Chicago Bears: Post-Combine/Pre-Free Agency Mock Draft

Pre-combine pick: Greg Senat, OT

Raise your hand if you heard of Troy Apke before the Combine. Anyone?

Yeah, me neither.

This guy was named the MVP of the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, but even then I doubt that was enough to put himself on the map.

How about running a 4.34 40 yard dash? How about recording a 41 inch vertical or a 6.56 second 3 cone drill? Those numbers are insane given that this guy came out of nowhere. I mean what in the world are they feeding these guys over at Penn State?

Those combine numbers put Apke on the draft radar. In all likelihood, he went from being undrafted to being a prime round seven target.

While his coverage numbers from his last season won’t blow anyone away (1 interception, 5 passes broken up), he played the run alright (55 tackles, 3 for losses). The former Nittany Lion will make his living as a special teams ace.

Continuing to stock up on defensive backs may seem like overkill, but consider this: when will Deon Bush and Deiondre’ Hall figure it out? They were fourth-round picks two seasons ago and haven’t been nearly worth that price.

I understand Hall was on the IR for all of last season (which I think may have been a ‘stash’ tactic by the Bears) but Bush only recorded six tackles in 13 appearances(!). While they haven’t been performing on defense, they could at the very least be easily replaced in special teams.

Next: Chicago Bears 2018 Free Agency Primer

It’s time to put up or shut up. Apke may never be able to play defense for the Bears, but he should find his way on to the field in the third phase. That would be enough to prove his worth.