Windy City Gridiron - Bears 2018 college prospect preview streamA Chicago Bears communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49985/windy-fav.png2018-09-19T19:00:02-05:00http://www.windycitygridiron.com/rss/stream/175586712018-09-19T19:00:02-05:002018-09-19T19:00:02-05:00Bears 2018 college prospect preview: SEC
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Miami at Louisiana State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/O0Yxqn-R-ByFPiDUtpLLlpiVwvU=/0x250:2386x1841/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61420329/usa_today_11187952.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Devin White is one of the best inside linebacker prospects in years. | Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p><em>With the college football season underway, we will be taking a look at a couple of players in each conference that the Bears should keep an eye on. In this edition, we look at what the SEC has to offer.</em></p> <p id="v1df7b">The college football season is underway, which means that the next few months will be full of major upsets, nail-biting finishes, Cinderella teams and flat-out entertaining football. They will also serve as a time for <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft"><strong>NFL Draft</strong></a> nuts to find the best player in the upcoming draft class, discover a few hidden gems and determine which prospects would be good fits on their favorite professional team.</p>
<p id="voh10q">Over the past few weeks, Josh and I have gone from conference to conference, finding the best player, a potential <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/"><strong>Chicago Bears</strong></a> target and a sleeper to give you all a general idea of what to keep an eye on in the coming college football season. <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2017/7/27/16024970/college-prospects-preview-kickoff-chicago-bears-nfl-draft-2018-mcglinchey-sutton-non-power-5"><strong>We did this concept last year</strong></a> and enjoyed doing it, so we decided to bring it back for another year.</p>
<p id="pkYDqx">Due to the <span><strong>Khalil Mack</strong></span> trade, the Bears do not have a first or second-round draft pick in 2019. Although that will affect our ability to cover more of the top prospects in each conference, it will force us to get creative in our selections.</p>
<p id="7x54Dg">In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best prospects in the SEC.</p>
<h3 id="EQBdf2"><strong>Cream of the crop</strong></h3>
<p id="BnRviE"><em><strong>Jacob: </strong></em><span><em><strong>Devin White</strong></em></span><em><strong>, LB, LSU</strong></em></p>
<p id="qtAHcz">The SEC has had a handful of elite inside linebacker prospects in recent years, with <span>Roquan Smith</span> and <span>Reuben Foster</span> having both been selected in the first round in their respective draft classes over the past two years. <span>Devin White</span> certainly belongs in that discussion.</p>
<p id="yDpg74">Unlike <span>Smith</span> and <span>Foster</span>, <span>White</span> is a more muscular and compactly-built linebacker at six-foot-one and 248 pounds. Like his two predecessors, though, he is an athletic and instinctive player who can consistently bring down ball carriers. He has great closing speed, can change direction well and is a sideline-to-sideline player who can make just about any tackle. He doesn’t overpursue ball carriers, as he knows where the ball carrier is going to go before he gets there. White is a reliable form tackler who also has value as a blitzer, as his speed and strength makes him a dangerous threat coming down the A and B gaps.</p>
<p id="BJlZfc">The Bears don’t need an inside linebacker, and they wouldn’t be able to draft White if they did need one. He projects as a bonafide top-five player in the 2019 class, however, and he should be selected in the first 10 picks of the draft next April.</p>
<h3 id="tXNISI"><strong>Top Bears targets</strong></h3>
<p id="FJEHq8"><em><strong>Jacob: </strong></em><span><em><strong>Chauncey Gardner-Johnson</strong></em></span><em><strong>, S, Florida</strong></em></p>
<p id="Kc6ChF"><span>Eddie Jackson</span> and <span>Adrian Amos</span> is a more-than-capable safety duo, but there’s a chance that the latter player may not be brought back after his contract expires at the end of this season. If such an occurrence were to take place, then the Bears would be smart to quickly find a replacement.</p>
<p id="thVOlV">Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is a versatile safety who can play as a single-high safety and in the box well. The six-foot, 207-pound defensive back has great athleticism, as he can change direction seamlessly and close in on ball carriers with impressive speed. He’s an explosive blitzer off the edge, and he has good acceleration coming out of his breaks. His instincts are also good, as he can quickly diagnose plays and fulfill his assignments well.</p>
<p id="VcT8pg">Gardner-Johnson is not a polished tackler yet, as he tends to dive at the legs too often. He also can get better at taking sharper angles to ball carriers when running downhill. However, it’s his athleticism and range that make him such an intriguing Day 2 prospect.</p>
<p id="iKjB4y">Chicago could very well bring <span>Amos</span> back this offseason, making safety more of a strength than a weakness. If he aims to seek a bigger contract elsewhere, though, then a player like Gardner-Johnson could be worth a look.</p>
<h3 id="LuBouo"></h3>
<p id="oj9rJC"><em><strong>Josh: </strong></em><span><em><strong>Martez Ivey</strong></em></span><em><strong>, OL, Florida.</strong></em></p>
<p id="xpbA8m">Ivey has been through three systems already as an offensive lineman, and he is sometimes considered a better guard prospect than a tackle (he’s 6’5” and around 310lbs, but with poor footwork), but he has experience playing tackle even if he struggles at times. What’s interesting is that it’s possible to find people saying he could go as early as the third round, but it’s also possible to find people thinking he might fall.</p>
<p id="yFwTPG">The reality is that the Bears don’t have high picks, so if they are going to address the right tackle position in the draft, Pace is going to need to get creative. Ivey has struggles in his pad level and in using his feet to help set an edge, but he’s shown an ability to learn, and he also has a lot of experience playing against quality opposition. If the Bears were to target him, I would see it as an investment in the 2020 offensive line, when Ivey has had a chance to get his fundamentals right.</p>
<p id="r1awI0">I don’t love the idea of a project tackle, but I don’t see Chicago as having the draft capital to get a top draft prospect, and it’s a position that needs to be addressed.</p>
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<p id="ePpTXg"><strong>Late-round sleepers</strong></p>
<p id="B3U1px"><em><strong>Jacob: </strong></em><span><em><strong>Prince Tega Wanogho</strong></em></span><em><strong>, OT, Auburn</strong></em></p>
<p id="ZHMIyt">If you’re looking for an extremely raw offensive line prospect with a very high ceiling, then Prince Tega Wanogho is the prospect for you.</p>
<p id="tvxMVg">An actual prince with royal Nigerian bloodlines, Wanogho was recruited as a defensive lineman coming out of high school. He started as Auburn’s left tackle for the first four games in 2017 before he was benched for the remainder of the year. He doesn’t have great anchor in his lower body, he plays with too high of pad level and isn’t great at getting inside leverage on a consistent basis. However, it’s the positives in his game that make him a potential NFL prospect.</p>
