In our first mock 2015 NFL Draft of the year we explore the options for the Chicago Bears, who are currently holding the #9 pick in the draft. With the popular opinion of trading Jay Cutler and drafting a quarterback in the first round is just not reasonable, the Bears should look to fill their defensive needs first.
And those defensive needs are a lot.
Looking ahead to next season, the Bears will likely need to fill both safety positions unless rookie Brock Vereen can prove he deserves to be a starter next year. They also need to fill the positions of Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings. Rookie Kyle Fuller has been impressive this season, filling one of those roles.
Then there are holes at the linebacker position as well as the defensive line. All which need to be addressed in free agency or the NFL Draft.
The Pick
9. Landon Collins; Safety, Alabama
6′-0″, 215 pounds
The Bears need of an impact player in the secondary is glaring and what better way to fix it than the best safety in the Draft. Despite a rough performance in last years Sugar Bowl, Collins has been one of Alabama’s best defensive players.
Collins has the speed to fly across the field and cover some ground and has the instincts you want when building your future defense. The knock on Collins is his pass coverage abilities, which can be worked on. He looks like he could be a good NFL player for a long time and that’s exactly what the Bears need on their defense.
Other options
Dante Fowler; Defensive end, Florida
6′-3″, 277 pounds
Fowler had a monster freshman season at Florida under Will Muschamp finishing as a First-Team All-SEC Freshman. He improved his sophomore season and has looked good this year. The pass rusher’s quickness is a big positive and he has the strength to create havoc in the backfield. Fowler can provide a young pass rusher talent on a solid defensive line.
P.J. Williams; Defensive back, Florida State
6′-1″, 196 pounds
The Bears have to shut down receivers like Calvin Johnson, Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb within their division, so why not pair Kyle Fuller with another young talented cornerback? Williams has raw speed and skills to make him one of the best cornerbacks in the country. He’s good in the open field and can play like a safety in the box. The downside to Williams is if he can be consistent in man coverage. Drafting Williams would give the Bears two young corners to build their defense around.
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