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10 Sleeper Defensive Linemen Bears Could Target In The NFL Draft

By Johnny Hatelak

Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Appalachian State defensive lineman Ronald Blair participates in workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Appalachian State defensive lineman Ronald Blair participates in workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Justin Zimmer-Ferris State-DT

PLAYER OVERVIEW:

I know…I know. I had Justin Zimmer in my edge rusher blog, but that’s because he can play there and he can play in this defensive scheme as an under-tackle too. Probably as a 5 technique as well, although he doesn’t fit the typical profile of one as he doesn’t have particularly long arms (32″) and isn’t extremely tall at about 6’3″. We’ll just go with defensive tackle with this team as I feel he’d make an ideal under-tackle when Bears go with a 40 front look. Although extremely gifted and extremely strong (47 reps on the bench press) he’s likely going to be a situational lineman in his pro career working out of a rotation and coming in mainly on passing downs.

MEASUREABLES AND PRODUCTION:

Zimmer’s measurables just jump out and smack you in the face. He has the drafts highest SPARQ score out of any defensive lineman in this draft. Put up insane numbers at all his off-season workouts and killed it at the Michigan pro day under a lot of NFL big wigs eyes. Check out his performances here. There’s also a bonus interview here too. Here’s even more measureable’s with his RAC score that declares him the most athletic 300 pounder in NFL history. As for production he’s as accomplished as any collegiate defensive lineman in the country as you can see on his Ferris State profile page here.

SCOUTING REPORT:

Positives: Size, and athleticism. His measureables are probably the most impressive of any athlete in this draft. This gives him versatility. He started out playing linebacker in a 4-3, and than beefed up close to 300 pounds to kick inside to tackle. Plays hard, and has great football character. As you can see from his workout numbers this guy works his ass off in the weight room and practice field. Also in the film room as he has high football intelligence. Extremely hard to block as he has superior strength along with natural leverage. Was a wrestler so he understands angles to gain the best leverage. Add in his exceptional quickness and surprising agility and you have yourself a football player. Also should star on special teams.

Negatives: New to the defensive line. Played in a 4-3 so he’ll have to get used to playing in some 3-4 sets and two gap a little bit. Played at a small school and was not invited to any of the big all star games, so it’s hard to project him as a pro as he hasn’t played at that level yet.

Next: Sleeper Defensive Lineman #9

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