Reggie Ragland And 4 Other Prospects Chicago Bears Should Target In 2016 NFL Draft

It’s about that time of year when NFL teams begin to seriously consider which college prospects are worth targeting in the draft. After a 6-10 season, the Chicago Bears could definitely use some young talent to bolster their roster for 2016. It’s early, but here are five players that the Bears should strongly consider in this year’s draft.

5. Connor Cook, Michigan State

Connor Cook, Michigan State Getty Images
Jay Cutler will be 33 years old at the start of the 2016 season, and David Fales is not looked upon as the team’s future quarterback. With that being said, quarterback is definitely a position the Bears should consider adding to their roster through the draft. Connor Cook has the size (6-foot-4, 220 pounds), and the mechanics to be a franchise QB. The only red flag is his reputation with teammates in the locker room.

Jay Cutler will be 33 years old at the start of the 2016 season, and David Fales is not looked upon as the team’s future quarterback. With that being said, quarterback is definitely a position the Bears should consider adding to their roster through the draft. Connor Cook has the size (6-foot-4, 220 pounds), and the mechanics to be a franchise QB. The only red flag is his reputation with teammates in the locker room.

4. Kendall Fuller, Virginia Tech

Kendall Fuller, Virginia Tech Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago signed Alan Ball last season to be a cornerback tandem with Kyle Fuller. Unfortunately, it took only three games to realize that Ball wasn’t the answer. The Bears could solidify their secondary with Kyle’s brother, Kendall Fuller. Matching the Virginia Tech product with his brother could improve a Chicago pass defense that was already ranked fourth in the NFL in 2015.

Chicago signed Alan Ball last season to be a cornerback tandem with Kyle Fuller. Unfortunately, it took only three games to realize that Ball wasn’t the answer. The Bears could solidify their secondary with Kyle’s brother, Kendall Fuller. Matching the Virginia Tech product with his brother could improve a Chicago pass defense that was already ranked fourth in the NFL in 2015.

3. DeForest Buckner, Oregon

DeForest Buckner, Oregon Getty Images
If he is still on the board when the Bears make their selection with the 11th overall pick, Oregon defensive end DeForest Buckner would be a great addition to Chicago’s rotation along the defensive line. At 6-foot-7 and 290 pounds, Buckner can make the Bears’ D-line one of the best in the league with his play on the edge, as well in the interior.

If he is still on the board when the Bears make their selection with the 11th overall pick, Oregon defensive end DeForest Buckner would be a great addition to Chicago’s rotation along the defensive line. At 6-foot-7 and 290 pounds, Buckner can make the Bears’ D-line one of the best in the league with his play on the edge, as well in the interior.

2. Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame

Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
The 31-year-old Jermon Bushrod is playing in the twilight of his career, and his play is declining. Notre Dame offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley could be the ideal replacement on Jay Cutler’s blind side. Stanley’s 6-foot-6, 315-pound frame could also have a great impact in the Bears’ running game. If the Bears are fortunate enough to land him, he could be half of one of the best set of bookends in the league along with Pro Bowler Kyle Long.

The 31-year-old Jermon Bushrod is playing in the twilight of his career, and his play is declining. Notre Dame offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley could be the ideal replacement on Jay Cutler’s blind side. Stanley’s 6-foot-6, 315-pound frame could also have a great impact in the Bears’ running game. If the Bears are fortunate enough to land him, he could be half of one of the best set of bookends in the league along with Pro Bowler Kyle Long.

1. Reggie Ragland, Alabama

Reggie Ragland, Alabama Getty Images
As the 2015 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Reggie Ragland is one of the most sought-after prospects in this class of college players. Ragland’s knack for shedding blockers and his sure-tackling ability can greatly help improve Chicago’s run defense, which finished 22nd in the NFL in 2015. Having been a part of three SEC Championship teams and two National Championship teams while at Alabama, Ragland can also bring a much-needed winning attitude to the Windy City.

As the 2015 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Reggie Ragland is one of the most sought-after prospects in this class of college players. Ragland’s knack for shedding blockers and his sure-tackling ability can greatly help improve Chicago’s run defense, which finished 22nd in the NFL in 2015. Having been a part of three SEC Championship teams and two National Championship teams while at Alabama, Ragland can also bring a much-needed winning attitude to the Windy City.

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