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2016 NFL Draft: Round 1 Mock for All 32 Teams

By Peter Panacy

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell begins the draft and puts the Houston Texans on the clock at the start of the 2014 NFL draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell begins the draft and puts the Houston Texans on the clock at the start of the 2014 NFL draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 28, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad quarterback Dak Prescott of Mississippi State (15) avoids the pressure of defensive end Noah Spence of Eastern Kentucky (97) during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad quarterback Dak Prescott of Mississippi State (15) avoids the pressure of defensive end Noah Spence of Eastern Kentucky (97) during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 11: Chicago Bears

2015 Record: 6-10

The Pick: OLB Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky

The Chicago Bears have a multitude of questions surrounding the offensive side of the ball. While Chicago saw some improvements from veteran quarterback Jay Cutler, it’s hard to gauge what the Bears offense will be next season.

And it’s a concern given running back Matt Forte and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery are hitting the free-agent market this offseason.

Adding running back Ezekiel Elliott would make some sense here. But outside linebacker Noah Spence out of Eastern Kentucky would be a steal at this spot. The pass-rushing force falling to Chicago would be too impossible to pass up.

Imagine a scenario in which defensive coordinator Vic Fangio tabs Spence as his edge-rusher in a 3-4 scheme. It’s a move similar to the way he used former 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith when he was drafted in 2011.

Next: No. 12: New Orleans Saints