2014 NFL Mock Draft Version 2.0 – Post Free Agency Edition

Dec 26, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers defensive lineman Aaron Donald (97) holds the lineman of the game trophy after defeating Bowling Green Falcons 30-27 to win the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

14. Chicago Bears
Aaron Donald
Defensive Tackle, Pittsburgh

Previously: Justin Gilbert (Cornerback, Oklahoma State)

Giorgos:

With Clinton-Dix gone, the best option for the Chicago Bears is to trade down. Since this mock features no trades, the Bears select Aaron Donald, a small-framed defensive tackle with great pass-rushing skills. Donald knows how to shoot the gap and penetrate the backfield, but struggles when the offensive line gets to him first. He must improve as a runner defender to become an all-down player.

Dave:

I was torn between a cornerback or a defensive tackle here, and the potential of Pittsburgh’s Aaron Donald was just too much to pass on for the Bears. Adding defensive line pieces like Jared Allen and Lamarr Houston may make this pick seem like the Bears are focusing too heavily in one area, but losing Henry Melton means there’s a need and Donald has sky-high potential in a 4-3 to justify the pick.