Chicago Bears NFL Draft Big Board: Position-by-Position Rankings

We are closing in on the start of the first round. Big boards are set and the Chicago Bears have their favorite guys at each position. 

Preparation is key because nobody knows how things will unfold until the actual draft starts. It's important to have multiple options at each position in case someone you targeted gets taken or, even better, a prospect you had high on your board is still there. 

You will notice some keys players have been omitted from the big board due to certain character issues, injury history or scheme fits.  

As we go through each position, find out who might be viable options when the Bears make each of their six picks. Give us your thoughts below on which are your favorite players. 

Jay Cutler will be the quarterback for the Bears in 2015. What we don't know is if he will be around in 2016 or beyond.

Jimmy Clausen returns as the team's backup but isn't a viable franchise quarterback. The Bears need a long-term answer, but can they find one in this year's draft? 

The top two options on the Bears' big board will likely be gone by the time they draft in the first round. The next three players are mid-to-late-round selections, but can they be starters in the NFL? 

1. Jameis Winston, Florida State 

There are some maturity concerns with Winston, but he's the best pro-style quarterback in this draft. Winston was 26-1 as a starter and has an enormous ability to have his team rally around him. 

Questions remain on whether Winston can take care of the football after throwing 18 interceptions last year, but he's a superb pocket passer with very good field vision. 

2. Marcus Mariota, Oregon

The Heisman Trophy winner has great physical tools including size, arm strength and mobility. Some might be skeptical on whether he can covert from a spread offense but Mariota has shown a willingness to adapt and conform. 

Mariota's character and work ethic, along with his on-field success, are huge draws, but teams have to be worried on whether he can be consistent on the next level. 

3. Garrett Grayson, Colorado State 

Grayson has a big-time arm and can make all the throws, including the elusive out pattern to the opposite field. He's highly efficient and displays strong accuracy on the move.

Can Grayson compete against NFL talent after playing against lesser competition in college?

4. Brett Hundley, UCLA 

There's no questioning Hundley's physical tools and talent, but he was erratic throughout his whole collegiate career. Accuracy plagued Hundley but he also played with lesser talent around him. 

Hundley is an intriguing developmental player due to his raw talent and athleticism who needs to sit for at least two years before possibly starting. 

5. Bryce Petty, Baylor

Inconsistency with his accuracy jumps out when you see Petty play. He put up big numbers in college but that was largely because he was on a scoring-friendly team who played little-to-no defense. 

Petty isn't a pocket passer and really wouldn't be anymore than a backup in the NFL. He would work well on a team that primarily runs a spread offense.

Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte is entering the last year of his deal with the Bears. He's also approaching 30, which is largely considered an age of decline in this current NFL climate. 

Last season, the Bears took Ka'Deem Carey with a mid-round selection. He didn't show much in his rookie year, but the team wasn't as committed to the run as they should have been.

It's possible the Bears look at another running back. Head coach John Fox has had success using multiple backs in his career and doesn't mind using late-round options as his feature back. If the Bears were to take a back, it would probably be in the fourth round or later. 

1. Todd Gurley, Georgia

Even coming off of a torn ACL, Gurley is considered the best running back prospect since Adrian Peterson. Gurley's style is more like Seahawks back Marshawn Lynch, who was taken in the same draft (2007) as Peterson. 

Gurley was dominant in college. His display of speed and power shredded even the best talent in the SEC. He has to work on his receiving skills but is still a starter come opening day for whoever drafts him. 

2. Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin

In college, Gordon just wouldn't be denied. He is a great playmaker who has above-average speed and just enough size to be a three-down back in the NFL.

People will wonder if Gordon is really this good or if he is a product of a program that has had a history of churning out great college backs who falter when they get to the NFL.

3. T.J. Yeldon, Alabama 

Comparisons to Eddie George and Le'Veon Bell can be made when talking about Yeldon. He's a dual-threat back who has an upright running style and runs smoother than expected. 

It would benefit Yeldon to trim down a little. His quickness and a leaner frame will be his biggest asset in the NFL and he can't maintain that if he's a bigger back. 

4. Jay Ajayi, Boise State 

Here's a possible Day 2 steal in the draft. Ajayi runs with speed and power and has no problem catching the football. His versatility stands out in a league that passes more than it runs.

Ball security is Ajayi's biggest flaw, but if he fixes those woes he has a chance to be a really solid feature back in the NFL.

5. David Cobb, Minnesota 

If a team wants a physical back who can handle a big workload, Cobb is their guy. He has more burst than some think and has no problem churning out tough yards in even the worst of climates. 

