Five First Round Targets for the Bears
As soon as the Super Bowl ends, we mark the start of NFL Draft season. Overall, this draft class isn’t anything spectacular. But make no mistake, there are plenty of players that can contribute now and in the future.
I scoured the internet, searching for any and every 2015 NFL Mock Draft I could find. Mock Drafts are nothing more than one person’s opinion, I know. But these players were picked by the Bears most often.
Sources: Walter Football, Football’s Future, NFLDraftGeek.com, SB Nation, Fansided, Sports Illustrated, Bleacher Report, Drafttek.com
#5 Vic Beasley-DE/Clemson/6’3/235
Beasley was selected as the 2014 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and for good reason. When you watch film on Beasley, you’ll quickly notice he uses multiple pass rush moves to get to the quarterback(Cross the face move, bullrush, speed rush.) He’s strong, and his first step is powerful. He works hard to make his tackles. Beasley’s a high motor athlete that gets in on every tackle.
Although Beasley is NFL-ready, I’m sure clubs would want him to bulk up a bit. He needs to playing for the proper defense in order to maximize his impact.
#4 Alvin “Bud” Dupree DE/Kentucky/6’4/270
Oct 11, 2014; Lexington, KY, USA; Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks offensive lineman Chase Regian (71) and Kentucky Wildcats defensive end Alvin Dupree (2) during the game at Commonwealth Stadium. Kentucky defeated Louisiana-Monroe 48-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Look, it speaks volumes that Dupree has made a name for himself coming out of Kentucky, of all places. He’s a lengthy guy that uses his long arms to shed blocks. Dupree’s quick off the edge, and possesses great awareness in the run game. Trust me when I say Dupree finishes plays, he goes full speed until the whistle blows.
Dupree has freaky athleticism and a relentless motor.
#3 Danny Shelton/DT/Washington/6’1/340
Jan 2, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies defensive lineman Danny Shelton (55) reacts as he taunts Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver David Glidden (13) in the 2015 Cactus Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. Oklahoma State defeated Washington 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
I’ve seen Danny Shelton being mocked to the Bears in a few mock drafts recently, after watching film, I have to say I’m incredibly intrigued by the idea of drafting him. What’s amazing about Shelton is his ability to maintain flexibility and explosiveness while being such a large person. He’s disruptive in the middle and showcases great gap discipline. He could be plugged in at nose guard in Vic Fangio’s 30 front.
You can’t have dessert without meat and potatoes, right? Games are won in the trenches. Shelton does an excellent job eating up blocks and opening lanes for his linebackers to make plays.
#2 Shane Ray/DE/Mizzou/ 6’3/245
Shane Ray makes a living in opponent’s backfields. His nasty first step, combined with his bendiness make him an absolute nightmare for offensive tackles. Last year, Ray recorded 14.5 sacks, and was one of only five players in football to average one sack per game. Ray’s passionate in pursuit and has no issue cleaning up plays.
Here’s the thing about Ray—he’s undersized. He’s a tweener. Teams need to decide whether to place him at DE or OLB.
#1 Dante Fowler Jr./DE/Florida/6’2/260
Sep 6, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Dante Fowler Jr. (6) rushes during the second half against the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Eastern Michigan Eagles 65-0. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Until I change my mind tomorrow, this is who I’d like to see the Bears draft in the first. Fowler’s a natural pass-rusher. But he has the athleticism to line up anywhere in the front seven. He’s versatile. He’s stout against the run. He does an excellent job of moving his blockers and locating the ballcarrier.
Fowler looks like he has the tools contribute to the Bears right away.