DRAFT SPOTLIGHT
Outside linebacker
Grading the Bears’ need: Low — but high next year, when the Bears figure to be in the market for yet another starter to play opposite Khalil Mack.
On the roster: Mack, Robert Quinn, Jeremiah Attaochu, Trevis Gipson, James Vaughters, Ledarius Mack.
The five best prospects: Michigan’s Kwity Paye, Georgia’s Azeez Ojulari, Miami’s Jaelan Phillips, Penn State’s Jason Oweh, Miami’s Gregory Rousseau. Keep an eye on: Duke’s Chris Rumph II — whose father is the Bears’ new defensive line coach — figures to be taken in the third round or later. He faces some of the same questions that Leonard Floyd did when the Bears drafted him in the first round. Rumph has a relentless motor, but at 6-2, 244 pounds, he might lack the bulk to bull-rush an NFL tackle.
Close to home: A former star wrestler at Crystal Lake Central High School, Romeo McKnight took the long way to the draft, enrolling at Iowa before transferring to Illinois State and, later, Charlotte. In two seasons at ISU, he totaled 15 sacks and 25½ tackles for loss. He transferred after the Missouri Valley Conference shifted to a spring season. In six games for the 49ers, he had 1½ sacks and five tackles for loss. The 6-4, 251-pounder has a history of knee injuries but has shown he can be productive when healthy. He’ll likely be an undrafted free agent.
Draft facts
When: Thursday-May 1.
TV: Ch. 7, ESPN, NFL.
The Bears’ eight picks:
Rounds 1 (No. 20 overall), 2 (No. 52), 3 (No. 83), 5 (No. 164) and 6 (Nos. 204, 208, 221, 228).