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The Chicago Bears 2017 Seven Round Mock Draft

By Bryan Dietzler

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 8, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes (47) in the second quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes (47) in the second quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

The Bears can always use some depth on the defensive line and could find some talent in the fourth round.  Remember, Chicago has a 3-4 defense so the players that fit in that scheme will have to be different than players in a 4-3.  This means the Bears will have to be a little picky.

There is one guy who is, quite possibly, solid fourth round pick for the Bears.  That guy is Eddie Vanderdoes, a defensive end out of UCLA.

Pro Football Focus says, of Vanderdoes:

"Uses his quick hands to defeat blocks and quick feet to get around blockers. Productive run-defender with 16 run stops in 2016. Has exceptional balance and can hand fight while strafing down the line of scrimmage. Holds his ground well at the point of attack even against double teams. Strength and technique to toss blockers aside and win early in the engagement. Strong enough upper body to shed blockers even after he loses the initial engagement. Plays with a low pad level, making it harder for linemen to block him. Provides a disruptive interior pass-rush presence at times. Did not tally a lot of pressures in 2016 but his wins were generally quick off the snap and he had a number of other “wins” as a pass-rusher. Multiple effective pass-rushing moves — club, swim, bull rush, spin and spin counter. Can line up at multiple positions along the defensive line."

Some of the things that Vanderdoes needs to improve on include, at the top of the list, being able to stay healthy.  He had some injury issues in college (a torn ACL, right knee soreness) so hopefully, he can stay fit.  Vanderdoes has worn down as the college season has progressed and this will raise fears that he can’t make it through a 16 game NFL schedule.  This will be a key obstacle for him to overcome in order to get drafted in the middle of the draft.

If he can prove that he can stay healthy and keep conditioned the Bears may want to roll the dice on him.  Aside from those two drawbacks, he is a pretty talented and capable defensive end.  And he can help upgrade their defensive line which needs some help.

Alternate pick: George Kittle-TE-Iowa-The Bears need a tight end and if they think that Kittle is worth taking here then they should grab him.  A solid combine and a lot of potential should have him turning some heads.

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