The Chicago Bears have been linked to a lot of players in the NFL Draft. West Virginia's Kevin White and Washington's Danny Shelton have been mentioned as possibilities. But here's another name to consider: Florida's Dante Fowler Jr.
Fowler is a versatile outside linebacker with 6-foot-3, 261 pound size and 4.6 speed. He can line up all over the field as he did for the Gators and do pretty much whatever is asked of him. He rushed from both a two-and-three point stance in college and fared well in the run game.
Fowler notched a team leading 15 tackles for a loss last season and 8.5 sacks.
"I really can play anywhere," Fowler said at February's NFL combine. "[Former Florida] head coach Will Muschamp's defense was multiple; we played a 3-4 and a 4-3. My first year, my freshman year, I played a lot of defensive end. My sophomore year I did a lot. My junior year we played a lot of 3-4, so I was the Buck (linebacker). I stood up and just roamed up and things like that. I played all over the place."
So how well would Fowler fit with the Bears?
"Positional versatility is a coveted attribute in the NFL," ESPNJ Bears reporter Jeff Dickerson wrote. "For a defense in transition, Fowler has the ability to wear many hats. Certain teams view Fowler as a raw prospect because he had to shift around so much in college, but as we've stated before, the Bears signed high-profile coaches in the offseason in part to oversee player development. If Fowler receives the proper coaching, he has the athletic tools to be extremely successful at the next level. Fowler kind of resembles a slightly lighter Pernell McPhee, who also moved around on defense last season for the Baltimore Ravens."
Unfortunately for the Bears, Fowler is expected to go fifth overall to the Washington Redskins. However, it's always possible that the Redskins opt for Nebraska's Randy Gregory and let Fowler fall to No. 7.
