Chicago Bears 1st Round Options: 2013 NFL Draft
By Blake Meek
Nov 23, 2012; Ames, Iowa, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers running back Tavon Austin (1) returns a kick-off against the Iowa State Cyclones during the first half at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Tavon Austin – The Bears have one of the best WRs in the game in Brandon Marshall, an up and coming WR in Alshon Jeffery, but they don’t have anyone near as explosive as Tavon Austin is. He can play in the slot or the backfield, he can catch the ball or take a handoff. Every time he touches the ball he has a chance to go all the way. This would give Jay Cutler as many weapons as anyone in the league and that is never a bad thing. Austin can also take over return duties for Devin Hester if ever needed. They could even run some trick plays like Hester and Johnny Knox used to. Austin is small however and will have problems blocking if ever asked too. His size also makes him a durability concern.
Oct 27, 2012; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Arthur Brown (4) plays defense during a 55-24 win over the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
Arthur Brown – Brown is a guy who can come in and take over Urlachers spot right away. Brown is an instinctive play who plays much bigger than he actually is. He is a strong tackler who wraps up and doesn’t miss many. Uses his hands very well to get off blocks and find the ball carrier. Is good in coverage, can cover TEs and RBs or cover a WR crossing the field. Plays very quickly sideline to sideline and shows good quickness through the hole when blitzing. Uses his hands well to keep pulling guards at bay. Is undersized for the inside linebacker position, but doesn’t let that deter him. Can be over aggressive and over run plays at times.
January 01, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Taylor Martinez (3) is sacked by Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Alec Ogletree (9) during the second half of the Capital One bowl at The Citrus Bowl. Georgia defeated Nebraska 45-31. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Alec Ogletree – A former safety who transitioned to linebacker. Has excellent speed for the position and shows good coverage skills. Can really lay a big hit on players, whether it be a RB or a WR. Attacks the football trying to cause fumbles very well, which will fit in on this turnover machine of a defense. Is really good at closing on the edge when a running back tries to bounce a run outside or a quarterback scrambles. Plays extremely hard and aggressively. Adding some muscle is needed, but has the frame to do so in a NFL strength program. Has some trouble getting off 2nd level blocks, but some of that will be helped by a strong front 4. Does have some character concerns with suspension for drugs at Georgia and a DUI just before the combine.
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