Bears meet Louisville defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins at the Senior Bowl

The pre-draft meetings continue for the Chicago Bears down at the Senior Bowl, and there are finally reports that they've met with a top defensive line prospect. RosterWatch, which has a weekly radio show on Sirius XM, is reporting that the Bears talked with the Louisville Cardinals' Sheldon Rankins.

There is a Louisville connection on the Bears, current outside linebackers coach Clint Hurtt was their defensive line coach/recruiting coordinator from 2010-2013, so the two obviously crossed paths.

Rankins (6'2", 303) is projected as a 1st-2nd round prospect according to CBS Sports.

The Bears pick 11th in the upcoming NFL Draft, which might be a tad high for Rankins, but they have the 8th pick in the 2nd round.

Scouts like Rankins' ability to stop the run, but he racked up 14 sacks and 111 tackles the last two seasons. He has experience on the interior of the d-line, as well as out at defensive end. RosterWatch said he looked like a "beast" in person, so we'll have to see how he measures.

What are your thoughts on Sheldon Rankins?

I know many Bears' fans are happy there's finally a report of them meeting with a position other than wide out.