Chicago Bears 2012 NFL Draft Review

Apr 29, 2012 - 8:40 PM (Sports Network) -

1 - Shea McClellin, DE, Boise State (6-3, 260); 2 - Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina (6-3, 216); 3 - Brandon Hardin, S, Oregon State (6-3, 217); 4 - Evan Rodriguez, FB, Temple (6-2, 239); 6 - Isaiah Frey, CB, Nevada (5-11, 188); 7 - Greg McCoy, CB, Texas Christian (5-10, 181)

Top Picks Analysis: The Bears got a player with outstanding versatility and intangibles with their No. 19 overall choice of McClellin, a three-year starter at Boise State who saw time at both defensive end and outside linebacker as a collegian. The team plans to use him at the former, where his ability to explode off the edge could provide a needed pass-rushing complement opposite All-Pro Julius Peppers, though he'll need to improve his strength and anchor to be effective against the run. Chicago traded up five spots in the second round to nab the mercurial Jeffery, a physically-gifted big target with outstanding hands but who lacks separation skills and had trouble maintaining a proper playing weight during his tenure in Steve Spurrier's offense. Hardin is a question mark as well due to durability, having missed his entire senior season at Oregon State with a shoulder fracture, but the former cornerback can really run and plays with a ferocious intensity.

Best Value Pick: Rodriguez is kind of a poor man's Aaron Hernandez, a fullback-tight end tweener who can create mismatches when lined up on linebackers as a receiver and is also a decent blocker. If used creatively, he could bring an extra dimension to a passing game that got little production from the tight end position last season.

Questionable Calls: Not adding anything to an offensive line that's permitted 105 sacks over the past two years is a risky proposition, even with 2011 first-rounder Gabe Carimi coming back at right tackle following a rookie season wasted by injury. Hardin was a strange pick by a team that's now drafted a safety in the third round three consecutive years.

Summary: There isn't a selection here that comes without some concern, as McClellin may not have the bulk to hold up as an every-down end, Jeffery is an unrefined route runner with commitment issues and Hardin has a history of health problems. All have the talent to pan out and become impact players, but it's as yet unclear whether the Bears got significantly better through this draft.

Final Grade: C+