Complete Chicago Bears 2015 Off-Season Projections
By Erik Lambert
NFL Draft
Jan 1, 2014; Tampa, Fl, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive linesman Brandon Scherff (68) blocks against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
1st Round – Brandon Scherff – OT – Iowa
Yes, this seems surprising to a lot of people, but here is the logic behind it. First of all, Jordan Mills has regressed and doesn’t belong at right tackle anymore. Brandon Scherff is perhaps the meanest, nastiness, and strongest offensive linemen in the 2015 draft class. So slide him to the right side where he projects best and suddenly you have him and Kyle Long side by side. The Bears should be top 5 in rushing for the next ten years.
2nd Round – Paul Dawson – OLB – TCU
John Fox loves his linebackers and he would love Paul Dawson. The kid does everything well. He tackles, he blitzes, he plays coverage and he plays with high energy. Chicago needs more players like that on defense.
3rd Round – Josh Shaw – CB – USC
His bogus pool rescue story certainly hurt his stock but Josh Shaw never stopped being one of the most gifted corners in college football. He’s big, long, athletic and by all accounts possesses a great football mind. Vic Fangio loves big corners who can man up on wide receivers, so Shaw would make a great fit.
4th Round – Ellis McCarthy – DT – UCLA
It’s unclear whether the Chicago Bears will shift to a 3-4 defense under Fangio. If they do then this pick would make perfect sense, but even if they don’t it still fits with what John Fox likes. He loves to have big, hulking defensive tackles in the middle who eat up blockers and suffocate the opposing ground game. Ellis McCarthy did that all day, every day for UCLA.
6th Round – Cedric Reed – DE – Texas
The later rounds are about taking chances and Cedric Reed presents one. Physically speaking, he’s a specimen at 6’6″, 270 lbs. However, he is dealing with an injury and some question his ability to develop as a better pass rusher. In the 6th round this is a chance worth taking.
7th Round – Connor Halliday – QB – Washington State
The same concept applies here. Due to an injury late in the season, Connor Halliday has gone from a promising sleeper prospect at quarterback to a potential late rounder or free agent. The Washington State product has the measurable: height, decent mobility and the arm to deliver a ball almost anywhere on the field. Also supremely confident in his ability. He also led the nation in passing before he got hurt. Why not bring him in as a long-term project?