Chicago Bears: Early 7-round 2019 NFL mock draft

Okay, I want to preface this by saying that there’s a very good chance Khalen Saunders is off the board by the seventh round. The small-school defensive tackle may be a little-known commodity right now, but the scouting community is about to have their eyes pried open.

Saunders is a big-time sleeper, if there ever was one. A superstar for the Leathernecks over the years, the superbly athletic interior defender has spent his entire time at Western Illinois playing like a man among boys. That’s exactly what you want from these FCS prospects, and that’s exactly what you’re getting with Saunders.

Watch some film of Saunders (the video above works) and you’ll find that the kid lives in opposing backfields. With a ridiculous burst off the snap for his size, he plows his way past blockers, occasionally using a rather effective swim move to beat his blocker. For a guy of his girth, it’s surprising to see how quick, agile and explosive he can be.

Seriously, just watch the highlight clip for an idea as to what I’m talking about.

If Saunders is on the board when the Bears pick in the seventh round, that would be a near miracle. It doesn’t seem too crazy at this moment, but wait until the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine are over — he’ll be flying up draft boards by then.