<p id="0OPpWF">At six-foot-seven and 306 pounds, Wanogho has a lengthy frame with very long arms. He’s a great athlete for his size, as he can move laterally and advance to the second level very well. He has an effective kick slide and can cover just enough space to prevent edge rushers from running past him, but he doesn’t kick out so far that they can cut inside and get to the quarterback. Wanogho also takes good angles to defenders in space.</p>
<p id="XB7QrO">Wanogho is clearly a work in progress, and he would not be able to start right away if the Bears were to draft him. With some polishing and some extra work in the weight room. though, he could become a slam-dunk pick late on Day 3 who could be a starting offensive tackle for quite some time.</p>
<p id="k8vnZv"><em><strong>Josh: </strong></em><span><em><strong>Nick Fitzgerald</strong></em></span><em><strong>, QB, Mississippi State.</strong></em></p>
<p id="enRMaY"><span>Fitzgerald</span> had a rough non-start to the season, being suspended for an undisclosed violation of team rules. Even prior to this incident, he was up and down on boards. I had seen <span>Fitzgerald</span> ranked as high as a third-round prospect, but these days it’s looking more and more like he might be around in the fifth and sixth rounds (if not even later).</p>
<p id="UdUGtw">Let’s talk about what that theoretical late round pick might get the Bears, besides a potential headache if he has actual character issues. Fitzgerald is a big-bodied player who has decent athleticism and the potential to make plays with his arm. He’s also inaccurate, and he gets happy feet. He’s actually prone to leaving the pocket before he needs to. However, he would actually do reasonably well in the sort of system the Bears are building for Trubisky, where reads are simplified and the chains can be moved with short and intermediate throws.</p>
<p id="TtLcLX">At some point, it would be nice for the Bears to fire a shot or two at a backup quarterback, and there’s always the outside chance of catching lightning in a bottle and actually finding a serviceable player.</p>
<p id="pkPyMp"><em>Jacob Infante is a Chicago Bears writer at SB Nation’s Windy City Gridiron. He is also the lead draft analyst for The Blitz Network, and he additionally covers the NFL Draft for USA Today’s Draft Wire. He can be reached through Twitter @jacobinfante24 or e-mailed at jacobinfante1208@gmail.com. </em></p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/9/19/17866770/chicago-bears-2018-college-prospect-preview-sec-2019-nfl-draft-devin-white-chauncey-gardner-johnsonJacob InfanteJosh Sunderbruch2018-09-11T07:00:02-05:002018-09-11T07:00:02-05:00Bears 2018 college prospect preview: Big Ten
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Cotton Bowl-Ohio State vs Southern California" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3rTANx9RoOZaSA1j0Wr9YzR-QLU=/0x399:2171x1846/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61247717/usa_today_10518278.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Nick Bosa is one of the best defenders in all of college football. | Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p><em>With the college football season underway, we will be taking a look at a couple of players in each conference that the Bears should keep an eye on. In this edition, we look at some of the best in the Big Ten.</em></p> <p id="v1df7b">The college football season is underway, which means that the next few months will be full of major upsets, nail-biting finishes, Cinderella teams and flat-out entertaining football. They will also serve as a time for <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft"><strong>NFL Draft</strong></a> nuts to find the best player in the upcoming draft class, discover a few hidden gems and determine which prospects would be good fits on their favorite professional team.</p>
<p id="i9n8AW">For the next few weeks, Josh and I are going to be going from conference to conference, finding the best player, a potential <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/"><strong>Chicago Bears</strong></a> target and a sleeper to give you all a general idea of what to keep an eye on in the coming college football season. <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2017/7/27/16024970/college-prospects-preview-kickoff-chicago-bears-nfl-draft-2018-mcglinchey-sutton-non-power-5"><strong>We did this concept last year</strong></a> and enjoyed doing it, so we decided to bring it back for another year.</p>
<p id="qEWnBr">Due to the <span><strong>Khalil Mack</strong></span> trade, the Bears do not have a first or second-round draft pick in 2019. Although that will affect our ability to cover more of the top prospects in each conference, it will force us to get creative in our selections.</p>
<p id="kEQdh2">In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the premier talents in the Big Ten.</p>
<h3 id="M6NJXq"><strong>Cream of the crop</strong></h3>
<p id="5YKaVD"><em><strong>Jacob: </strong></em><span><em><strong>Nick Bosa</strong></em></span><em><strong>, EDGE, Ohio State</strong></em></p>
<p id="SO2mKz"><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/5/5/17300450/chicago-bears-2019-nfl-draft-preview-prospects-nick-bosa-clelin-ferrell-rashan-gary-jonah-williams">I have mentioned this before</a>, but Ohio State standout <span>Nick Bosa</span> has the potential to be just as good, if not better, than his older brother Joey.</p>
<p id="qW8ax1">The younger Bosa was the first player I watched when I first started watching tape of the 2019 class, and it’s fair to say that he raised the bar to heights that barely any prospects have been able to reach. He managed to stand out on a loaded Ohio State defensive line last year with 8.5 sacks and 16 tackles for a loss, and, judging by his tape, it’s not hard to see why. Bosa fires off of the ball with impressive athleticism and explosiveness, with his ability to convert speed to power being evident. He has a polished array of pass-rushing moves - including a swim move that may be the best I’ve seen so far - and he does a good job of getting inside leverage on his blockers. </p>
<p id="xFUbgh">Bosa’s six-foot-four, 270-pound frame makes him big enough to potentially move inside, and his athleticism projects him as a lethal 3-4 outside linebacker, but his best fit schematically is as a 4-3 defensive end. His ability to turn the corner is not as awe-inspiring as his other traits, and his coordination when it comes to chasing down ball carriers in space can improve. Nevertheless, Bosa is an outstanding prospect who will be an early draft pick next April.</p>
<p id="UJxEIO">Though not my No. 1 overall prospect, Bosa is my early favorite to be the first pick in next year’s draft. He plays an extremely important position, and he has the tools to be a multi-time Pro Bowler. The Bears wouldn’t have been able to draft him even if they were to keep their first-round pick, but Bosa will wreck havoc wherever he goes.</p>
<h3 id="dAHo0p"><strong>Top Bears targets</strong></h3>
<p id="c2RR3i"><em><strong>Jacob: </strong></em><span><em><strong>Amani Oruwariye</strong></em></span><em><strong>, CB, Penn State</strong></em></p>
