CHICAGO -- Danny Shelton stops short of predicting that the Chicago Bears will make him the No. 7 overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft, but the former Washington nose guard doesn't hesitate to mention he believes he would be an ideal fit for the Bears and a new defense under coordinator Vic Fangio.
"I think I'd be a perfect fit here in Chicago" Shelton said at the NFL's Play 60 event at Grant Park Wednesday. "You talk about a puzzle, this whole draft process is a puzzle. But to be that last big piece for Chicago would be exciting. I'm already hearing it, and it doesn't take that long for me to pack."
In fact, he wouldn't have to pack a thing for the Bears' introductory draft news conference -- not with he and the draft both already in Chicago. It almost makes too much sense, which is one reason Shelton is still exercising some caution when it comes to draft expectations.
At 340 pounds and with a reputation for stone-walling offensive lines and shutting down inside rushing lanes, Shelton could be just the centerpiece Fangio needs to get the Bears' new-look defense off to a strong start.
NFL Media analyst Charles Davis doesn't see Shelton going any higher than No. 7, but sees the fit with the Bears, as well. "I keep hearing Chicago. That's kind of where it starts for me with him," Davis said.
If the Bears like him, however, they haven't tipped their hand -- even to Shelton himself.
Shelton said only one NFL club has asked him to perform in a private workout, and only two have brought him in for a visit. The Bears did neither -- the Detroit Lions hosted Shelton for a visit, and the Cleveland Browns both worked him out privately and brought him in for a visit. That might lead one to believe that the Browns' interest level in Shelton is higher than any other club, but Shelton isn't making any such assumptions. Shelton said it was somewhat surprising that, as a projected first-round pick, he didn't draw more pre-draft attention from NFL clubs. But he believes his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine spoke for him enough.
And as far as he's concerned, Chicago can do all the talking on Thursday.
Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter *@ChaseGoodbread*.