via packerchatters.com

Despite vowing to be selected higher than his twin brother Maurkice, who the Steelers picked 18th in 2010, Mike dropped all the way to the Bears at 29.  This is contrary to what many experts expect to happen on draft day, as Pouncey has moved up draft boards being projected to go to teams such as the Colts (22nd), Giants (19th), and even the Patriots with their 17th.  The Bears could not be happier that Mike has dropped to them as they can address their glaring need of an offensive lineman. 

Pouncey is an athletic freak that can play all three interior line positions.  He is a big, physical blocker with excellent strength, but is not a fat body.  Mike’s lean and quick, as he can pull and get to the second level on running plays.  His other strengths include holding the point of attack, good footwork, quick off the snap, and solid in pass protection.  One weakness is that while playing center at Florida, Pouncey struggled snapping the ball at times.  Otherwise, Mike is a well rounded interior lineman who when asked, said he could also play tackle if needed.

This versatility is invaluable to the Bears, who would now have a number of options for their offensive line. Currently without a center under contract, Pouncey could slip into that position, but it is highly unlikely, as aging Olin Kreutz will most likely be back on a 1 or 2 year deal.  Instead, Pouncey will presumably take over one of the guard spots initially then eventually occupy the center position.  Whose guard spot he would acquire though, is still in question.  The safe bet would be Roberto Garza’s, but Pouncey could very well take over for Chris Williams, who might once again be playing tackle to take over for one of Frank Omiyale or J’Marcus Webb.

Regardless of where he would end up playing, I believe Mike Pouncey would be an excellent choice for the Bears, providing great value at pick #29.  While the Bears could go in another direction such as DT Corey Liuget, I feel Pouncey is the correct selection, plus it would make Mike Tice look like a genius, as he recently said to Pouncey that he’d see him at training camp.  

Rimington Watch List : Mike Pouncey - Florida (via drimington)

1. Carolina- Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

2. Denver- Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

3. Buffalo- Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

4. Cincinnati- Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

5. Arizona- Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

6. Cleveland- A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

7. San Francisco- Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

8. Tennessee- Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

9. Dallas- Tyron Smith, T, USC

10. Washington- Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina

11. Houston- Nick Fairley, DT/DE, Auburn

12. Minnesota- Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas

13. Detroit- Nate Solder, T, Colorado

14. St. Louis- Prince Akukamara, CB, Nebraska

15. Miami- Julius Thomas, TE, Portland State

16. Jacksonville- Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

17. New England- Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri

18. San Diego- Cameron Jordan, DE, California

19. New York (N) - Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

20. Tampa Bay- Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State

21. Kansas City- Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

22. Indianapolis- Derek Sherrod, OT, Miss. St

23. Philadelphia- Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

24. New Orleans- Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor

25. Seattle- April 2 Noon ET

26. Baltimore- April 2 8:00 PM ET

27. Atlanta- April 3 Noon ET

28. New England- April 3 8:00 ET

29. Chicago- April 4 Noon ET

30. New York (A) -

31. Pittsburgh- April 5 Noon ET

32. Green Bay- April 5 8:00 PM ET