State Cowboys WR Justin Blackmon considered a near lock for that range, and with players like Alshon Jeffery and Michael Floyd battling behind him.

In his updated Mock Draft, SB Nation's Ryan Van Bibber has Floyd going sixth overall to the Washington Redskins, who could use a big play receiver outside. Here is Van Bibber on the potential selection:

6. Washington Redskins, Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

It's becoming popular in mock drafts to put Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill here. But unless they're able to get RG3 somehow, I see Washington trying to nab a non-Draft QB solution--Matt Flynn perhaps? -- and give that person some talent to work with at wide receiver, an area the Skins desperately need help. Floyd fits the bill.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Notre Dame updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Irish, visit One Foot Down.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Chicago Bears Could Still Focus On Center

2012 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears Pick At No. 19, Here Are Some Prospects To Watch In Bowls

The book has closed on the 2011-12 NFL regular season, and the Chicago Bears are officially picking a No. 19 in the 2012 NFL Draft. There are still some college bowl games to be played in early January, culminating in the BCS National Championship game between the LSU Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide, so there are still prospects to keep an eye on. Looking at SB Nation's 2012 NFL Mock Draft, here are a few players to watch in the college championship game that might be available when the Bears pick.

Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Dont'a Hightower, OLB, Alabama

Kirkpatrick is currently slotted at No. 9 overall, Upshaw is projected at No. 13, Barron at No. 18 and Hightower is listed at No. 24. For more on this game, visit Alabama blog Roll Bama Roll, LSU blog And The Valley Shook, SEC blog Team Speed Kills as well as SB Nation's college football news hub.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to the SB Nation NFL hub, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron.

2012 NFL Combine: Illinois OT Jeff Allen Receives Combine Invite

With the 2012 NFL Draft approaching, college seniors will begin receiving invites to the 2012 NFL Combine. Though no official announcement has been made, Illinois Fighting Illini offensive tackle Jeff Allen announced on his Twitter page that he has been invited to this year's combine:

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Bears Could Upgrade At Interior Offensive Line

2012 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears To Pick At No. 19

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Chicago Bears May Target Wisconsin C Peter Konz

The latest mock draft from AOL's Sporting News suggests the Chicago Bears may look to take the Wisconsin Badgers junior C Peter Konz:

16. Chicago Bears: Peter Konz*, C, Wisconsin. Jay Cutler took a beating behind the Bears’ line in 2011. Konz is smart and versatile and should be able to start at either center or guard as a rookie.

The Bears have allowed an 8.6% sack rate (sacks per pass attempt) in the 2011 NFL Season, good for 8th worst in the NFL. Chicago parted ways with their long-time center Olin Kreutz before the 2011 season, opting to start Roberto Garza (32 years old ) at center and Chris Spencer (29) at guard.

SB Nation's earlier mock drafts have also suggested the Bears might look Konz's way even if they have the No. 20 pick. Mocking the Draft rates Konz as the top center in the 2011 draft class.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Todd McShay Predicts Bears Will Draft WR Michael Floyd

According ESPN's Todd McShay, the Chicago Bears may be poised to draft Notre Dame Fighting Irish wideout Michael Floyd:

The Bears haven't take a receiver in the first round since David Terrell in 2001, and I understand their hesitation to draft wideouts so high. However, they must find weapons for QB Jay Cutler, and Roy Williams clearly doesn't make the cut. Floyd seems to have put off-field issues behind him, and his size and ability to play the deep ball make him an attractive option.

The Bears' top receiver in the 2011 season, Johnny Knox, went down in Week 15 with a season-ending injury. Earl Bennett, believed by some to be the Bears's best wide receiver, missed much of the year with injuries and has collected only 301 receiving yards.

Michael Floyd, completing his fourth year with the Irish, has collected 3645 yards and 36 touchdowns in his collegiate career, and in 2011, Floyd amassed 8 TDs with 1106 yards. According to Mocking the Draft, Floyd has an impressive frame and can make dynamic catches. However, he has a Red Flag for accruing three separate alcohol-related offenses.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Chicago Bears May Try To Improve Receiving Corps By Drafting Alshon Jeffery

NFLDraftScout.com's Chad Reuter thinks the Chicago Bears could go with a wide receiver in the 2012 NFL draft and suggests South Carolina standout receiver Alshon Jeffery could be the guy:

Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina: If Mike Martz thinks Roy Williams is a good fit in his offense, then Jeffery's probably on his wish list as well.

