Chicago Bears: 7-Round 2020 mock draft at end of regular season
829. Scouting Report. Edge. Alabama. player. Pick Analysis. Anfernee Jennings. 2
Yes, I know that most of you will be yelling about having a bigger need elsewhere. The fact of the matter is that the Chicago Bears invested heavily in outside linebacker Khalil Mack. The reason they didn’t have a first-round pick in 2019 or in 2020 is that they traded for Mack. Additionally, they made Mack the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history.
If they have so much invested in Mack the Bears need to make sure he succeeds. This season is an example. He didn’t have a bad season. In fact, he made the Pro Bowl. He, however, didn’t have a Khalil Mack season.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
He faced double and even triple teams because he didn’t have help on the other side. With all the roadblocks Mack was facing, Leonard Floyd only had to beat one-on-one matchups but had trouble doing so.
The Bears need a player who can make teams pay for double-teaming Mack. Anfernee Jennings could be that player.
One advantage Jennings already has over Floyd is his thick body. Floyd came into the NFL weighing 240 pounds and now is at 251, a weight that is maximized for his slender body type.
Jennings, on the other hand, is already at 260. He has the strength to handle offensive lineman that Floyd doesn’t possess. Yes, Floyd is an athletic freak of nature but he needs to depend on various moves he doesn’t have to avoid getting caught. Once a blocker latches onto him Floyd has trouble getting free. Jennings has great heavy hands. When he gets inside blockers he can control them.
Jennings loves playing a physical game. He enjoys the battles and with his strength, he does a good job of winning most of those battles. In 47 games with the Crimson Tide, he recorded 188 tackles (33 for loss), 14 sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries (returned one for a touchdown). He does a pretty good job in coverage as well, grabbing two interceptions and having 18 passes defended.
Jennings isn’t as athletic as Floyd but he sets the edge well. Even when he isn’t getting a tackle he does a good job of forcing the quarterback or running back to try to cut back where Mack can meet him. He’ll be a great complement to Mack.