Five linebackers the Chicago Bears draft should target

Aug 30, 2014; Charlottesville, VA, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Eric Kendricks (6) lines up against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Kendricks

Kendricks isn’t a first round talent, but his tape shines brighter than a lot of his peers. He covers a ton of ground and made a lot of plays for the Bruins accumulating 303 solo tackles and eight sacks in his four years there. He’s a play maker. Some might say, he has a nose for the ball.

The Bears should take a chance on him only because they didn’t get Perryman in round one, and Kendricks falls to them in the second.

Others have Kendricks as third rounder, but only because they feel he’s more of an outside-linebacker. In a 3/4 defense he could actually switch to defensive end.

There is a move in the NFL to a smaller player as the Mike thanks to the play of guys like Luke Kuechly of the Carolina Panthers. If Kendricks switches positions it is going to be more the NFL changing rather then an indication of his talent level.

Don’t let the smile fool you. He’s a beast and he will make waves in the NFL. As a locker room guy he may just be what Chicago needs.

Next: One of the SEC's finest