That the Chicago Bears need defensive line help in next week's NFL Draft has been made obvious enough, but at which point in the draft the club plans to address isn't quite so clear. As a 3-technique defensive tackle in the Bears' 4-3 defense, Pittsburgh's Aaron Donald could be an ideal fit for Chicago with the No. 14 overall pick in the first round.
But should Donald be unavailable, none can say the Bears haven't done their homework on the draft's consolation prizes at defensive tackle. Princeton's Caraun Reid is one among them, and according to espn.com, the 300-pound Senior Bowl standout has been the subject of "extensive pre-draft work" by the Bears' scouting department.
NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport picked up this scouting tidbit on Reid last week:
Indeed, Reid came up with two sacks for the South squad in the Senior Bowl and consistently beat blocks throughout the practice week. The Bears also have shown strong interest in South Carolina defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles, whose style of play isn't unlike Reid's. Quarles was exonerated in a police investigation into a bar brawl earlier this week, and like Reid, he could be a more serious target for the Bears if the club doesn't acquire a defensive lineman with its first-round pick.
One way or another, a monster for the Midway will be Chicago-bound next week.
Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter *@ChaseGoodbread.*