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2017 NFL Draft Daily Chicago Bears Target: Wisconsin Offensive Tackle Ryan Ramczyk

By Dan Schmelzer

Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Ryan Ramczyk (65) in action during the game against the Western Michigan Broncos in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Ryan Ramczyk (65) in action during the game against the Western Michigan Broncos in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Wisconsin offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk is an interesting 2017 NFL Draft target for the Chicago Bears.

As we continue to look at 2017 NFL Draft targets for the Chicago Bears, it is important to keep in mind that the Bears can only get so many of these guys. The 2017 NFL Draft class is absolutely loaded with talent, but the Bears only have seven draft selections throughout the entire process.

Sure, they can trade down and land more picks, but they are only going to get so many of these guys. We are hitting a number of potential targets for the Bears, but it is a minuscule possibility that these guys actually become members of the Chicago Bears.

Up next is Wisconsin offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk who would make a lot of sense for the Bears if he slips to the second round. Ramczyk is commonly considered a first-round talent, but if he falls to the Bears at number 36 overall, he would be an ideal selection.

Unique Path

Ramczyk has taken an interesting path to the 2017 NFL Draft. He was a strongly rated recruit out of high school who had multiple Division I offers. However, Ramczyk instead went to technical school, seemingly putting his football dreams to rest.

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After one season away from the game, Ramczyk suited up for University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, his hometown Division III school. Ramczyk dominated the Division III level for two years and transferred to Wisconsin.

He had to sit out for a year, but Ramczyk became Wisconsin’s starting left tackle and absolutely dominated. He started every game for the Badgers at left tackle and was named First-Team All-Big Ten for his play.

Ramczyk now enters the 2017 NFL Draft and is a top-tier offensive tackle prospect. He shows fantastic explosion off of the snap and great overall mobility. Ramczyk is extremely athletic for an offensive lineman. His athleticism shows both as a pass protector and in the run game.

He is not an overly powerful player but Ramczyk moves extremely well and his elite field awareness. He has true left tackle upside at the next level. While the Bears have a strong interior offensive line, their starting tackle duo of Charles Leno and Bobby Massie leave plenty to be desired.

Next: Bears: 7-Round Mock Draft Including Major Trades

Ramczyk would be an immediate upgrade over either player and also bring fantastic long-term potential to an extremely important position.

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