Chicago Bears 2015 Draft Prospects : Defensive End

Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

3.) Owamagbe Odighizuwa, SR UCLA

Attributes – 6’3, 270 4.72

Scouting report – After missing most of 2013 with a hip injury, Odighizuwa came back with a vengeance in 2014. He only had 5 sacks on the season, but UCLA’s scheme had him mostly focused on run support as a 3-4 DE. When he was given a chance to rush the passer, Odighizuwa was a force to be reckoned with. He has very long arms, excellent speed for his size, and flashed raw but impressive pass rush moves. He was consistently disruptive against both the run and pass even if the stats don’t back it up. I think he has the physical tools to become an above average 4-3 DE and could be a steal on day 2.

Projection – 3rd round

4.) Cedric Reed, SR Texas

Attributes – 6’6. 271, 4.81

Scouting report – Looks the part with NFL size and athleticism, but his production didn’t match up to his abilities during his senior year. Maybe he took his foot off the gas a little on a bad team to preserve his health for the NFL. Reed finished the year with just 5.5 sacks after a 10 sack, 17.5 TFL junior season. Reed would have gone a round or two higher if he would have entered the draft last year, so a team could get a steal in the middle rounds. He was occasionally dominant as in his 3 sack, 12 tackle game against West Virginia (highlights below), but too often was a non-factor. The size, strength, and talent is there for Reed to be a solid NFL player but he needs to answer questions about his motor and improve his pass rush technique. He is a high-upside mid round pick right now with the potential to develop into an all-around force at DE.

NFL comparison – Carlos Dunlap

Projection – 3rd / 4th round

5.) Preston Smith, SR Mississippi St

Attributes – 6’5, 270

Scouting report – Not flashy, but a solid 4-3 left end who can be a good run stuffer with a half dozen sacks per year. Smith has very long arms, big hands, and the functional strength to hold the point of attack off the edge. Smith uses his long arms and powerful hands to control blockers at the line of scrimmage and can provide a pass rush, just not the explosive edge rushing that most teams covet. He also has shown the ability to move inside on passing downs and generate pressure up the middle. Smith is a solid mid-round prospect who should have a long career at the next level.

NFL comparison – Alex Brown

Projection – 4th round