Miller: Signings, character issues could steer Bears clear of CBs

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With the recent signing of veteran cornerbacks Kelvin Hayden and Jonathan Wilhite to make up for the loss of Zack Bowman to the Vikings, it could signal the Bears would target other positions early in the 2012 NFL Draft. There are questionable character issues surrounding the top corners in this years draft crop. Specifically, where the top corners could be selected by the Bears with the 19th overall pick of the first round.

Morris Claiborne, LSU CB, 60", 185 lbs: He is simply off the table as Claiborne most likely will be a top-ten pick. A recent report emerged concerning Claibornes Wonderlic test score, which was a lowly 4. But this is not so concerning as Claiborne has a learning disability that was well known and reported by the National Football Posts Greg Gabriel. Gabriel was head of college scouting for the Bears and is now a contributor for the NFP. Greg followed up with his own story stating, Claibornes learning disability was well known.

Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama CB, 510, 191: Has Jenkins changed his ways since being dismissed from the Florida Gators football program? NFL teams will do interviews at two schools as Jenkins ability is elite, but is he a choir boy or a rabble-rouser? The Bears have had their fair share of both, but after the Sam Hurd debacle a year ago, I highly doubt it. Jenkins was dismissed from Florida for drug (marijuana) related issues. Jenkins came clean at the Combine, but what team is buying in? It wont be the Bears.

Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama CB, 62, 192: Another talented cornerback who recently had marijuana charges dropped. Alabama head coach Nick Saban has vouched for Kirkpatricks character but teams will question IMG, where he is training, as long time journalist Len Pasquarelli of the Sports Xchange has reported there were some unsavory characters allowed into the IMG training facility. Again, the Bears are not going to select a first rounder with any blemishes at all due to last years black eye thanks to Hurd.

Alphonzo Dennard, Nebraska CB, 510 203: No. 19 in the first round is way too high for a player that many think is built for safety. Top end speed is in question with Dennard. Not a chance he'll go at 19, which leaves the Bears with one cornerback with 1st round talent when deciding to select in the first round.

Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina CB, 61 193: Gilmore is young. He elected to forgo his senior year and enter the 2012 draft early. Gilmore is experienced with 40 games played. He has impressed with his athleticism and removed all doubt during this years Combine posting 4.40 speed. Gilmore is moving up draft boards and may have positioned himself second to Claiborne due the off the field issues of the players above.

If the Bears are thinking cornerback, Gilmore would be the only one who may fit in the first round.

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