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Chicago Bears Take Top Cornerback Prospect in Recent 2017 NFL Mock Draft

By Dan Schmelzer

Mar 6, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Marshon Lattimore runs the 40 yard dash during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Marshon Lattimore runs the 40 yard dash during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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In a recent 2017 NFL Mock Draft, the Chicago Bears take an interesting defensive prospect with the third overall pick.

The Chicago Bears have many options with the third overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Myles Garrett will be off of the board as will probably another elite defensive prospect to the San Francisco 49ers at number two. That still leaves many interesting players for Ryan Pace and company.

Defensive lineman Solomon Thomas and safety Jamal Adams have commonly been considered the most likely targets for the Chicago Bears in recent mock drafts. Defensive lineman Jonathan Allen and quarterback Deshaun Watson would make plenty of sense as well. However, cornerback Marshon Lattimore is picking up a lot of steam in recent days.

Lattimore is the clear top cornerback prospect in the 2017 NFL Draft. He is a legitimate shut-down corner on the outside who has the skill set to defend the elite receivers at the next level.

The Bears had Lattimore in for a visit earlier this week and he would certainly make sense for the team. Chicago has a strong defensive front seven but struggled mightily in the secondary last season. They brought in some defensive back help in free agency, but the Bears clearly lack a legitimate number one cornerback on their roster.

Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com released his latest NFL Mock Draft on Tuesday and he places Lattimore to the Bears at number three. The Chicago Bears select Lattimore with the third pick after Garrett goes number one to the Cleveland Browns and the 49ers take Thomas.

"“Three players that make the most sense for the Bears: Malik Hooker, Jamal Adams, and Lattimore. They can’t go wrong with any of these players,” Jeremiah wrote."

The Bears have some cornerbacks who can make an impact. Marcus Cooper was a fantastic free agent signing this offseason and guys like Prince Amukamara and Tracy Porter are rock solid. However, there is no true number one in this group.

Their defensive unit has a ton of natural upside but it is tough to compete unless you have a corner who can legitimately compete against any opposing receiver. With great size, speed, ball skills, athleticism and natural coverage ability, Lattimore would give them that guy.

Next: Bears Complete Seven-Round 2017 NFL Mock Draft

Adding an elite cornerback to the mix could immediately take the Chicago Bears defense to the next level. If the Bears think Lattimore is elite, it is easy to see why he would be under consideration at number three.

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