Jan. 08--One thing's clear from several NFL mock drafts: The Bears are in desperate need of an edge rusher, and they may have their pick of several top prospects.
But the question is who?
It's still very early in the offseason, but already several experts are split about which pass-rush specialist the Bears will select with the 11th pick on April 28 in Chicago.
UCLA's Myles Jack, Alabama's Reggie Ragland and Georgia's Leonard Floyd have drawn equal support so far, but other prognosticators haven't backed away from Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith, despite suffering a knee injury in which he reportedly tore ligaments during the Fiesta Bowl.
Also, Smith hadn't declared for the draft as of Thursday, though many sources have said it's very likely.
Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
--CBSSports.com's Dane Brugler
Jack is an impressive athlete with outstanding instincts, showing the cover skills that will make him an instant contributor. Read more at cbssports.com.
--Rotoworld's Josh Norris
"As of now, I consider Jack the top prospect in this draft class. There it is, in digital print. Jack can play like a 260 lbs power linebacker or move like a 230 lbs coverage specialist." Read more at rotoworld.com.
--NESN
"Jack's versatility in the pass and run games makes him a nice fit in Chicago's scheme." Read more at nesn.com.
Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
--Sports Illustrated's Chris Burke
"He can cover but excels downhill vs. the run. A great fit for Vic Fangio's linebacker-needy defense." Read more at si.com.
--SB Nation's Dan Kadar
He's every bit the player as C.J. Mosley was when the Ravens took him in the first round in 2014. Read more at sbnation.com.
--247Sports
"He would be a great fit, and he will work well with Pernell McPhee and Willie Young." Read more at 247sports.com.
Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia
--San Diego Union-Tribune's Eddie Brown
"Floyd could be this draft class' best pure pass rusher and he certainly fits a need for the Bears." Read more at sandiegouniontribune.com.
--CBSSports.com's Rob Rang
" ... a speedy edge rusher with experience attacking off the edge in the 3-4 and possessing the surprising strength and tenacity to also hold up in run production." Read more at cbssports.com.
--Bleacher Report's Matt Miller
"The Georgia edge-rusher is built for Vic Fangio's scheme at 6'4" and 231 pounds (with room to grow), and his ability to play rushing the passer or in coverage against tight ends adds even more value to his impressive resume." Read more at bleacherreport.com.
Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
--NFLDraftGeek.com's Nolan Vasan
"Not only is Jaylon Smith a world-class player and athlete, but he's also a tremendous leader and motivator. ... Although Smith's setback is bad news, it shouldn't derail his stock which was trending towards the top five prior to the injury." Read more at nfldraftgeek.com.
--Sporting News' Eric Galko
(note: Sportings News' pick was made before Smith's injury on New Year's Day.)
The Bears "need to find a linebacking leader to further the rebuilding project, and Jaylon Smith couldn't be a better linebacker to fill that void." Read more at sportingnews.com.
--Football's Future's Robert Davis
His skills when healthy could project to a number of roles. He could be the next Brian Urlacher in the middle of their 34 defense, or he could line up off the edge with some added bulk and help their anemic pass rush. Read more at footballsfuture.com.
--DraftSeason.com
"This defense was great in the early aughts when it had studly outside linebackers. Smith can be the start of the next generation." Read more at draftseason.com.
Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
--Walter Football
"Kyle Long is out of place and should be used at guard, while Charles Leno is just a swing tackle, at best. Surprised that Ronnie Stanley is still available, the Bears will happily scoop him up." Read more at walterfootball.com.
Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
--Bleacher Report's Chris Roling
See the full mock draft at bleacherreport.com.
Robert Nkemdiche, DE, Mississippi
--DraftSite.com
See the full mock draft at draftsite.com.
Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
--DraftBreakdown.com's Matt LaPan
"He is big, strong and consistently brings effort, his addition would change the defensive front for the Bears." Read more at draftbreakdown.com.
plthompson@tribpub.com
