It’s officially the NFL off-season as the New England Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIV. Now it’s time to look forward to free agency, the NFL Draft and Training Camp.
Since our last Chicago Bears mock draft, some things have changed. The Bears have hired a new head coach and brought in new personnel on the coaching staff. With the new changes, the Bears are expected to switch to a 3-4 defense to re-build what was once a great defense in Chicago.
The Bears first round pick should still be defense, unless for some chance they decide to grab Amari Cooper if he falls. I don’t see that happening and still see the Bears grabbing a skilled defensive player.
- Every mock I add a new round.
- I’ll provide two alternatives to the pick.
First round
7. Dante Fowler, DE/OLB; Florida
6′-3″, 260 pounds
The Bears likely switch to a 3-4 defense will impact a good amount of players on the defensive line, so it’s time to start finding playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. The Bears have some holes at linebacker and aren’t getting much younger on the defensive line.
So why not draft a pass rusher that can play DE/OLB? Fowler could be the best pass rusher in this class and has shown dominance in his four years with the Florida Gators. His ability to stand up and rush from the edge is exactly what the Bears need to start the rebuild.
Other options
- Danny Shelton, DT Washington
- Shelton has been the most common name thrown around when talking about the Bears first round pick. I wouldn’t be opposed to Shelton if the Bears selected him, but after dominating the Senior Bowl he may move up in the top 5.
- Landon Collins, S; Alabama
- Collins was the selection in my first mock but since the new coaching staff, Fowler fits better. Collins is still an option and I wouldn’t be shocked if the Bears went this way.
Second Round
39. Denzel Perryman, ILB; Miami
6-foot-0, 243 pounds
Perryman has a similar build to former Miami linebackers Ray Lewis, D.J. Williams and is a tackling machine. His frame is the perfect fit on the inside for the Bears linebackers and can lay a big hit on offensive players. I like Perryman’s strength in his hips and legs creating a powerful and explosive drive as he pursues the ball carrier.
The know on Perryman’s game is his coverage ability. His best bet is a two down linebacker for the Bears complimented with coverage linebackers on the outside. If Perryman impresses at the combine, he could move up on a lot of mocks which would take him out of this pick.
Other options
- Daryl Williams, OT Oklahoma
- Will the Bears go offense early in the draft? It’s possible especially if Daryl Williams from Oklahoma is available. The big body Williams pairing with Kyle Long on the offensive line is a dream for Bears fans.
- Eric Kendricks, ILB; UCLA
- If Perryman slips, UCLA inside linebacker Eric Kendricks is another option at the position for the Bears.
Chicago Bears release offseason schedule
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