Chicago Bears 2017 mock draft: Full seven rounds

Hardy Nickerson Jr., ILB, Illinois (6-foot-0, 236 pounds)

Nickerson has good football genes. His father spent 16 seasons in the NFL, and went to five Pro Bowls.

Nickerson spent his first three seasons at Cal, but when his father became the defensive coordinator at Illinois, he transferred as a graduate student. At Illinois, he got to not only play under his father but also learn from former NFL and Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith.

Nickerson thrived with the Illini, recording a team-high 107 tackles (5.5 for loss), 2 sacks, and two interceptions. It was the second consecutive season he recorded 100+ tackles (111 in 2015).

Nickerson has a high motor, and he has great tackling technique. He can move up and down the field to make plays. He diagnoses plays quickly, and he finds the quickest route to the ball. With football being in his blood, he lives and breathes the sport. He’ll spend countless hours in the film room. He has high character as well, being named team captain at both Cal and Illinois.

Being undersized and having narrow shoulders, it appears as if Nickerson’s body is already maxed out in mass. He needs to improve his core strength if he wants to survive in the NFL.

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This pick won’t be a high impact one for the Chicago Bears. Nickerson can provide some depth at linebacker, and help on special teams. Perhaps with some experience and help from his father, he could someday play in a rotation.