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Chicago Bears: 5 Defensive tackles to target in 2018 NFL draft

By Carlos Nazario

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 17: Defensive lineman Vita Vea #50 of the Washington Huskies defends against the Portland State Vikings on September 17, 2016 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 17: Defensive lineman Vita Vea #50 of the Washington Huskies defends against the Portland State Vikings on September 17, 2016 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /
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Possible Chicago Bears draft target
SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 22: Defensive lineman Vita Vea #50 of the Washington Huskies battles guard Gus Lavaka #63 of the Oregon State Beavers on October 22, 2016 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

1. Vita Vea, Washington: 6-4, 347 pounds

Okay, I admit, if this is the Bears’ pick, it’ll be a surprise. Tackle isn’t a big need. As I mentioned, Goldman is playing well. He is up for a new contract, though, and decisions need to be made. He suffered through injuries and his run defense isn’t as stellar as I expected. There were times over his time in Chicago when Fangio replaced him in short situations. That’s when you expect your starter to be in.

Vita Vea is a monster. He has the strength and power to go along with athleticism. He should not have such great feet for a man his size. His combination of size, power, and athleticism is just intimidating. If a team has a smaller guard in front of Vea they’ll definitely need to give him some help. Vea is able to just explode and blow past blockers.

Also, for a man his size, Vea has loose hips which help him move laterally and utilize spin moves. Imagine a blocker trying to get his head around trying to block this monster head on and he spins away from you. If he does that and gets to the quarterback, the odds of the opposing team needing the backup to come in rises.

Vea’s quick feet allow him to move down the line and get to the ball carrier. Also, his size plugs up the middle. If he gets double-teamed in the middle, the crowded area forces the runner to change direction to avoid going there.

Next: Post free agency Bears mock draft

Vea would be a great addition to the Bears defense. If they go after him, however, that means there is a trade that happened.

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