Chicago Bears 2017 NFL Mock Draft: 1st Round Maneuvering
By Erik Lambert
The Chicago Bears look like they’re in line for their highest draft pick in over a decade. Current estimates say they hold the 5th overall choice at present.
How will this impact their game plan? Impossible to say at this point. One can imagine though that quarterback, pass rusher, offensive tackle, tight end and corner are of course on the to-do list. Here is the teams’ latest mock draft with a new potential scenario that could play out.
1st Round (via CAR)
Tennessee. Derek Barnett . 1. player. 57. The Bears defense is getting an eyeful of their biggest problem week after week. Put simply they just don’t have enough bodies for the pass rush. Injuries have played a part. Pernell McPhee has missed a lot of time with a knee issue. Lamarr Houston tore his ACL. Now 1st round pick Leonard Floyd is dealing with a calf problem. It might seem counterproductive to go after the same position again, but the value of a good pass rush cannot be understated and the 2016 class has lots of good options. <p>Unlike Floyd this past draft, Derek Barnett comes with a lot more proven production at the job. He had nine sacks as a freshman, 10 sacks as a sophomore and has five so far as a junior. This isn’t counting the additions 42.5 tackles for a loss. The guy just knows how to get into the backfield and make plays. He’s a good athlete with a high motor and strength. The instinct is evident on every snap. Vic Fangio needs somebody he can count on. Barnett looks every bit the type.<br /> </p>. DE