<p id="SQbK4s">Both Kyle Fuller and <span>Prince Amukamara</span> signed to long-term contract over the offseason. However, <span>Amukamara</span> has an out in his contract in the 2020 offseason, when the Bears could save $9.5 million by releasing him. With Jordan Howard and - more than likely, assuming they choose to not pick up his fifth-year option - <span>Leonard Floyd</span> both hitting free agency that year, the Bears will presumably let the veteran cornerback go to sign one of the two. While the team lacks a long-term replacement for Amukamara at the moment, they could find one in next year’s draft.</p>
<p id="KEwPBb">When it comes to standing out from a numbers perspective, Penn State’s <span>Amani Oruwariye</span> is among the better cornerbacks in the class. At six-foot-one and 205 pounds, he has great length for the boundary corner position, and his frame, although long, has the necessary muscle to adapt to the physicality of NFL wide receivers. He also has the production to impress NFL teams and scouts alike, as he finished 2017 with four interceptions and seven pass deflections.</p>
<p id="eiRA9B">It’s not just the stats and the length measurements that make Oruwariye intriguing, though. He has very good ball skills and does a great job of tracking down deep passes and high pointing the ball. He has very good instincts, as he knows exactly when to jump routes to deflect a pass, and he takes good angles as a tackler in space. The senior cornerback has good footwork, can flip his hips well and can accelerate well coming out of his breaks. Oruwariye excels in press-man coverage, where he can jam receivers at the line of scrimmage and throw them off balance. Though not an elite athlete by any means, there are several aspects of his game that make up for his lack of top-end speed.</p>
<p id="eJLaiD">Amukamara plays in press-man coverage often, and there aren’t many cornerbacks on the Bears who can really step into his role and be physical in coverage. Oruwariye would be a tantalizing option in the third round, where he would make sense as a potential starter down the line.</p>
<p id="0cXXlL"><em><strong>Josh: </strong></em><span><em><strong>Isaiah Prince</strong></em></span><em><strong>, OT, Ohio State</strong></em></p>
<p id="m9SPRF">Most of the time, I’ve seen <span>Prince</span> listed at 6’6” and 310lbs (sometimes he’s given an extra inch), but what matters is he’s a big guy with decent quickness and two full seasons of play at right tackle. In that role, he has been more than decent, with the sort of reach and movement that suggests he can play Sundays.</p>
<p id="v0mD6j">The biggest knocks against Prince are that he needs developing his technique and that he could use work on aggression. His pad level needs work. He doesn’t use his feet to cut off the pass rush. However, he has all of the physical gifts that could be asked for in tackle prospect, or at least that could be asked for in a tackle prospect who will fall outside of the first round. </p>
<p id="iZP254">All told this sounds perfect to me for the Bears. Athletic, experienced right tackle? Great. Competent at pass-blocking but raw enough to slip out of the first two rounds? That’s actually bonus this year. To be honest, I’ve seen him listed as going as early as the second round (on Walter Football), but most scouting reports think that his rawness will knock him down to Round 3 or later. If the Bears are going to make the most out of the 2019 draft, they are going to need to draft players who fall for fixable reasons, and the Bears have the staff available to them to fix Prince’s technical flaws. </p>
<p id="OoOrs8"><em><strong>Josh: </strong></em><span><em><strong>Clayton Thorson</strong></em></span><em><strong>, QB, Northwestern</strong></em></p>
<p id="JPAyAd"><span>Thorson</span> has yet to put together really spectacular tape, but he has a live arm in the intermediate range, he has a 6’4, 225lb-frame, and he is the opposite of Trubisky. He has already played in 41 games in college, and it’s likely he’ll keep accumulating experience in 2018. Is he going to light the world on fire? Unlikely. He’s inconsistent, and he struggles with the deep ball. This means he typically carries a second-round grade, and that puts him in the position where Pace could make a move to snag him.</p>
<p id="AGUFXG">Does this mean I’ve given up on Trubisky? Not at all. However, I am tired of this franchise deciding that it needs to anoint a quarterback without generating actual competition at the most important position in professional sports. Consider this—Thorson’s biggest flaw seems to be that he needs to develop a little. Why not draft him and sit him for a year. If Trubisky plays well, then Thorson can play mop-up and be flipped for a pick down the road. If Trubisky continues to falter, wouldn’t it be nice to have an actual back-up plan?</p>
<p id="kqIIrK"></p>
<h3 id="pvdkW5"><strong>Late-round sleepers</strong></h3>
<p id="on1jCh"><em><strong>Jacob: </strong></em><span><em><strong>Khaleke Hudson</strong></em></span><em><strong>, SS, Michigan</strong></em></p>
<p id="Wtue9f">The Bears struck gold in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, finding <span>Adrian Amos</span>, who now enters his fourth year of what has been a good run with the team thus far. The problem, though, is that <span>Amos</span>’ rookie contract expires at the end of the 2018 season, and the Bears spent what is likely over $30 million for this year alone on <span>Khalil Mack</span> and <span>Eddie Goldman</span>, with <span>Goldman</span>’s yearly numbers having yet to be released. That said, Chicago could end up having to let Amos walk. If they wanted to do so, then they could try to strike lightning twice by drafting a safety on Day 3.</p>
<p id="isSO9F">Khaleke Hudson plays a bit of a safety-linebacker hybrid position at Michigan called the “viper”, which is essentially their position for defensive backs who can also play in the box and tackle well. That said, Hudson’s versatility is apparent, as he can play at strong safety, inside linebacker and nickel cornerback. He has a strong upper body and can shed blocks well, as he is dangerous as a blitzer: he had a whopping 7.5 sacks and 16 tackles for a loss last year. His closing speed and ability to turn the corner are both very good, and he is quick to diagnose plays. His ball skills are also fairly solid, as he can attack the ball well at times. Hudson isn’t a stellar athlete - his backpedal can look unnatural at times, and his range in coverage is lacking - but he projects as a versatile chess piece at the next level.</p>
<p id="MV6xIp">Regardless of whether or not Amos comes back after this year, it wouldn’t hurt the Bears to add some more pieces to their secondary. Hudson would give them a player who has the potential to make an impact at several different positions on the field.</p>
<p id="LhrvuW"><em>Jacob Infante is a Chicago Bears writer at SB Nation’s Windy City Gridiron. He is also the lead draft analyst for The Blitz Network, and he additionally covers the NFL Draft for USA Today’s Draft Wire. He can be reached through Twitter @jacobinfante24 or e-mailed at jacobinfante1208@gmail.com. </em></p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/9/11/17835710/chicago-bears-2018-college-prospect-preview-big-ten-2019-nfl-draft-nick-bosaJacob InfanteJosh Sunderbruch2018-09-05T07:00:25-05:002018-09-05T07:00:25-05:00Bears 2018 college prospect preview: ACC
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<img alt="NCAA Football: CFP National Championship-Clemson vs Alabama" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gnfYEeX8UTALXQwIbx4JWU8Ger0=/0x270:1595x1333/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61142303/usa_today_10456660.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mitch Hyatt is an intriguing offensive tackle prospect who could develop into a starter. | Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p><em>As the college football season kicks off, we will be taking a look at a couple of players in each conference that the Bears should keep an eye on. In this article, we look at a few players from the ACC.</em></p> <p id="v1df7b">The college football season is underway, which means that the next few months will be full of major upsets, nail-biting finishes, Cinderella teams and flat-out entertaining football. They will also serve as a time for <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft"><strong>NFL Draft</strong></a> nuts to find the best player in the upcoming draft class, discover a few hidden gems and determine which prospects would be good fits on their favorite professional team.</p>
<p id="IKYHoj">For the next few weeks, Josh and I are going to be going from conference to conference, finding the best player, a potential <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/"><strong>Chicago Bears</strong></a> target and a sleeper to give you all a general idea of what to keep an eye on in the coming college football season. <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2017/7/27/16024970/college-prospects-preview-kickoff-chicago-bears-nfl-draft-2018-mcglinchey-sutton-non-power-5"><strong>We did this concept last year</strong></a> and enjoyed doing it, so we decided to bring it back for another year. </p>
<p id="B6Zv4A">Due to the <span>Khalil Mack</span> trade, the Bears do not have a first or second-round draft pick in 2019. Although that will affect our ability to cover more of the top prospects in each conference, it will force us to get creative in our selections.</p>
<p id="k1Xugz">This week, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best that the Pac-12 has to offer.</p>
<h3 id="OZOPS8"><strong>Cream of the crop</strong></h3>
<p id="tr25ih"><em><strong>Jacob: </strong></em><span><em><strong>Clelin Ferrell</strong></em></span><em><strong>, EDGE, Clemson</strong></em></p>
<p id="kSPngX">If Clelin Ferrell had decided to enter the 2018 NFL Draft, then chances are that he would have been the Bears’ selection with the eighth overall pick. Then again, the Bears would not have traded for <span>Khalil Mack</span> in that hypothetical situation, so it may have worked out for the best. Nevertheless, Ferrell is a stud edge rusher prospect who will be selected early in next year’s draft.</p>
<p id="m3lxf0">The six-foot-five, 265-pound outside linebacker is arguably the most polished edge rusher in the 2019 class. He has several pass-rushing moves in his arsenal, he understands the importance of getting inside leverage, and he plays with great pad level. His physical attributes are impressive, as well: he has great explosiveness for his size and strength coming off of the edge. Ferrell is likely to excel regardless of whether plays in a 3-4 or a 4-3 defensive scheme in the NFL, as he can take blockers head on and move in space at high levels.</p>
<p id="TrKwhD">With the absence of both a first-round pick and a second-round pick, Chicago won’t be able to draft Ferrell barring a major unforeseen drop in his stock. Wherever he ends up, though, will likely end up being very happy to pick him.</p>
<h3 id="3rNIUO"><strong>Top Bears targets</strong></h3>
<p id="sgNooq"><em><strong>Jacob: </strong></em><span><em><strong>Mitch Hyatt</strong></em></span><em><strong>, OT, Clemson</strong></em></p>
<p id="WKFpb7">As was the case with teammate Ferrell, Mitch Hyatt could have potentially been a fairly early draft pick in this year’s draft. However, he chose to stay at Clemson for another year, making the group of draft prospects to come out the university an absolutely loaded one in 2019.</p>
<p id="zMPIFu">Hyatt has a good build for the offensive tackle position at six-foot-five and 305 pounds. He’s a good athlete who adjusts his set point very well, advances to the second level quickly and has solid lateral quickness. Although slightly underweight for his position, he packs a powerful initial punch at the line of scrimmage that can throw defenders off balance. He also plays with good pad level, maintains a squared frame when blocking and is a good combo blocker. While he isn’t necessarily a nasty blocker and his strength when locked up with a defender can be improved, he has the finesse and the girth to be a potential starter at the next level.</p>
<p id="vsY6e4">It’s very early in my draft process, but I’m projecting Hyatt as an early third-round pick at the moment. I expect the Bears to pick near the middle or the end of the third round this year, but the Clemson left tackle could be in the cards if he’s available.</p>
<h3 id="GZpUSS"><strong>Late-round targets</strong></h3>
<p id="KCI86i"><em><strong>Jacob: </strong></em><span><em><strong>Trayvon Mullen</strong></em></span><em><strong>, CB, Clemson</strong></em></p>
<p id="w47cFM">Clemson picks up the clean sweep for me here, as my third prospect on the list is also a member of the Tigers.</p>
<p id="e35nY3">I’m admittedly not very deep into Mullen’s tape yet, but I see enough promise in his game for him to have piqued my interest. He fits the lengthy cornerback mold that is consistently tied with Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, as he is six-foot-two and roughly 185 pounds. He’s a reliable tackler who has great closing speed and typically takes good angles to ball carriers in space. Mullen has solid ball skills and is able to high point the ball fairly well, a sentiment backed up by his three interceptions in 2017. He is a good athlete who has a natural backpedal and good overall deep speed. His hip fluidity can be improved and his instincts need some work, but his athleticism, size and tackling ability give him considerable upside.</p>
<p id="akXBa6">Mullen isn’t a finished product yet, which may cause him to fall a little bit down draft boards. If he happens to fall to the Bears in Round 3 or lower, then he would be a player definitely worth considering.</p>
<p id="SPMfj3"><em><strong>Josh</strong></em><strong>: </strong><span><em><strong>Derrick Kelly</strong></em></span><em><strong>, OL, Florida State</strong></em><strong> </strong></p>
<p id="Mhgnde">The 6’5”, 323-pound offensive lineman has played four different positions in his time at FSU, even though he has tended to land at left guard and left tackle. It’s true that this is not the time to be singing the praises of anyone from FSU, but there are a lot of reasons for their struggles against Virginia Tech. It is also true that one of those reasons was that Kelly was one of three offensive linemen not available for the whole game.</p>
<p id="9zzwvf">If Kelly can get some consistency behind him, he might very well end up being a versatile career backup on the offensive line. He can handle tempo, and he can use his size adequately across the line. If he were available at the end of the draft, he might represent a strong investment in depth and could develop into a sound swing tackle.</p>
<p id="dbrOEF"><em><strong>Josh</strong></em>:<em> </em><span><em><strong>Demarcus Christmas</strong></em></span><em><strong>, DT, Florida State</strong></em></p>
