In agreement with the growing suspicion that the Chicago Bears will select a defensive player with their No. 19 pick in the 2012 NFL draft, the analysts at Sporting News predict Chicago will miss DE Whitney Mercilus and instead select DE Chandler Jones of the Syracuse Orange:
19. Chicago Bears: Chandler Jones, DE, SyracuseThe Bears appear to be targeting Whitney Mercilus, who is an ideal fit in a 4-3. But with Mercilus gone to San Diego, the fallback option is Jones. The 6-5 1/2, 266-pounder has recovered from a knee injury, and the Bears need him to spell overworked ends Israel Idonije and Julius Peppers. — Gene Chamberlain, free-lancer
According to Sports-Reference.com, Jones compiled 38 tackles in the 2011 NCAA season, including 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and 1 interception.
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