April 25--As the NFL draft nears we're taking a position-by-position look at what's out there and what the Bears need.
Bears' status
When the Bears hired defensive coordinator Vic Fangio in January and began transitioning to a 3-4 base front, they lacked many natural fits for such an important position. Former defensive ends Jared Allen, Lamarr Houston and Willie Young will try to convert into edge-rushing outside linebackers, with Houston a possible starter if he recovers from ACL reconstruction surgery on his right knee. Former Raven Pernell McPhee signed a five-year, $38.75 million free-agent contract and will be relied on accordingly. Free agent Sam Acho, entering his fifth NFL season, provides high-character depth.
Level of draft need: High
New general manager Ryan Pace believes a team never can have enough pass rushers. And considering the questions surrounding the veteran defensive ends moving to outside linebacker, it would make sense for Pace to tap a deep draft class with the seventh overall pick. Allen, Young and others still could play end in sub packages or passing situations, but a three-down standout would go a long way toward making the defense as successful as the 49ers were under Fangio the last four seasons.
Top prospect
Dante Fowler Jr., Florida
6-3, 261 pounds
Worth a look: Drafting Fowler is a dream scenario for the Bears. He has the prototypical height, weight and arm length (333/4 inches) to be a 3-4 outside linebacker. He can improve his pass-rush prowess by better converting speed to power. His quickness, ability to change direction and experience at different positions are just some of the reasons he will be drafted before the Bears pick.
Stay away: Teams picking in the top five might be inclined to look elsewhere because his first step isn't as explosive as that of other pass rushers and he can improve his lower-body strength.
Intriguing options
Shane Ray, Missouri
6-3, 245 pounds
Worth a look: Ray bursts explosively off the ball, which translates to power and functional speed in his pass rush. He's a hand-fighting technician whose violence helps compensate for relatively short arms. His motor chugs at a high gear and he consistently runs down plays from behind. He has proven ability to drop into space effectively.
Stay away: Significant size questions could direct the Bears elsewhere at No. 7. At 245 pounds, he's about 15 pounds lighter than you would like for an edge run defender. His 331/8-incharms won't entice the Bears' new regime, which prioritizes length.
Vic Beasley, Clemson
6-3, 246 pounds
Worth a look: Another prospect with an elite first step, Beasley is one of the purest pass rushers in this class. He's strong enough and flexible enough to bend the edge. His nimble feet get him into position to finish plays. He's durable and known for a strong work ethic.
Stay away: Beasley is the same height and weight that Von Miller was when John Fox's Broncos drafted him second overall in 2011, but Beasley's 321/2-inch arms are an inch shorter. He must improve at shedding blocks and anchoring at the point of attack.
Randy Gregory, Nebraska
6-5, 235 pounds
Worth a look: Gregory is the longest of the top-tier edge rushers with 34-inch arms. That can help him offset his lean frame, which is more than 20 pounds lighter than a prototypical 3-4 outside run defender. His flexibility enables him to change directions and turn the corner well.
Stay away: He admitted in March to testing positive for marijuana at the NFL scouting combine. He told NFL Media he used to smoke regularly to cope with anxiety. He will enter the league in its drug-testing program, so whichever team drafts him must be comfortable with the risk/reward tradeoff.
Sleeper
Zack Hodges, Harvard
6-2, 250 pounds
Worth a look: His 341/4-inch arms give coaches a prime physical tool with which to work. He has a good spin move and also can turn the corner on an outside rush.
Stay away: He's raw overall, so the Bears would have to invest a low pick. He has to add muscle. Inconsistency was an issue against FCS competition, so coaches must be confident they can draw more out of what he flashed. He isn't an established player in space.
rcampbell@tribpub.com
