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As Usual, Bears Could Be Trading Out Of First Round

CHICAGO (WSCR) -- Just two weeks out from the 2011 NFL Draft, and the conversation surrounding the Chicago Bears is relatively the same. The Bears need to either protect quarterback Jay Cutler or improve their aging defensive line.

There's roughly five offensive linemen who are widely considered to be first-round caliber: Tyron Smith, Anthony Castonzo, Gabe Carimi, Nate Solder and Derek Sherrod.

"If one of those guys, like a Derek Sherrod from Mississippi State slips, you have to take him," Matt Bowen, of the National Football Post said on the Mully and Hanley Show. "Then with defensive line, Corey Liuget from Illinois, I know his stock is through the roof right now. If for some reason there was a run on another position, say quarterbacks late in the first, and he slips, take him."

LISTEN: Matt Bowen On The Mully And Hanley Show

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The Bears haven't had a first round draft pick for the last two drafts, so there's a shortage of prospects with elite potential, but as always, the Bears seem to value quantity over high-end quality.

"I see Jerry [Angelo] trading down," Bowen said. "Because he can't reach at No. 29. If there's no one there, they're going to trade down and try to stock pile some picks."

2011 Chicago Bears Draft Picks
Round: 1, Pick: 29, Overall: 29
Round: 2, Pick: 30, Overall: 62
Round: 3, Pick: 29, Overall: 93
Round: 4, Pick: 30, Overall: 127
Round: 5, Pick: 29, Overall: 160
Round: 6, Pick: 30, Overall: 195

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