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2016 NFL Draft Central: Chicago Bears
Round 1: Pick #11 (11th overall) – DE Shaq Lawson – Clemson
NEEDS at DE: Pernell McPhee was terrific last season for the Bears even though he was slowed down by a knee injury. That said, upgrading the Bears’ defensive line remains a priority this season after picking up just 35 sacks in 2015, 22nd overall. Getting a talented pass rusher lined up with McPhee should make opposing offensive coordinators more wary of Chicago.
STRENGTHS: Lawson has an imposing frame, standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 275 pounds, but he’s more than just bulk. He’s a well-rounded defensive piece that has good hands and is both effective against the pass and run. While he’s regarded as more suitable for a 4-3 defensive base, scouts see little problem in him transitioning into a 3-4 scheme, which is the staple for the Bears.
Round 2: Pick #2 (41st overall) – OT Jason Spriggs – Indiana
NEEDS at OT: Chicago’s left tackle position has been a juggling act last season. Jermon Bushrod, Charles Leno, and Kyle Long each had their turns playing left tackle, though Long started in most of the games throughout 2015. Bushrod, however, is now in Miami, while Long operates best as a right guard. Leno was a seventh-round pick in 2014 and while he played well above expectations last year, the Bears certainly can’t rely on him too much. Drafting a high-end offensive tackle should help provide a permanent answer to the left tackle position.
STRENGTHS: Spriggs has the size fit for the NFL. The 6’6” former Hoosier weighs 301 pounds and has a fantastic speed and quickness. He had a 4.94 during the Combine’s 40-yard dash test. Spriggs posted a 60-percent success rate in his one-on-ones during the Senior Bowl—the highest among all tackles.
Round 3: Pick #2 (72nd overall) – CB Xavien Howard– Baylor
NEEDS at CB: No one’s singing praises of the Bears’ secondary unit last season. Chicago’s pass coverage was viewed as among the worst in 2015. Kyle Fuller was the best corner the Bears had last season and that says a lot about how badly Chicago needs a cornerback, as Fuller only had two picks. Tracy Porter re-signed with the Bears last March, but he’s just part of the same defensive unit that finished with only eight interceptions last season, third fewest in the NFL.
STRENGTHS: Howard was a heat-seeking cornerback in college, where he broke up 10 passes and reeled in five interceptions on his way to notching first team All-Big 12 nod as a junior for Baylor. His physical makeup (6-foot-1, 200 pounds) paired with quick and relentless hands are solid traits to build on once he makes it to the NFL.
Round 4: Pick #2 (106th overall) – TE Jerell Adams– South Carolina
NEEDS at TE: The Bears traded Martellus Bennett to New England this offseason, which effectively promoted Zach Miller to the top of the tight end depth chart. Beyond Miller, the Bears’ tight end position offers little in terms of pass protection and catching. What happens when Miller gets hurt?
STRENGTHS: Adams is a speedy tight end. He registered the fastest 40-yard dash time (4.66 seconds) among tight ends at the combine, which should be enough for Chicago scouts to highlight his name on their notes. Adams uses his tall 6-foot-6 frame and quickness to create room when catching passes. He could develop into a nasty deep-field threat for quarterback Jay Cutler indeed.
Round 4: Pick #29 (127th overall) – ILB Dominique Alexander– Alabama
NEEDS at ILB: Chicago defensive coordinator Vic Fangio used to have inside linebackers Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman during his happy days in San Francisco. Last season, however, Fangio had to deal with a mess that was the Bears’ inside-linebacking corps that had Christian Jones and Shea McClellin as its top two guys. Neither player impressed in 2015, so Fangio must definitely be looking for a shot in the unit’s arm via the 2016 NFL Draft.
STRENGTHS: Alexander won’t blow you away with his physical appearance as he stands just an even six feet and tips the scale at 232 pounds, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for aggressiveness. He’s not afraid of the grind at a pro level and has the willingness to get dirty inside, intangible qualities that would fit well in any team.
The Bears have nine picks in the 2016 NFL Draft:
- Round One – #11 overall
- Round Two – #41 overall
- Round Three – #72 Overall
- Round Four – #106 overall
- Round Four – #127 overall
- Round Five – #150 overall
- Round Six – #185 overall
- Round Six – #206 overall
- Round Seven #230 overall
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