Chicago Bears Mock Draft 5.0: Marcus Mariota Enters The Picture
Oct 4, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Hurricanes linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) in action against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the first quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
With the seventh selection in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select linebacker Denzel Perryman, Miami.
The Chicago Bears’ need at inside linebacker is likely greater than their need at outside linebacker.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Bears’ head coach John Fox told reporters that both Jared Allen and Willie Young will be outside linebackers in the Bears’ 3-4 defense this season. It stands to reason that both Allen and Young will have the first crack at being the starting outside linebackers for the Bears.
The picture is not so clear when you move inside. Jonathan Bostic will undoubtedly be one of the Bears’ inside linebackers but the Bears will need a second one. While the Bears will likely add an inside linebacker in free agency, the team also will look to address the position in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Enter Denzel Perryman.
Two separate sources raved to Lance Zierlein about Perryman’s physical play.
“He’s physical and plays angry at the point of attack. He’s the type of guy you like having on your team because he brings toughness to practice. He’s going to lay the wood to ball carriers when he gets a chance but college teams were already finding ways to go after him in the passing game.” — AFC East regional scout
“I have a little higher grade on Perryman than I probably should, but we like thumpers and badasses inside and he’s both.” — AFC director of scouting
Perryman’s ceiling may be limited considering his struggles in the passing game but his physical play gives him a great opportunity to be high-quality linebacker in the NFL. In recent seasons, the Bears have lacked a defensive player that is capable of coming onto the field and hitting the opposing player in the mouth. Bears’ defensive coordinator Vic Fangio depends on a physical defense and Perryman is a clear fit.
In addition, Perryman projects to be an excellent special teams player in the NFL.
Next: Round 3: Danielle Hunter