Durkin: Combine Prospect Watch -- Linebackers

By Dan Durkin-

(CBS) With coach John Fox confirming Wednesday that the Bears will be running a base 3-4 defense, the onus is now on the personnel department to identify and procure the proper talent along the defensive front.

The elementary difference between a 4-3 and 3-4 is that a lineman is substituted with a linebacker in a 3-4 system. Undoubtedly, the Bears need an infusion of every level of the defense. But whether you're discussing the front seven or the back seven, the linebackers are always a part of the equation.

Last season, the Chicago linebacking corps was both unsettled and unproductive. In the end, the Bears started seven different combinations, and the group was routinely manipulated in the play-action passing game.

Younger players like Jon Bostic and Christian Jones gained valuable experience and are promising athletic prospects, but more talent is needed at the position. Previously, we took a look at some of the top edge rush prospects in this year's draft, and now turn our focus to the top inside linebacker prospect as the NFL Combine continues in Indianapolis.

Eric Kendricks (6-foot, 230 pounds, senior, UCLA)

Kendricks played inside linebacker in a 3-4 front at UCLA. He's the best all-around read-and-react player among the inside linebackers. He's an instinctual player and a clear student of the game, which keeps him on time with his assignments. He's fluid in coverage, showing great route recognition and an ability to play trail technique while reading a quarterback's eyes.

While thickly built, Kendricks has a smaller frame. He can circle past blockers with his feet, instead of leading with his shoulder to set a hard edge against the run. He also has a tendency to drop his head on contact, instead of seeing what he hits, which leads to missed tackles.

Kendricks' coverage skills will be a boon at the next level, as he'll be a three-down linebacker. His brother, Mychal, is a linebacker for the Eagles, so his family has football DNA. Kendricks could likely play inside in a 3-4, but he could also man the Will in a 4-3. He should be a mid second-round selection.

Benardrick McKinney (6-foot-5, 245 pounds, redshirt junior, Mississippi State)

McKinney played middle linebacker in a 4-3 front at Mississippi State. He certainly looks the part and displays quick change of direction and agility for a long strider. Not shy of contact, McKinney willingly takes on lead blockers in the hole, showcasing a powerful punch on contact and length to shed.

McKinney can be slow to diagnose plays, which leads to missteps and losing sight of the ball or his assignment. He can be stiff in coverage at times, which may call into question his ability to contribute in nickel sub packages.

Physically, McKinney has the tools that scouts and coaches covet. He should be an immediate impact player in the run game but needs to be quicker with reading his keys and more fluid with his coverage drops. He projects as a second-round prospect, with a chance to climb based on a strong Combine performance.

Paul Dawson (6-foot-2, 230 pounds, senior, TCU)

Dawson played inside linebacker in a 3-4 front at TCU. He has a thick lower body, and his burst to close once he's identified the play is exceptional. Dawson plays with excellent instincts and is quick to fit his gap against the run or blitz when his coverage responsibility is in on pass protection.

Dawson needs to use his hands better both when engaging blockers and when tackling. He has a tendency to lead with his shoulder without keeping his free hand active, and he can overrun or simply miss ball-carriers in the process.

There's no doubting Dawson's physical talents. He's a tenacious, productive player, but he comes with character concerns. He failed a drug test and will have to address questions about his character. Those factors alone will knock him down draft boards, but he's still a second-round talent.

Denzel Perryman (6-foot, 244 pounds, senior, Miami)

Perryman played inside linebacker in a 3-4 front at Miami. He's a stocky, powerfully built linebacker with a very physical play style. He frequently meets lead blockers or running backs in the hole with rude intentions and physically sets the edge.

Perryman improved in coverage last season but can still be late to get to his man on underneath routes, which creates separation and throwing lanes. He also has a tendency to get engulfed by blockers and turned out of his gap.

Perryman's ability to be a factor against the run on early downs will attract teams, but his frame and limitations in coverage may impact his grade. He was a team captain and is clearly a student of the game, as he has a nose for the football. He should be a second-round selection.

Dan Durkin covers the Bears for CBSChicago.com and is a frequent contributor to 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter at @djdurkin.