Draft week is upon us, and we’re just days away from meeting the Bears’ 2020 draft class. Unlike last season, when it was best player available mentality, Chicago has several needs both on offense and defense that they need to tackle.
While no one can ever gauge what general manager Ryan Pace will do come draft time — which is exactly how he likes it — I have some suggestions for Pace and co. ahead of this 2020 NFL Draft.
Let’s take a look at four things Pace and the Bears should not do in the 2020 NFL Draft.
1. DON’T: Trade up
Pace has a reputation for seeing his guy and doing whatever it takes to get him. For better or for worse. Although, typically, for worse. For every Khalil Mack there’s a Mitchell Trubisky. For every Eddie Jackson, there’s a Leonard Floyd.
Pace has traded up each of the last four drafts, including twice in 2016 and 2017. In 2016, he traded up to select Floyd and linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski. In 2017, Pace traded up to grab Trubisky and Jackson. Then in 2018, he traded up to draft receiver Anthony Miller, and most recently in 2019, to select running back David Montgomery. Pace isn’t shy about trading up to select guys high on his board, but there’s a belief that changes this year.
Considering the Bears are already thin with the draft capital they currently have — they have just two selections in the first four founds — Chicago can’t afford to be relinquishing picks. Now, trading down on the other hand, that would serve to benefit the Bears and perhaps lock up a third or fourth-round selection.