FanHouse

With each pick of the FanHouse mock draft, we get into the head of an NFL general manager and let you know who he'll pick and why.

There's really not much choice for the Bears when their pick rolls around on April 26. They need to take someone to help their moribund offense and, given their shortages at the position, they need to take someone who can start on the offensive line on day one. It's the only way they can help their running game develop and upgrade their quarterback protection to acceptable levels in one fell swoop. The question is which player will best help them do it.

Jeff Otah of Pittsburgh is ready to go on day one. He's got a massive body that's built for running behind, long arms that can keep pass rushers at bay and the strength to succeed on both fronts. He's not speedy, though, and will be a right tackle as opposed to playing on the more valuable left side but the Bears still have John Tait for that spot. The only other downside to Otah is his ceiling. He's probably going to be just what he is now, which is fine, but perhaps not what Branden Albert of Nebraska Virginia offers.

Albert is the draft's high-riser and has been projected as high as fifth by draft pundit Mel Kiper. That's odd because he was a guard in college and his ascent has been fueled by hopes of moving him outside to tackle. He's got great agility and has been a workout wonder. If he successfully makes the position switch he could have more to offer down the line than Otah, if not right away.

So which do you choose? The safe bet or the gamble? The Bears have so little on offense that they can't afford the risk of taking Albert and ending up with a guard. That's what happened to Leonard Davis, the last interior prospect drafted high on hopes of moving outside. He's been a fine guard but never made the move, which isn't a place Chicago wants to find itself. That makes Otah the wisest choice.

Skill positions certainly need improvement at Soldier Field as well but that will have to wait for later rounds. Taking Rashard Mendenhall won't help without a line to open holes and opting for wideout Malcolm Kelly won't yield benefits when Rex Grossman or Kyle Orton spend most Sundays contemplating the clouds.

The Skinny:
Team Needs: OT, QB, WR, OG, RB
Player Selected: Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
Also Considered: Branden Albert, OT/OG, Nebraska Virginia; Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois; Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma.

Previous Pick: No. 13, Derrick Harvey, Carolina

Next Pick: No. 15, Detroit Lions