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Chicago Bears: Six prospects to consider in first round

By Dominique Blanton

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 05: Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (DB51) runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 05: Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (DB51) runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Marcus Davenport, edge rusher

The Bears released both Pernell McPhee and Willie Young because of their durability issues. Sam Acho played well last season, but he’s not a pure pass rusher and more of a special teamer. A part of me wanted them to keep Young but understood why they were ready to cut ties.

If Vic Fangio a wants to continue to use Leonard Floyd as that do-it-all outside linebacker, then they need a pure pass rusher on the other side to compliment him. Marcus Davenport is a project, but he has the skill-set to be one of the league’s best pass rushers some day.

At 6-5 265 pounds, Davenport is a physical freak who has drawn comparisons to Ezekiel Ansah of the Detroit Lions. And though he had an inconsistent Senior Bowl, he still showed up enough to keep teams intrigued with his upside as a pass rusher.

There’s a lot to like about Davenport. He has a quick first step, very good length (something Vic Fangio covets out of his pass rushers) and good closing speed. The combination of both Floyd and Davenport could terrorize NFC North quarterbacks for years to come.

In a quarterback-driven league, a guy like Davenport can make a surprising rise in draft standings. Don’t be shocked if he sneaks into the top 10.

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