Oct 13, 2012; Ames, Iowa, USA; Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Arthur Brown (4) moves in to make a tackle against the Iowa State Cyclones during the second half at Jack Trice Stadium. Kansas State defeated Iowa State 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

For the next week and a half, the million dollar question for Chicago Bears fans will be, “Who will be the Bears first round pick?” With the Bears defensive leader, Brian Urlacher, out it leaves room for a new sheriff in the Windy City. If Georgia linebacker Alec Ogletree is taken by the Chicago Bears first pick, Kansas State linebacker Arthur Brown might just be the next best new face for the Bears defense.

Stats of Kansas State linebacker Arthur Brown from NFLDraftScout.com and Sports-Reference.com:

Height: 6-1

Weight: 241 lbs.

40-yard dash: 4.67

Bench Reps (225 lbs): 21

20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.31

Stats from KSU:

2011:  57 solo tackles       44 assisted tackles          101 total tackles       2.0 sacks          1 interception

2012:  65 solo tackles       35 assisted tackles          100 total tackles      1.o sack             2 interceptions       1 touchdown

Outsides of his stats, Arthur Brown first committed and attended Miami (FL) before arriving at Kansas State. Brown struggled his first two years at Miami recording only 17 tackles before transferring closer to home to KSU. Brown sat out for the 2010 season due to transfer rules, then flourished at Kansas State. Also key to note is his height, 6’1″, which seems to be holding him back from being part of the top tier prospects club. Good news for him, he sure doesn’t play like he’s just over 6-feet.

There’s no doubt that the Chicago Bears are interested in Brown, seeing as Brown did have a private workout with the Bears already. He played in a 4-3 traditional defense with superior run, chase, and coverage skills. What’s most impressive is his sideline-to-sideline range, which is outstanding. For an aging Bears defense, Brown would be an amazing fit at linebacker, where Lance Briggs is probably getting old of being the guy chasing down men from across the field.

Out of all the linebackers to choose in the 2013 NFL Draft, Brown might be the most instinctive. Something that the Bears will prize, and hopefully it will mean that he can make an impact during his rookie year. His speediness combined with his ability to read the play make him quite an intriguing first round pick and an explosive linebacker. Scouts have him posted at an outside linebacker, but played two years at middle linebacker and seemed to be able to hold up the job.

After losing the face of the franchise, the Chicago Bears are looking for a face to replace Urlacher with. A young, level-headed guy that has the durability to last just like Urlacher. With Ogletree having some off-the-field issues, Marc Trestman should be vouching for Brown as their first round pick. With a new collection of talent at the linebacker position this year in the Windy City, it could be a time for Brown to establish his position among the many one-year signees this year. With the Bears offense constantly on a roller coaster, we pride ourselves in the defensive game. Brown might just be able to give the Bears a fresh start, in conjunction with Trestman, to a new era of the Chicago Bears.

Chicago Bears fan, what do you think? Do you think Arthur Brown will be THAT guy for the Bears? Make sure to comment!

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

Here is a highlight video of Ogletree in action:

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?

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

Former Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Alec Ogletree was recently charged DUI in Arizona, according to his agent:

“Last weekend, my client Alec Ogletree was pulled over for speeding and a lane violation in Arizona,” agent Pat Dye, Jr. tells PFT.  “After the officers smelled alcohol, they conducted tests and also cited him for DUI.  Although Alec regrets this incident terribly, he is thankful that there was no accident and that no one was hurt.  Because this matter is still pending, we cannot comment further publicly at this time.”

This isn’t Ogletree’s first strike.  He was suspended by the Bulldogs for four games last season for failing a drug test.

While of course this is a serious offense and a red flag, it could be good news for the Chicago Bears.  As we know, they desperately need to add some young playmakers to the defensive side of the ball, but they also need to grab a top offensive line or tight end prospect in the first round.

With news of Ogletree’s DUI, he could very well drop out of the first round.  Can you imaging picking up a talent of that caliber in the second round?  Phil Emery has shown us that he’s not afraid to take a risk like he did in trading for Brandon Marshall and hiring Marc Trestman as head coach.

Stay tuned for more information on Ogletree and the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine.

What do you think?  Would you take a risk on Ogletree or take a pass?