Odds are they already plan to address that position early in the draft. Really early. As in #3 overall pick early. Why should one believe that? Simple nature of their roster and now the first round outlook. Barring a drastic change, the Cleveland Browns are going to take Myles Garrett #1 overall. After that expectations are the San Francisco 49ers will take a quarterback at #2. Not surprising since Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley are their only options at the moment.
Then it comes to the Bears, and the near consensus across the draft community is that the strength of talent inside the top five picks lay on the defensive line. This is thanks to the presence of two main prospects: Jonathan Allen of Alabama and Solomon Thomas of Stanford. They have both emerged as two of the most well-rounded and complete players in the entire class. Instant starters on any team who takes them.
Just read what NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein had to say about them.
Allen
“Outstanding leader and athlete with an ability to rush the passer from outside or inside. Has produced against the run and pass thanks to his strength, agility, elite hand usage, and plus footwork. He might not be the cleanest fit inside as a full-time tackle for some teams, but his talent should trump any size concerns. Allen is a likely first-round selection with Pro Bowl potential down the road.”
Thomas
“Explosive defender who combines strength, quickness, and a muscle-car motor to drive him around the field making play after play. Has the hands and feet to be a quick-win specialist and the size to fit as a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive end who can reduce inside for pass-rush downs. He has all the athletic traits to become a high-impact player and possesses more than enough skill and talent to believe he will continue to elevate his game as a pro. Thomas has the potential to become the best defender from this draft class and a future all-pro.”
It’s a foregone conclusion that one of these two guys will be available when the Bears pick, even if San Francisco ends up going away from quarterback for one of them. It is also public knowledge that Chicago is keeping close tabs on at least one of them. They met with Allen at both the Alabama pro day and again in a private meeting.
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Jonathan Allen has visits lined up with Bears and Jags. Another sign that he got by the medical. Fangio and Rodgers were at Bama Pro Day.
— Greg Gabriel (@greggabe) March 12, 2017
Allen reportedly had shoulder problems during his early college career. He was recently diagnosed with arthritis in both. Teams were concerned this might affect his ability to perform long-term. Allen quickly dismissed the idea. Doctors informed him the problems wouldn’t arise until after his career was long over. If he’s healthy, there is no question he could be a huge benefit to the Bears front seven.
#Flashback Alabama DE Jonathan Allen with the SUPERMAN SACK on Texas A&M QB Trevor Knight! #SEC #CFB pic.twitter.com/FrMRLBxCI0
— College Football + (@CFBPlus) March 7, 2017
One must assume the Bears will take a long look at Thomas as well. Some believe he has an even higher ceiling thanks to his standout athletic traits. His singular domination of the Sun Bowl a few months ago was his coming out party. A Chicago-native, he displays a singular relentlessness that often makes up the most effective linemen that play in the NFL.
Solomon Thomas fundamentally sound inside. Consistently disruptive. Excellent length but doesn't rely on it. Stays square & works feet well. pic.twitter.com/qN3Mzf222Q
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) March 5, 2017
The point of it all being this. Unless the Bears sign more defensive line help in the next few weeks, or they trade down from #3, every sign points to them drafting one of the two best defensive linemen on the board when the clock starts in April. John Fox knows his job is on the line. He also knows his greatest career successes were built around dominant front sevens. It may be he sees one of these two men as the final piece to the puzzle.
