Dan Pompei

The 2012 class of middle linebackers is led by underclassmen Luke Kuechly of Boston College and Dont'a Hightower of Alabama. If neither player had declared himself eligible for the draft, it's possible no middle linebacker would have been chosen in the top two rounds. Even with the presence of Kuechly and Hightower, this still is a pedestrian group.

This is not a bad crop of defensive tackles. There are several players who should have productive careers at every level of the draft, including in the first round. As many as six tackles are first-round considerations.

This cornerback class features better quantity than quality. Teams will be able to find good values between the third and seventh rounds. Morris Claiborne and Stephon Gilmore are expected to go early, and there could be a dropoff before the next corner is selected.

This is a weak group of centers, and it would be really weak if not for the Big Ten, which might have the top three taken. It is possible as few as seven will be drafted, though need likely will force some teams to pick players who might not have draftable grades.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Picking Bill Belichick's best coaching job is a little like choosing Rembrandt's preeminent painting, Bach's consummate composition or Shakespeare's greatest play.

And beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

But there is much to be said for what Belichick did in 2011, and if his Patriots beat the Giants in Super Bowl XLVI many will proclaim this his finest season.

Signing Matt Forte has proven more difficult than tackling him.

Forte's value has been as a moving target, shifting left, cutting right and then spinning away.

This story was reported by Tribune reporters Dan Pompei, David Haugh, Vaughn McClure, Becky Yerak and Steve Schmadeke and written by Pompei.

They call it The City of Sun and Sea, the Venice of America.

Beautiful Sunny Isles Beach, Fla., is located on a barrier island surrounded by Miami, the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway.