The Chicago Bears were an absolute mess on defense last year. Thirtieth in pass defense, 17th in rush defense, 16th in sacks and 31st in scoring defense. Although the offense underachieved, it was the team's defense that was its ultimate undoing...Did I mention defense?
As a result, new general manager Ryan Pace and new head coach John Fox were expected to address that side of the ball in the upcoming NFL Draft. However, replacing traded wide receiver Brandon Marshall may be the bigger priority in the Windy City. That's why ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper Jr. projects the Bears to select West Virginia's Kevin White with the seventh overall pick in his Mock Draft 4.0.
"White has the deep speed and size the Bears need in the passing game as they fill the void left by the departure of Brandon Marshall, and White feels like a pretty good get at this point," Kiper wrote. "I do think he's in play at both No. 3 and No. 4. I can see the Bears looking at a pass-rusher here, but it might be a bit too reach for Vic Beasley and Randy Gregory, and Shane Ray will go through an adjustment period here. White gives the Bears a much-needed threat in the passing game regardless of who plays QB, and the value is good here."
White hauled in 109 receptions for 1,447 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. He has prototypical No. 1 wide receiver size (6-2, 215 pounds) and speed (4.35 40-yard dash). However, one knock against him is that he only has one season of big time production at WVU and is very raw as a prospect.
It's interesting that Kiper points out the uncertainty at quarterback for the Bears. This move could be viewed as an attempt to help Jay Cutler reach his full potential or as an addition of weapons for whoever is taking snaps under center next year.
Although White may have the slightly higher ceiling if all goes right for him, Alabama's Amari Cooper is considered the more complete WR of the two and the safer choice. Unfortunately for the Bears, Kiper projects the Oakland Raiders to scoop up Cooper at No. 4.
Still, White fills a need and has a lot of upside, even if Chicago's defense is the more glaring weakness.
