A new regime has taken over the Chicago Bears and the general feeling is that they would like to win more games as opposed to less games. Who would have thunk...
To do that, head coach John Fox and general manager Ryan Pace will have to address some of Chicago's biggest needs. Both the wide receiver corps and the defensive line could use a few upgrades. Fortunately, the upcoming NFL Draft offers some enticing options in those departments. ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper Jr. projects the Bears to select UCF wide receiver Breshad Perriman (No. 7), UCLA defensive end Owamagbe Odighizuwa (No. 39) and Stanford defensive lineman Henry Anderson in his latest three round mock draft.
"There's some temptation to take Shane Ray at No. 7, as we definitely need to add help on the defensive line and provide some pass-rushing depth, but I'm worried that if I pass on Perriman, by the time we pick again at No. 39 there will be nine of 10 WRs off the board," Kiper wrote. "I just think the need is great enough that we bet on Perriman's skill set as a playmaker with great size and exception top-end speed. He has the tools to be a very good pass-catcher, though he will need to be more consistent and limit drops. Still, the sub-4.3 speed and big frame give us plenty to work with. Odighizuwa isn't a great pass-rusher, but he's very good against the run and is going to help us set the edge. Anderson might be one of the more underrated players in the draft, as he's just a physical bully in the run game and never takes plays off. With these picks, we're more explosive on offense and more physical up front on defense. I'd like to add a safety and a cornerback, but I liked the value on these players up front."
