Chicago Bears: Keep an eye on John Simon

John Simon may be an edge rusher that the Chicago Bears could pick up later this summer

No, John Simon is not the flashy addition of Khalil Mack. Heck, he is not even the high upside shot of Dante Fowler. However, John Simon has been in the NFL for six seasons now, and he has proven that he belongs, whether it be as a starter or in a rotational role.

However, there is an unusual situation brewing in Indianapolis, and it may leave them cutting Simon and selling him off at a meager price. Simon is a 3-4 outside linebacker. He has played off of the ball linebacker at times and is better in space and playing outside linebacker than he is playing defensive end.

Last year, he signed with the Indianapolis Colts in their 3-4 scheme to play outside linebacker. This year, with a new defensive coordinator, they are going back to the 4-3 front. This leaves Simon in a tight spot.

He has taken some snaps in the SAM, or strong-side off-ball linebacker role. He has also been competing for snaps on the defensive line as a pure rush end. In the play below, you can see him getting upfield and providing penetration to lead to a sack in the Colts most recent preseason game.

What is also interesting about the Colts last preseason game is that Simon played deep into the fourth quarter. That is not the time where somebody who has secure his roster spot would play. There are reports that his strong performance combined with playing so long caught the coaches eyes, and that he is earning a roster spot in that regard.

It can also be speculated that this is a good chance for Simon to get as much tape possible to show that he is valuable to prospective teams. Showing off his special teams ability may be something that Simon asked the Colts to do so that these teams could see his willingness and ability to jump onto a roster next week while providing value.

The fact of that matter is that Khalil Mack is the dream. However, so many teams will be vying for him, and there is so much to work out regarding contract and draft pick compensation.

Former first-round picks such as Dante Fowler and Shaq Lawson have been tossed around as well. They have higher ceilings but much lower floors coming with baggage off of the field, injury concerns as well as scheme fit questions.

If John Simon is available, it is because he needs to play is a scheme that is similar to the Chicago Bears. He is much cheaper concerning price to acquire than any of these names, but his floor is much higher than Lawson and Fowler.

You get a much lower ceiling, but at this point, he would serve as a rotational piece who may eventually be able to beat out Sam Acho. Nonetheless, they have more depth, special teams help and a better third rusher than Kasim Edebali.

The Chicago Bears need to be watching for movement on John Simon. He is not the eye-popping addition that puts this team over the edge, but he is absolutely a candidate to feel a need and see the field fast.