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NFL Mock Draft 9.0: Quarterbacks push defensive prospects down board

By Jacob Camenker

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs walks in to the locker room prior to the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs walks in to the locker room prior to the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson in action during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson in action during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

57. . Offensive Guard. Notre Dame. Quenton Nelson. 8. player

The Bears would be ecstatic if Quenton Nelson made it to their pick in the first round. They have a big hole at the left guard position after releasing Josh Sitton, and Nelson would come in as a replacement who could be an upgrade over him.

Nelson is arguably the best player in this draft class and his blocking ability is unparalleled. At Notre Dame, Nelson paired with Mike McGlinchey to create a stellar combo on the left side of the offensive line. Nelson was a road grade run blocker and was incredible in pass protection as well. He is a potential plug-and-play Pro Bowler, so getting him at No. 8 would be a huge get for the Bears.

In the aftermath of releasing Sitton, the Bears really don’t have much at the guard position. Their current projected starter across from Kyle Long is Bradley Sowell. He has been merely a decent backup throughout his career, so relying on him as a starter would be a mistake.

Adding Nelson would give the Bears a very strong interior offensive line presence and that would do a lot to help Mitchell Trubisky develop. This seems to be Nelson’s floor, and it would be surprising to see him available beyond this point in the draft.

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