Jeffrey finished the 2011 regular season with 45 receptions, 614 yards and seven receiving touchdowns. His year was a bit of a disappointment in comparison to 2010, when he caught 88 passes for over 1,500 yards. This year the South Carolina Gamecocks had some quarterback issues, among other things. But Jeffery still possesses great tools and could prove a difference maker in the NFL.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Chicago Bears Could Bolster Secondary With SS Mark Barron

In the latest 2012 NFL mock draft, CBS Sports' Rob Rang thinks the Chicago Bears will look to improve its secondary in the first round by taking Alabama strong safety Mark Barron:

Mark Barron, SS, Alabama: The Bears have shuffled through several veterans at safety this season and surprisingly enough are getting the most consistent play out of rookie Chris Conte, a third-round pick out of California. Conte's range makes him a natural free safety. Barron, more of a downhill thumper, would be a solid complement in Chicago.

Barron was one of four Alabama players named a first team All-American by the Associated Press. Barron finished 2011 with 64 tackles, five pass breakups and two interceptions.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron.

NFL Draft 2012: LB Manti Te'o Will Return To Notre Dame For Senior Season

In a decision that may have surprised some people, Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o announced on Monday that he would return to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in 2012 rather than declare for the NFL draft. Te'o spoke at length with family members and ultimately decided it was more important for him to finish his career at Notre Dame:

One of inspiring things he shared with us was, what can he live with if decided to go pro?" [Manti's father] Brian Te'o said. "Can he live with not having the memory of his senior season? Could I be satisfied with millions and live without the memory? Or can I live without the millions and have the memories?

"He goes, 'I can do that. I can live with my career possible ending at Notre Dame.'"

Te'o is rated the No. 13 prospect in the draft by ESPN's Mel Kiper, and the conclusion from the Te'o family's research was that he would most likely be selected in the mid-to-late first round.

For NFL draft updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more coverage of Notre Dame football, visit One Foot Down. And for more from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

NFL Draft 2012: If Wins Don't Come, Could The Bears Have A Shot At An Elite Receiver?

After a decisive win over the San Diego Chargers just over three weeks ago, the Chicago Bears looked poised for another lengthy playoff run. Unfortunately, (season-ending?) injuries to starting quarterback Jay Cutler and star running back Matt Forte gave changed the conversation in Chicago. The Bears lost consecutive heart-breakers, and their defeat at the hands of Tim Tebow and Denver Broncos has officially pushed them out of playoff position.

Right now, it's difficult to imagine Chicago winning again this season, even if two of their three remaining opponents won't be playoff-bound. Assuming Caleb Hanie and Bears can't turn their fortunes around, Cutler and crew could get a boost through the NFL Draft.

As you saw this morning, SB Nation's Ryan Van Bibber pegged Wisconsin center Peter Konz for the Bears' first round pick, but that's assuming they choose at 20. If Chicago continues to lose, they could find themselves picking as high No. 14, where the 7-9 St. Louis Rams chose last season. That could mean the Bears would have a shot at an elite wide receiver, such as Notre Dame's Michael Floyd.

It's a deep class at wideout, highlighted by three certifiable monsters: Floyd joins Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon and South Carolina's Ashlon Jeffrey to create a clear upper tier. It's very possible that all three could be top ten selections, but if one were to somehow fall to Chicago, it could be a major boon for Cutler's passing attack.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Chicago Bears May Target C Peter Konz

The 2011 college football schedule has reached its bowl game season, meaning the evaluation period for college athletes has nearly entirely concluded. And, with the 2011 NFL season reaching its final regular season weeks, the 2012 NFL Draft is coming into ever greater focus.

Adding some clarity to the matter, SB Nation Pro Football's Ryan Van Bibber has released his latest iteration of the 2012 NFL Mock Draft. As with many other forecasters, Van Bibber sees the Indianapolis Colts drafting Stanford Cardinal QB Andrew Luck No. 1 overall, but suggests the Colts consider a trade to improve the overall team.

Van Bibber projects the Chicago Bears will pick at No. 20, taking Wisconsin Badgers C Peter Konz. According to Van Bibber, the Bears o-line will be a priority in the 2012 Draft:

If Chicago could draft an entire offensive line, they might do it. Konz gives them some stability in the interior line.

The Bears currently have two centers starting on the line -- Roberto Garza and Chris Spencer (starting at right guard now) -- but both have played admirably at the guard positions in the past, so taking Peter Konz may allow the two veterans (who will both be under contract in 2012) to move to the guard positions full-time.

Mocking the Draft described Konz as both quick and athletic before the 2011 season, not at all dissimilar to a young Olin Kreutz:

Along with Ohio State's Michael Brewster, Konz is one of the two best center in college football. He's a do-it-all center who can play with strength and athleticism. Wisconsin likes to use Konz on the move in the run game and he's deceptively agile for a big player.

Though the NFL Draft is just around the corner, the Bears (7-6) still have another three games left in the regular season, which may effect where they pick in the draft. Next Sunday, they take on the Seattle Seahawks (5-7) at 12:00 PM CST.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis.

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Peter Schrager Says Chicago Bears Will Go O-Line

Peter Schrager of FoxSports suspects the Bears will pick Cordy Glenn, a guard from Georgia, with a late-round pick in the 2012 NFL draft.