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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Marshon Lattimore fixes Chicago Bears secondary

By Jordan Campbell

December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) celebrates with cornerback Marshon Lattimore (2) after intercepting pass against the Clemson Tigers during the first half of the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) celebrates with cornerback Marshon Lattimore (2) after intercepting pass against the Clemson Tigers during the first half of the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rotoworld’s most recent 2017 NFL Mock Draft has the Chicago Bears addressing the secondary with the No. 3 overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft.

2017 NFL Mock Drafts are beginning to carry more substance with the 2017 NFL Draft only two weeks away.

By this point, NFL teams have a general idea of the positions that they plan on targeting in the 2017 NFL Draft and what prospects they will be targeting with each of their selections. Being that NFL teams have that general idea, it’s likely that reporters have discovered some of that information.

Rotoworld’s draft expert Josh Norris revealed a seven-round 2017 NFL Mock Draft on Wednesday and he had the Bears address the secondary with the No. 3 overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft.  (Editor’s Note: the full seven-round 2017 NFL Mock Draft can be viewed by clicking here).

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"Round 1 (3): CB Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State – Lattimore is widely viewed as the top prospect at his position. his sample size is small, but if everything clicks he can progress into becoming one of the top corners in the league. Athleticism, plus mirroring plus ball skills.Round 2 (36): T Antonio Garcia, Troy – I like Garcia more than most. I think he has true left tackle feet and a finisher’s mentality. The Bears have the three interior positions locked down and Charles Leno is entering a contract year. Nevertheless, I think I was higher on Leno coming out of Boise State than any other evaluator.Round 3 (67): WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, USC – Smith-Schuster’s 2015 season was outstanding. He took advantage of manufactured space. He is a young and developing receiver … if you’re optimistic, that is."

The Bears are in a fortunate spot when it comes to the 2017 NFL Draft. For one, the Bears hold the third overall selection in the draft. With the third overall selection, the Bears should be able to select a player that will significantly improve the direction. Furthermore, the Bears have several needs that they can go in any number of directions with the No. 3 selection and they would not have made the wrong choice. The Bears could even trade the No. 3 selection and it would still be satisfying giving the value that is attached to that selection.

Having said that, drafting a defensive back may be the least desirable move for the Bears. There is no question that the Bears have a need in their defensive secondary and the release of veteran cornerback Tracy Porter earlier this week suggests the team is targeting the position in the draft. But, can a defensive back such as Lattimore provide a significant change to the franchise?

The biggest issue with Lattimore is the lack of experience. Lattimore has only appeared in 16 collegiate games with Ohio State and 13 of those games were last season. Lattimore was effective last season as he recorded four interceptions and 9 pass deflects.

Next: Will the Chicago Bears move up in 2017 NFL Draft for Myles Garrett?

With the No. 3 selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears need to find a player that can change the course of the franchise on Day 1. Lattimore is talented but be is not that type of player for the Bears.

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