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Chicago Bears: Reuben Foster an Interesting 2017 NFL Draft Target

By Dan Schmelzer

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) lines up for a play during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) lines up for a play during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Linebacker Reuben Foster has emerged as an interesting target for the Chicago Bears with the third overall pick.

Ryan Pace and the Chicago Bears simply must crush the 2017 NFL draft if they expect to be competitive anytime soon. After a 3-13 2016 season, the Bears are under a lot of pressure to compete at a high-level soon.

The Bears are wisely looking to build through the draft. They put together an extremely nice class in the 2016 NFL draft and are looking to continue to add impact talent to the mix. It all starts with the third overall selection in the 2017 NFL draft.

Most of the attention on the Bears’ first-round selection has been spent on safety Jamal Adams, quarterback Deshaun Watson and defensive linemen Solomon Thomas and Jonathan Allen. However, a new name may ready to enter the mix.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, the Bears met with Alabama linebacker Rueben Foster for dinner on Sunday and he is visiting the team on Monday.

Foster is considered to be the top linebacker prospect in the 2017 NFL Draft. He is an extremely quick and athletic linebacker who shows an incredible overall skillset. Foster would undoubtedly be a strong addition to the Bears defense.

Foster is an incredible player who is going to quickly become one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL. He is a natural leader who can dominate both against the run and the pass. Foster is also a true three-down linebacker who will vocally and emotionally lead whatever defense he is a part of. This is all true, but would he be the best pick for the Bears at number three?

Honestly, I do not think so. Foster is great, but the Bears spent big at inside linebacker last offseason adding both Jerrell Freeman and Danny Trevathan in free agency. They also drafted Nick Kwiatkoski in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL draft. Trevathan did suffer a major knee injury late last season, but are they really going to take a linebacker at number three after all of that?

Next: Bears 2017 NFL Draft: Top Second-Round Targets

Foster is a special player who I would love to see on the Bears defense. But over guys like Thomas, Adams or even cornerback Marshon Lattimore? I don’t think so.

The only way this makes sense to me is if the Bears are looking to trade down. Trading down from three to the late top ten to snag Foster would be a strong move. I like Reuben Foster as a player, but the Chicago Bears will have better options available with the third overall pick.

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