Cobb is the perfect back for a team who wants to make a real commitment to running the ball. 

Brandon Marshall is now in New York, which leaves a gaping hole at wide receiver for the Bears. Depending on who's still on the board in the first round, the Bears could be in the market for one of the top guys. 

Alshon Jeffery is a good deep threat, so the Bears could use more of a possession receiver who can still make big plays opposite him. Even if they don't grab one of the top two receivers in the draft, the position is deep enough to get a good football player in the second or third. 

Look for the Bears to make it a point to walk away with one of the players on this list. 

1. Amari Cooper, Alabama

The size and speed combination of Cooper makes him a mismatch for defenses. Cooper is a smart receiver who runs routes very well and can take it to the house from any spot on the field. 

Cooper isn't as explosive as past top receiver prospects but he's more polished in using his body and savvy to gain separation from defenders. 

It's a good bet to say Cooper is the most reliable and NFL-ready prospect in this draft. 

2. Kevin White, West Virginia

There haven't been too many more explosive receivers to come through the draft than White. He has the speed and size to blow past defenses and does a great job of tracking the deep ball into his hands. 

White needs to show teams he's more than just a deep threat and can work all areas of the field. He has the upside to not only be the most explosive player in this draft but also the most productive. 

3. DeVante Parker, Louisville

While Parker won't wow you with his explosiveness, he does run better than most believe and he's a very polished route-runner. 

Parker has good speed and size and does an outstanding job of using body control in his route running. Parker also excels in run-after-the-catch ability. 

4. Nelson Agholor, USC

Once you get past Amari Cooper, Agholor might be the best route-runner in the draft. He doesn't have the speed or size that will wow you but he makes sharp cuts and is very good running after the catch. 

Agholor was highly productive and made a name for himself by making big catches when the lights shone the brightest. 

5. Jaelen Strong, Arizona State 

Last year, Mike Evans set the league on fire as a rookie with his size and above-average speed to beat defenders down the field. Strong has similar size and ability and figures to be an above-average red-zone target. 

Route running is where Strong needs to improve. He will come into the league trying to outmuscle defenders and use his deceptive quickness. If he can develop as a better route-runner, he can become a truly dangerous all-around receiver. 

The Bears don't have a desperate need for a tight end but they could take a long look at one if the value is there. 

This isn't an overly strong draft for tight ends but there are some interesting players who can help teams either as an extra receiver in the red zone or as a blocker. 

There isn't much depth on the Bears at tight end behind Martellus Bennett, so drafting a tight end in the middle rounds isn't completely out of the question. It just comes down to believing the talent available is worth using one of your precious picks on.

1. Maxx Williams, Minnesota

In a down draft for tight ends, Williams is the best option due to his size, natural receiving skills, speed and upside as a blocker. 

Williams isn't going to outrun anybody like some of the new-age tight ends, but he can be an effective target in the middle of the field. 

2. Clive Walford, Miami

A backup role as a blocking tight end who can occasionally sneak out and catch a pass seems to be Walford's destiny in the NFL. 

He doesn't have the speed or athleticism to be a real receiving threat, but is developing better as a receiver and will surprise you if taken for granted. 

3. Nick O'Leary, Florida State

O'Leary is undersized but still was highly productive as Jameis Winston's primary receiver in college. O'Leary also gets bonus points for making big catches in big spots, including the national championship game. 

Working out of the slot or even as an H-back might be the future for O'Leary. He just isn't big enough and doesn't block well enough to operate on the line of scrimmage and do some damage. 

4. Jeff Heuerman, Ohio State

Looking for a prototypical blocking tight end? Heuerman is your guy. Ohio State ran the football well and Heuerman had something to do with that. 

Heuerman wasn't used a whole lot as a receiver, so we have limited examples of whether he can be consistent in the passing game. He's still worth a mid-round pick as a blocking tight end with the hope that he can develop into a decent receiver in the NFL. 

5. Ben Koyack, Notre Dame

Quarterback issues held Koyack back as a receiver, but he's a solid blocker. There's some upside for Koyack to develop into an all-around threat but at this point he's only a late-round prospect. 

The Bears are in desperate need of an upgrade at right tackle. Jordan Mills isn't a consistent NFL starter and he was exposed when on the field last season. To top it off, Mills struggled to stay healthy.

There's a slim chance the Bears take a look in the first round but only if they aren't happy with what's available at wide receiver and edge-rusher by the time they pick. 

If the Bears are going to target a tackle, it's likely to be in the third round or later. 

