2017 NFL Mock Draft: Mel Kiper projects Jonathan Allen to Chicago Bears

ESPN’s draft insider Mel Kiper Jr released his second 2017 NFL Mock Draft and projects the Chicago Bears to select Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen.

While quarterback may be the Chicago Bears’ biggest need this off-season, ESPN’s draft insider Mel Kiper Jr believes that the Bears will take an impact defensive player with the third overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Kiper released his second 2017 NFL Mock Draft earlier this week and his selection for the Bears at third overall did not change. Kiper continues to project that the Bears will select Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen.

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Allen is considered to be one of the top defensive prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft and would provide an immediate boost to the Bears’ defensive line.

In four seasons with the Alabama Crimson Tide, Allen compiled 28 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. Allen thrived in his final season with Alabama. With Alabama during the 2016 college football season, Allen totaled 10.5 sacks and 69 tackles.

While the Bears’ defense has improved significantly over the course of the past two seasons under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the one asset that the unit has lacked is prolific pass-rusher. Allen could be that pass-rusher for the Bears and help turn the team’s defensive unit into one of the top defenses in the NFL.

There is a strong chance that the Bears will select a defensive player with the third overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft. Bears’ head coach John Fox has a history of using top picks in the NFL draft on defensive players. That strategy has led to Fox drafting some elite players such as Julius Peppers with the Carolina Panthers and Von Miller with the Denver Broncos.

Could Jonathan Allen be next elite defensive player that Chicago Bears’ head coach John Fox drafts?

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