2015 NFL Mock Draft: With The Seventh Pick, The Chicago Bears Select...

Representing the Chicago Bears, DaJarbot takes the podium.

With the 7th pick in the 2015 BRB Mock Draft, the Chicago Bears select Dante Fowler, Jr. (OLB--University of Florida).

With all of the problems and the steps backward for the 2014 Chicago Bears, none was bigger than their problems on defense. For the last two years, the Bears have had an abysmal defense, and they've hired defensive-minded John Fox as head coach and Vic Fangio as DC to help rebuild the dumpster fire that is the Bears' defense.

Enter Dante Fowler, Jr. At 6’3", 261 lbs., and capable of running the 40 in just 4.6 seconds, he is an absolute steal at number 7. He’s powerful, flexible and fast.

Fowler was one of the most dominant defensive players in the SEC and is easily considered one of the best edge-rushing prospects in this year’s draft. His build is a much better fit for the Bears' new 3-4 scheme than Jared Allen and Willie Young, who are more prototypical 4-3 ends. His flexibility means he could play DE or OLB based on the team’s changing needs while they rebuild their defense. He’s NFL ready and will be a contributor from day one.

While he is NFL ready, he isn't without fault, however. He has had some problems with consistency and discipline against the run. His reps at the combine leave something to be desired, but his tape stands to prove that he has a natural instinct for the game and a high football IQ. With the proper coaching and mentorship, he could easily become one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL.

Drafting a wide receiver here in an attempt to fill the Brandon Marshall-sized hole in the offense is tempting, but I don’t think the addition is necessary for this pick. With Alshon Jeffery seemingly getting better everyday, Martellus Bennett racking up touchdowns, and Forte aging like a fine wine and appearing to be only getting better with age, the offense isn't exactly hurting for weapons. Or at least not as much as the defense.

Considering that a lot of people have Fowler going at 2 or 3, I have to agree with DaJarbot that Fowler is a steal at 7. Fowler doesn't hurt for confidence, either, telling people at his recent pro day that he should be the #1 overall pick. Todd McShay described Fowler as someone who could play anywhere from DT to coverage LB; that's certainly a rare skill set.

Thanks to DaJarbot for the pick. The Falcons and grandmasteroz are on the clock; that pick is due in by 12 p.m. CDT today. Good luck.

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