1. Brandon Scherff, Iowa

Scherff might be a guard for some people in the NFL, but he certainly can play right tackle—and well. He's an insanely athletic big man who excels in run blocking. 

Pass blocking against speed rushers is where Scherff has to get better, but he's a top-10 caliber football player. 

2. La'el Collins, LSU

Like Scherff, Collins projects as a guard or right tackle at the next level. He's likely a second-round prospect because he might take some further time to develop at right tackle. 

Collins was a reliable run-blocker and pass protector but does nothing spectacular. He's consistent but the upside is marginal at best. 

3. D.J. Humphries, Florida

The injuries and lack of overall strength will keep Humphries out of the first round. He's very quick and athletic but can be beaten by stronger defensive ends.

If Humphries would have came back for his senior season, he might have been a first-round pick. At this point, he's a second-round selection who can play either tackle spot.

4. Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M

A torn ACL in a bowl game put a huge dent into Ogbuehi's stock. He was a first-round talent before the injury because of his speed and ability to slow down outside speed rushers. 

At this point, Ogbuehi can go anywhere from the middle of the second to the top of the third round.

5. Jake Fisher, Oregon 

Fisher turned heads when a teammate's injury forced him to move to left tackle at Oregon. He held his own and manged to keep top quarterback prospect Marcus Mariota clean most of the time. 

Fisher is an underrated and highly athletic prospect. He can certainly start right away at right tackle and transition to left tackle with further development.

Kyle Long and Matt Slauson have things pretty well locked down at guard for the Bears. They likely won't be in the market for a guard, but you never know when a good value might come your way. 

1. Laken Tomlinson, Duke

Despite his large frame, Tomlinson is a surprisingly good athlete with quickness to match. He's a very good run-blocker who needs to improve against pass-rushers. 

There's a ton of upside to Tomlinson, who could develop into one of the league's better guards in time. 

2. Arie Kouandjio, Alabama

When Alabama needed a yard in a pinch, it ran the football behind Kouandjio. Like many guards in the draft, he needs to improve in his pass blocking but has the size to be a Day 1 starter at guard. 

He has the skill set to succeed in the league but will struggle early on against speed rushers from the inside. 

3. A.J. Cann, South Carolina

Put Cann in a limited amount of space and he can handle a defender on his own. He struggles big time when things open up and defenders can move right around him. 

Cann is a solid run-blocker but needs to get better against speed rushers and in open-field situations. 

4. Josue Matias, Florida State

Here's one of the few guard prospects who pass protects better than he run blocks. He projects to be a left guard because of those skills and has starter potential right away. 

5. Tre' Jackson, Florida State

Jackson brings us back to the theme of guards who struggle in pass protection. He stood out often for the wrong reasons as he got pushed back on passing plays. 

Run blocking is where Jackson does his best work. He'd have to be next to a few solid pass-blockers to hide his deficiencies in the passing game. 

It's very possible the Bears could be in the market for a center. If they were to draft one, it would have to be a high value pick. 

There are some talented centers in this draft who could slide because teams are focusing on other skill positions. Can the Bears get a first- or second-round talent in the third? If so, it's worth pulling the trigger even with other needs on the roster.

Centers can be had in the later rounds, so there's never a need to reach for one. 

1. Cameron Erving, Florida State

There aren't too many times you see a center worthy of a first-round pick, but Erving could sneak into the back of the first round. 

Erving moved from left tackle to center in 2014 and found new life. He's quick, strong and very athletic. NFL teams would be smart to keep him at center going forward because he could be a rare talent there. 

2. Hroniss Grasu, Oregon

We know Grasu has conditioning and intelligence. He played in a fast and complicated offense at Oregon and succeeded his entire career. 

Grasu is a better pass protector than run-blocker. He can command the offensive line as a whole and identifies defenses very well. 

3. B.J. Finney, Kansas State 

Finney is a solid pass protector and run-blocker who can start in the NFL for 10 years. He's very smart but needs to work on his strength in one-on-one situations. 

4. Andy Gallik, Boston College 

A little smaller than what most NFL teams might want, but Gallik is a hard-nosed football who consistently stands his ground. 

5. Reese Dismukes, Auburn

Dismukes shows equal balance in run-blocking and pass protection. He needs to add a little more weight to his frame to play at the next level. 

As the Bears switch to a 3-4 scheme, they are in the market for some guys who can set the edge and get after the quarterback. 

In the past, the Bears would have looked for a smaller and quicker defensive end, but now they need to find big bodies who can take on blockers. Right now there aren't too many guys on the roster. 

