Top 5 Outside Linebackers The Chicago Bears Should Target In The Draft
By Tooch
In Part 3 of our series, we looked at the top 5 inside linebackers the Chicago Bears should target in the 2014 NFL draft. Now, in part 4, we’ll take a look at a position with major question marks for the team — outside linebacker.
It’s already been announced that Shea McClellin will make the questionable move to outside linebacker. But other than McClellin and mainstay Lance Briggs, the outside linebacker position is up in the air. James Anderson is a free agent, and second-year players Jon Bostic and Khaseem Greene will both need to earn their playing time at the position. The Bears won’t likely use a very high pick on the position, but they will undoubtedly need to address the position at some point in the draft.
With that said, let’s take a look at the top 5 outside linebackers the Bears should target in the draft:
October 12, 2013; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Anthony Barr (11) defends against the California Golden Bears during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
1 — Anthony Barr, UCLA
Khalil Mack is unquestionably the best outside linebacker in the draft and will go somewhere in the top 10 picks. But after him, Barr is the best player available at the position by far. At nearly 6-5, 255 has elite level size and above average speed at the position. He racked up 63 tackles and an incredible 10 sacks last season for UCLA and has fantastic range. It’s unlikely the Bears will target Barr in the first round with so many other positions of need, but if they win big in free agency, Barr would be an absolute steal at No. 14.