NFL draft guru Mel Kiper projects the Bears will go for defense over their pressing need at quarterback in the first round of the NFL draft in April, opting to take Alabama’s Jonathan Allen over Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson with the third overall pick.
"I’ve heard a lot of people discuss whether this pick is worth, say, acquiring a player like (the Patriots’) Jimmy Garoppolo," Kiper wrote in his column posted on ESPN.com Wednesday. Kiper continued, "… I see (the Bears) as more likely to find a veteran QB and go with a great defensive player here. Allen qualifies as a defensive lineman who can be moved around and create disruption."
The deadline to declare for the draft has passed. The Senior Bowl is in the books. The NFL scouting combine is a scant three weeks away. Draft season is fully engaged and the many prospects are already well along the proverbial road to the podium.
Which players will get that invite to the 2017 NFL draft in Philadelphia? Plenty of those among my Top 50 will get that coveted invitation to Philadelphia, so let’s take a look at my Big Board heading into the combine at the end of the month.
— John Harris, Special To The Washington Post
In Kiper’s second mock draft of the year, the Bears never get a chance to consider North Carolina quarterback Mitch Trubisky, whom Kiper has going to the 49ers one spot ahead of the Bears.
Other NFL experts put out new mock drafts on Wednesday, including CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco, who shared Kiper’s belief the Bears will select Allen. "He is a power player who can also rush the passer," Prisco wrote.
WalterFootball.com’s Walter Cherepinsky flipped those picks, with the 49ers taking Allen and the Bears opting for Trubisky.
On Monday, SB Nation columnist Dan Kadar pegged LSU safety Jamal Adams for the Bears, noting, "It seems like the Bears have been in need of a safety for years. Adams could finally be the solution. He’s the best safety in the draft this year, and one of the five best players overall."
In Sunday’s Tribune, Bears reporter Brad Biggs addressed a reader’s question about the Bears drafting a safety at No. 3, writing, "You cannot evaluate the Bears without reaching the conclusion they need a significant upgrade in the secondary at safety and cornerback. I think the Bears will put a greater premium on cornerback but will also take action at safety. The safety to take him No. 3, though."
Bears Q&A: Are Jimmy Garoppolo, Tony Romo or Brock Osweiler options at QB? Brad Biggs
The Tribune’s Brad Biggs answers your Bears questions weekly.
We have heard a lot of talk this offseason about trading for Jimmy Garoppolo or drafting a quarterback at No. 3 along with Alshon Jeffery’s contact status. Truth is there is a lot more to the Bears offseason than those two positions….
The Tribune’s Brad Biggs answers your Bears questions weekly.
We have heard a lot of talk this offseason about trading for Jimmy Garoppolo or drafting a quarterback at No. 3 along with Alshon Jeffery’s contact status. Truth is there is a lot more to the Bears offseason than those two positions….
(Brad Biggs)
Our editors found this article on this site using Google and regenerated it for our readers.
