Chicago Bears 2015 NFL Draft Prospects: Defensive Ends

It’s never too early to start scouting potential Chicago Bears draft picks. Today, we’ll go over the Top 5  2015 NFL Draft Prospects: Defensive Ends.

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The Bears pass rush has been fairly decent this year, ranking 13th in sacks. The addition of Willie Young proved to be one of Phil Emery’s best free agency moves in his tenure as General Manager. Jared Allen has been somewhat disappointing, but his presence alone forces offensive coordinators to double team him.

Spending a first round pick on a defensive end would be a smart move. I think improving the safety and linebacker positions needs to be the main focus of the offseason, but I really wouldn’t mind the Bears injecting some youth into the end position.

Anyways, here are my top five defensive ends.

NOTE: I am well aware the Bears don’t run a 3-4 defense, but I am including both 3-4 and 4-3 personnel on list this simply because we have no idea as to what the Bears defense will look like next year. 

Nov 29, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive end Leonard Williams (94) celebrates against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

1. Leonard Williams /DE-DT/ USC.
Height: 6-5
Weight: 300

When it comes to players, I hate the term ‘safe pick’. In 2009, Aaron Curry was considered to be the safest pick in the draft and he was a massive bust. BUT, Leonard Williams is the closest thing to ‘safest pick’ when it comes to defensive linemen. Not only is the 6-5, 300 pound junior athletic, but he’s also versatile. He can line up at both end and tackle. He’s not a fast pass rusher, but he has the ability to manhandle blockers with his incredible strength. Williams best attribute is his quickness off the line of scrimmage. That skill is impressive, especially when referring to big defensive ends. When you watch film on Williams, you notice that he does a lot of little thing the right way, like constantly getting his hands up to try and deflect the ball, or finishing every play at 100%.

I’m thinking he’ll be drafted third or fourth overall, so I don’t see the Bears selecting him.