Hoge's Bears Big Board: No. 12 DT Ra'Shede Hageman
By Adam Hoge-
(CBS) — A look at the top 20 NFL Draft prospects who could be on the Bears' radar, based on projected availability, position of need and player skill:
DT Ra'Shede Hageman, Minnesota
Age: 23
Height: 6-6
Weight: 310
Hand: 10 1/4
Arm: 34 1/4
College Career: The third-team All-American was brought along slowly at Minnesota during a five-year college career. He redshirted his freshman year after switching from tight end. Potential became evident in 2011, when he racked up four TFLs in limited playing time. By his junior season, he was the Gophers' best defensive lineman, and he really started to blossom as a senior with 13 TFLs and two sacks.
Strengths: Possesses the most ideal frame among all the defensive tackle prospects. Imposing size with good burst off the line. Uses power to push blockers into the backfield, even when he doesn't get around them. Very long with a basketball background. Gets his hands up to break up passes at the line of scrimmage. Scheme versatile with potential to play one-, three- and/or five-techniques.
Weaknesses: Still very raw, despite the fact he will turn 24 this August. Fair to wonder if it will ever "click" for him. Didn't always command double-teams in college and struggled when he faced them. Needs coaching, as technique can be refined. Should have had more production in the Big Ten and the step up in competition at the NFL level is worrisome.
Bears Outlook: Bears GM Phil Emery will take chances, but a soon-to-be 24-year-old rookie out of the Big Ten might not fit his mold. Hageman has a very high ceiling but also a low floor, and he will need some time to develop. Working as as a three-technique behind Jeremiah Ratliff would be good for him, and the college experience of Paul Pasqualoni and Clint Hurtt make them a good fit to work with Hageman. His scheme versatility might also be enticing for the Bears. Hageman won't last until the second round, so it would take a first-round pick to get him.
Adam Hoge covers the Bears for CBSChicago.com and is a frequent contributor to 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter at @AdamHoge.