The Chicago Bears hold the No. 11 overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft after missing the playoffs. The Bears are continuing their rebuilding process, which means they need to have a strong 2016 NFL Draft. Drafting a bust early could cause them to take a step back in that process. With that in mind, here are three players the Bears need to avoid in the first round:
3. Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia Bulldogs
There are several edge rushers that could take this spot, including players like Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd. Floyd is the closest to being worth a Top 15 pick, but it's not a great year for 3-4 edge rushers. Floyd is more of a mid-to-late first rounder and the Bears shouldn't take him in the first round. It wouldn't be a terrible pick because it fills a need, but taking a risk on Noah Spence would be a better pick because Spence has more talent.
2. Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State Spartans
The Bears need to add a tackle this offseason. Kyle Long is better at guard than right tackle, it's tough to trust Charles Leno. But unless Ronnie Stanley slips to the Bears, they're better off addressing another need. It's a few picks too early for Conklin, and possibly Ohio State's Taylor Decker as well. With the No. 11 overall pick, the Bears must get value and not reach for a player like Conklin. For more Bears rumors, download the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app.
1. Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Before the NFL Combine, Smith would have made for a great selection. He has top five talent and would have been a perfect fit for Chicago. But then came the report that the knee injury he suffered at the end of last season resulted in nerve damage. That's the kind of injury that will result in teams taking Smith off the board entirely. While Smith has Patrick Willis-type potential, his injury means the Bears simply can't make him a first round pick.
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