<p id="4SKcRO">On the other side of the ball, Florida State enjoys the services of <span>Demarcus Christmas</span>. I have seen a couple of sources that suggest he could end up playing 5-technique, but I don’t see it. What I do see is a decent run-stopper who can play at nose tackle in any front, and who can even shed blocks and get penetration from time to time. He has experience playing in a few different looks, and he could be a versatile depth piece for a defense that is looking to either augment <span>Eddie Goldman</span> or needs a less effective, but cheaper, replacement.</p>
<p id="4RzxbX"><em>Jacob Infante is a Chicago Bears and NFL Draft writer at SB Nation’s Windy City Gridiron. He also covers the NFL Draft for USA Today SMG’s Draft Wire. He can be reached through Twitter @jacobinfante24 or e-mailed at jacobinfante1208@gmail.com. </em></p>
<p id="qNEpmk"></p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/9/5/17821208/chicago-bears-2018-college-prospect-preview-acc-clemson-mitch-hyatt-clelin-ferrellJacob InfanteJosh Sunderbruch2018-08-29T07:02:05-05:002018-08-29T07:02:05-05:00Bears 2018 college prospect preview: Pac-12
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl-Alabama vs Washington" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6Swx88xCbqt9zCLKOfDxPDmh-Vg=/0x0:2300x1533/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61060631/usa_today_9779386.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Trey Adams (72) is one of the best offensive linemen in college football. | Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><em>As the college football season kicks off, we will be taking a look at a couple of players in each conference that the Bears should keep an eye on. In this article, we dive into players from the Pac-12.</em></p> <p id="v1df7b">The college football season is just around the corner, which means that the next few months will be full of major upsets, nail-biting finishes, Cinderella teams and flat-out entertaining football. They will also serve as a time for <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft"><strong>NFL Draft</strong></a> nuts to find the best player in the upcoming draft class, discover a few hidden gems and determine which prospects would be good fits on their favorite professional team.</p>
<p id="75vW7O">For the next few weeks, Josh and I are going to be going from conference to conference, finding the best player, a potential <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/"><strong>Chicago Bears</strong></a> target and a sleeper to give you all a general idea of what to keep an eye on in the coming college football season. <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2017/7/27/16024970/college-prospects-preview-kickoff-chicago-bears-nfl-draft-2018-mcglinchey-sutton-non-power-5"><strong>We did this concept last year</strong></a> and enjoyed doing it, so we decided to bring it back for another year. This week, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best that the Pac-12 has to offer.</p>
<p id="hsG7ds"><strong>Cream of the crop</strong></p>
<p id="5vbK7k"><em>Jacob: </em><span><em>N’Keal Harry</em></span><em>, WR, Arizona State</em></p>
<p id="wKdA5V">In case you’ve been living under a rock over the past few months, the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> are <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/8/27/17782380/chicago-bears-lack-versatility-current-group-backup-wide-receivers-kevin-white-javon-wims">more than set at the wide receiver position</a>. That said, it’s unlikely that they’ll pick Arizona State wide out N’Keal Harry next year, who currently projects as the top receiver on my draft board.</p>
<p id="QP9S2e">The six-foot-four, 218-pound Harry has the potential to be one of the best wide outs in the league. He has elite body control: he can position himself well to box out defenders and make circus grabs, he can make toe-drag catches with the best of them, and he is a fluid athlete. Harry is also a physical receiver who can break free from press coverage using his hands and pure speed, and he is able to make catches in the tightest of windows. Although not a great yards-after-catch receiver, he has potential to become more elusive, given his solid route-running abilities.</p>
<p id="dLRAiW">Chicago more than likely won’t be picking Harry, who figures to be a first-round pick next April. Whichever team picks him, though, will be getting a flat-out great weapon for their offense.</p>
<p id="Rxip10"><em>Josh</em>: <em>Marvell Tell, S, USC</em></p>
<p id="rFfDXq">Tell is the kind of safety who is becoming more vital in the modern NFL. I’m no sure if he exactly qualifies as the cream of the crop, but he has length (he is variously reported as six-foot-two or six-foot-three) and is solid enough (195 pounds) to be able to match up against tight ends and some of the larger interior receivers in the NFL. More importantly, and he is learning to use his size more physically--although, admittedly, this was one of the holes in his game early on.</p>
<p id="FIe2Vo">Tell basically plays free and strong safety, with 8 passes defended, 4 interceptions, and 5.5 tackles for a loss. He goes where his defensive coordinator needs him, and his ability to play in a hybrid role is important in the modern NFL secondary. I have seen Tell ranked as highly as the first safety in the draft, and the lowest I’ve seen him is fourth. I don’t know if the Bears need a safety in 2019, but I do know that if Tell can put together his versatility and measurables with just a bit more aggression in 2018, he will go early in the draft. </p>
<p id="JZ7Q3Q"><strong>Top Bears targets</strong></p>
<p id="jEfQaX"><em>Jacob: </em><span><em>Trey Adams</em></span><em>, OT, Washington</em></p>
<p id="OuYYyw"><span>Bobby Massie</span> will be hitting the open market next offseason, so, unless they choose to bring him back, offensive tackle will become a big need for the Bears. Assuming they choose to not throw <span>Rashaad Coward</span> into a starting role, drafting an offensive tackle early seems like a realistic option for the Bears.</p>
<p id="Ar2RPs">If you added the letter “v” to <span>Massie</span>’s last name, then you’d get the perfect way to describe Washington’s <span>Trey Adams</span>. The six-foot-eight, 327-pound behemoth is an absolute monster among men who has incredible length and size at the offensive tackle position. He’s more than just big, though: he can move for a big guy. He has solid lateral quickness, he looks fairly agile as a pull blocker, and he can advance to the second level quickly. Adams is good at getting inside leverage on defenders, and he complements that with strength and a high motor.</p>
<p id="gi4wt8">Had Adams not torn his ACL in October of 2017, then he probably would have been a high draft pick in this year’s draft. It will be up to him to prove that he can recover from the injury. If he can, then the Bears would be wise to consider drafting him in the first round.</p>
<p id="pe8Wug"><em>Josh</em>: <span><em>Greg Gaines</em></span><em>, DL, Washington</em></p>
<p id="Ozquci">It really looks like Jacob and I are liking the talent Washington has available, doesn’t it?</p>
<p id="sF2TCC">Until this season, <span>Gaines</span> has lived in the shadow of <span>Vita Vea</span>, but this could be his breakout year. I like <span>Gaines</span> because as a defensive lineman what he does is eat up blocks, and he has moments when he plays with intelligence and instinct as well. He goes for penetration, but if he doesn’t get the angle he needs he gets a hand up. He does not give up on plays readily, and he clogs lanes. He is projected as a 4-3 defensive tackle, but I think he might have the ability to hold down the nose tackle position. He’s only six-foot-one, but he is a strong 320 pounds.</p>
