Chicago Bears 2017 Mock Draft: Best Player Available
By Erik Lambert
The Chicago Bears know that the 2017 NFL draft could be the decisive turning point for their fortunes after six long, luckless seasons.
Injuries have marred their ability to examine where the roster is currently at in terms of progress. Thus GM Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox might have to make a few adjustments in order to get things on track. The quarterback position being one with Jay Cutler likely done. Further additions on defense and the offensive line are also called for. It’s a matter of prioritizing and which players will be the best available.
How does it play out this time?
1st Round
Derek Barnett . 1. player. 57. On the surface it may appear that the Chicago Bears are set at the edge rusher positions, but they aren’t. Pernell McPhee still has regained his old form prior to his knee injury. Leonard Floyd can’t stay healthy and Willie Young will be 32 next season. Besides, common draft sense says a top five pick must go to either a quarterback or a true difference-maker that can help the team immediately. Few can do that better than a top pass rusher. <p>Derek Barnett doesn’t get the same hype as others but he’s more productive than anybody in the class. He’s got 32 sacks in his college career, tying the school record set by the great Reggie White. This also being done against largely SEC competition. Barnett has sharpened his teeth against the best, which means the jump to the NFL should not scare him. He’s big, strong, quick, flexible and understands how to use his hands to beat blockers. This could be the young star the Bears have waited for.</p>. DE. Tennessee