Chicago Bears: 5 small school prospects to consider in 2018 NFL Draft

Outside Linebacker Darius Jackson, Jacksonville State

Arguably the biggest need for the Bears at the moment is at the outside linebacker position. They need guys who can come off the edge and rush the passer while helping contain the run. Darius Jackson out of Jacksonville State is a guy who could come in and give Chicago some depth there.

Jackson is listed at defensive end as well as outside linebacker depending on who you ask. At this point, after seeing his combine, I personally think he might be better suited at the end position. But, that may all fall on how Pace, Vic Fangio and the coaching staff view him.

Jackson’s combine was not too impressive, however he did perform better at his pro day. For some, the combine may be overrated. Jackson could be a perfect example of this notion, as he ran a 4.87 40-yard dash at the combine, but his on-field speed is much quicker.

Already, he has met with three teams, and the Bears are not one of them. However, do not count out the possibility of the Bears taking their shot on him.

At the moment, Jackson is projected to go later in the draft — probably round six, seven or even not hearing his name called at all. If he falls to the seventh, he’d be a project worth looking at. Under Fangio, we’ve seen a lot of guys improve regardless of their draft stock.