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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Deshaun Watson heads to Broadway

By Brad Weiss

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) reacts during the second quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) reacts during the second quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jonathan Allen

DL, Alabama

Just watching Jonathan Allen on Monday night in the College Football National Championship Game, and you could see that he is ready to make an impact at the next level. Allen is one of the better defensive prospects we have seen in a long time, and has the ability to play in a 4-3 or 3-4 in the NFL. The Chicago Bears are another team searching for an identity on the defensive side of the ball, and while there are plenty of questions at the quarterback position, grabbing Allen is priority No. 1 in next April’s draft.

For Chicago, quarterback Jay Cutler just has not worked out, and that is a shame considering the young talent they have on the offensive side of the ball. Wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey is one of the best in the game, and running back Jordan Howard really burst onto the scene with the position open due to Matt Forte’s departure. Chicago may have enough talent on offense to win games, but their defense proved to be too leaky late in the season.

Allen is going to be a top-3 pick, and he very well may land as the No. 1 overall selection. However, if he is available at No. 3, the Bears have to pounce on him, as he can be a cornerstone in bringing back a solid defensive unit in Chicago. The Bears may look to be pretty far away on paper, but head coach John Fox is a good one, and there is enough young talent on this roster to make a run next season if they can add some pieces around them.

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