Chicago Bears Mock Draft (Rounds 4-7)
I posted the first three rounds of my final 7-round Bears mock yesterday. Below are the Bears six picks in rounds four through seven
4th Round
DL Adolphus Washington, Ohio St (6’3 | 301 | 5.11)
The Bears take advantage of an extremely deep defensive line draft class and grab their second player at the position. Most years Washington is a mid day 2 pick, but there are so many talented d-linemen this year that some players are likely to fall a round or two below their graded value. It’s been a defense heavy mock draft so far, but GM Ryan Pace has been adamant about drafting the best player available instead of drafting for need.
On talent alone Washington shouldn’t last until day three, but the previously mentioned positional depth combined with inconsistent performance on the field and an arrest for off-the-field (solicitation) could drop Washington even farther than the Bears 4th round pick. Drafting Washington could give the Bears the best player available and fill a need.
Taking two defensive linemen in the first four rounds may seem like overkill, but the Bears need as many viable d-linemen as they can get. In week 17 last year they started three defensive linemen that were signed off the street during the season. 2014 Day 2 picks Ego Ferguson and Will Sutton should be healthy this year, but aren’t ideal fits for the Bears 3-4 scheme.
Washington has some questionable tape, but was also good enough the last two seasons to be named honorable mention All-Big Ten and second-team All-Conference the last two seasons. He’s got good length, explosive quickness off the ball, avoids blocks well for a big man, can change direction without losing speed, and gets his long arms in passing lanes when blocked. Besides an inconsistent motor, Washington’s biggest question marks are whether his thin lower body can anchor against double-teams and a habit for getting knocked off balance when on the move.
Overall Washington is an excellent prospect for day three of the draft. He flashed the ability to be a starter in the NFL and an impact player against both the run and the pass. It may take Washington a few years to get there, but Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was known for developing d-line talent while with San Francisco and he could turn Washington into a force within a season or two.
Next: Round 4 (2nd pick)