With all eyes on Khali Mack, could Dante Fowler be the discounted edition Mack that the Chicago Bears need?
I get it. Everybody wants Khalil Mack. Every fanbase from every team is wondering what it will take to get Khalil Mack. The fact of the matter is that it is unlikely that the Chicago Bears will land Mack.
Still, they do sit with strong odds compared to the rest of the league. This comes down to the idea that the Chicago Bears have cap space because they have a young quarterback with a cheap contract. They have expressed their plans to build quickly around Mitchell Trubisky and have a huge hole next to Leonard Floyd on the edge.
Still, while the logistics of a Khalil Mack trade would have to feature a ton of cap maneuvering and multiple first-round picks, Dante Fowler is a cheaper version at a significantly less expensive price.
Dante Fowler had 33 sacks in three seasons at Florida. Despite his struggle in the three-cone he was regarded as a high caliber athlete and was drafted third overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Fowler tore his ACL in his rookie season. In his second season, third round rookie Yannick Ngauke outplayed him. When the Jaguars signed Calais Campbell, it was a huge red flag regarding their long-term faith in Fowler.
In a rotational role behind Ngauke and Campbell, he was able to put eight sacks, to show that he was somewhat back to what the team had hoped he could be. Still, the team declined his fifth-year option, and he will be a free agent this offseason.
Fowler got into a camp scuffle that led to him and Jalen Ramsey being disciplined by the team, and reports already came out that the team is going to field offers for him.
How does he look?
Considering the Chicago Bears depth chart, he would easily be the second best player in the group. There are a few drawbacks on the field, but the upside would be worth a move.
Fowler has been able to show off speed and bend around the edge. He showed up as a hustle player to finish off runs coming in from the weak side. He also was able to show off some power and a spin move in a couple of rush attempts.
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What are the drawbacks?
Fowler struggles to play with his hands. He had a couple of hands to the face penalties, and it comes from his inability to pass rush with a plan. He winds up freelancing and is being set up to get his hands hit away from his body. His raw hand usage does not only cost him concerning penalties but regarding leverage gained.
Fowler is also coming from a 4-3 defense in which he rushed from the left side. It is worth noting that Sam Acho started on the left side and Leonard Floyd in the right, which is the opposite of last season. Still, in 2017 Floyd and Fowler both spent time against right tackles.
Fowler has more experience than Floyd against left tackles, but the other question with his former scheme is the question as to whether or not he can play in space.
Fowler did not play off of the ball, and most of his run defense was in the upfield penetrating variety more than setting an edge. It would be a complete change in role if he were to take on left tackles without his hand down and with the idea that he may have to drop back at times.
Leonard Floyd plays much more off of the ball, and their run defending styles conflicting may be a fit, but it a projection more than it is a strong fit.
The price?
With this in mind, the Bears should be interested, but at a price. Fowler is going to be a free agent next season. Also, he is not looked at as a top-five pick anymore. He is entering his fourth NFL season, which no longer affects his standing. He is a rotational pass rusher on that defense.
Yes, he could start for the Chicago Bears, but there are questions as to whether or not the Jaguars will outright cut Fowler. They are not going to give up more than a fourth-round pick for Fowler, and the Jaguars are unlikely to get more.
With that in mind, a fifth or sixth round pick would be a great bet. A fourth rounder would be as high as they should go. We will see if Fowler is moved and at what price.