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Chicago Bears Draft Scout: Jalen Jelks

By Parker Hurley

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 31: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans gets his pass off under pressure from Jalen Jelks #97 of the Oregon Ducks during the first half of the Redbox Bowl at Levi's Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 31: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans gets his pass off under pressure from Jalen Jelks #97 of the Oregon Ducks during the first half of the Redbox Bowl at Levi's Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Jalen Jelks is an interesting edge prospect who met with the Chicago Bears at the Senior Bowl

With a need for depth on the edge it is no surprise to see pass rushing prospect Jalen Jelks met with the Chicago Bears during All-Star week in Mobile. Jelks is a fascinating edge prospect who does not necessarily compare to any of his peers.

That is because despite being second and first team All-Pac 12 in the past two seasons he earned those awards playing along the interior defensive line. Jelks weighs under 250 pounds, though which certainly will warrant a move to 3-4 outside linebacker. How does the protection look and what can he bring to the Chicago Bears?

Strengths

Jelks uses being undersized along the interior to his advantage. He does a strong job of exploding off of the football and using his size to beat offensive lineman off of the ball and get under their shoulder pads.

Jelks brings active hands to the table to keep himself clean and had a lot of success getting upfield and forcing runs to the outside, as well as wrapping them up in the backfield.

Jelks is a fluid mover who has shown he can stunt inside-out, and outside-in and has a solid understanding of how to contain and play. Overall Jelks brings a lot of nuance for what would be a project player.

Weakness

The biggest question for Jelks will be his bend around the edge. He has shown athleticism in his ability to get upfield. The question is can he get upfield on the edge and turn to narrow the pocket? He has not shown this consistently inside.

However, he is far too small to play inside. Heck, he is undersized for an outside linebacker. He does not win with power, and does not bring great leg drive to hold his ground, but rather uses quick, choppy feet to get out of his stance quick.

Jelks has no experience in coverage, but may not be physically able to set the edge against the run. In this regard he could be just a situational pass rusher in the NFL.

Fit with Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears having interest in Jalen Jelks is no surprise. They drafted Leonard Floyd, an edge rusher who can hold down a part-time role as a coverage linebacker. In Jelks they have the exact opposite, of an edge player who can slide inside and rush the passer if needed.

The versatility and contrast of the two could go together. Jelks is a project and will fall into the Chicago Bears range of selections because of this. Fortunately, the Bears do not need a major impact on day one from Jelks.

Jelks has the speed and understanding to take special teams snaps as the team figures out exactly how to best utilize his skill set.

The versatility, understanding and athleticism make Jalen Jelks an intriguing mid-round pick who could compete to make the roster and provide rotational snaps next season.

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