With most NFL fans focused on the final three playoff games to be played, it's easy to forget that the Chicago Bears are in store for a busy off-season. It's doubtful their coaching staff and front office are even thinking about the Super Bowl at this point. All focus is shifting towards January 24th. That marks the beginning of practices for the Senior Bowl. Casual football fans have always though the scouting combine and pro days are the most important for evaluating draft prospects. However, several coaches and scouts over the years have continued to insist the Senior Bowl is more important. It's the only time an opportunity is given to evaluate players in pro practice and pro game situations. How certain players respond have typically led to their draft stocks either rising or falling. Here's a quick list of recent MVPs from the game:

• Dak Prescott (2016)
• Dee Ford (2014)
• Matt Forte (2008)
• Philip Rivers (2004)
• Larry Johnson (2003)
• LaDainian Tomlinson (2001)

It's also proven quite fruitful for the teams that coached the event, something John Fox and his staff will get a chance to do. They will be in charge of the North squad. This will give them an up-close-and-personal look at every player on the field. A prime opportunity to see which ones have skills they believe can help the Bears win in 2017. Curious which names who might catch their eye? Here are ones to keep in mind. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb1Ge2dFvio

Nate Peterman (QB, Pitt)

Most of the top quarterback prospects aren't seniors. Deshaun Watson qualifies (even though he's a redshirt junior) but he still hasn't accepted his invitation. Still, that doesn't mean there won't be intriguing players to watch. Nate Peterman has been climbing draft boards of late. He played in a pro-style offense at Pitt and oversaw one of the most productive college offenses in 2016. He's 6'2", can run, has a decent arm and protects the football. He only had 15 interceptions in two years. He looks like a classic third or fourth round pick a team can develop into an eventual starter. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIk6WTf_jq4

Jamaal Williams (RB, BYU)

When this kid plays, he looks like an NFL running back. At 6'2" he has impressive size, solid speed and the vision to find where the holes are. Not a lot of hesitation in his style. Gets downhill in a hurry and doesn't go down easy when teams try to tackle him. So why don't more people know his name? For starters he only caught seven passes in 2016, leading to questions of how versatile he can be. Also he suffered a season-ending knee injury as a junior that caused him to quit football. He missed the entire 2015 before making his return. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRuz7YVGBu8

Gerald Everett (TE, South Alabama)

Fun fact? Gerald Everett was another of those lost souls who were cast to the winds when the University of Alabama-Birmingham football program folded. The same as Jordan Howard. Everett too hasn't let that stop him from making a name for himself. At 6'4", 240 lbs he's another of those new wave tight ends who are serious threats in the passing game. Across the past two seasons he has 90 receptions for 1, 292 yards and 12 touchdowns. To top it off he also has four touchdowns rushing. A big athlete with lots of versatility. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJHFcyf4qOw

Ryan Switzer (WR, North Carolina)

Every top quarterback in a draft class had that one go-to receiver they always seemed to lean on when a big play was needed. For Mitch Trubisky, there is no doubt that man was Ryan Switzer. He has no relation to iconic college coach Barry Switzer, for what its worth. The buzz on him is entirely of his own making. Don't be fooled by his 5'10" frame. This young man gives defensive backs nightmares. A true Wes Welker-type receiver who always seems to get open. A crisp, quick route runner that finds the dead spots in coverage and make huge catches in big moments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pi1UzckKRTY

Julie'n Davenport (OT, Bucknell)

Talk around the Bears fan community long enough and the topic of offensive tackle seems to inevitably come up. Though Charles Leno and Bobby Massie performed fairly well in the second half of 2016, most believe it's absolutely urgent they be replaced. Problem is this class features few studs. That means the team would have to dig deep in hopes of finding a gem. Julie'n Davenport definitely looks the part. Though he plays for small Bucknell, his size, length and athleticism certainly jump off the screen. Never more so than in pass protection. Seeing him play better competition in Mobile will be huge for his stock.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sS0OnaF6Tk

Tanoh Kpassagnon (DE, Villanova)

Villanova is not known for being a football school. They are basketball to the bone. Still, basketball athletes have made the transition to football in the past. Ask Julius Peppers. Tanoh Kpassagnon could be another such case. At 6'7", 290 lbs he is a chiseled physical specimen. One of those big guys who look like they belong on the court with LeBron James but instead bowl offer 300 lbs offensive tackles every weekend. He had 11 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss this past season. Most see him as an ideal second round pick. Watching him play, it's easy to see why.

https://twitter.com/RxGilbert97/status/819012861196386306

Jaleel Johnson (NT, Iowa)

Facts are facts. Eddie Goldman has looked like a stud whenever he's played for the Bears defense over the past year. He just can't stay healthy. It's getting to a point where the team may want to consider drafting somebody to add depth and compete with him. Jaleel Johnson could be an excellent option in that regard. The Iowa defensive tackle has size and strength to shed blockers and hold the point of attack against the run. He also delivered 7.5 sacks in 2016, showcasing his lower body explosion. If he can learn to give consistent effort, which has been a problem, he'd be a great addition.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOjRzOjsDg8

Takkarist McKinley (OLB, UCLA)

Don't be fooled by what's seen on paper. The Bears pass rush is far from set. Leonard Floyd looks like a future stud but he suffered through multiple injuries as a rookie. Pernell McPhee has dealt with knee and shoulder problems. Willie Young turns 32 this year and Lamarr Houston tore an ACL for the second time in three seasons. Adding another young rusher is very much in the cards. Getting Takkarist McKinley outside the first round would be a boon. He showed steady improvement for the Bruins his first two years but the light went on as a senior. McKinley had 10 sacks and 18 tackles for loss in just 11 games.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZMsNRUsZds

Rasul Douglas (CB, West Virginia)

The dream scenario for Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is simple. Find a cornerback who not only has good size but understands how to force turnovers. Such types fit best in a 3-4 defense like his. So no doubt he and his staff will gravitate towards Rasul Douglas almost immediately. The West Virginia cornerback is 6'2", which is ideal and combined that with eight interceptions in 2016. Not bad considering it was his first full season starting. What could he possibly accomplish with NFL coaching? The Bears will find out soon enough.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q-0DMaPjao

Justin Evans (S, Texas A&M)

It's no secret the Chicago Bears defense is desperate for help at safety. After watching Adrian Amos, Harold Jones-Quartey and Deon Bush struggle so much this past season it's not surprising. This team hasn't had a legitimate playmaker on the back end for 10 years. Look around the NFL and all the great defenses have the same thing in common. A safety who impacts the game. Justin Evans looks like one of those types. He was already a fierce hitter when he first stepped on the field for the Aggies in 2015. It wasn't until a year later that he figured out how to take the ball away too with four interceptions. He's trending up in a big way.