Chicago Bears: 7-Round 2018 mock draft in late January

Round 4: R.J. McIntosh, DE, Miami (FL), (6-4, 295 pounds)

Akiem Hicks had a very good season in 2017. However, he struggled down the stretch. He tired in a lot of games late in the season. The reason for that is the lack of help on the other side of the line. Mitch Unrein was the primary guy there, but he didn’t do enough to take the pressure off Hicks.

The Bears need to plug someone on the opposite side of the line to ease the pressure on Hicks. Teams double-teamed him consistently, not respecting Unrein’s play. R.J. McIntosh can provide Hicks the help he needs.

McIntosh was a disruptive force for the Hurricanes in 2017. He finished the season with 52 tackles (12.5 for loss), 2.5 sacks, seven passes broken up, and a forced fumble. McIntosh has good explosiveness off the snap and his quickness and elusiveness are good as well. He can get into the opponents’ backfield and cause havoc.

Additionally, McIntosh gives the Bears some versatility. While Vic Fangio uses a 3-4 primary defense, he also mixes things up. McIntosh could play 3-4 end and 4-3 tackle. Fangio loves moving his players around so McIntosh fits his style.

With McIntosh, Hicks may not face as many double teams, allowing him to continue to make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks and running backs.