Here are five players to keep an eye on as possible Chicago Bears targets when the NFL scouting combine kicks into high gear with on-field workouts beginning Friday.
1. Danny Shelton, DT, Washington….Shelton fits the bill as the prototypical nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme. He’s a massive wide-body whose girth belies his ability to chase plays down all over the field. Uses his strength and under-rated athletic skills to split double teams and become a disruptive force. Shelton doesn’t offer much as a pass rusher, instead relying on a bull rush to force his way into the backfield, and can get tied up on occasion. The thing that sets him apart is a high football IQ and never give up approach. Shelton often finds the ball and makes plays all over the field, thanks to his relentlessness and savvy.
2. Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Florida….Fowler is an intriguing rush man who combines size/speed/instincts to find the quarterback. Really came on in 2014, displaying the type of consistent play and effort that excite NFL evaluators. Fowler boasts an excellent first step and the ability to finish. Long arms provide him the wingspan to take advantage of opposing offensive lineman who are slow out of their stance. Versatile enough to rush from different angles and projects as either a 3-4 rush backer or a 4-3 defensive end with his hand in the dirt. Can even kick inside on some alignments, further complicating an offense’s blocking schemes. READ MORE