Design 3 looks pretty on point probably just my love of beards talking but it also let's him stand out in the sea of smooth (for as smooth as a furry character can be :P) MC's imo.
Either way 2 and 3 def are a step in the right direction the current design always just looked a bit to goofy and flat imo hopefully whatever redesign you choose in the end your happy with can't wait to see.