The second round of the 2011 NFL Draft is just about in the books. The Chicago Bears added another talented player in the trenches by snagging Stanford defensive tackle Stephen Paea with the No. 51 pick. If you're wondering how the Bears picked in the middle of the round rather than at the end, well, good pick up. The Bears traded away their fourth round pick with the Washington Redskins in order to move up ten spots. Jerry Angelo and the rest of the Bears' personnel department must have felt that Paea would be taken before it was their turn to pick.
↵Let's turn our attention real quick to the Illinois Fighting Illini. In round one, Corey Liuget became the first Illinois product to hear his name called when the San Diego Chargers selected the immensely talented defensive end with the No. 18 pick. On Friday in round two, a second Illinois player saw his lifelong dream fulfilled. Mikel LeShoure came off the board at No. 57 when the Detroit Lions selected the 6' 227 pound back. LeShoure was Illinois' team MVP in 2010 after setting a single season school record with 1,697 rushing yards, 22 TDs, and nine 100 yard rushing games.
↵The Lions of course already have a talented back on their roster, '10 first round pick Jahvid Best. But there will continue to be injury concerns with Best, so the Lions might be wise in adding another talented insurance policy to the backfield with LeShoure. Regardless of what his future holds, for now, a hearty congratulations to the young man!
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