With The First Pick
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Chicago Bears 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Post Free Agency

By Jon Dove

Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears head coach John Fox looks on during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Bears 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears head coach John Fox looks on during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Bears 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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1st Round, No. 3 overall- Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford

The Chicago Bears are under a lot of pressure to make the most out of their 1st round pick. Owning the No. 3 overall pick means you’re expected to land a franchise cornerstone. The problem is that the 2017 NFL Draft features prospects with a lot of question marks.

One player that appears to be on the safer side is Stanford’s Solomon Thomas. He’s a physical defender who also possesses the burst to attack the edge. His college tape shows that he can rush the quarterback and make plays behind the line of scrimmage.

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Chicago would use him as a 5-technique and hope he can bolster the team’s pass rush. Adding Thomas would give the Bears a dynamic defensive line that also features Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman.

The Bears could also target Alabama’s Jonathan Allen to fill the same role as Thomas. However, Allen has some concerns regarding the long-term stability of his shoulders. The Bears cannot afford to use another high pick on a player with injury troubles.

During free agency, Chicago aggressively attacked the cornerback market but were unable to land any big fish. They instead had to settle for second tier players which means they still have a long-term need at the position.

This is why Ohio State’s Marshon Lattimore is in the mix for the Bears at No. 3 overall. Lattimore is an elite athlete who has shown the ability to be a lockdown defender. He has as much upside as anyone in the draft.

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