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In his latest mock draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper has the Chicago Bears going in a direction I've yet to see any other draft guru take the Bears. He still has them going defense, but he's giving them Georgia outside linebacker Leonard Floyd.
Since his mock 3.0 is behind a paywall, we can't reveal the entire thing to you, but I can list out a few players that were still on the board when Kiper gave the Bears Floyd.
Sheldon Rankins, DL, Louisville
Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
A'Shawn Robinson, DL, Alabama
Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State
Our own draft guru, EJ Snyder, broke down some of FLoyd's tape right here. He says if you look last his pedestrian stats you'll see "an excellent natural athlete who has a rare skillset. His combination of abilities make him one of the most versatile players I have seen in a college football defense in long time."
But back to Kiper. Here's what he had to say about mocking Floyd to the Bears at 11th overall.
The Bears did work on the interior of the defensive line in the 2015 draft, but they need pass-rushers and Floyd is a big-time upside play.
Free-agency effect: The Bears could have a tough time winning the services of a top pass-rusher in free agency given other areas where they need to spend money, which includes retaining talent. They want to build through the draft.
He's right that the Bears could use another pass rusher. Getting after the quarterback will make the back end of the D that much better.
What would you guys think about Floyd being the pick in the 1st round for the Bears?