Jon Bostic could become the next great linebacker for an organization steeped in history at the position.
The Chicago Bears selected Bostic in the second round with the 50th overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft on Friday night.
“I know [Chicago has] had a lot of great middle linebackers in the past and defense has been their big thing,” Bostic told the Palm Beach Post. “I’ve just gotta go in and work hard.”
Bostic anchored a Florida defense that finished No. 5 in the nation in yards allowed last season. In 13 games, he finished third on the team with 68 tackles, including 6.5 stops going for a loss. He also added three sacks, two interceptions, one fumble forced and one fumble recovered.
In 51 career games, including 32 starts, Bostic totaled 237 tackles, 7.5 sacks, five interceptions and two forced fumbles.
“I’m very proud of Jon,” coach Will Muschamp said. “He really worked hard for this moment.”
Bostic could be in line to replace middle linebacker Brian Urlacher, who the Bears have decided to part ways with after 13 seasons and eight Pro Bowl selections. Urlacher, 34, remains unsigned but will not return to the franchise next season.
Hall of Fame linebackers Dick Butkus and Mike Singletary have also patrolled the middle of the field for the Bears, giving Chicago one of the most distinguished fraternities of linebackers in NFL history.
“It’s a great franchise to go to and one that needs a middle linebacker right now, so I thought from the jump they were interested in me,” Bostic said. “I’m happy where I’m at. This is just the beginning.”
Bostic joins Sharrif Floyd (No. 23 to Minnesota) and Matt Elam (No. 32 to Baltimore) as the third member of Florida’s defense to be taken through the first two rounds. He is the highest Florida linebacker selected since Jevon Kearse went to the Tennessee Titans with the 16th pick in 1999.
“His hard work has paid off now,” Muschamp said, “and we wish him the best.”
Junior tight end comes off the board: Jordan Reed opted to skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft despite suffering a bone bruise in his knee during Florida's 33-23 loss to Louisville in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2.
That decision was verified as the Washington Redskins selected Reed in the third round with the No. 85 overall pick.
"I'm very happy for Jordan," Muschamp said. "He causes matchup problems for defenses and is extremely athletic for his size. He hasn't been playing tight end for very long and will continue to grow into the position."
After seeing time at quarterback during his redshirt freshman season, Reed played tight end exclusively during his final two seasons at Florida. He finished his career with 79 receptions for 945 yards and six touchdowns.
Reed led UF with 45 catches last season, accumulating 559 yards and three touchdowns.
Contact Phil Heilman at pheilman@alligator.org.
Senior linebacker Jon Bostic (1) runs down South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw during Florida’s 44-11 win on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Bostic was selected by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft with the 50th overall pick.
