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Chicago Bears Daily 2017 NFL Draft Prospect: Clemson Linebacker Ben Boulware

By Luis Felipe Saccini

Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Clemson linebacker Ben Boulware speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Clemson linebacker Ben Boulware speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Continuing our daily NFL draft prospect watch, we now look at a linebacker that could be a steal in later rounds for the Chicago Bears.

The draft is not only won by selecting great players in the early rounds. In order to have complete success, the Chicago Bears must choose wisely in all of the seven rounds. That’s why we now look at a prospect that could be a really great target on the third day of the 2017 NFL Draft. Linebacker Ben Boulware out of Clemson is a guy who Ryan Pace and company must be considering.

Boulware may not be the most polished player or has the physical tools NFL scouts look when they want a player to play middle linebacker in this league. However, listed at 6-0 with 238 pounds, Boulware is the same size as first round linebacker Reuben Foster. Foster does have much longer arms than Boulware.

The Crimson Tide star has a 32 3/8” arm length and Boulware has 30 ½” long arms. That is a major negative for many scouts. However, let’s not overrate it. This guy simply shows up and competes at a high level.

Boulware is a football player all day long. The passion that he has for the game can’t be taught by coaches. He puts his heart and soul on the field and that was a huge reason for the Clemons Tigers’ National Championship run last season.

Boulware immediately stands out on the field. If the running back is going down, he will be there. The secondary needs help in the middle, he will be there. The quarterback is getting sacked by the defense, and you can bet that he will be there.

He was a team captain in college and is a born leader. When Boulware gets drafted, it will only be a matter of time for him to get voted by teammates to be a captain in the NFL. He is an extremely high-motor player who will encourage his teammates to step up as well.

Next: Bears Complete Seven-Round 2017 NFL Mock Draft

Why do the Chicago Bears need him? Well, he is not going to be selected until day three. Inside linebacker is not a major need, but from at that point of the draft, if you can select a player that has everything needed to be a factor in this league, you take it. Danny Trevathan injury is scary and if he went down again, the Bears will need depth to fill the spot. Boulware is the kind of depth that you want.

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