By Tolly Taylor
Here are ESPN.com writer and former NFL safety Matt Bowen’s top five potential first- round picks for the Chicago Bears, in no particular order, with the 11th overall pick Thursday at Roosevelt University’s Auditorium Theatre:
A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama — “This Alabama impact player is one of those guys who wants to come off the bus first. He’s not going to get 20 tackles for a loss each game, but he makes the Bears stronger and bigger and nastier up front. Plus, he’s a team player.”
Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida — “If Hargreaves slips — and he easily could — the Bears should snag him. He’s not blessed off the charts athletically — he’s not Florida State cornerback Jalen Ramsey, the best player in the draft — but he’s got the best natural coverage ability in the draft. He’s the next-best corner in the draft.”
Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame — “He’s got great footwork, and he’s an ideal fit as a left tackle. He’s good with his hands, he’s got smooth hips — he’s very athletic for a big man. Mississippi’s Laremy Tunsil is the best tackle in this draft, but Stanley’s not far behind.”
Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia — “He’s a fast guy, and he could add to their pass rush right away. He didn’t have a ton of production last year, but he’s got huge upside. His first year, he’ll be a situational player, but he could easily get seven or eight sacks in that role.”
Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville — “He dominated the Senior Bowl. He reminded me of Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, just not quite as explosive. He’s a little undersized, but I think he can play defensive end in a 3-4 front because he’s got a quick first step.”
And here is one player Bowen is confident the Bears won’t select at No. 11:
Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis: “He’s not ready to play football. I think a team could trade up to pick him, because teams are desperate for quarterbacks. But the Bears won’t.”