By now the
Chicago Bears draft meetings are in full swing. The big day is less than three weeks away. GM Ryan Pace, head coach John Fox and the rest of the team brass know this could be the most important 72-hour event of their careers coming up. After going 3-13 last season, that isn't a surprise.
The one hope they're clinging to is how well the 2016 draft class turned out. Stacking another good class on top of that could push this ship in the right direction. Every detail is being mulled over, and that's why the private meetings are so important. It gives them a chance to get up close and personal with certain players they like.
Most fans have heard the big names mentioned like Jonathan Allen, O.J. Howard, DeShone Kizer, Reuben Foster and Malik Hooker. All of them are possible options for the #3 pick the Bears hold in the first round. So what about the other names that have appeared on the list? The ones casual fans might not know.
Here is some information on all those available.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rm9gaZVVN6A
Kenny Golladay (WR, Northern Illinois)
Pace always seems to keep an eye on the bigger receivers close to home. Having just lost Alshon Jeffery to free agency, it's understandable the team would be seeking options at the position. Kenny Golladay is a local prospect who has tested well throughout the past couple months. He's every bit of 6'4" and ran a solid 4.50 in the 40-yard dash at the scouting combine. His ability to go up and get the football in contested situations will remind many of Jeffery. He's still raw and will need work but his upside is substantial.
Chad Williams (WR, Grambling)
It's never a bad thing that a player was very productive in college. That is definitely the case for Chad Williams. He had at least 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns in each of his final two seasons at Grambling. At 6'1" he features good size with long 32-inch arms. Perhaps the most exciting thing about him is the speed. He recorded times of 4.35 and 4.39 at his pro day. The program often used his vertical threat to clear space for others. Learning to run routes and beat press coverage will be the big teaching points.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-dn6PwYmd0
Cameron Lee (OT, Illinois State)
The Bears seem to have a pipeline to Illinois State given the success they had with Cameron Meredith. Here is yet another Cameron they seem to have interest in. It's apparent from his combine workout that Lee is not a premier athlete. That's a shame too because his length and size are perfect for tackle. Nonetheless he has his benefits. It's clear that Lee has some nasty to his blocking and doesn't lack for strength or toughness. His hand use is solid and he's not easily fooled by blitzes. This could make him a prime guard option.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jBm9uDoSs4
James Onwualu (LB, Notre Dame)
One of those guys who absolutely refuses to get outworked or outhustled. He doesn't take any snaps off. He's a good athlete with some speed. Not surprising given he's a former wide receiver. All indications are he was one of the main locker room leaders at Notre Dame and his instinct for making plays is solid. He'll need to be protected if he wants to play linebacker though since he struggles when offensive linemen get their hands on him. At the very least he will likely be an outstanding special teams player.
[video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/5-Underrated-DBs-To-Watch-For-In-The-2017-NFL-DRAFT000159.900-000210.705.mp4"][/video]
Ezra Robinson (CB, Tennessee State)
Teams are somewhat concerned about Robinson in terms of his physicality. Too many times on tape he fails to make an honest effort at a tackle. A problem that bedevils lots of cornerbacks. However, he's made up for it by showing instincts and ball skills in coverage. He has that ability to anticipate where the ball is going and breaking to the spot for a big play. His size and speed are average for an NFL corner. However, his traits could make him a potential fruitful convert to safety.
Josh Jones (S, N.C. State)
One of the hotter names on the scouting circuit of late. Jones blew up the scouting combine with an outstanding performance. That included a 4.41 time in the 40-yard dash and a 37.5 inch vertical leap. Those are impressive numbers for a 6'1", 220 lbs safety. The thing that jumps out right away about him is his physicality. Jones can hit. Plain and simple and he's not reckless about it either. His tackling form is solid. He has some ball skills as well (3 INTs in 2016). An exact type of Vic Fangio player at that position given such versatility.
