DL Jarran Reed, Alabama – I had Reed as the Bears first round pick for about a month and he’s one of my favorite defensive linemen in the draft. He anchors well against double-teams, has the versatility to play both inside and out for the Bears, and gets his long arms in passing lanes consistently. He could start for the Bears at DE in week 1 and also back-up Eddie Goldman at nose tackle.
DT Chris Jones, Mississippi St – High-upside player whose production didn’t always match his talent. When Jones was motivated he was one of the best interior pass rushers in the SEC, it just didn’t happen often enough.
He has ideal size (6’6 | 310) for the 5-tech position in the Bears scheme and can set the edge against the run, but his pass rush ability makes him unique and a steal if still around at pick #41.
DL A’Shawn Robinson, Alabama – Combined with Reed to form the most dominant interior d-line in college football last season. Robinson has similar traits to Reed; he isn’t quite as good against the run but offers more potential as a pass rusher.
Robinson moves well for size and in a different system may be a more effective pass rusher. His floor is a solid run-stopper, but has a chance to be a dual threat against both the run and pass.
LB/S Su’a Cravens, USC
– One of my favorite players in the draft. Cravens has been a play-maker since he earned a starting job as a freshmen at USC. He played a safety / linebacker hybrid position for the Trojans, but he’s a tweener at the next level.
Teams are in sub packages so often, that Cravens could carve out a niche with the Bears right away as a linebacker on passing downs and safety in obvious running situations. I’m confident that DC Vic Fangio could figure out a way to utilize Cravens’ unique talent. Despite his tweener label, he can do it all on defense.
In Cravens three years as a starter he’s been a sure tackler (207 total), an effective blitzer (10.5 sacks), lived in opponents backfields (34.5 tackles for loss), is a big hitter (4 forced fumbles), and has shown good instincts in coverage (9 interceptions). Despite his lack of clear position, Cravens is just an all-around good football player with a knack for making big plays which could endear him to Pace & Fox.
G Cody Whitehair, Kansas St – My favorite offensive linemen still on the board. Whitehair started for four years with full seasons at left tackle, right tackle, and left guard. He excelled at all three spots and has the clean technique, power, and nasty demeanor to contribute in multiple spots at the next level.
His best NFL position is probably guard, which isn’t a glaring need for the Bears but offensive line depth is. Whitehair can hold his own anywhere on the line, but has Pro Bowl potential at both guard and right tackle.
Next: Round Two Targets