Bears Day 2 Draft Prospects: Inside Linebacker

Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
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Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

A lot has been written already about who the Chicago Bears first round pick (#11) will be, so I’m going to look at who might be options for the Bears in rounds two and three of the draft. The Bears filled some holes via free agency and should fill another one in the first round, but there will still be plenty of positions left that need upgrades. I’ll be breaking down potential targets for the Bears on day 2 of the draft at different positions of need over the next few weeks.

More from Chicago Bears Draft

There are links to the positions I’ve already covered below, but today I’m looking at potential inside linebackers the Bears could target on day 2 of the draft. The Bears did sign two big-name ILBs this offseason, Danny Trevathan & Jerrell Freeman, so they may not address the position in the draft at all. They do have some young depth in last year’s occasional starters Christian Jones, John Timu, and Jonathan Anderson, so for the moment they seem to be set at the position.

Then again, Jerrell Freeman is nearing 30 years old, Danny Trevathan has missed time with two different injuries earlier in his career, and the Bears may not keep all (or any) of their young ILB depth. It’s very possible that they could draft an ILB as early as day two if a clear upgrade and potential future starter is on the board.

If the Bears do draft an ILB, I think it’s more likely to happen on day three with a player who could provide depth at the position and be a stand-out on special teams. I’ll get to some of those players when I start breaking down potential day three players by position later this month.

Day 2 Draft Prospects

DL | QB | RB | EDGE | WR | ILB

I’ve listed the inside linebackers that I project to be available in rounds 2 or 3 below who I think could be good fits for the Bears, listed in order of preference. If you have any questions, complaints, or advice… hit me up in the comments or on Twitter (@MFlannery_)

Next: Jaylon Smith

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