<p id="qBiNGA">I think one of Pace’s virtues in the draft is his willingness to keep firing picks at the offensive line, and I would like to see him try the same on the defensive line. With Gaines projected as a 2nd through 4th-round prospect, I like the idea of the Bears taking a shot at him more or less no matter what happens with Goldman. I think that having fresh legs and power at the center of the 3-4 line is a good idea, and in some of the 2-4-5 looks that the nickel package requires, it would be nice to see what Gaines would look like next to Goldman.</p>
<p id="mKMOmj"><strong>Late-round targets</strong></p>
<p id="ZuqDHk"><em>Jacob: </em><span><em>Byron Murphy</em></span><em>, CB, Washington</em></p>
<p id="7q2uRR">Both Bryce Callahan and Cre’Von LeBlanc are free agents at the end of the 2018 season. While it’s likely that at least one of them will be brought back next year, the Bears could be in the market for a nickelback if either - or potentially both - of them depart.</p>
<p id="9E83JW">Washington cornerback <span>Byron Murphy</span> isn’t the most physically imposing player at five-foot-eleven and 175 pounds. He has a tendency to tackle at the legs too often, and his overall physicality in coverage is lacking. However, he has all of the makings of a starting slot cornerback at the next level. A great athlete, Murphy has great deep speed, very fluid hips and can change direction very well. This, along with his instincts in coverage, allows him to mirror routes at a high level. He has good ball skills and is good at jumping routes to make plays on the ball. He can also deliver a nice pop when he lowers his shoulder.</p>
<p id="HNh4En">A redshirt sophomore, Murphy may not even enter the draft in 2019. His draft stock is limited since he probably will have to move inside in the NFL, but he has all of the making of a high-end cover nickel. If the Bears lose one or more of their talented slot corners, then a player like Murphy would be a great get early on in Day 3.</p>
<p id="tk01Q8"><em>Jacob Infante is a Chicago Bears and </em><em>NFL Draft</em><em> writer at SB Nation’s Windy City Gridiron. He also covers the NFL Draft for USA Today SMG’s Draft Wire. He can be reached through Twitter @jacobinfante24 or e-mailed at jacobinfante1208@gmail.com.</em></p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/8/29/17794396/chicago-bears-2018-college-prospect-preview-pac-12-2019-nfl-draft-trey-adams-nkeal-harryJacob InfanteJosh Sunderbruch2018-08-24T11:00:02-05:002018-08-24T11:00:02-05:002018 college prospect preview: Big 12
<figure>
<img alt="Oklahoma v Baylor" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aJzDvxZoMxq757Fqq-mdduxRZUo=/0x0:4105x2737/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61001755/852665432.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Although not a household name yet, Denzel Mims has the potential to be a difference maker at the next level. | Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>As the 2018 college football season comes closer, we’ll examine a few players in each conference that the Bears should keep an eye on. First up, the offensive juggernaut that is the Big 12.</p> <p id="v1df7b">The college football season is around the corner, which means that the next few months will be full of major upsets, nail-biting finishes, Cinderella teams, and flat-out entertaining football. They also serve as a time for <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft"><strong>NFL Draft</strong></a> nuts to find the best player in the upcoming draft class, discover a few hidden gems, and determine which prospects would be good fits on their favorite professional team.</p>
<p id="DJX54N">For the next couple of weeks, we’ll be going to be going from conference to conference, finding the best player, a potential <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/"><strong>Chicago Bears</strong></a> target and a sleeper to give you all a general idea of what to keep an eye on in the coming college football season. <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2017/7/27/16024970/college-prospects-preview-kickoff-chicago-bears-nfl-draft-2018-mcglinchey-sutton-non-power-5"><strong>We did this concept last year</strong></a> and enjoyed doing it, so we decided to bring it back for another year. In this edition, I’m joined by our own Josh Sunderbruch as we look at what the Big 12 has to offer in terms of NFL prospects.</p>
<h3 id="286Equ"><strong>Cream of the crop</strong></h3>
<p id="w8Jogr"><em><strong>Jacob: </strong></em><span><em><strong>Denzel Mims</strong></em></span><em><strong>, WR, Baylor</strong></em></p>
<p id="wxDI8p">What if I told you that the best NFL prospect in the Big 12 came from a team who finished 1-11?</p>
<p id="vjN8YY">Although Will Grier is likely the highest player drafted from the conference, he’s not the top Big 12 player on my board. That distinction goes to Baylor wide receiver Denzel Mims, who finished the 2017 season with 61 catches, 1,087 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. He has all of the tools to be a top-end receiver in the NFL, despite not having a lot of hype around him.</p>
<p id="i7knKL">At 6-foot-3, 208 pounds, Mims has a long, yet muscular frame built for the NFL. He has a fantastic catch radius, due in part to his long arms and impressive leaping ability. The most impressive aspect of his game is how athletic he is for his size. A track and field star in high school, Mims accelerates off the ball with speed befitting of someone three inches and ten pounds his inferior. He has good straight line speed, fantastic body control, and good overall footwork on his routes. </p>
<p id="BlHZVn">Although Mims is not a great yards-after-catch receiver and is fairly raw from a route running standpoint, the Baylor standout can potentially turn into a top-end X receiver at the next level.</p>
<p id="HpIAXe">Given Chicago’s investment in the wide receiver position this past off-season, it is highly unlikely that they consider one early on in the draft. Nevertheless, Mims is an exciting prospect who should generate more buzz in draft circles in the coming months.</p>
<h3 id="ZBgPTU"><strong>Top Bears targets</strong></h3>
<p id="YC2Otb"><em><strong>Jacob: </strong></em><span><em><strong>Dalton Risner</strong></em></span><em><strong>, OL, Kansas State</strong></em></p>
<p id="BU3eR5"><span>Bobby Massie</span>’s contract is up at the end of the 2018 season, and it appears likely that this season could be his last with the Bears. If they want to look for a replacement for him, then someone like Dalton Risner, who started on Kansas State’s offensive line alongside <span>Cody Whitehair</span> in 2015, could fit that bill.</p>
<p id="VwWOG2">Admittedly, Risner might not play offensive tackle at the next level, as he could potentially move inside as a guard or a center. The three-time captain does project as a good offensive tackle prospect, though, which is likely what the Bears would see him as if they were to draft him.</p>
<p id="X92ay9">The 6-foot-5, 300-pound Risner is a powerful blocker that has a good anchor in his lower body. He excels at getting inside leverage on his defenders and playing with a balanced frame. He takes good angles on pull blocks and screens, and he consistently plays with great pad level. While not the most athletic offensive lineman in the world, Risner is a tough and strong player whose versatility could help him rise up draft boards.</p>
