Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of email questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
How many picks do the Bears have in the draft and where do they pick in each round?
Phil L.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
The Bears have five picks in the April 25-27 NFL Draft, choosing 20th in Rounds 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. (The overall slots won't be determined until the NFL awards compensatory picks to teams who suffered a net loss of free agents.) The Bears traded their third-round pick to the Dolphins last March as part of a package to acquire receiver Brandon Marshall and dealt their seventh-round selection to the Buccaneers last summer in exchange for defensive tackle Brian Price.
I keep hearing about how the Bears need to acquire a pass-catching tight end. Do you think they'll use Evan Rodriguez in that role?
Frank B.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
I think there's definitely a possibility that Evan Rodriguez will be moved back to tight end after playing fullback as a rookie in 2012. Here's how general manager Phil Emery responded to your question at the NFL Scouting Combine: "I think he is going to be used in a variety of roles until we find the right role for him. He finished the year as a fullback. We felt by the end of the year that he had done a good job in there. He also has other skills. We're going to work through OTAs and camp to bring that out and find that right role. He'll have an opportunity to display all of his skills to our new staff."
I am a huge Bears fan and cannot recall a single time that the Bears have traded up in the draft. I was wondering what general manager Phil Emery's stance is on moving up or down in the draft?
Dan G.
Joliet, Illinois
Phil Emery made it very clear last year in his first draft as Bears general manager that he would move up if there was a player he wanted to land. Emery traded a fifth-round selection to the Rams to move up five spots to select wide receiver Alshon Jeffery with the 45th overall pick. The Rams used the fifth-round choice (150th overall) they acquired from the Bears to take guard Rokevious Watkins, who appeared in only one game for St. Louis last season as a rookie.
