Chicago Bears 2017 NFL Mock Draft: December Update

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Nov 26, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) grabs Auburn Tigers running back Kamryn Pettway (36) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

1st Round: Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama

The Chicago Bears are still very likely to land a top-5 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. This will give them an opportunity to add a potential game-changing talent. The most important thing they need to do is avoid reaching on a quarterback.

Instead, they should target one of the highly talented defensive prospects who would represent more value. Alabama’s Jonathan Allen is both a safe and high upside prospect.

More from With the First Pick

Allen is a disruptive force who makes his presence known in both the running and passing game. He has the strength and anchor to clog running lanes as well as the short-area burst needed to make plays away from his frame.

His ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and make plays behind the line of scrimmage is what makes him a top-5 prospect. This is someone who excels at disrupting the timing of the offense and making game changing plays.

Allen would likely play the 5-technique position in Chicago where he’d work alongside Eddie Goldman and Akiem Hicks. The combination of those three along with Leonard Floyd, Pernell McPhee, Willie Young, Jerrell Freeman and Danny Trevathan make a top-flight front-7.

Chicago could also look at the safety position with prospects like Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers and LSU’s Jamal Adams.

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