<p id="Ou1NYn">I currently project Risner as a second round pick, which is inconvenient for the Bears, since they lack a second rounder in 2019 due to the <span>Anthony Miller</span> trade. However, if the team does well and Risner shows off more lateral quickness, then the two would be a good match in the back half of the first round.</p>
<p id="aWll0H"><em><strong>Josh: </strong></em><span><em><strong>Breckyn Hager</strong></em></span><em><strong>, OLB, Texas</strong></em></p>
<p id="1nL1MQ">Hager is over 250 pounds and has a 38-inch vertical. That’s not “jump out of a pool” stuff, but the man was named one of college football’s most freakish athletes. He’s explosive, powerful, and he turns a corner well on pass rushes. I have seen him with third and fourth round grades. I’ll admit that most of Hager’s best film comes from 2016, since he had a dip in production in 2017. In all honesty, even if there are reasons for that outside of Hager himself, it’s concerning when someone becomes less productive as they develop.</p>
<p id="MZdpqb">However, I still think Hager is the kind of player Ryan Pace is going to want to target, especially since his father, Britt, played nine years in the NFL. In this case, if Hager does fall, another Pace project might be a steal. He has a relentless drive to get to the quarterback, and even if he’s only a situational pass-rusher as an outside linebacker (one of the knocks against him), that’s an area the Bears could use help. A mid-round talent with a knack for turning the corner sounds like something Chicago likely needs next year just as much as they are missing it this year.</p>
<h3 id="my8rqv"><strong>Late-round sleepers</strong></h3>
<p id="47o1zw"><em><strong>Jacob: </strong></em><span><em><strong>Dakota Allen</strong></em></span><em><strong>, LB, Texas Tech</strong></em></p>
<p id="UqgFWo">The Bears are in good hands at the inside linebacker position with <span>Roquan Smith</span> and <span>Danny Trevathan</span> as the starters, and <span>Nick Kwiatkoski</span> and <span>Joel Iyiegbuniwe</span> as solid depth. However, Chicago could be in a position to truly draft the best player available in later rounds this year, regardless of need. That player could someone like Texas Tech linebacker Dakota Allen.</p>
<p id="8sfr94">The Bears don’t typically draft players with questionable pasts: Allen was kicked off of Texas Tech after being arrested for robbery in his freshman year. But he seems to have put his past behind him on all accounts. The 6-foot-1, 235 pound linebacker stood out at East Mississippi Community College in 2016 and was a focal point of the ‘<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/last-chance-u">Last Chance U</a>’ documentary series that season. He then returned to Texas Tech and totaled 101 tackles, two interceptions, and two sacks.</p>
<p id="6vfRqn">Allen is a consistent tackler who takes good angles to defenders in space. He has good closing speed, good acceleration off the snap when blitzing up the A or B gaps, and is a fluid mover in space. He’s great at working off of blocks to make plays against the run, and often jumps on top of gang tackles to further ensure that his teammates bring the ballcarrier down. </p>
<p id="Bqu6tt">Allen is not polished from an instincts standpoint, and one would figure that he could play at a much higher speed with more efficiency if he had better pre-snap awareness. However, he seems to be a prime candidate to stand out as a special teamer early on in his career before possibly settling into a starting role with experience under his belt.</p>
<p id="jm5C2Y">As previously mentioned, the Bears don’t need an inside linebacker, so the selection of Allen could be unlikely even without mentioning his off-the-field track record. He’s a high-upside developmental player, though, and he figures to be a solid late-round draft pick wherever he’s drafted.</p>
<p id="jRR7Nw"><em><strong>Josh: </strong></em><span><em><strong>Rodney Anderson</strong></em></span><em><strong>, RB, Oklahoma</strong></em></p>
<p id="Ht3kNU">This one comes with an asterisk or two. </p>
<p id="Ib7loq">Some boards I’ve seen suggest that Anderson is taken in the first round, and they consider him the second best running back in the draft. Obviously, that would not make him a late-round sleeper. </p>
<p id="LjB5di">However, other boards have Anderson out of the top 100. Why? When he’s healthy, the 6-foot-1, 219-pound Anderson plays the position extraordinarily well. However, that’s an important qualifier, because his health has not been exceptional. His running style also subjects him to punishment, exacerbating that issue.</p>
<p id="nmfxkJ">Anderson also has significant character red flags. As Jacob points out, the Bears normally stay away from those concerns, and Pace has been cautious since his first couple of months in Chicago with Ray McDonald. However, it’s hard to tell how things look in 2019, and regardless of how some feel about it, the Bears could end up pushing boundaries they would normally steer clear of.</p>
<p id="wfP0ws">On the other side of things, Anderson is a dual-threat back with the ability to play as a receiving weapon as well as a runner. He does not shy away from contact either. </p>
<p id="d6IxFN">If Anderson’s 2018 campaign is shaky and the health concerns re-emerge, then he might slide. Pace has shown himself willing an interested in taking running backs often in the draft, and he doesn’t shy away from an injury history. If, and only if, Anderson comes out and then slides, do I think the Bears could pull the trigger. However, it’ll be interesting to see which Anderson plays in 2018. In that case, it’ll also be interesting to see if Pace maintains his standards regarding the types of players he targets and their character.</p>
<p id="fv967O"><em>Jacob Infante is a Chicago Bears and NFL Draft writer at SB Nation’s Windy City Gridiron. He also covers the NFL Draft for USA Today SMG’s Draft Wire. He can be reached through Twitter @jacobinfante24 or emailed at jacobinfante1208@gmail.com.</em></p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/8/24/17775912/chicago-bears-2018-college-prospect-preview-big-12-2019-nfl-draft-denzel-mims-dalton-risnerJacob InfanteJosh Sunderbruch2018-08-21T11:00:01-05:002018-08-21T11:00:01-05:002018 college prospect preview: Non-Power 5
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<img alt="Connecticut v Houston" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZbhdtDQIH8SEMZO8HVFR_81IewY=/0x0:4074x2716/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60959351/611481046.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Not only is Ed Oliver the best college football player outside of the Power 5 conferences, but he may be the best college football player, period. | Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>As the college football season comes closer, we will be taking a look at a couple of players in each conference that the Bears should keep an eye on. In this article, we dive into the conferences outside of the Power 5.</p> <p id="v1df7b">The college football season is just around the corner, which means that the next few months will be full of major upsets, nail-biting finishes, Cinderella teams and flat-out entertaining football. They will also serve as a time for <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> nuts to find the best player in the upcoming draft class, discover a few hidden gems and determine which prospects would be good fits on their favorite professional team.</p>
