2016 NFL Mock Draft: Trades Mark The First Three Picks

Jan 9, 2016; Frisco, TX, USA; North Dakota State Bison quarterback Carson Wentz (11) calls a play in the second quarter against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks in the FCS Championship college football game at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 15, 2014; South Bend, IN, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Justin Jackson (28) runs with the ball against Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

22. player. 57. At last the Chicago Bears make their pick, and it’s a bold one. On paper this is a no brainer. Jaylon Smith has not just top 10 but top 5 talent at the position of linebacker where this team is so painfully thin. The reason he falls to #22 is fears regarding his unfortunate knee injury suffered in the Fiesta Bowl. <p>A torn ACL and LCL sounds bad, and it is but all signs from the doctors indicate he should make a “full” recovery. Given the success Todd Gurley had returning from his knee injury and the fact the Bears got a number of draft picks during their moves back, this is a calculated risk they can afford to take. The payoff would be a perennial Pro Bowler to carry on their great linebacker tradition.</p>. LB. Notre Dame. Jaylon Smith

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