What the Bear’s Need in the 2012 NFL Draft?

There has been a lot of speculation going on as to what the Bears are going to do in the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft. Despite the fact that they did some work in free agency and made a nice attempt to shore up a position or two they still need some depth and added talent at several positions on the roster.

But what positions need that extra talent and depth? Is there a position that no one has thought of that could use some help in the draft?

Let’s take a look at five positions of need for the Bears as they prepare for the 2012 NFL Draft.

Wide Receiver-Even though the Bears brought in Brandon Marshall during the off-season, they should still be in need of some help at the position. With Johnny Knox not supposed to be back until mid-season and the uncertainty surrounding Devin Hester’s ability to play the position. Chicago needs to take a look at the wide receiver spot in the first few rounds and see if there is anyone that peaks their interest and could come in right away to help.

The Bears need a starter or at least someone that can contribute right away so getting someone early would have to be a must for the Bears.

Offensive Tackle-Chicago seems to be high on J’Marcus Webb but he’s a project and the Bears don’t’ need a project at the left tackle position. They need a starter and it’s possible the Bear’s could look for a starter in the early rounds of the draft. Being able to solidify their offensive line is a must and they have to do something at nearly every position on the offensive line to add depth or starting power. Would they be willing to do it at the left tackle position? In order to have success next season they almost have to.

Guard-The Bears have some starting power at both guard spots but bringing in some additional talent there is a must. Chicago needs depth at both the guard positions and they need to create some competition on the line to make sure that what they have playing there is the absolute best available. Chicago could go ahead and add some depth in the middle to later rounds of the draft to ensure that competition and they have to do something there or the line will definitely suffer in 2012.

Cornerback-Charles Tillman had a Pro Bowl season last year and is a lock to make it as a starter at one of the two cornerback spots but things aren’t so steady on the opposite side. Tim Jennings will be back and while he has played the position fairly well for the most part the Bears would probably like to see some additional competition there at the spot to help make it better. The Bears could also use some depth at the position. Look for them to address this in the draft at some point perhaps even very early.

Defensive Tackle-The Bears are always in the hunt for a defensive tackle it seems and they may want to get another one in this year’s draft. The defensive tackle position is very important in the kind of defensive scheme that the Bear’s play and Chicago’s defensive tackles rotate so having more than two (Chicago plays a 4-3 defense) good starters is a must. The Bears could take a look at a player in that position early on in the draft and help improve their defensive line for next season and beyond.