Da Windy City
Fansided

Chicago Bears 2017 mock draft: Post NFL Combine and free agency

By Carlos Nazario

Nov 21, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) warms up before playing the Louisville Cardinals at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) warms up before playing the Louisville Cardinals at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 8
Next
Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports /

Demarcus Walker, DE, FSU (6-foot-4, 280 pounds)

By not going after Jonathan Allen in the first round, the Bears still need a pass rusher. They did not put enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks in 2016. Not getting to the quarterback puts a lot of pressure on the defensive backs to keep running with top-notch receivers. Eventually, those receivers get open when given too much time. On many occasions, we saw a tired secondary late in games giving up game-deciding scores.

Walker consistently found his way into the opponent’s backfield. He recorded 28.5 sacks and 41.5 tackles for loss. That is the kind of production the Bears need on their line.

Walker is explosive off the snap. He has a variety of moves that free him up to get to the quarterback. He has good instincts, being able to sniff out screens quickly and getting his hands into the passing lane.

Some scouts say Walker is underweight to play line on the next level, but he has room in his frame to bulk up. A season on a professional workout regimen and he’ll be fine. Besides, look at another undersized defensive lineman, Aaron Donald, who faced the same questions. He only turned out to be one of the best pass rushers in the NFL.I’m not saying that Walker is another Donald, but he has the ability to succeed in the NFL. If Walker bulks up right and it doesn’t affect his quickness too much, he could be a devastating player.

Walker’s presence on the field helps his teammates. He picked up double teams, freeing up other players on the line. The Bears have two good defensive linemen, Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman, and if Walker does get double teamed, those two players can make some noise. Adding Walker to that line gives the Bears a young, athletic line that can cause some damage for years to come.

Yes, Walker’s stock has gone down. A lot of that is because of his size. Also, some of that is because of the number of defensive backs in this draft class. Some players who rated highly early on are now dropping because of that.

Home/Chicago Bears