Chicago Bears Daily 2017 NFL Draft Prospect: Alabama DL Jonathan Allen

Looking at Chicago Bears possible 2017 NFL Draft targets, starting with Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen.

The Chicago Bears finished the 2016 season with a 3-13 record. If they are going to be competitive next season and in the future, they are going to need a strong showing in the 2017 NFL Draft.

We still have plenty of time until the draft, but it does not hurt to get an extended look at such an important event. Starting today, we at Da Windy City are going to profile a possible Bears’ target in the 2017 NFL Draft everyday. Each and every day, from now until the draft, you can count on a profile on a possible draft target for the Chicago Bears.

We will focus on players at positions of need and specific schematic fits. There will be plenty of early, middle and late round prospects. Without further ado, let’s kick this thing off with a look at Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen.

Allen has been one of the most dominant defensive players in college football the past couple of seasons. He has piled up 22.5 sacks and 30.5 tackles for loss combined in the last two seasons. This is while getting a ton of attention from opposing offenses on a loaded defensive unit. Simply put, Allen is an absolute beast.

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He is an extremely strong and powerful man who also brings great quickness to the table. Against the run, Allen is a force. He does a great job of fighting through double-teams, will create plays for others and make plays in the backfield. Allen also does an incredible job of using his length to create separation and set the edge against the run.

He primarily played defensive end in Alabama’s 3-4 defense. Allen would be able to come in and play the same role for the Bears. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio would undoubtedly find the best ways to use Allen. I imagine he would primarily play five-tech on early downs and kick inside to rush the passer on obvious passing downs.

Speaking of pass rushing, Allen is just as productive there. His combination of power and athleticism is elite and it allows him to create consistent production. Allen is an elite interior pass rusher in the making, and creating pressure in the middle of the line is incredibly valuable in today’s NFL.

Plus, he can do stuff like this:

Allen is an incredible player, but it is not all positive. He had multiple shoulder surgeries during his time at Alabama and his play slipped late last season. For Bears fans who have been snake-bitten by many first round picks with injury issues in the past, taking Allen can be terrifying. I get it. This is an important draft and off season. If Allen’s shoulders are a major issue, it could legitimately cripple the franchise.

However, he is an extremely talented player who may be worth the risk. Plus, Allen has proven that he can play through injuries and being hurt. I’m not saying that the injuries shouldn’t be a concern. They clearly are. But let’s not overrate them based on being bitten in the past.

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Defensive line is not a huge need for the Bears. However, Allen is a special player who needs to be considered with the third overall pick. A starting front of Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman and Allen would be downright frightening for opposing offensive units.

If the Chicago Bears do not have a quarterback who they fall in love with at three, Jonathan Allen should undoubtedly be under consideration.