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Although new head coach Marc Trestman figures to bring a more offensive focused philosophy to the Chicago Bears, Trestman and the Bears have addressed the defensive side of the ball with two of their first three picks in the 2013 NFL Draft.
After drafting inside linebacker Jonathan Bostic in the second round Friday night, the Bears decided to select another linebacker with their next pick, taking outside linebacker Khaseem Greene with the 117th overall pick in round four.
A playmaker out of Rutgers, Greene’s numbers at the college level would usually make him a top draft pick. With 15 career forced fumbles, an NCAA record, and 136 tackles in 2012, Greene was all over the field for Rutgers. What kept him from being a first or second-round pick is his lack of size and speed. At 6-foot-1, 241 pounds, Greene isn’t small, but he’s just not very big. His 4.71 40-time also played a key role in his lower draft grade.
Obviously, Chicago believes despite his size and speed, Greene has the tools to be a productive NFL linebacker. Although I believe the Bears still have to address some spots on the offensive side of the ball, I agree with the Bears’ pick of Greene.
With Lance Briggs on the back nine of his career, Greene will look to be his eventual replacement. A former safety, Greene is a ball-hawking linebacker like Briggs. Comparing them right now might be a bit of a stretch, but Greene will have one of the league’s best outside linebackers to learn from.
The Bears have made it clear with their last two picks that defense will still be a huge focus, even with the coaching change. If Trestman can bring in a dynamic offense and the Bears are able to remain one of the league’s top defenses, Chicago will be a Super Bowl contender year in and year out.
Matt Malecha is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattMalecha and add him to your network on Google.
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