Bears draft preview: 3 players Chicago might take at No. 7

By Ross Jones
Published

The Chicago Bears hold the No. 7 overall pick in the NFL Draft. In our continuing series, FOXSports.com takes a look at their roster post-free agency and delivers a plan of attack for the last day in April.

First-year general manager Ryan Pace has been very active in his first few months at Halas Hall.

Aside from landing a respected head coach in John Fox and committing to quarterback Jay Cutler for next season, Pace has re-tooled a defense which allowed the 30th most passing yards from a season ago. Furthermore, he shipped five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Marshall to the New York Jets for a fifth-round pick.

Shifting to Vic Fangio's 3-4 defense may be a process, but there won't be a lack of edge rushers. By signing former Ravens outside linebacker Pernell McPhee, the Bears have a deep group of sack artists headlined by Lamarr Houston, Willie Young and Jared Allen.

With two selections in the first 40 picks, the Bears have an opportunity to find players that can make an instant impact.

Positions of need: CB, ILB, WR

Three options to consider

Amari Cooper, WR: If West Virginia's Kevin White is the first wide receiver picked, Cooper could be available when the Bears get on the clock. Other than the single-season and career records Cooper set at Alabama, he has a unique skillset that translates immediately to the next level. The 6-foot, 211-pound target is a gifted route-runner, which allows him to get open, and has terrific ball skills. While the Bears signed Eddie Royal in free agency, White can be a go-to threat aligned in the slot and on the outside.

Danny Shelton, NT: Adding the behemoth to Chicago's front-7 would certainly be a coup for Fangio. Shelton, a 6-foot-2, 340-pound interior lineman with rare athleticism, produced nine sacks last season at the University of Washington. Shelton could be the centerpiece to Fangio's defense for years to come.

Trae Waynes, CB: The Bears added a promising cornerback via the draft a season ago in Kyle Fuller. Spending another first-round pick on the position could solidify a leaky secondary. By adding Antrel Rolle, Chicago has its leader of the unit. Now, they just need to talent to enhance it. Waynes is an experienced cornerback who has great length and was the fastest cornerback at the NFL Combine, running a 4.31.

MOCK DRAFT: Who should the Bears take? Tell us here.