NFL Mock Draft: Week 16
By Brad Weiss
![Nov 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) throws a pass against the Southern California Trojans during a NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Nov 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) throws a pass against the Southern California Trojans during a NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/7e674319c00fff8baa7f093783427abbbc64f3d0dcb71caf9976368b53e4c4d9.jpg)
player. 57. . DL. Alabama. Jonathan Allen. 4
The Chicago Bears took another loss on Sunday, though the team is playing better football with Matt Barkley under center. While no word has been made as to whether the team will head into the 2017 season with him as the starter, Barkley has played surprisingly well, and will definitely be at least the team’s backup next season. The Bears could select a quarterback at the top of the first round, but passing on Jonathan Allen would be too hard at this spot.
Allen is one of the best all-around football players in the country, and some believe he just may be the best on the defensive side of the ball. The defensive lineman from the University of Alabama is as good a run stopper as he is in the pass rush, and he would be perfect for the Windy City. He plays with a tenacity that is rivaled by few in this draft, and would be a cornerstone on a pretty mediocre Bears defense.
Chicago plays in a tough division, and as long as they are playing teams like the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers twice a year, they are going to have to shore up their defensive line. Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford are two of the best in the game, but they can be stopped if you can get some pass rush. Putting Allen on the defensive line in Chicago would give them the strength they need up front to compete next season.