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2015 NFL Combine: 5 Linebackers the Chicago Bears Should Keep An Eye On

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By @ClydeASpeller

2015 NFL Combine: Linebackers Chicago Bears Should Target

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With the arrival of new head coach John Fox and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, there is a good chance that the Chicago Bears will be changing their defensive scheme. The expected defensive change and potential departure of veteran linebackers could have the Bears making pass rushers a primary focus this offseason. Here are five prospects Chicago may have on their radar during the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine.

5. Alvin Dupree, DE/OLB, Kentucky

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5. Alvin Dupree, DE/OLB, Kentucky

Kentucky-Alvin Dupree
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Despite his 6-foot-4, 267-pound frame, Alvin Dupree still possesses the athletic ability to play as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. The 2014 First-Team All-SEC selection finished last season with a career-high 7.5 sacks. In addition to his pass-rushing skills, Dupree does a decent job of dropping back in coverage as well.

4. Vic Beasley, DE/OLB, Clemson

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4. Vic Beasley, DE/OLB, Clemson

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Vic Beasley has a reputation of being a disruptive force in offensive backfields. Beasley, the 2014 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, is Clemson’s all-time sack leader, and he has the size (6-foot-2, 235 pounds) and quickness to make the transition to outside linebacker in the NFL.

3. Dante Fowler Jr., DE/OLB, Florida

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3. Dante Fowler Jr., DE/OLB, Florida

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Dante Fowler Jr. could be a disruptive force at the line of scrimmage against the run and the pass. The 6-foot-2, 261-pounder is considered to be a raw defensive product, but he could open many eyes at the Combine with his freakish athletic ability.

2. Shane Ray, DE/OLB, Missouri

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2. Shane Ray, DE/OLB, Missouri

Missouri-Shane Ray
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Shane Ray just might be the talk of the 2015 NFL Combine. It’s been said that the 2014 SEC Defensive Player of the Year has run a 4.4 40-yard dash and has a vertical leap of 40-plus inches. If that athletic ability can be translated to the football field, Ray could be what the Bears’ defense needs.

1. Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska

Nebraska-Randy Gregory
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1. Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska

Nebraska-Randy Gregory
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Randy Gregory did play defensive end for the Nebraska Cornhuskers in a 4-3 scheme, but he could be just as disruptive as an outside linebacker in a 3-4. Gregory, a 2014 All-Big Ten First-Team selection, has been compared to Aldon Smith. If such speculation is true, Fangio could use Gregory just like he utilized Smith while with the San Francisco 49ers.

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