The road to the 2020 NFL Draft starts in Mobile with the Senior Bowl, where Bears scouts will have the chance to get to know some of the top prospects in this draft class.
More than 100 of the top collegiate seniors from schools all over the country will participate in this year’s Senior Bowl, which will take place on Jan. 25.
But prior to then, practices during the week leading up to the game give front offices a chance to evaluate players on the field and meet with them off the field.
The Bears have several needs they need to address this offseason. Let’s take a look at seven prospects on defense they should be watching closely this week.
1. CB Lamar Jackson, Nebraska
The Bears could be facing changes in the secondary this offseason, especially with cornerback Prince Amukamara a likely cap casualty. If that’s the case, the Bears will be in the market for a new starting cornerback opposite Kyle Fuller.
Maybe that cornerback is Nebraska’s Lamar Jackson, who had a breakout senior season that has shown that he could be a solid and dependable cornerback in the NFL. Jackson had 40 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and 12 pass breakups in 2019.
2. EDGE L, Michigan State
The Bears are certainly in the market for pass rushers this offseason, and they’ll no doubt be keeping an eye on Michigan State edge rusher Kenny Willekes, a high-motor player with a penchant for getting after the quarterback and stopping the run.
Willekes is coming off back-to-back standout seasons with the Spartans, including 78 tackles, including 16 for a loss, and 10.5 sacks in 2019. He’s someone the Bears could surely look to pair with Khalil Mack coming off the edge.
3. LB Malik Harrison, Ohio State
With inside linebackers Danny Trevathan and Nick Kwiatkoski facing free agency, there’s a possibility that the Bears lose one or both of them this offseason. While chances are they manage to re-sign one, they could certainly use depth at the position, especially given the injuries this season.
Ohio State linebacker Malik Harrison would certain fit the bill for the kind of physical inside linebacker that is a stud in the run game, although he needs some work in coverage. Harrison’s strength is as a tackler, which was evidenced by his being Ohio State’s leading tackler over the last two seasons.
4. EDGE Joshua Uche, Michigan
The Bears are in need of pass rushers this offseason, especially with Leonard Floyd’s future up-in-the-air. If the Bears are looking for an athletic playmaker in the run and pass game, then Michigan’s Joshua Uche would be a great fit.
Uche has experience playing as a stand up outside linebacker and lining up along the line of scrimmage at defensive end, but he projects as the former. Uche led Michigan in sacks in the past two seasons, notching 7.5 in 2019 after finishing 2018 with 7.
5. CB Jeff Gladney, TCU
Cornerback Prince Amukamara is at risk of becoming a cap casualty for the Bears this offseason, so they’ll be looking for his replacement opposite Kyle Fuller. That could be in-house with second-year corner Kevin Toliver or they could turn to the NFL Draft. The Bears should keep an eye on TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney, who has flown under the radar in a talented cornerback class.
In 2019, Gladney had 31 total tackles, 0.5 sack, one interception and a career-best 14 pass breakups, which was tied for eighth in the country. Gladney is an athletic corner, a good tackler, especially on the perimeter, and puts himself in position to make a play on the ball.
6. OLB Zack Baun, Wisconsin
You can’t underestimate the importance of edge rusher in the NFL — even when Khalil Mack is lined up on the other side. The Bears’ pass rush suffered mightily in 2019, and perhaps they can find a young talent in the NFL Draft to help with that.
In a talented group of pass rushers, the Bears could find a valuable one during the middle rounds in Wisconsin outside linebacker Zack Baun. Baun had 76 total tackles, 12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception with the Badgers in 2019. Baun is a quick and explosive outside rusher that the Bears could look to add on Day 2.
7. LB Akeem Davis-Gaither, Appalachian State
One of college football’s best-kept secrets might be Appalachian State outside linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither, who has been one of the best linebackers in college football with impressive athleticism and speed.
While he plays in the Sun Belt, Davis-Gaither has put up some staggering numbers. He had 104 tackles (14.5 for loss), five sacks, eight pass breakups, six quarterback hits, and an interception in 2019. With the Bears in need of guys off the edge, Davis-Gaither should be an intriguing Day 3 prospect.
