As our list of important 2017 NFL offseason dates shows, NCAA underclassmen have until tomorrow to announce their intent to enter this year’s draft. One first-round prospect, Vanderbilt linebacker Zach Cunningham, did just that yesterday, and a few more names could trickle in before Monday’s deadline. The draft itself is still months away, but Matt Miller of Bleacher Report is in touch with scouts and has presented the latest on several collegiate players in his latest notebook (which, as always, is worth a full read).
Here’s the latest from Miller:
- One scout tells Miller that Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster has a “perfect grade” on his board. Foster, who posted 115 tackles and five sacks during the 2016 season, is considered the best off-ball linebacker available in this draft and should be selected in the first round.
- Another Alabama defender, Jonathan Allen, is viewed as an even better prospect than Foster, and as one of the best edge players in the 2017 class, could go off the board in the top 10 picks. However, an AFC personnel director believes that Allen’s shoulder injuries could present a problem come draft day, and thinks that Allen may have had an additional surgery that went unreported.
- Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams squared off against Foster, Allen, and the rest of the Crimson Tide defense when the Tigers faced Alabama in the National Championship Game, and Miller favorably compares Williams to Bengals pass-catcher A.J. Green. “Best player on the field. Period,” a scouting director said of Williams.
- The Bears are showing strong interest in this year’s crop of quarterbacks, rival evaluators tell Miller. Chicago is expected to move on from veteran signal-caller Jay Cutler, and could look to find their quarterback of the future on Day 1 or 2. Back in November, Miller reported the Bears were researching Miami QB Brad Kaaya, who could be drafted in the Round 2 range.
- Based on his discussions with scouts, Miller believes that Michigan S/LB Jabrill Peppers is currently overrated on media boards, potentially putting him in line for a draft day fall. Typically regarded as a first-round pick, Peppers announced last week that he would skip his final two NCAA seasons to enter the NFL.
- At least one NFL offensive line coach believes Utah left tackle Garett Bolles is going to “shoot up” draft boards, according to Miller.
Well of course the Bears have strong interest in this years QB class. That is news here?
Peppers to the Steelers or Seahawks late first round seems like a perfect fall for a really good player
Let him fall a little further and he would be a perfect fit for the Packers. I don’t see him as an immediate game changer, but he will produce every sunday, especially if he’s drafted to the right system
This draft has has a few top tier safeties and the bears need one. Drafting a QB early is silly, they have Hoyer/Barkey – good enough, but draft someone 2nd/3rd round. Will Mahomes be available?
IMO biggest bears need: Secondary, OT, QB, and WR.
I agree for the most part they still have to sign Hoyer …take a defender but athlete available at the three target a Qb for the 2nd best available :They only owe Cutler 12.5 next year do not sign someone for more unless whomever you replace him with will give u a better chance every Sunday Do not over pay his replacement
Man, get your stupid ass outta here. Drafting a QB is EXACTLY what they need to do. Hoyer/Barkley are good enough to get you beat.
IMO maybe trade the 1st rd pick for a proven NFL qb in Garoppolo or take Trubiski if he’s there at 3 . Maybe trade back for an extra pick or just take DE Allen or S Adams at 3 then take Kaaya or Mahomes in the 2nd or 3rd.
Allen will probably not be available at 3
Allen will be there at three and maybe even lower.
I think someone like San Fran will reach on Trubisky
What do you think of S J. Adams at #3? Is this pick too high for a Safety? But he looks NFL ready n would definitely look to play better than S A. Amos imo
I hope the Bears take the best game changer available, and that does not add up to a QB at three.