Chicago Bears: 5 Players To Watch At NFL Scouting Combine

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Sep 13, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (5) steps up to the line during the game against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports /

This is going to be an important draft for the Chicago Bears, who feel they are just one more good off-season from getting back into the NFC playoff picture. That makes their trip to the NFL scouting combine all the more critical. Finding quality players there is a challenge only the top front offices can meet.

Who are some possible fringe players that the Bears need to watch ahead of this April?

Robert Nkemdiche (DE, Ole Miss)

Historically, the Vic Fangio defensive scheme functions at its best when he has a defensive end who can impact both sides of the coin: run defense and pass rush. Justin Smith was a star under him in San Francisco. Robert Nkemdiche of Ole Miss has that same capacity. He’s big at 6’4”, 300 lbs with the lower body strength to anchor against the run. This past season his pass rush began to emerge (26 pressures). The problem is he has a reputation off the field (multiple arrests) and it’s not clear if he has the required length for a 3-4 end. These are questions the Bears need clarity on.

Next: OLB, CB

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