The Bears could be in the market for a 3-4 defensive end and might have a great football player fall to them in the first round. 

1. Leonard Williams, USC

It doesn't matter where you line Williams up or what scheme because he's just a heck of a football player. He explodes off the line of scrimmage and attacks the football. 

Williams is the perfect 5-technique defensive end in a 3-4 scheme because of his great combination of speed and power. He does need to be more consistent in finishing plays but has the talent and ability to beat any offensive lineman. 

As he starts his career, Williams should line up on the left side so he can attack right tackles. As he gets his feet underneath him in the NFL, he can move around all over the line. 

2. Eddie Goldman, Florida State

Goldman is big and strong but still has some speed to be effective as a pass-rusher. Anybody looking to be a stout edge-rusher should strongly consider Goldman for their team. 

An underrated skill of Goldman's is his ability to hold his ground and stay in his gap. In the NFL, it's the simple plays like that that help others make more spectacular ones. 

3. Carl Davis, Iowa 

Based on talent, Davis would be a first-round selection. It's his unwillingness to be an every-down force that kicks him into the middle rounds. He comes off as lazy, which is a huge turnoff to franchises.  

Davis is strong enough to beat NFL offensive linemen. He has a good bull rush and can shed blockers en route to stopping the run. His biggest problem is wondering if he can handle being a three-down player. 

4. Henry Anderson, Stanford

Strong and physical at the point of attack, Anderson can make an edge-rusher look real good as he sets the edge and allows a speed guy to come in and clean up the action. 

Anderson could be a good value pick in a middle round because he's strong, athletic and very good as a pass-rusher. 

5. Corey Crawford, Clemson

It was a down 2014 season for Crawford, who should have been better with Vic Beasley on the field. Still, he's an interesting prospect as a 3-4 defensive end who could be part of an NFL team's rotation. 

Jay Ratliff might be able to hold down the fort at nose tackle in 2015, but his age and injury history has to have the team searching for a backup. 

The Bears should come away with one big defensive tackle who can play on the other side of the line of scrimmage and take on blockers to help free up the linebackers. 

A first-round pick could be used on a defensive tackle but it would be wise to trade down if doing so. If not, maybe the third round is where they Bears pull the trigger. 

1. Danny Shelton, Washington

Shelton displays a lot of power coming off of the line of scrimmage. He's equally athletic and has a great ability to collapse the pocket in a hurry. 

Pass rush isn't the only area in which Shelton excels. He's also an above-average run stuffer who is very disruptive once the ball is hiked. 

2. Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma

There isn't much from Phillips as a pass-rusher, but he's very good taking on multiple blockers, which frees up linebackers to slow down running backs before they reach the second level. 

Phillips has the size many teams looking for a 3-4 nose tackle need. He should be a hot commodity after the end of the first round. 

3. Ellis McCarthy, UCLA

For his size and talent, McCarthy should have been a better football player last season. He just wasn't consistent enough and didn't stand out week after week. 

Due to his size, McCarthy might go somewhere in the third round, but he's at best a fourth-round talent. 

4. David Parry, Stanford 

Only one year as a starter will keep Parry as a high-round draft pick. He's actually a talented player with some upside. A team could use him early as a rotational lineman who might develop into a starter down the line. 

5. Terry Williams, East Carolina

He's shorter than what a team would like and he comes from a small school but Williams does have some upside and is worth taking a chance on in the late rounds. 

Despite signing Pernell McPhee and Sam Acho, the Bears could still use another edge-rusher. Lamarr Houston, Jared Allen and Willie Young just aren't dependable options going forward. 

Ideally, the Bears would like to grab the top option on this list. The rest might be tempting but could be bumped out in favor of a wide receiver. 

If a receiver is taken in the first, the Bears could still use their second-round pick to snag a remaining player. 

Inside linebacker isn't a pressing need because the Bears have multiple options to fill the two starting spots. It's better to go with what's on the roster than burn a second-round pick on one of the better inside guys. 

1. Dante Fowler Jr., Florida

The blazing speed, terrific athleticism, toughness and production make Fowler the best edge-rusher in the draft. He already has a wide array of NFL pass-rushing moves, including a terrific spin move and ability to use his hands to get past a defender.

Fowler hits very hard and can turn a game around with one hit. He's an impact defender in every way.

2. Vic Beasley, Clemson 

Like Fowler, Beasley's a terrific athlete who's also fast off the edge. He needs to prove he can still be a dynamic pass rusher against bigger offensive lineman but he has all the tools to be a double digit sack artist. 

