Jamar Williams, the 120th player taken overall, has the ability to play all three linebacker positions with his best fit likely being on the strong-side.
“He's going to come in and give us, I think, some special depth in terms of having the same type of capabilities as Hunter Hillenmeyer has,” defensive coordinator Ron Rivera said. “Hunter can probably play all three positions for us. This young man could do the same thing.”
Williams proved to have balance in his game in college with 256 tackles, 8 interceptions and 6 sacks. The six-foot, 236-pounder appears suited to patrol sideline to sideline with his 4.65 forth speed.
“The Bears have a lot of strong fast linebackers and I think I fit in that mold well,” Williams said.
With two Pro Bowl linebackers already on the roster, Williams knows how he will likely contribute as a rookie.
“The biggest thing is first I’m just going to try to come in, do what I can do on special teams and I know that’s the first and foremost way I can make the team,” Williams said.
Mark Anderson had been projected as high as a second round pick heading into the draft. The Bears felt fortunate to still find a player of his caliber with the 159th pick.
“This is value,” said director of college scouting Greg Gabriel. “This guy’s a hell of an athlete and he’s a 4.65 40, a 42 vertical, 10-5 long jump, had 7 sacks had a great Senior Bowl week, this is a value pick at this point in the draft.”
Anderson should be able to work his way into the defensive end rotation behind starters Adewale Ogunleye and Alex Brown.
Despite lasting until the second day of the draft and having two Pro Bowl alternates ahead of him on the depth chart, Anderson was ecstatic about coming to Chicago.
“I wanted to go to Chicago because I love the way they play their 4-3 defense, I love the way they rush the passer and get after the quarterback,” Anderson said. “I think that’s one of my main specialties. When I found out I was getting drafted by Chicago when they called me I was happy. Plus I haven’t ate in like two days. I’ve been starving myself just trying to get picked up.”