Just Blog Baby 2014 NFL Mock Draft: Post Combine Round One
By Chase Ruttig
Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan (8) celebrates after defeating the Auburn Tigers 34-31 the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
#14 Chicago Bears: Timmy Jernigan, DT FSU
Rory’s Take: Jernigan plays more nose tackle than he does three technique, but he does have the explosiveness to make the transition nicely. With the big contracts to Cutler and Jennings, tagging Melton will be tough and he could still get a lucrative contract in free agency.
Chase’s Take: I still like Ra’Shede Hageman for the Bears just because he has more size as a gap filler, but it is looking more and more like the Seminole Jernigan is going to become the best pick available at defensive tackle. Letting go of Melton seems to be the logical move for the Bears to shed cap and there are some defensive tackles in this draft that could come in and start right away. Jernigan is one of those players so this seems like a perfect fit for Chicago who became more of an offensive based team than a defensive one last season and need to recapture that balance.
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