Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery just locked up linebacker Lance Briggs for an additional season on Wednesday, and he wheeled a big trade for wide receiver Brandon Marshall last month, but the 2012 NFL Draft is the next big challenge on his plate. The Bears have serious needs on the offensive line and in the secondary, but they could also use more depth on the defensive line, in the linebacking corps and at wide receiver. Todd McShay of ESPN released his 2012 NFL Mock Draft update, and in this version he projects South Carolina Gamecocks cornerback Stephon Gilmore to the Bears, but the focus is on tackling four different scenarios that could arise:
Scenario 1: Gilmore could be a top-15 pick, and while he's still developing in terms of instincts he has the size, athleticism and speed to become a No. 1 corner. And a team that will face Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford four times a year has to be able to cover on the perimeter.
Scenario 2: Upgrade at defensive end with Upshaw, who could add to the pass rush and bolster the run defense.
Scenario 3: Address a need at left tackle with Ohio State's Mike Adams or Stanford's Jonathan Martin.
Scenario 4: If Gilmore is off the board the Bears could choose to address their corner need with Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick or North Alabama's Janoris Jenkins. There are character concerns with Jenkins, but he has more man-to-man cover skills than Kirkpatrick.
Two interesting players McShay leaves on the board with the Gilmore pick are Baylor Bears WR Kendall Wright (No. 21) and Ohio St. Buckeyes OT Mike Adams (No. 32).
Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago Bears be sure to visit Windy City Gridiron. And drop by SB Nation NFL for more news and notes from around the league.
