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.