Beasley needs to do a little better job finishing plays and there might be concerns over whether he's just a workout warrior with great combine numbers. 

3. Alvin "Bud" Dupree, Kentucky

Dupree is a freakishly gifted athlete with very raw pass rushing skills. He's strong enough to be an elite pass-rusher but needs to learn the nuances that make average pass-rushers very good. 

It might take Dupree some time but he can turn into one of the true steals of the draft in two or three seasons. He has a high upside for any team willing to put in the developmental work and be patient while he matures. 

4. Eli Harold, Virginia

Passing on guys like Randy Gregory and Shane Ray due to their character issues could be wise considering Harold might still be on the board in the second round. 

Harold needs to get a little bigger but is a very good pass-rusher who also shuts down the running game on the other side of the line of scrimmage. 

5. Hau'oli Kikaha, Washington

If you want production, why not look toward the guy who led the nation in sacks (19)? Strength and size is a question with Kikaha but he's a smart pass-rusher who has the numbers to back it up. 

Even with Kyle Fuller, last year's first-round draft pick, the Bears could still be in the market for a corner. 

Tim Jennings is getting older and regressed last year and Charles Tillman is now in Carolina. This leaves a little bit of concern going forward, and the Bears could use the draft to add depth and a potential starter down the line. 

Only if some of the top corners fall or if the Bears trade back will they consider those guys. Otherwise, they are likely looking at options in the middle rounds. 

1. Trae Waynes, Michigan State 

For the second year in a row, Michigan State is poised to put another first-round corner in the NFL. Waynes won't wow you with his athleticism, but he's a good cover corner who can stay with top receivers down the field. 

2. Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest 

If Johnson was just a little bigger and stronger, he'd be a clear cut top-10 pick. Even with his size, Johnson uses his hands well and is more physical than expected. He also fights hard on 50-50 balls. 

Johnson's size is a turnoff, but he can still be a good fit as a second corner. Most teams don't feature two big receivers, so he can battle with a secondary receiver option and lock him down. 

3. Byron Jones, Connecticut 

Jones turned heads with his unreal athleticism during the combine. When you watch him at UConn, you see he's more than just a gifted athlete. He's a good cover corner who can jump with any receiver, which is a plus in the NFL. 

4. Marcus Peters, Washington

Off-field issues are the only reason why Peters isn't considered the best corner in the draft. If a team thinks they have a strong enough locker room to accept Peters, he's probably the best pure cover corner in the draft. 

5. Jalen Collins, LSU 

Like Peters, Collins has some off-field concerns. His size stands out on the field and he's a strong on-the-ball defender. He will be able to match up with some of the league's bigger and better receivers, which could be a draw. 

The Bears brought in former Giants safety Antrel Rolle, but he's getting up there in age and isn't a part of the long-term plan. 

The verdict is still out on last year's fourth-round pick, Brock Vereen, and Ryan Mundy is entering the last year of his deal.

Despite this being a down year at safety, the Bears might still be able to find some value. 

1. Landon Collins, Alabama

Collins is the perfect safety to play near the line of scrimmage. He's strong enough and not afraid to lay the wood on opposing running backs who enter the box.

Collins needs to improve his pass-coverage skills against receivers and tight ends and even still likely won't develop into a free safety. His best bet to succeed is to stay in the box. 

2. Damarious Randall, Arizona State

If you are in need of a center fielder, Randall is your guy. He's on the smaller side but has a physique and style similar to former Bear Mike Brown. 

Randall is the best coverage safety in the draft and should see his stock go up in this weak class. Nobody in the draft plays single high better than him—and that's a hot commodity these days. 

3. Anthony Harris, Virginia 

A little more weight on his frame and Harris can play strong safety because of his ability to cover and make tackles. Right now, he's a free safety who does a good job breaking up passes. 

Harris has the instincts to play safety in the NFL, which is always a major factor when looking for a starter-caliber player. 

4. Jaquiski Tartt, Samford

If Tartt would have went to a bigger school, he would be considered a fringe first-round pick. 

Similar to Jimmy Ward last year, Tart is a productive small school prospect who can play either safety spot. He likely starts his career as a backup and special teams player before making his way into the starting lineup a season or two down the line. 

5. James Sample, Louisville

Many think the other Louisville safety, Gerod Holliman, is ahead of Sample, but you just can't teach size and athleticism. Sample has both. 

Sample is a rangy safety who's long enough to break up a ton of passes and could be a sleeper player who starts on special teams but could develop into something more.