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

Eric Magnuson, OT, Michigan (6-foot-6, 310 pounds)

There’s nothing like a mean player with a chip on his shoulder. He’ll play like everyone tried to kill his dog. He’ll punish anyone who comes his way, trying to prove to every team that drafting him was a big mistake.

That is the case with Magnuson. In 2016, he was an All Big Ten First Team selection. In the Combine, 14 Wolverines got invites, but only one offensive lineman — but it wasn’t Magnuson. Magnuson spent the weekend checking out his teammates and friends perform in front of scouts. He gets his chance to impress during Michigan’s Pro Day on March 24th.

Magnuson spends his days trimming his fat and working on his techniques. He appreciated the extra time to prepare for the draft, but he still feels bad about not being in Indianapolis. He spoke to the Detroit Free Press about missing out on the Combine:

"It was hard for me. It was definitely a disappointing time. I felt like I deserved to be at the combine, that’s what I was working for. But I didn’t get the invite. The goal is still the same, keep my head down, training and working hard…Staying in San Diego to train up until pro day to keep the training going working with the coaches here. When pro day comes it’s my version of the combine so I’ve got to treat it like it’s the biggest day of my life. That’s how I’m going about it."

Magnuson gives the Bears some flexibility. He is a tackle, but he also played a lot of guard at Michigan. The Bears signed Tom Compton to add depth on the line, but it appears that Charles Leno Jr. and Bobby Massie will continue to start at the tackle spots. Magnuson can compete for one of those spots. We know he’ll be motivated to perform. We also know that competition breeds better play. Better play along the line helps out not only new quarterback Mike Glennon, but also second-year running back Jordan Howard.