Chicago Bears Draft Prospect Preview: Linebacker Alec Ogletree
January 01, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Taylor Martinez (3) looks for a place to run as Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Alec Ogletree (9) moves in for the sack during the second half of the Capital One bowl at The Citrus Bowl. Georgia defeated Nebraska 45-31. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Bears are in the market for a linebacker. All that remains of Brian Urlacher are the thousands of #54 jerseys that will litter the stands for years to come. They signed former Denver Broncos linebacker DJ Williams, but he could be little more than a stopgap at the position. The Bears have told us that he’ll play middle linebacker, but if they draft a suitable replacement, I’m sure that they would slide him outside, where he also has experience.
One of the top draft prospects to consider is Georgia linebacker Alec Ogletree. Here are his measurables and stats, thanks to our friends at NFLMocks:
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 242 pounds
Position Rank: 1
Drafted By:
40 Yard Dash: 4.70
Bench Press: 20
Vertical Jump: 33.5″
Broad Jump: 122″
2012 Statistics
| G | Solo | Assisted | Total | Total/G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 63 | 48 | 111 | 11.10 |
| G | TFL | TFL Yards | TFL/G |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 11.5 | 39 | 1.15 |
| G | Sacks | Sack Yards | Sacks/G |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 3.0 | 18 | 0.30 |
| G | Passes Broken Up | QB Hurries | Fumbles Forced | Kicks/Punts Blocked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
Here is a highlight video of Ogletree in action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC8CmJtkN8c
What I like to see are his coverage skills. He moved well sideline to sideline and was able to chase down ball carriers all over the field. He’s got adequate size and solid speed. I think he’ll need to beef up a bit and learn to take on blockers at the next level. He’s had some off the field issues that could cause him to slide into the late first round, right where the Bears want him.
I’m not sure if he’s the next Urlacher, but he’d look awfully good in the Navy and Orange!
What do you think, Bears fans? Is Ogletree worth the risk at #20 if he’s there? Can he hold it down in the middle on Sundays?