Pick 3: Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama
Mitch Unrein should not be a starter. Unrein had 12 tackles in 13 games last year. He was a body occupying blockers. The Bears need someone who can not only occupy an opponent, but make plays, draw double-teams, and create opportunities for teammates. There is a reason the majority of mock drafts have the Bears taking Jonathan Allen from Alabama.
Chicago Bears
Selecting Allen with the third pick makes sense in many ways. First, he’s got a great combination of size and strength. At 6’3”, 291lbs., he’s big enough to drop anchor in run support, and explosive enough to get after the QB (10+ sacks each of the last two years). Second, his hands are surgical. He’s got the full arsenal of pass rush moves (e.g. swim, rip, bull rush), and his bull jerk (it’s a real move!) is violent.
Starting Allen in Unrein’s spot serves multiple purposes. Not only will the pass rush be immensely improved, but other defensive players will benefit as well. Opposing defenses won’t be able to double Eddie Goldman as much. With a viable threat on both sides, Goldman would have to carry less of the load and might even increase his production some. More importantly, there will be less time in the pocket for opposing QBs with Jonathan Allen starting. As all Bear fans unfortunately have learned, a rushed QB gets nervous, dismisses mechanics, throws into coverage, and those passes get picked off more frequently.