2011 NFL Mock Draft: Chicago Bears Add Derek Sherrod to Protect Jay Cutler

March 15, 2011   ·   Zachary D. Rymer   ·   Jump to comments

With a Little Help from Derek Sherrod, Jay Cutler’s Uniform Will Be Much Cleaner in 2011

Amidst all the guff that was flying Jay Cutler’s way during and after the Chicago Bears’ loss in the NFC Championship Game, I think we lost sight of the fact that the poor guy had to put up with more physical punishment than any other quarterback in the league last year.

Cutler was sacked 52 times in 2010, which was tops in the NFL by far (next up was Joe Flacco with 40). Obviously, he could use another able body in front of him, and the Bears should look to find one when their No. 29 pick rolls around.

All of the top offensive tackles (i.e. Tyron Smith, Nate Solder, et al) will already be off the board by the time the Bears are on the clock, but they should have a chance to pick Mississippi State’s Derek Sherrod.

As I understand it, Sherrod isn’t much for technique, and he’s better in run protection than he is in pass protection. One thing scouts have noted is that he doesn’t play with much fire. My guess is that his skill set might see some improvement if the Bears can hammer some sense of desire into him.

I guess that means he should avoid spending too much time with Cutler.