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

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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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 01: Rashaan Evans #32 of the Alabama Crimson Tide breaks up a pass intended for Hunter Renfrow #13 of the Clemson Tigers in the first quarter of the AllState Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 1, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Rashaan Evans, Alabama: 6-3, 234 pounds

This 2018 class of linebackers is rich with talent. One of the most talented prospects is Rashaan Evans out of Alabama. On a stacked team like Alabama, Evans needed to wait his turn. He worked hard while waiting and when he finally got his shot he made the most of it. In the six playoff games he played, he recorded 38 tackles (1.5 for loss), and 4.5 sacks. What’s amazing is that he didn’t start many of those games.

WIth Evans, the Bears could utilize an attacking defense. He diagnoses plays quickly. In 2017, he had 13 tackles for loss and 6 sacks, even though he missed two games. Evans is another linebacker who plays both the inside and outside. He is a hard hitter and sheds blocks well.

Some scouts have questions about how fast Evans is. He skipped the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and at the Alabama Pro Day. Also, there was a retest, but again he didn’t run. That makes teams wonder, and without showing them anything, that’s bad.

If the Bears don’t go with a linebacker in the first round, they could go with Evans in the second round. Some say he was fortunate in having a very good defensive front that allowed him to make plays. He’d also have a good line with the Bears, though. His ability to get into the opponent’s backfield is something that not only helps him become a good player but also helps free up guys like Akiem Hicks to wreak havoc.

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