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Chicago Bears: 5 Inside linebackers to target in 2018 NFL Draft

By Carlos Nazario

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks to avoid a sack by linebacker Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs in the second half in the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks to avoid a sack by linebacker Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs in the second half in the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Darius Leonard, South Carolina State: 6-2, 230 pounds

The Chicago Bears defense improved over the past several seasons. After being near the bottom as a total defense under Mel Tucker, they are now a top-10 defense under the direction of Vic Fangio. Still, their turnover numbers rank around the middle (13th in 2017).

Darius Leonard is a player who helps bring those turnover numbers up. He hits hard and separated the ball from the ball carrier (seven forced fumbles). Additionally, he drops back and intercepts passes (six interceptions). Leonard has the athletic ability to go sideline-to-sideline and cover. He played both the outside and inside at South Carolina State.

Leonard’s half-brother played for Clemson and Leonard hoped to follow suit. Clemson wouldn’t offer him a scholarship so he went elsewhere. He made sure to let them know what they missed out in 2016. He finished that game with 19 tackles for loss. Now, however, the NFL comes calling.

Leonard processes plays quickly and uses that and his quickness to get to the ball. He uses angles well, making it difficult for blockers to square him up. While he has good quickness, Leonard sometimes takes bad angles when trying to get in on plays. He cannot just depend on his physical tools to make plays. Using correct angles is necessary since everyone in the NFL is quick.

The Bears could use Leonard. They could use him inside or outside, something Fangio loves in a player. Also, he is a tremendous ball hawk who helps in creating turnovers. Imagine a top-10 Chicago Bears defense with a top-10 turnover number.

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