Chicago Bears: 2015 NFL Draft Watch List
By Erik Lambert
Dec 7, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans safety Kurtis Drummond (27) breaks up a pass intended for Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Corey Brown (10) during the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The 2014 class is fully in the mix. So what should the Chicago Bears look out for as the 2015 NFL draft begins its approach?
Antwan Goodley – WR – Baylor
In looking at their makeup at wide receiver, the Bears don’t lack at all for size with Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Marquess Wilson all over 6’3″. What the offense could use at that position is speed. Somebody to stretch the defenses deep. A great option to eye is Baylor senior Antwan Goodley, who averaged a gaudy 18.9 yards per catch last season.
Tyler Kroft – TE – Rutgers
Depth at tight end is becoming one of the primary concerns for the 2014 Chicago Bears. While they have a proven player in Martellus Bennett starting, there is little to no credible reserves behind him. That could make tight end a big target in the 2015 NFL draft. One name that fits the profile of what they like is Rutgers product Tyler Kroft. Like Bennett he is big at 6’6″, 240 lbs, is a solid blocker and hauled in 43 catches for 543 yards last season, proving he has two-way ability.
Markus Golden – DE – Missouri
Thanks to a series of free agent additions the Bears are set at defensive end, but with Jared Allen approaching his mid-30s the team has to continue investing draft picks at the position. Missouri has become a defensive lineman factor over the past few years with Kony Ealy and Sheldon Richardson among their biggest success stories. Markus Golden could be in line next. Despite not being a starter, he still notched 6.5 sacks in 2013.
Ramik Wilson – ILB – Georgia
D.J. Williams isn’t even a lock for the roster this year and Jon Bostic has not yet proven he is the long-term option at middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears. So until that changes the team must continue to invest at the position. Ramik Wilson is an intriguing prospect out of Georgia. With good size at 6’2″, he is a productive tackler who can blitzer but also has the athleticism to drop back into coverage. Scouts love his all-around game including the instincts.
Josh Shaw – CB – USC
Kyle Fuller was just the first of what should be an infusion of young talent at cornerback. Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings are aging quickly. Fuller can’t cover the impending losses alone. If the Bears follow their current format, then USC standout Josh Shaw is somebody they will watch carefully. Like Fuller he boasts good size at 6’1″ and is an experienced, well-rounded talent who can play coverage but also gets his nose dirty in the run game.
Kurtis Drummond – S – Michigan State
Is Brock Vereen the future for the Chicago Bears at safety? Him being a 4th round pick offers its share of doubts despite the kids obvious athletic upside. Chris Conte also still has a chance but the truth is the Bears are still searching for stability at the position. Kurtis Drummond could become that answer. He has every tool in the wood shed. He’s 6’1″ with decent speed, but most importantly utilizes that thanks to an excellent level of instincts that allows him to read the quarterback and create impact plays as he did for Michigan State on their run to the Rose Bowl.