Like every year, the Chicago area is about to send several players into the NFL. Here’s a look at some of the best in this year’s draft and their projections:
TE E.J. Bibbs
College: Iowa State
High School: Bogan
Pro potential: The son of two Cook County Sheriff’s deputies, Bibbs was a prized junior college player, who later excelled at Iowa State. He took part in the NFL Scouting Combine.
Projection: Day 3 draft pick
WR Da’Ron Brown
College: Northern Illinois
High School: Morgan Park
Pro potential: Brown, who participated in the combine, was Northern Illinois’ leading receiver his senior season. He played quarterback at Morgan Park.
Projection: Free Agent
RB Tevin Coleman
College: Indiana
High School: Oak Forest
Pro potential: Coleman, an All-American and first-team all-Big Ten selection in 2014, was the third player in Big Ten history to reach 2,000 rushing yards. Coleman, who met with the Bears at the combine, played seven games last season with a broken bone in his foot.
Projection: Day 2 draft pick
WR DaVaris Daniels
College: Notre Dame
High School: Vernon Hills
Pro potential: Daniels was forced to sit out the 2014 season because of Notre Dame’s academic scandal, but still was invited to the combine. He’s the son of former Bears defensive end Phillip Daniels.
Projection: Day 3 draft pick
WR Titus Davis
College: Central Michigan
High School: Wheaton Warrenville South
Pro potential: Davis, a two-time All-MAC selection, was a touchdown machine in college with 37 touchdown catches over his four years. He was part of a 14-0 state championship team at Wheaton Warrenville South.
Projection: Day 3 draft pick
C Andy Gallik
College: Boston College
High School: Brother Rice
Pro potential: Gallik was a four-year starter at Boston College. He had one of the best quotes from the combine: “Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, there’s a little nasty in all of us.”
Projection: Day 3 draft pick
TE Matt LaCosse
College: Illinois
High School: Naperville North
Pro potential: LaCosse’s draft stock has improved since his pro day at Illinois. He’s taken multiple visits with teams, including the Green Bay Packers. LaCosse, who played quarterback in high school, also had a strong outing at the Bears’ local pro day.
Projection: Day 3 draft pick.
WR Evan Spencer
College: Ohio State
High School: Vernon Hills
Pro potential: Spencer was overshadowed by the Buckeyes’ other playmakers, but had a strong showing at Ohio State’s pro day. Spencer is the son of former Bears running backs coach Tim Spencer.
Projection: Free agent
G Laken Tomlinson
College: Duke
High School: Lane
Pro potential: Tomlinson was a first-team All-American. He impressed at the Senior Bowl and combine and will attend the NFL draft. Tomlinson, who was born in Jamaica, majored in psychology and evolutionary anthropology.
Projection: Day 2 draft pick.
DT Louis Trinca-Pasat
College: Iowa
High School: Lane
Pro potential: Trinca-Pasat was a second-team all-Big Ten selection by coaches in 2014 and took part in the combine and Senior Bowl. The son of Romanian immigrants, Trinca-Pasat was a standout linebacker and tight end at Lane.
Projection: Day 3 draft pick.
Others of note: Chance Carter, defensive tackle, Northwestern (Loyola); Corey Cooper, safety, Nebraska (Proviso East); James O’Shaughnessy, tight end, Illinois State (Naperville North); Kyle Prater, receiver, Northwestern (Proviso West); Arthur Ray Jr., offensive lineman, Fort Lewis/Michigan State (Mount Carmel)
