Hub Arkush: Defensive front may be Bears' strongest group, but draft has projects worth a look

Seventh in a series of our updated post-NFL Combine draft prospect rankings, with comments on players who appear likely to be fits for the Bears.

The problem with college defensive linemen these days is sorting out the defensive tackles from the 5-techniques, 4-3 defensive ends and edge rushers.

What we have in this group are the guys almost certain to be inside all the time whether they end up in a 3-4 or 4-3 base package, and it's a good but not great group with some depth at the top and in the middle rounds.

From a Bears perspective, it seems unlikely they'll be shopping this position with Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman, Bilal Nichols, Roy Robertson-Harris and Brent Urban giving them both star power and solid depth. On the other hand, Robertson-Harris could be expensive to keep after this season, Urban is a rotational player at best and Nichols could still go either way, so a Nichols-type prospect with great explosion and pass rush ability could interest them on day three.

Part 8 of this series will include players we project more as 4-3 defensive ends and edge rushers, but players like A.J. Epenesa, a certain first-rounder, are hard to lock into a position at the next level other than to say he won't be an interior defensive tackle but he could conceivably be a first- and second-down 5-Tech who slides outside in 40 fronts.

• Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M: Madubuike is neither as thick nor bulky as you'd like at 300 pounds, but his 31 reps on the bench at the NFL Combine matched the strength and explosiveness he played with in college and for a man his size his athleticismand quickness are outstanding.

The question is can he hold the point of attack at the next level and he really projects as a mid — to late — third round pick which the Bears don't have at the moment.

• Davon Hamilton, Ohio State: Most scouts I've talked to have Hamilton going in the middle of Day 3, but I like him more than most because when I turn on the tape I see a poor man's Akiem Hicks. He's not quite as big or powerful, but still a very big man with some special traits who was true gamer at Ohio State. I'm guessing he's one of the first players off the board Day 3 if he's not gone already.

• Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma: This player is all about the upside as he has phenomenal quickness, is a high-end athlete and plays to the whistle and beyond on every snap. But he's smaller than you'd like and will have to add bulk and strength at the next level. He does have some of the special plays you search for on his college tape and could be there in the fifth or sixth round for a flyer.

• Twitter: @Hub_Arkush