Bears priority at LB now outside rusher
Before free agency, Alabama's run-stuffing inside linebacker Reggie Ragland seemed an ideal first-round fit for a Bears defense that was often trampled underfoot in 2015.
But, after signing inside linebackers Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman in free agency, the Bears' focus has shifted outside, where an edge rusher is now a bigger concern.
Although the Bears' top three sackers in 2015 were all outside linebackers - Lamarr Houston (8), Willie Young (6½) and Pernell McPhee (6) - there is still a need for speed.
Asked to describe his defensive wish list, Bears coach John Fox said: "Team speed. Explosion. I think those characteristics help make those (big) plays. It's getting the right kind of guys to represent our city and our organization, but with a highlight on some athleticism and explosion."
Leonard Floyd, who played outside linebacker in Georgia's 3-4 defense, checks most of the boxes as a pass rusher: tall, fast, quick and explosive (39½-inch vertical). But he's a project and a classic boom-or-bust gamble who could be the next Aldon Smith (33½ sacks in his first two seasons) or the next Dion Jordan (3 sacks in his first two seasons).
Notre Dame's Jaylon Smith might have been the first overall pick before he suffered a severe left knee injury (torn ACL, MCL) that might keep him off the field for the entire 2016 season. If he regains his pre-injury form, Smith is a fit at any linebacker position in a 40 defense and, despite some lack of bulk, would also thrive in a 30 defense.
The Bears might be loath to snag Smith with their 11th overall pick after the frustration of last year. First-round (No. 7 overall) wide receiver Kevin White missed his entire rookie season following shin surgery for stress fractures.
But GM. Ryan Pace hasn't rule Smith out of the Bears' plans.
"We have to determine (if) this guy is going to be an elite, special player, but he's going to miss a little time early on. You saw last year with (Todd) Gurley, sometimes those decisions are worth it."
The Rams' running back missed the first two games following a knee injury but still rushed for 1,106 yards and averaged 4.8 yards per carry as a rookie
Unfortunately for the Bears, UCLA's Myles Jack won't last beyond the first few picks. He's just as athletic as the pre-injury Smith, but is 20 pounds heavier. He also suffered a knee injury in 2015 (torn meniscus), but he's expected to be 100 percent before training camp. Ohio State's Darron Lee is wicked fast for a linebacker (4.47 in the 40) and makes plays sideline to sideline. But his lack the size (6-1, 232) and style of play is better suited to the weak side in a 4-3 defense than outside in a 3-4 like the Bears play.
NFL draft: Top 10 linebackers
Name, school Ht. Wt. 40-time
Myles Jack, UCLA 6-1 245 N/A*
Top-10 lock despite knee injury that limited him to 3 games in '15. Rare athlete who played RB at UCLA and makes game-changing plays all over the field at LB.
Reggie Ragland, Alabama 6-1 247 4.72
Stout ILB/MLB thumper who punishes ball carriers and isn't shy about taking on OL's. Has some rush and cover ability but forte is stuffing the run.
Leonard Floyd, Georgia 6-6 244 4.60
Looks skinny and lacks strength but flashes excellent pass-rush potential and has great range vs. the run and in coverage. Quick-twitch with instant acceleration.
Noah Spence, East. Kentucky 6-2 251 4.80
Super-talented with rare pass-rush skills but failed multiple drug tests and underwent treatment for Ecstasy addiction. Best fit is as a 3-4 rush 'backer.
Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame 6-2 223 N/A*
Was in discussion for No. 1 overall pick prior to devastating knee injury. Rare play speed. Can corral RBs sideline to sideline, blitz and play man-cover.
Darron Lee, Ohio State 6-1 232 4.47
Speed and movement skills of a top CB but is undersized at LB and lacks physicality. Great range vs. the run and effective squeezing through gaps as pass rusher.
Kamalei Correa, Boise State 6-3 243 4.69
Nice speed and quick-twitch but lacks power. Can be explosive as pass rusher (19 sacks in 2 years). Hybrid DE-OLB at Boise but projects best as 3-4 OLB.
Kyler Fackrell, Utah State 6-5 245 4.68
Long, athletic, quick and rangy but lacks strength and physicality. A force vs. the run; shows potential as pass rusher. A bit raw, but turns 25 as a rookie.
Su'a Cravens, USC 6-1 226 4.69
Lack of size may limit him to Will in a 4-3, but he plays bigger and tougher than his size. Played S as a freshman and has excellent cover skills.
Deion Jones, LSU 6-1 222 4.59
Undersized one-year starter but plays with aggression, speed and a special-teams mentality, where he excelled. Might be limited to 4-3 Will but is ascending.
Note: N/A* denotes player who did not run a 40-yard dash because of knee injury.
- Bob LeGere