<p id="DJX54N">For the next few weeks, I’m going to be going from conference to conference, finding the best player, a potential <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> target and a sleeper to give you all a general idea of what to keep an eye on in the coming college football season. <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2017/7/27/16024970/college-prospects-preview-kickoff-chicago-bears-nfl-draft-2018-mcglinchey-sutton-non-power-5">We did this concept last year</a> and enjoyed doing it, so we decided to bring it back for another year. This week, we’ll be taking a look at the conferences outside of the Power 5 - the SEC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac-12 and ACC - and seeing which prospects to remember over the next few months.</p>
<p id="rPcAH0"><strong>Cream of the crop:</strong></p>
<p id="bJpvJw"><em>Jacob: </em><span><em>Ed Oliver</em></span><em>, DT, Houston</em></p>
<p id="HRwCPR">It’s highly unlikely that the Bears will be able to draft Ed Oliver in next year’s draft, as he currently projects as a consensus top-five pick at the very least. Defensive tackles normally don’t go that high, which serves as a testament to just how talented he really is.</p>
<p id="IBQ1qt">One could make a realistic claim that Oliver is the most gifted player in all of college football. The six-foot-two, 290-pound defensive tackle out of Houston is the most athletic defensive lineman to enter the draft since <span>Aaron Donald</span> in 2014, and Oliver has the potential to be just as good as the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> star, as well. He fires off the ball with an insanely explosive first step, plays with a very high motor and has the speed to chase down running backs in space and match them step for step.</p>
<p id="4OprCM">Oliver can convert speed to power at an incredible rate, and he has the ability to consistently get inside leverage on an offensive lineman and just flat out toy with them. He has a handful of pass-rushing moves in his arsenal, and he excels at turning the corner on stunts. He can improve on eating up gaps against the run, and his game would benefit from adding a little bit more mass to his frame. However, Oliver is an elite defensive prospect who gives physically-gifted prospects from years past like <span>Myles Garrett</span> and <span>Jadeveon Clowney</span> a real run for their money.</p>
<p id="IwX21d">The former five-star recruit probably won’t be available when the Bears pick in the draft come next April. He’s better suited as a 4-3 defensive tackle than a 3-4 defensive end, too. If he just so happens to be available when Chicago gets on the clock, then the decision to draft him would be a no-brainer in most cases.</p>
<p id="NajgKK"><strong>Top Bears targets:</strong></p>
<p id="QXQJdO"><em>Jacob: </em><span><em>Sutton Smith</em></span><em>, EDGE, Northern Illinois</em></p>
<p id="8G8tWJ">As if the recent injury scare surrounding <span>Leonard Floyd</span> didn’t make it apparent enough, the Bears are extremely thin at the outside linebacker position. None of the players currently projected to make the roster outside of <span>Sam Acho</span> are reliable enough to be expected to stay healthy for an entire season, and, outside of <span>Floyd</span>, none of them would start on the vast majority of other NFL teams.</p>
<p id="g11le5">Edge rushers who are six feet tall and weigh 225 pounds aren’t usually the most attractive options when the NFL Draft rolls around. Scouts typically love long, lengthier prospects at the position, so the smaller edge rushers usually tend to fall down the draft board a little bit.</p>
<p id="9D7U8e">That said, though, Sutton Smith is not your average undersized edge rusher.</p>
<p id="SAeEY9">The local product Smith is a fantastic athlete with incredible production who dominated the MAC in 2017. He ended his redshirt sophomore season with the highest totals in the nation in tackles for a loss and sacks with 30 and 14, respectively, with the latter statistic tying current <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> defensive end Joe Ostman. Smith has great explosion off the snap, fantastic speed in space, great lateral quickness and, quite possibly, the best bending ability in the nation. His rather small stature allows him to get under offensive tackles and get leverage easily. He has a solid array of pass-rushing moves in his arsenal, and his hands are always active. For his size, he is also good at eating up gaps against the run, and he plays with a high motor. </p>
<p id="bQAjux">Smith plays as a defensive end at Northern Illinois, so he will have to work on dropping back in coverage in order to prove that he can make an impact in the NFL. He may even have to transition to an off-ball linebacker if teams aren’t persuaded that he has the strength to take on NFL offensive tackles. Regardless of where he plays at the next level, Smith is a fantastic athlete who can rush the passer at a very high caliber.</p>
<p id="ROxj8g"><strong>Late-round sleepers:</strong></p>
<p id="lLqnNx"><em>Jacob: </em><span><em>Jamal Davis II</em></span><em>, EDGE, Akron</em></p>
<p id="QaczCE">The Bears will almost certainly pick an edge rusher early on in next year’s draft, but it wouldn’t be surprising at all to see them double down on the position. If they choose to do so, then a high-upside sleeper like <span>Jamal Davis II</span> would be a fantastic pick on Day 3 of the draft.</p>
<p id="eRKBBU">Davis only had two sacks in 2017, so he is fairly unproven as a pass rusher. However, it’s his athletic upside that makes him an intriguing NFL prospect. The six-foot-four, 235-pounder has great speed off the edge, fires off the ball and can move with impressive lateral quickness. He has great straight-line speed, can work off of blocks to make plays in space and has the athleticism to chase down running backs in space. Davis is good at getting his hands inside of the shoulders of offensive linemen, and he has solid bend when turning the corner. The redshirt senior spent his first year at Pittsburgh before joining the Akron program in January of 2016.</p>
<p id="pM1wwt">That’s not to say that Davis is a finished product, though. Although he has a few good moves in his pass-rushing arsenal, such as an effective swim move, but he will need to add some more techniques to his game to become a more productive pass rusher. He also lacks top-end strength in his lower body, as his anchor isn’t much to call home about. He can also be a little bit high in his pad level when engaging with blockers. Davis also doesn’t have a lot of experience against NFL-caliber offensive tackles, which makes his lack of pass-rushing production that much more concerning.</p>
<p id="6yJASb">Despite his question marks, Davis is a long and athletic edge rusher with a lot of room to grow into a solid contributor at the next level. The Bears would be wise to bring him on as a long-term rotational piece down the line.</p>
<p id="YkDZ5H"><em>Jacob Infante is a Chicago Bears writer at SB Nation’s Windy City Gridiron. He is also an NFL Draft writer at USA Today SMG’s Draft Wire. He can be reached through Twitter @jacobinfante24 or emailed at jacobinfante1208@gmail.com.</em></p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/8/21/17761910/chicago-bears-2018-college-prospect-preview-non-power-5-2019-nfl-draft-ed-oliver-sutton-smithJacob Infante