Oct 25, 2014; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers defensive end Eli Harold (7) stands on the field against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
With the draft just roughly a month away Bear Goggles On will be breaking down a wide range of options for the Chicago Bears 2015 draft. We’ll profile different positions and different rounds where players who might fit with the Bears new management regime.
Eli Harold, OLB, Virginia
Measurables – 6’3″ | 247
Attributes (40 / vertical / broad jump / 3-cone) – 4.60 | 35″ | 10’3″ | 7.07
College: Eli Harold was a two-year starter at Virginia, and also played in all 12 games as a true freshman in 2012. 2013 was his best statistical season and the sophomore recorded 8.5 sacks. Eli Harold decided to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL Draft this year and finished his college career with 141 tackles, 17.5 sacks, and two interceptions.
Strengths: Quick off the edge with an explosive first step. Surprising strength for his size. Eli Harold is a versatile player, having played extensively from the defensive end position and as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Consistently puts pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Solid repertoire of pass-rush moves. Plays with good leverage. Shows the instincts and pursuit skills to chase down opposing ball carriers. High motor player.
Weaknesses: Eli Harold lacks ideal size for the position. He’s around the ball a lot, but does finish the play as often as he should. Lack of statistical production is a concern.
Bears Fit: Despite the free agent additions at the outside linebacker position, the Bears still need depth as they transition to the 3-4. Eli Harold is one of the few players in this draft class with experience playing 3-4 outside linebacker. Even if he doesn’t wind up with the starting job as a rookie, he could still be a valuable rotational player and step into the starting lineup in a year or two after he’s had a chance to add some bulk.
Draft Projection: 2nd round