Chicago Bears: Early Offensive Draft Prospects They Can’t Pass
By Erik Lambert
Sep 21, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins (88) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Idaho State Bengals during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
The first three rounds of the NFL draft seem earmarked for defense for the Chicago Bears. These options might change that.
Round 1
Greg Robinson – OT – Auburn
With all due respect to Jermon Bushrod, who had a very solid year in 2013, no team with any sense would pass up on the chance of adding a left tackle with the skill set of Greg Robinson. He is physically superior to the Bears current starter in every way and merely lacks polish and experience. Already a dominant run blocker, the ceiling for him is huge under the right coaches.
Jake Matthews – OT – Texas A&M
The same can be said for Texas A&M All-American Jake Matthews. His calling card is more pass protection. Technique is not an issue for him at all. He’s experienced, durable, strong and athletic enough to play on the right or left sides. His ability to wall off pass rushers is why his stock is so high, not to mention is bloodlines with Hall of Fame father Bruce Matthews. Teaming him with Kyle Long would make for a heck of a second generation offensive front.
*Eric Ebron
The reason there is an asterisk next to his name is because it would have to happen only after the Chicago Bears traded back in the first round. Eric Ebron is not worth a top 15 pick but if the Bears were to land in the 20s somewhere, that would change. Can one imagine the North Carolina tight end teaming with Martellus Bennett to wreak havoc down the middle of the field with Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall on the outside? His size-speed potential alone is ridiculous. Scary doesn’t even begin to describe the possibilities.
Round 2
Austin Seferian-Jenkins – TE – Washington
The success Bennett has had in the Trestman offense for Chicago should implore the team to seek out similar types of tight ends in the draft. One who can’t possibly escape their notice is Austin Seferian-Jenkins. At 6’5″, 262 lbs he looks more like a defensive end but ASJ is a remarkable athlete. He has the speed and agility to stretch defenses down the seam, the physicality to battle defenders for the ball and the soft hands to make tough catches. Potential alone is outstanding.
Donte Moncrief – WR – Ole Miss
Phil Emery loves to collect big, athletic receivers and given the success of Alshon Jeffery it’s easy to see why. So why add another underrated SEC talent with great measurables? Donte Moncrief continues to get overlooked due to his coming out of a struggling program at Ole Miss. That made his outstanding scouting combine easier to dismiss. Never mind the fact he’s 6’2″, ran a 4.40/40, vertically jumped 39.5 inches and accounted for 39% of the passing offense in 2013 for the Rebels. He is a big, physical pass catcher with deep threat capability. Pairing him with all the other weapons Chicago already has would be stealing.
Round 3
Devonta Freeman – RB – Florida State
One of the most understated parts of that national championship juggernaut at FloridaState. Don’t let his 5’8″ frame fool you. Devonta Freeman is a football player. He displays great vision and agility to find the hole and the acceleration to get through it quickly. His lower body strength and toughness make it hard to bring him down and his dedication to the craft have turned him into a good receiver and pass blocker as well. Such a talent would be a perfect fit for the Chicago Bears offense, and give the team some youth behind Matt Forte.
Marcus Martin – C – USC
There is little not to love about Marcus Martin. The USC center has it all: size, strength, athleticism and versatility. He’s not only tall at 6’3″ but big at 320 lbs with 34-inch arms. He drops anchor very well in pass protection and can wall off the interior. Tape also shows he’s rarely caught off guard by creative blitzes. Scouts do question his motor and believe he’d benefit from some grooming first before seeing the field. After all, he doesn’t even turn 21-years old until November. The Bears could add him to the depth chart to learn behind veteran Roberto Garza and have their successor in place when the time comes.