Chicago Bears: 7-Round 2018 mock draft pre-Combine
The Chicago Bears could go in many different directions with the eighth overall pick in the NFL Draft. A high-level cornerback like Denzel Ward would certainly make some sense, especially if they cannot get Kyle Fuller back into the fold. After cutting ties with Josh Sitton, elite offensive guard prospect Quenton Nelson is an option as well. However, in this mock draft, the Bears take some elite upside at the linebacker position by snagging Virginia Tech’s Tremaine Edmunds.
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The Bears have obvious needs across all of their linebacker positions. They already needed to add more edge rusher options to pair with Leonard Floyd, and after releasing Jerrell Freeman, they have big needs at off-ball linebacker as well. In a way, Edmunds can help them at both positions.
He is a truly unique linebacker prospect, showing an incredible combination of size, speed and overall athleticism. Edmunds shows fantastic natural length which helps him keep opposing blockers away from his body, and that is only if they can get a hold of him.
His speed and athleticism is special for a linebacker, and he uses it well against the run, in coverage and as a pass rusher. Edmunds can range from sideline-to-sideline, consistently making plays on the ball.
He is an elite coverage linebacker, showing the ability to defend big and athletic players at the tight end position. Edmunds will be a true coverage weapon at the next level, handling players who other teams simply cannot match up with one-on-one.
His natural instincts are average at best, but his incredible overall skill set more than makes up for that. By selecting Edmunds, the Chicago Bears would find a true centerpiece of their defense. A guy who they can mix and match across their defense and allow him to simply be a playmaker all over the field. There are many gifted players available this early in the draft, but Edmunds is the best.