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2016 NFL Mock Draft 7.0: Surprise at Number Nine

By David Harrison

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 21, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Kevin Dodd (98) celebrates after a sack during the third quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Clemson defeated Wake Forest 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Kevin Dodd (98) celebrates after a sack during the third quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Clemson defeated Wake Forest 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

57. . DE. Clemson. Kevin Dodd. 11. player

The Bears have added Akiem Hicks to their defensive front line and appear ready to move forward with Eddie Goldman holding up the middle of it.  Securing the other outside edge in front of a much-improved linebacker group will help Chicago re-establish their menacing defensive identity.

Kevin Dodd from Clemson is the best down lineman coming out in this draft as teammate Shaq Lawson looks more like an outside linebacker at the NFL level.

Dodd over Lawson may be surprising to some, but it’s a matter of need, and the Bears simply don’t need an outside linebacker in the first round.

 

Previous Pick:  Jarran Reed – DT – Alabama

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