Top 5 NFL Combine Winners That Could Impact the Chicago Bears
Feb 23, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Central Michigan offensive lineman Eric Fisher runs the 40 yard dash during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
As executives, scouts and coaches pack up and head out of Indianapolis with another Scouting Combine under their belts, it’s time to look at some guys who really helped their draft stock and how that might affect the Chicago Bears.
Honorable Mention: Terron Armstead, OT, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Armstead showed off some freakish athleticism, posting a best 4.71 4o among offensive linemen. He’s the type of meteoric rises that makes you a little nervous, but he’s make an interesting project for the Bears if they could get him in the second round.
5. Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
Fisher started his rise during Senior Bowl practices, showing that he can hang with the best competition that his peers could throw at him. Some scouts think that Fisher moved himself into the Top 5. It’s a bit of a stretch saying he might have an impact on the Bears, but since many wannabe GM’s had him on their draft boards as a late first rounder, I figured I’d add him to the list. For any Bears fans hoping he might slip down to #20, dream on.
4. Vance McDonald, TE, Rice
We all know Eiffert and Ertz, the two top tight end prospects who could go in Round 1. Vance McDonald put himself in the conversation with a solid effort at the Combine, showing a good mix of size, strength and speed while catching the ball very well. He could be around late in the 2nd round, which might be the ideal place for the Bears to grab him.
3. Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU
The Honey Badger is on the comeback trail. Coming back from rehab after getting kicked out of school with a drug issue, Mathieu showed enough at the Combine to get into the discussion to get a legit shot in the NFL. He ran a better than expected 4.5 in the 4o and looked fluid in most drills despite a poor showing in the bench press. He projects as a nickel back, a position the Bears could be looking to fill if DJ Moore and Kelvin Hayden leave via free agency. He also has return ability in case Devin Hester doesn’t return. A possibility in the 4th round.
Feb 23, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; North Carolina offensive lineman Jonathan Cooper runs the 40 yard dash during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
2. Johnathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina
Cooper may have performed his way out of the reach of the Chicago Bears with a solid Combine. He ran a very respectable 5.07 while putting up 35 reps of 225 on the bench press. He also tested very well in positional drills and might push Chance Warmack for the top guard drafted. The good news for the Bears, who have a big need on the interior of the line, is that Guards are often overlooked and slide down the draft boards.
1. Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
Johnson displayed freakish athleticism for a 300 pounder. He ran a ridiculous 4.72 40 and wowed scouts in all the positional drills. The former quarterback turned tight end turned defensive end turned offensive tackle is raw, but his athleticism will help him ascend quickly. If either Johnson or Cooper is available at #20, the Bears should run up to the podium to get their card in.
What do you think? Who are your winners from the Combine who might have an impact on the Bears?