4.) Vernon Butler, Louisiana Tech (6’4 | 323 | 5.23) – Came out of nowhere to dominant the Senior Bowl in Mobile. Butler was arguably the 2nd most impressive d-linemen (after Rankins) and consistently beat whoever tried to block him with a combination of overwhelming power and surprising speed. He’s great length and width with long arms to keep blockers at bay, the power to drive them into the backfield, and an explosive first step that allows him to generate pressure.
Butler is built like a nose tackle, but his lateral quickness, ability to shed blockers, and an effective swim move give him the versatility to play multiple spots. In college Butler played mostly the 5-technique and then moved to nose tackle on passing downs, which is exactly how the Bears could use him in their 3-man front. In two seasons as a starter Butler racked up 22.5 TFLs and 5 sacks. He plays with a relentless motor and mean streak, which should boost him up the Bears draft board a few spots.
Bears angle: Don’t be surprised if Butler is the Bears 1st round selection at #11 overall.
5.) A’Shawn Robinson, Alabama (6’3 | 312 | 5.18) – Might be the best run-stopping 5-tech prospect in the draft. Robinson has elite power already, long arms and a strong enough punch to control double-teams, and is surprisingly quick laterally for his size. He didn’t record a sack in 2014 as a full-time starter and had only 3.5 in 2015, but has generated occasional QB pressures and spend most of the 2nd half of last season driving o-linemen into backfields.
There is some talk that Robinson will never develop any pass rush ability and has a ceiling as one-dimensional run stopper, which makes him a reach for the first half of round one. Though a handful of analysts are saying that Alabama’s scheme responsibilities limited Robinson to just a run stopper tasked with occupying double-teams and kept his pass rush statistics low. Whatever the reason, Robinson’s elite tools should have resulted in more production.
On tape Robinson is arguably the best run-stopping D-linemen in the draft with the strength and versatility to play in any spot on the Bears three-man front. He can play at either DE spot, slide over to nose tackle on passing downs, and has a frame that can theoretically add bulk. He rarely flashed any pass rush skill and it’s hard to picture Robinson suddenly adding that dimension to his game at the next level.
Bears angle: In play at 11 and would improve the Bears run defense right away, but pairing him with similarly powerful Akiem Hicks would give the Bears two DEs that offer very little pass rush ability.
6.) Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss (6’4 | 296 | 4.81) – Former #1 recruit out of high school who has shown flashes throughout his college career, but has been hindered by both injuries and off-field issues. Nkemdiche still has a ton of talent and upside, but teams will have to look closely at his off-field problems and decision-making off the field.
On the field he provides a tempting mix of size, power, and ridiculous athleticism for his size. Nkemdiche’s technique is disappointingly raw, he doesn’t have a go-to pass rush move and hasn’t finished enough plays in the backfield for a guy with his physical tools. If he can straighten out his off-field issues and ends up with a coaching staff who can develop his technique, Nkemdiche has Pro Bowl talent at either the 5-tech or inside at DT.
Bears angle: His off-season issues will most likely be a turn-off for John Fox, but the Bears did bring Nkemdiche in for a private workout so there may be interest anyway. He’s too risky for the Bears to roll the dice at pick 11, but if they trade back in the first round or if off-field concerns drop him out of the first round…Nkemdiche is an ideal 5-tech in Fangio’s scheme and he has more upside than any d-linemen in this draft.
7.) Jarran Reed, Alabama (6’3 | 311 | 5.14) – I had Reed a few spots lower before the Senior Bowl but after watching him beat double-teams, generate interior pressure, and play through the whistle, I’m impressed. After watching his tape at length, I’m confident that Reed won’t make it out of the first round and could go as high as the early teens.
Reed has elite strength, a good first step, long arms, and good enough hands to shed blockers. His size and versatility give Reed the ability to play anywhere on the Bears 3-man front, and he could be a valuable tandem with Eddie Goldman at nose tackle.
Reed is never going to be an elite pass rusher, but he’s hard to dislodge once he establishes his position, has the awareness to find the ball carrier, and will get occasional sacks by using his power to collapse the pocket.
Bears angle: 11 may be a little too early and Reed won’t be there in round 2. If the Bears trade down to the late teens, Reed may be the guy they target.
Next: Rankings 8-11