Bears looking to hook a defensive end from Texas?
The Bears took interest Wednesday in an intriguing pass-rushing prospect at the packed Texas Longhorns pro day.
With Southwest scout Chris Ballard on hand for the Brian Orakpo show that drew an estimated 60 NFL types, the Bears were able to get a better look at converted defensive end Henry Melton, who reportedly is on the team's radar.
Melton began his career at Texas as a running back but simply outgrew the position. He was moved to end as a junior in 2007. He grew into the position and had four sacks as a senior to go with 10 tackles for loss. The Austin American-Statesmen reports that Melton has a visit lined up with the Bears. He is also drawing interest from Dallas, Minnesota and Tampa Bay.
Our guess is that would be a trip to Halas Hall rather than a private workout on campus. Melton is 6-3, 269 pounds. He scored 10 touchdowns as a freshman in 2005 when Texas won the national championship but eventually became too big as a fullback. He was not invited to the combine and the Bears likely want to look into his medical history and get to know him a little better. Melton was suspended for three games as a junior following a DWI arrest.
He only helped himself at the pro day. He clocked at 4.64 seconds in the 40-yard dash and had a vertical jump of 34 inches. He also had a broad jump of 10-1.
*** Bears scout Teddy Monago is believed to have attended the pro day Wednesday at Southern Miss.
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