As I indicated in yesterday’s draft needs article, the Chicago Bears have a number of positions that they need to address this year.  That said, they’re only a few key pieces from returning to prominence in the NFC Central.  With only five picks in this year’s draft, the Bears will have to be on point with their picks and find the most value, that also fills a need, with each selection.  Like always, this is based on the current state of the team and can/will change as free agency runs it’s course. 

Note: * indicates an underclassman
 

1. (20th overall) Tyler Eifert*, Tight End, Notre Dame

This is a pretty easy one to figure out: Jay Cutler needs more targets and the Bears need a talented, vertical-threat tight end.  Eifert provides just that: He’s a big, fast receiver with superb route-running skills and great hands.  He will do a great job of stretching the field and catching the ball across the middle.  He also does a decent job of run blocking. 

2. (50th) Kyle Long, Offensive Tackle, Oregon

The Bears obviously need to upgrade the offensive line, specifically the left side.  Chicago desperately needs to find help protecting Cutler’s blind side.  Long (son of Hall of Famer Howie Long) was incredibly impressive at the combine and solidified his spot in the top-five at the offensive tackle position.  Long is big at 6’7” and 311 pounds, but he’s incredible athletic and agile for his size and has the ability to take on the talented edge rushers in the NFC North from day one. 

4. (118th) Kiko Alonso, Inside Linebacker, Oregon

Like I said before, Brian Urlacher isn’t the player he once was and the Bears need to bring his successor in now; so that when Urlacher does retire, they can make a much smoother transition.  Alonso is a versatile, high-motor player that can play at any position in the Bears’ linebacker corps.  In 2012 he put up impressive numbers, with 81 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, four interceptions and two forced fumbles.  He can blitz, defend the pass and stop the run.  While Alonso may be a bit raw, he can definitely benefit from learning from Urlacher. 

5. (155th) Terry Hawthorne, Cornerback, Illinois

With Charles Tillman getting up there in age, and no real depth at the position besides Tim Jennings; the Bears could use help at cornerback.  at 6’0”, 194 pounds, Hawthorne has top-notch coverage skills and above average speed.  His physical play and keen sense for the ball will allow him to match up against any receiver in the NFL.  Hawthorne also possesses tremendous tackling skills and a knack for stripping the ball as he takes ball carriers to the ground: something that would fit extremely well with the Bears’ physical, ball-stripping defense. 

6. (189th) Baker Steinkuhler, Defensive Lineman, Nebraska

With a number of players along the Bears’ defensive front facing free agency, they need to add depth.  Steinkuhler is a big (6’6”, 290 pounds) and physical high-motor player that can lineup at any position on the defensive line.  He has the size to occupy double teams, the athleticism to move laterally and stop the run and the length to disrupt passing lanes.  For his size, Steinkuhler could stand to add some muscle, otherwise he may be forced to play more at defensive end at the NFL level.